ABC Reads Challenge

It's time to link up again with Andrea and Mia for the ABC Reads Challenge!

This month I was able to knock out four letters of the alphabet: K, L, T, and U.

Kitchens of the Great Midwest by Ryan Stradal

As a self-diagnosed foodie living in Minnesota, I knew this book would be right up my alley. It did not disappoint in that aspect, and I loved how each chapter was centered around a particular dish. It was a little confusing that each chapter was from a different narrator's viewpoint, although they all tied back to the "main" character of Eva. But it finally all comes together in the last chapter, and Stradal does a nice job of connecting the people, places, and dishes all together again.  
 
Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs

This is the third installment to Riggs' "Peculiar Children" series. It is a fast read, and I really like the way that the main character, Jacob, grows and matures in this novel. He develops strength that maybe the reader didn't even think he had. The ending was kind of unexpected, but a nice way to end things and as we like to say in book club "tie it up with a nice little bow". Like the second novel though, I thought that the pictures were a little forced in this one; in the first book you get a sense that the story stems from the photos, whereas in 2 and 3 the photos still fit but feel more like an afterthought.
 
Troublemaker by Leah Remini 

A very interesting and insightful look into the Church of Scientology from an insider's perspective. I think Remini did a great job at portraying the church in a fair light, and expressing her views objectively. I could also really relate to Remini in her life outside the church. She is very human, despite being in the limelight and makes no attempt at trying to present herself as perfect - quite the opposite.  

The Untold by Courtney Collins

I just finished this one, and I'm not really sure where I stand with it yet. I only gave it 3 stars in Goodreads because while I thought it was a good read (no pun intended), and well written, it didn't just grab me like I wanted it to. Also, it's told from the point of view of a dead baby. Uhm...that's a little hard to grasp. So I don't think I'd be recommending it to any women who I know has lost a child. The author explains this choice at the end of the book, so I won't delve into that here, but it's still something a reader may take issue with.




I have a feeling my reading is going to slow wayyyy down with my new job and just life in general. We'll see what next month brings me!

What did you read this month? Link up and tell us!