A Summer Reading Vlog: Hits and Misses from My Book Pile

Join me in a summer reading vlog where I share book reviews, from hits like Believe It by Jamie Kern Lima to misses like The Ministry of Time. Discover my thoughts on contemporary and classic reads, a

Jul 30, 2024

Hello, book lovers! Good morning from my cozy reading nook. It’s 7:00 a.m., and as I sip my coffee, let’s dive into a little summer reading vlog. My kids are on summer break, the house is quiet, and it’s the perfect time to chat about books before the day kicks off.

The Ministry of Time by Kayen Bradley

Let's start with the latest from my book club: The Ministry of Time by Kayen Bradley. This book promised everything I adore—time travel paradoxes, a sprinkle of romance, historical fiction, and a dystopian twist. It's written from the first-person POV of an unnamed character, an ambassador tasked with helping someone from a past historical period adjust to modern life.

However, the execution fell flat for me. The slow pace and lackluster romance didn't resonate with me, and the chaotic ending left me confused. While the final quote was beautiful, the overall experience was unsettling. I’d rate it around 2.5 stars. Sadly, it didn't live up to its intriguing premise to me.

One Star Romance: A Preview

My next pick is One Star Romance. It’s about a writer who receives a scathing review from a man she later encounters at a friend's wedding. It seems to be an enemies-to-lovers trope, but after the disappointment with The Ministry of Time, I’m cautiously optimistic.

Rediscovering the Classics

After these mixed experiences, I felt a strong pull towards classics. Modern books often feel different, and I needed a palate cleanser. However, not all contemporary reads have disappointed me. Two standout historical fiction novels by Susan Holloway Scott—I, Eliza Hamilton and The Secret Wife of Aaron Burr—restored my faith. These books delivered rich historical contexts and believable chemistry between characters, earning them top spots on my favorites list.

A Tear-jerker Non-Fiction: Believe It by Jamie Kern Lima

Switching gears, I recently finished Jamie Kern Lima's Believe It. This non-fiction work, written by the founder of IT Cosmetics, moved me to tears. Jamie’s journey in the beauty industry, her struggles with rejection, and her heartfelt message of self-acceptance were incredibly inspiring. Her story about reconnecting with her birth mother after learning she was adopted was very moving. This book is a six-star read in my eyes—highly recommended for a dose of inspiration and empowerment. Side note: Immediately after finishing, I switched most of my makeup to IT cosmetics (I’m wearing them in the video), and I see myself being a loyal user now. The power of books!

Parenting Refreshers and Literary Almanac

Parenting books like The Absolute Quickest Way to Help Your Child Change and 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do are my go-to guides for raising well-rounded kids. I also enjoy seasonal reads from The Literary Almanac. June’s picks, in particular, resonate with me as both my birthday and Father's Day fall in this month.

One book I found interesting was Wonder by R.J. Palacio, which I started as an audiobook for my kids but plan to revisit as a physical book. It’s a touching story about a boy with a craniofacial disorder and the challenges he faces.

Wrapping Up

That’s it for today’s book chat! I’d love to hear your five-star recommendations in the comments below. Also, check out my Amazon Book Club for our next pick and try my free Book Matchmaker app—a handy ChatGPT plugin that helps you find your next perfect read.

Thank you for joining me in this literary journey. Whether you’re diving into classics or discovering new favorites, happy reading!