March Book(s) of the Month 2024
The March Book(s) of the month included two books I grabbed off my “to be read” pile. One is a random thrift store find, the other a popular book I just never got around to reading while everyone else was reading it.
Book #1 – That Sounds Fun – by Annie Downs
This was a random thrift store book purchase for me. I hadn’t heard of the author or the book before, I was just very intrigued by the title and cover art.
Annie Downs writes about slowing down and taking time to soul search and figure out what is “fun” for you and how you can mindfully do more of those things.
That Sounds Fun is written like a journal where we follow Annie in her self-discovery of what fun is for her and the moments she realized the value of those things in her life. She share stories of fun she had as a child and what made those things fun. She shares stories of friendships, relationships, career adventures, and people/places that bring her joy and fun memories.
Downs not only shares fun stories, but she recognizes that life isn’t always fun. There are seasons in which we struggle and have challenges that feel enormous. Life happens, which isn’t always fun. She doesn’t shy away from talking about mistakes she’s made that caused NOT fun times in her life.
Overall, I think this book was a light-hearted, easy read, intended to remind readers that even in the bad times, we have a whole arsenal of good, fun memories to look back on if we take the time to do so. If we’re struggling to find those memories, we can create fun times with new friends, new places, and new experiences. We just have to be real with ourselves and sometimes ask for help from others.
Book #2 – People We Meet on Vacation – by Emily Henry
I have read two other Emily Henry books, and I did not like either of them so I had low expectations fo this book. Despite that, I actually really liked it!
Poppy and Alex grew up in the same area but didn’t meet until they were both off at college. Their first meeting wasn’t anything to remember except awkward, which can explain most of Poppy’s personality. She’s rambunctious, unusual, and lively. Alex on the other hand, is a quiet, reserved, preppy kind of kid with a passion for books and quiet.
One summer they find themselves roadtripping back to their hometown together and find out they really enjoy each other’s company. From there a friendship blossoms and Poppy and Alex end up spending all their time together the rest of the summer and throughout the rest of their college years.
After graduation, Poppy scores her dream job with R&R, a travel-focused newspaper and Alex moves back home to Indiana to teach at a local high school.
They remain friends and travel together as much as possible.
Their story is a typical best friend story turned romance. Alex has always been in love with Poppy, but Poppy doesn’t quite realize she’s in love with Alex until their friendship is put on a long, 2-year pause because of *the incident*.
Unfortunately, the author talks about *the incident* numerous times throughout the beginning and middle of the book builds great suspense, and then completely drops the ball on the big reveal. It wasn’t anything too important, didn’t feel big enough for all the suspense.
Nonetheless, the story is predictable, you can guess the ending without me writing a spoiler, but it wasn’t eye-rolling or so cliche that I hated it.
People We Meet On Vacation is an easy read, perfect for a vacation, and has a cute falling in love with my best friend story. I enjoyed Poppy’s character, despite being a bit eclectic and over the top. I could still feel for her.
Out of the three Emily Henry books I’ve read, this is by far the best one.
If you’re interested in purchasing this book, click here.
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*You can check out my Book Reviews page or my goodreads page to see what else I’ve been reading this year if you missed any of my previous posts*
None right now!
Start With Why - Simon Sinek
I’ll see if the second book is on the Libby app so I can borrow it and read it this week. Thanks for the recommendation!
I love Libby! That’s how I get all my audiobooks too (: