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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Secret of the Villa Mimosa
3. Garden Spells
4. The Swallowed Man
5. The Tribes of Palos Verdes
6. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough
7. Vermeer's Milk
8. Aquamarine
9. In the Palm of Darkness
10. Wicked River
11. Conclusion

Article: Review of Books Read in July

In this article, we will be discussing the books that were Read in the month of July. From thrilling mysteries to enchanting tales of magic, there were a variety of genres explored. Each book will be reviewed, highlighting both the pros and cons of the story and its overall impact. So without further ado, let's dive into the books that made an impression in July!

The Secret of the Villa Mimosa

The first book on the list is "The Secret of the Villa Mimosa" by Elizabeth Adler. This Chunky thriller follows Jane Doe, a woman found on the brink of death, and Dr. Phil, a psychiatrist who becomes a mother figure to her. Together, they try to solve a murder case, diving into a world of love triangles and suspense. However, the book falls short in its predictability and lack of twists. Despite its intriguing characters, their backstories fail to impact the overall plot, leaving readers disappointed.

Garden Spells

Next up is "Garden Spells" by Sarah Addison Allen, a delightful book that combines practical magic and female relationships. Set in a small town, the story revolves around two estranged sisters, Sydney and Claire, who possess unique powers influenced by their magical realism. As they reconnect and discover their sister dynamics, the book explores themes of sisterhood, family relationships, and the power of food. While the ending may be predictable, "Garden Spells" offers a delicious treat for readers who enjoy descriptions of botany, herbology, and the enchantment of domestic witchery.

The Swallowed Man

Edward Carey's "The Swallowed Man" is a captivating retelling of Pinocchio from the perspective of Geppetto. Told as a series of diary entries in the belly of a whale, this eerie and darkly humorous book takes readers on an imaginative Journey. With its mixed media elements, such as eerie illustrations and photographs, the physical reading experience is highly recommended. While the audiobook may lose its Charm with an overly animated narration, "The Swallowed Man" is a truly unique read that deserves a place on any bookshelf.

The Tribes of Palos Verdes

" The Tribes of Palos Verdes" by Joy Nicholson is a surprising find, depicting the 90s grunge teenage angst through the eyes of a 14-year-old girl named Medina. Set in an affluent community by the ocean, the book delves into complex family dynamics and tragic relationships. Despite the difficult themes of domestic violence and sexual abuse, Nicholson's writing style shines through vignettes, allowing readers to deeply understand the characters, their struggles, and their search for connection. While the ending is heartbreaking, "The Tribes of Palos Verdes" leaves a lasting impact.

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough

Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough" is a thought-provoking choreo poem published in the 1970s. With fragmented writing and multiple characters, the book offers profound insights into the black experience during that time period. It tackles heavy topics such as racism, sexual assault, and domestic violence while portraying the daily struggles and resilience of black women. While lacking a traditional narrative, the impeccable writing style and unique format make "For Colored Girls" a truly unique and important read.

Vermeer's Milk

Manuel Rivas' "Vermeer's Milk" is a collection of short stories that showcases the author's talent for storytelling. Each story focuses on adolescents or older characters reflecting on their lives, often with a Sense of nostalgia and romance. While some stories may not leave a lasting impact, there are standout tales that explore eerie mystery elements and showcase Rivas' beautiful writing style. Although not all stories may resonate, "Vermeer's Milk" offers a glimpse into Rivas' literary prowess.

Aquamarine

Alice Hoffman's "Aquamarine" is a delightful middle-grade Novel that follows two girls, Haley and Claire, on their last summer together before one moves away. Their encounter with a mermaid named Aquamarine sets off a charming and magical adventure. While the book may lean toward a younger audience, it captures the essence of summer and friendship, making it a perfect beach read or poolside escape. With its quick pacing and cute storyline, "Aquamarine" offers a delightful treat for readers of all ages.

In the Palm of Darkness

Myra Montero's "In the Palm of Darkness" takes readers on a unique journey through the Adirondack forest. The story follows a couple, Natalie and Doug, on their honeymoon backpacking trip, where they encounter a man who has chosen to live in the woods. As Natalie and Doug navigate the challenges of survival and the power dynamics within their relationship, suspense and thrills ensue. While the ending wraps up too neatly and the climax may be underwhelming, the book offers a page-turning experience with engaging characters and a thrilling adventure.

Wicked River

Last but not least, "Wicked River" by Jenny Milchman is a gripping thriller that follows the newlywed couple Natalie and Doug as they backpack through the Adirondack forest. Their journey takes a dark turn when they cross paths with a man who intends to Create his utopia in the wilderness. With its short chapters and cliffhanger endings, "Wicked River" keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its page-turning suspense. While the ending may be predictable and wrap up too neatly, the book offers an enjoyable and thrilling read.

In conclusion, the books read in July covered a wide range of genres and storytelling styles. From mysteries to magical realism, each book offered its own unique experience. While some books fell short in terms of predictability and pacing, others captivated readers with their powerful narratives and thought-provoking themes. Overall, July was a month filled with Memorable reads that left their own distinct impression.

Highlights:

• "The Swallowed Man" is a captivating retelling of Pinocchio, filled with eerie illustrations and a unique narrative perspective.
• "The Tribes of Palos Verdes" explores complex family dynamics and teenager's search for connection, set against the backdrop of an affluent community.
• "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough" is a profound choreo poem that tackles important themes of racism and resilience.
• "Aquamarine" offers a delightful and charming middle-grade story about friendship and mermaid adventures.
• "Wicked River" keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its gripping suspense and page-turning storytelling.

FAQ:

Q: What is the standout book from July? A: "The Swallowed Man" by Edward Carey stands out with its unique retelling of Pinocchio and captivating illustrations.

Q: Is "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough" a difficult read? A: Yes, the choreo poem discusses heavy topics such as racism, sexual assault, and domestic violence, making it a challenging but important read.

Q: Which book is recommended for a beach read? A: "Aquamarine" by Alice Hoffman is the perfect choice for a delightful and light summer read.

Q: What is the overall theme of the books read in July? A: The books in July explore diverse themes, including magic, family dynamics, resilience, and the power of nature.

Q: Are there any standout characters among the books read in July? A: Evelyn from "Garden Spells" and Geppetto from "The Swallowed Man" are standout characters that readers will remember for their distinct personalities and roles in the story.