Five Things Thursday

I just happened to read five books this month which made it perfect for a Five Things Thursday post. 

1.

*****This was a random read for me. It just popped up somewhere and I was intrigued by the title. Once I realized it was an autobiography, I was all in. I had never heard of this girl. Turns out, she was a co-star on the iCarly show. I never saw that show, but had heard of it. Anyway, it was a really interesting read---a five star for me!

2.

*****I still enjoy books about the Holocaust. This one is a true story about a postcard delivered to a survivor anonymously. Years later, her granddaughter discovered it and was determined to find out who sent it and why. It was so interesting because it provided a different take on the Holocaust. I never thought about what happened to the thousands of survivors that were freed all at the same time. Logistically, they descended all at once on Paris (this particular story). It delves into why the survivors never really wanted to talk about it. Definitely a five star book for me because I learned so much.

3.

*****This book was most unusual. I don't think I've ever read anything quite like it. It's about a recluse--who is a 30-something woman with a best friend who starts a podcast on her behalf. The recluse at age 5 inherited a miniature house (she doesn't like to call it a dollhouse because there are no dolls except one). Across the country, a 30-something man hears about the podcast and realizes he is living in that exact house!! Really good which makes it five stars in my "book!"

4. 

***This book was a disappointment to me. I loved (notice I say loved--we'll get to that) Kerry Washington. I first discovered her on Scandal. But as far as her autobiography goes, I think I was way too judgmental. She's another 30-something (maybe she's in her 40's now) who is "claiming her truth" and calling out racial issues while trying to uncover family secrets. There is a part about abortion and then the worry of being able to conceive that seemed so contradictory to me. It put me off the book. That's when I realized I was being pretty judgmental. Maybe I don't like to face truths about myself! I rated it three stars and like Kerry a little less now.

5. 

*****Okay, this was definitely my favorite five-star pick this month. This book has an intricate plot with many twists and turns along the way. I love books like that and Lisa Jewell is one of the best to provide them! I'm going to leave it right there and not give anything away. Really, the title says it all!