Book #74:
Ready or Not by Cara Bastone (Length: 373 pages). I listened to this on audio as it was recommended to read it this way. It’s definitely a “produced” audiobook so if the voice of the narrator annoys you in the first 5 minutes, read it in print instead. I pushed through as the premise is interesting: the protagonist, Eve Hatch, finds out she’s pregnant as the result of a one-night stand in New York City, and the father is a bartender at a local bar. This was an easy, breezy, fast read that I truly enjoyed listening to. (If you are struggling with fertility, however, I’d advise skipping this one as there may be some triggers here). I really enjoyed Eve, and I was rooting for her. The side characters are even better here, and this romance is more memorable than most. 4 solid stars from me.
Book #75:
The Pursuit of Endurance by Jennifer Pharr Davis (Length: 316 pages). This non-fiction book was mentioned in the last Appalachian Trail book I read (and reviewed in July) so I picked it up from the library. The author herself has set a FKT (fastest known time) record for the Appalachian Trail in the past, and has interviewed other record setters (and breakers) about what makes them tick. She explores what is resilience and how are endurance records able to be set. And what body types, sex and ages comprise the optimal endurance athletes? (The answers may surprise you). This is very well-written and researched and I enjoyed the various accounts of these amazing hikers. This isn’t a day-to-day account of the FKTs but it’s more about how they are achieved, so it’s an excellent companion piece to those books.
Book #76:
Diavola by Jennifer Thorne (Length: 296 pages). I love scary books and this one is truly the scariest horror book I’ve read so far. This is Gothic (my favorite!) in town and is about a young woman, Anna Pace, who joins her family for a vacation in Italy in a rented villa that turns out to be truly haunted. This is so well-written, WAY too descriptive in places and is truly terrifying. There’s no body gore but the hauntings are well-rendered and I kept thinking about this novel when I wasn’t reading it. The marketing blurbs say it’s humorous but while there are moments of levity and some funny lines of dialogue, I wouldn’t agree with that characterization. This is straight up horror and it’s a true 5 star read for me. Let me know if you read or have read this one and if you agree!
Book #77:
Lucky Me by Rich Paul(Length: 247 pages). This is a truly inspiring memoir by the founder of Klutch Sports Group, whose first client was LeBron James. Rich Paul came up in Cleveland, and this is an account of what he dealt with as a child and as an adult in the streets. This memoir is raw, gritty and tough to read in parts but it’s very worth it. For most of us, we will realize we have had it EASY and have nothing to complain about. I also came away from this read with a great appreciation of Paul’s tenacity, determination and drive. This is an excellent read and would make an excellent gift for any sports fans (and anyone from Cleveland).
Lora Terrill 