Another month over, so I’ve got a few book reviews to share–two (very different) novels! I actually finished these up in the first half of September, but then my library card expired…and life has just gotten in the way since then. Hoping to make a trip to renew tomorrow!

Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin

As usual, I have no idea who recommended this book, but the premise seemed intriguing. The novel is the tale of a young woman banished from the political world after her affair with her congressman boss is discovered. There are definitely some Monica Lewinksy-esque details to the whole dalliance…well, at least as far as I can tell. I was 9 when that whole fiasco happened, so I’m not the best source. Anyway, I wasn’t all that impressed by this book. I can’t really point to anything specific as to why I have that opinion, other than I simply didn’t find any of the characters or storylines all that compelling. It’s an easy read that might entertain you through a long flight, but I won’t be seeking out this author again.

3/5 stars.

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry

I found this book through good ol’ Amazon–they recommended it based on my browsing history. I had a hard time getting into this book. I’m pretty sure I re-read page 44 for a week straight. Eventually, the story grabbed my attention though, and I read something like 300 pages in two days. As the title suggests, the story centers around a charming British bookshop and all the equally charming individuals who frequent it. The book has a bit of a Love Actually-feel to it in that there are several different storylines that weave into one another by a degree or two of separation, and all involve some sort of romance. However, I found that the part of the plot that gives the book its title felt a bit rushed and unsatisfactory. The final chapter is all about this particular couple, and it seems like the author intended it to be a “yes, finally!” moment you hope for in romantic comedy movies, but I just wasn’t that into it. I found several of the characters quite appealing and would have loved to have seen their tales further developed (like the gardener who is infatuated with his boss’s betrothed daughter). Overall, I loved the setting and some of the characters, but I just didn’t agree with how the author chose to conclude the novel.

4/5 stars.

What did you read in September?