Book Reviews by Richard Cummings

Book Review: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

In this book review of Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid, we’ll investigate this question: can a novel be simultaneously formulaic yet uniquely appealing?

I always like to tell the reader why I chose a book. If you’ve read any of my other book reviews, you know I do a bit of research on a book before I roll with it. Sometimes, it may simply be an author I’ve previously enjoyed, or the teaser for the book, or even the title — like Sex & Vanity, a title which drew me in to a book I would otherwise have passed on.

book-review-beautiful-world-where-are-you-sally-rooney

Beautiful World, Where Are You: A Book Review by Richard Cummings

In this book review of Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney, I will tell you why I chose this book, what I thought of it, and what it says about you if you like it … and if you don’t.

Sally Rooney – I saw the name on the Amazon page for this book and thought I know that name. Why do I know that name?

28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand: Should You Invest Your Time?

In this book review of 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand, I will tell you why some women didn’t like it, why I liked it, and what you’ll learn about love.

But first off as always, I need to tell you why I picked it as my read for the week.

I came across Elin Hilderbrand about 3 years ago as I was embarking on a summer trip to Martha’s Vineyard. Upon asking someone for a good summer excursion read, they mentioned that Elin Hilderbrand writes novels that are always set in or around Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and the surrounding areas.

book-review-Richard-Cummings-The-Guest-List-Lisa-Foley

The Guest List by Lucy Foley: The Book Review to Read

In this review of The Guest List by Lucy Foley, I will tell you who I would recommend this book to and who I wouldn’t. Who knows … these recommendations might say more about you than they do about the book.

As I do in all my book reviews, let’s first delve into the reason I chose to read this book.

Thick as Thieves by Sandra Brown: A Richard Cummings Book Review

As I was reading Thick as Thieves by Sandra Brown, I couldn’t escape comparisons to the Netflix show Ozark, which I really enjoy. Did I enjoy the book Thick as Thieves equally? That’s what we’re here to find out.

I usually choose the books I read; they do not choose me. In this case, I abandoned that practice and paid a price.

Harlan Coben’s The Innocent: A Richard Cummings Book Review

I’ve never had a dalliance with Harlan Coben. In searching for a new book, many recommended this author. I chose his book called The Innocent because, as a new fan, that’s exactly what I was.

Now that my innocence has been taken, it’s time to tell you how the experience was and whether I shall return for more of Harlan Coben.

A Book Review of The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

In this book review of The Rose Code by Kate Quinn, I will give you questions that you need to answer to determine if this is the right book for you.

I have never taken this approach with my book reviews before but it sounds like a unique and effective way to determine if a book is meant for you to read.

Why might this approach be effective? Well, I can tell you that I really enjoyed The Rose Code by Kate Quinn, so much so that I intentionally read more slowly than usual just so I would not reach the ending too soon.

The End of Her by Shari Lapena: A Book Review by Richard Cummings

I haven’t been disappointed by a Shari Lapena book since fate brought us together. Would the trend continue or is The End Of Her going to be our first disappointment as a couple?

Our relationship began with The Couple Next Door, a sultry fictional treat filled with deception, betrayal, and surprising twists with every turn of the page.

It was like the beginning of every relationship when your partner can do no wrong and every moment with that person is a delight.

Then She Was Gone: A Book Review by Richard Cummings

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell has one juicy plot twist and several interesting, often cringeworthy, characters. Does that make it worth a read? Let’s find out!

When I began Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell, the writing and the Englishness of it all resonated with me: have I read a Lisa Jewell book before?

Of course, I thought, I have even reviewed The Family Upstairs, one of her recent novels and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan: A Richard Cummings Book Review

I’m easily manipulable – I chose to read the book Sex and Vanity simply for the salacious title AND because I heard the same author had also written the book Crazy Rich Asians, a movie [not book] that I enjoyed.