Recent Reads: March

recent reads march

Unbecoming, by Rebecca Scherm

Ya know how every domestic thriller that’s come out in recent years is enthusiastically purported to be “the next Gone Girl!”?  Well, to me, Unbecoming (which was not advertised that way) was more reminscent of Gone Girl than any of the other books I’ve read that claim to be. It covered the idea of putting one face forward to the world while your behavior is actually more indicative of a true (and less flattering) self. It was about taking on new and false identities, trying desperately to be something you’re not, using people to get what you want…and in these ways, it reminded me of the subtle underlying themes that made Gone Girl good. In a more overt way, it was similar as well because it dealt with a husband and wife who think they know each other, but as events unfold, it turns out that they don’t. This book also really blurred the line between “good guy” and “bad guy,” and had me rooting for a character while feeling like I shouldn’t be. The writing was rather amazing too in that you see a character change before your eyes, and yet you don’t realize it until suddenly, you’re left with a different person on the page in front of you, and you find yourself thinking, ‘when did that happen?’

I read this right after Girl on the Train (one of those books claiming to be the next Gone Girl), and while I did enjoy Girl on the Train, I found Unbecoming to be a vastly superior novel…much more layered, complex, and nuanced. I’m not sure why this book hasn’t gotten more attention and hype. I had never heard of it, but simply came across it in the bookstore and bought it on a whim (one instance of judging a book by its cover actually paying off!). Highly recommend!

Delicious!, by Ruth Reichl (audiobook)

I really enjoyed Delicious!. This was such a charming, fun novel that was all about food, New York City, magazine publishing, and one girl’s journey through all of it. It was well-written and had a unique premise, along with surprising twists and turns and charming, lively secondary characters. Ruth Reichl is an excellent writer and I enjoyed this one a lot. An easy, but high-quality read (or listen).

The Post Birthday World, by Lionel Shriver (audiobook)

I read this book years ago and of course, forgot most of it, so when I was looking for my next listen I decided to “re-read” this. I loved it just as much the second time. This is such a rich, layered exploration of relationships and what makes them right, or not right…or both. The basic premise introduces an expat in London named Irina, who has been in a relationship with the same stolid, dependable man for ten years. On a seemingly ordinary night Irina comes to a crossroads where she faces a tempting choice, and depending on what she chooses, the course of her life is altered. From there the story splits into two parallel story lines (like the movie Sliding Doors). Shriver alternates back and forth between “Black” and “White,” for each chapter title, in what feels like an ironic nod to the fact that in her telling of this story, she resolutely refuses to let the alternating story lines be either. She really makes you think about what’s important in a relationship, and how complex that is. Just when you think you know which choice was the “right” one for Irina to have made, Shriver gets you to rethink things, basically proving that when you make a choice, there is no RIGHT decision. Every decision comes with its upsides and downs, and what’s “right” really comes down to what you personally value in a relationship, and in your life. Shriver is the kind of writer who delves into ideas, and thoughts, and stretches them out and really makes you ponder things. She mines material from the most ordinary of circumstances and makes everyday life into something incredibly thought-provoking. I can’t recommend this book highly enough!

The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year, by Andy Cohen (audiobook)

I’ll start by saying I loved this book, and at the same time, that it was ridiculous. By that I mean, entertaining, fun, and what some would call a “guilty pleasure”…kinda like watching an episode of the Housewives. I mean, I like Andy Cohen and find him completely charming and lovable, so I enjoyed this. It’s literally “the Andy Cohen diaries….” just an accounting of his daily life-and I mean, he lives a pretty interesting life, so I think he’s justified in writing a book about it. Then again, there was also a lot about his dog, his dog’s Instagram, his eating habits and goal of losing weight, and other well…shallow things, as the title tells you! It was just a light, funny, read, which we all need sometimes!

Leave a Comment

  1. Katie wrote:

    I can’t wait to check out “Unbecoming.” I enjoyed “The Girl on the Train” but thought it did not live up to all the hype. I’m dying to know if you read “A Little Life” that you talked about on the blog previously. I just started it, but was curious for your review. The best book I’ve read this spring is “It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War” by Lynsey Addario.” It’s so so good.

    P.S. Thanks for your book reviews. I love them!

    Published 4.22.15 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      Hi Katie! Thanks for your comment, so glad you enjoy the reviews. I am almost done with A Little Life, and not really sure how to describe it. I like it a lot, but at the same time it is extremely disturbing and deals heavily with issues of abuse and trauma…so yeah, it’s heavy, but it’s an amazing story and well-written, and I do like it a lot…as much as you can like something that’s kind of really depressing, if that makes any sense! And thanks for the recommendation, I’m going to check that book out!

      Published 4.23.15 · Reply
  2. Elana wrote:

    Jackie! You always have the BEST book recommendations. I am going to pick up Unbecoming and Delicious! I am reading a book now that you’ll love, You Should Have Known. It’s a fantastic mystery. xo

    Published 4.22.15 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      Thanks for the rec Elana! I have to look that one up! xoxo

      Published 4.23.15 · Reply
  3. So excited to read Unbecoming. Read Girl on the Train and didn’t think it was anything like Gone Girl.

    Published 4.22.15 · Reply
  4. Alex wrote:

    I LOVED Andy Cohens book. I am such a fan of his and really enjoyed reading about his adventures.
    -Alex
    http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com

    Published 4.22.15 · Reply
  5. Holly K wrote:

    What a great list! I’ll be adding some of these to my own to-reads!

    Published 4.22.15 · Reply
  6. Cara wrote:

    Love these posts! Perfect timing as I needed a new book to read. Went and checked out The Post- Birthday World this morning (along with The Goldfinch). Excited to get started 🙂

    Published 4.23.15 · Reply