I took a huge stack of books out of the library a few weeks ago, and it wasn't until I got home that I realised that all but one of them were dark crime-y reads. What can I say - I love this genre. Unfortunately, not all of the books I took out of the library that trip were readable, but I finished the following three, one of which has become a favourite for sure.
We Need to Talk About Kevin Lionel Shriver
What: After her son commits a grisly school shooting, Eva tries to understand how this could have happened. The story is told in a series of letters (an epistolary novel!) to her estranged husband, starting with their decision to have a child and working up to the present day.
Why: This book is a chilling book at the nature versus nurture debate. Eva is unsure whether she wants a child, feels blank at his birth, and is unable (or unwilling?) to bond with her son. I found it haunting and exquisitely executed. I don't want to say too much without giving any spoilers... but if you can handle a dark and emotionally unnerving book, this one is definitely worth a read. It keeps you thinking long past the final page. Seriously, five stars for this one.
Reconstructing Amelia Kimberly McCreight
What: A mother gets a call from her daughter's school instructing her to come to the school immediately after her normally well behaved daughter has been caught cheating. When she gets to the school, her daughter is dead from an apparent suicide. Then she receives an anonymous text message... "She didn't jump". What follows is Kate's attempt to figure out who her daughter really was so she can find the person responsible for Amelia's death.
Why: I came across this book on a "must read" list, and added it to my library request list. It was a harmless read, but nothing spectacular. The writing was average at best, and several of the plot twists were really predictable. To be honest, I had to rack my brain to remember the ending. It's ok, but just ok - worth reading if you're gifted it or see it in the library, but not worth putting any effort into tracking down.
Defending Jacob William Landay
What: Andy Barber is an assistant district attorney, and he is as shocked as everyone in his small town when a young teenaged boy is found murdered in the woods near the school. He is even more shocked when his own son is accused of the murder.
Why: I think I saw this book on the same "must read" list as Reconstructing Amelia, and I enjoyed this book a lot more. I didn't realise until reading Defending Jacob how many of the books I read have a female narrator; this was a refreshing change. Whilst I didn't always agree with Andy's choices, I believed most of them. The book was decent, but the ending was unexacting and infuriating, although in a (mostly) good way. This wasn't the best book I ever read, but I would recommended it if you want a light legal thriller with a side of family drama.
I've moved on from crime to a few kids books and a classic - will be back to share soon! In the meantime, let me know what you're reading!
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