Three Awesome, Recommended Reads for May

It’s been a while since I wrote a recommended reads post, but it’s not because I haven’t been reading. Reading is like running for me- I do it daily. However, none of the fiction was worth recommending (IMO) until this recent streak. Reading ebbs and flows that way though. Sometimes there will be several books in a row that are all “meh”. Other times I will get on a hot streak of engaging reads that have me reluctant to put the book down and turn out the light at night. Thankfully, the mediocre streak gave it a rest, and this month I have 3 awesome books to highly recommend.

Mysteries are probably my favorite reading genre, and all three of this month’s recommended books have mystery in them. None of them disappointed. Most mysteries are formulaic, so when unique ones come along and break the mold, I am in reading heaven. And well, with the quarantine still going on having great books to read is important. I am extremely thankful for books right now. Many of us are weary and stressed from this long-term isolation. And I don’t imagine this will leave any of us unchanged in some way. My hope is that SomeTyme Place helps to make your life a little brighter especially right now. Enjoy these recommended reads and hang in there!

Recommended Reads

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens: This addictive book tells the story of a young girl, Kya, whose dysfunctional family abandons her entirely in their marshland home. The reclusive child grows up without schooling, hand to mouth receiving help from unlikely friends along the way. Unfortunately, the snobbish town community tries keeps her down by treating the small girl as an outcast. A friend teaches her to read and over time her artistic skills lead her to an unlikely career. However, town prejudice runs deep against the now-grown marsh girl, and when her former boyfriend dies, she becomes a convenient scapegoat. You will find yourself cheering for Kya.

Also worth mentioning is that this book is both well-written and beautiful. The author’s science background shows in the vivid wildlife descriptions throughout the book. Additionally, her writing style is haunting and soulful. You can see the marshlands and its creatures in your mind and appreciate them in a whole new way. This is a book you won’t want to put down.

The Holdout by Graham Moore: Twelve people are brought together for a jury experience that changes their lives forever and not for the better. Ten years later one of the jurors brings them all back together to prove they made the wrong decision; however, he is murdered before he can do so. Maya, one of the jurors, is accused of the murder. She had also originally convinced them all to vote not guilty. Additionally, the man originally accused at the first trial is now on the run after this recent murder. Another one of the other jurors is also missing. Maya sets out to prove her innocence and along the way discovers the many secrets the other jurors have kept.

The Thirteenth Tale by Dianne Setterfield: a world-famous, story writer with a mysterious background is dying and wants her real biography written- the story her fans have been searching years for. The young woman personally selected as her official biographer comes to hear her story while trying to search for proof of its authenticity. She learns much about the author and herself in this journey. My one complaint about this book is that the ending did not leave me satisfied as a reader. Since I don’t want to spoil the ending I won’t say more, but I am curious to hear other’s thoughts on it.

Best to everyone during this time! Thinking of you all!