Showing posts with label beach read. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beach read. Show all posts

Thursday, July 9, 2015

The Shell Collector by Hugh Howey

The Shell Collector: A Story of the Seven Seas   This was suggested as our August book club selection as a beach read, but it turned out to be so much more.  Not only was it a great beach read, light, but enthralling at the same time, but it also had a more important and more hopeful message.  Naive perhaps, but hopeful.

The book takes place in the not so distant future, after the sea level has risen and because of  acidification, the ocean has undergone a massive extinction level event where many of the creatures which live in shells have become extinct.

Enter Maya Walsh, the intrepid reporter who wants to finally get the evil oil barren she believes is behind the ruination of the world - Ness Wilde.   For generations, the Wilde family has engaged in unfriendly environmental practices and profited from the destruction of the ocean.  Maya is an avid shell collector, who loves the ocean.  She wants people to know the truth....

Except the truth isn't always what it seems.   I loved the story.    I loved the premise and the reveal at the end though I find it overly hopeful and as I said earlier somewhat naive.  If you are looking for a beach read and want something just a little bit different - this was quick, easy and definitely entertaining.  I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Promise Not to Tell by Jennifer McMahon

Promise Not to Tell: A Novel   It was difficult to decide what book I would read after All the Light We Cannot See.   I decided that I would go with a thriller because, since it isn't my favorite genre, my expectations are not exaggerated as when I am reading a much anticipated novel of another type.  

At any rate, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.  My usual problem with thrillers is that I sometimes see the twists and turns coming or determine right away who the "bad guy" is ( aka The Good Girl).   Definitely not the case here.

This is the story of Kate, a 40 year old woman who goes home to deal with her mother's physical and mental decline. When she does return, she has to face events from her past - the murder of her best friend.

This book also has an element of the paranormal, which is just enough to add to the intensity and suspense but is not overdone.   It was quick and enjoyable.  

I give it 3/ 5 stars and would recommend it to those who enjoy thrillers.  It would make a great beach read because it is quick and engaging.