Summer 2024 book reviews ii

The Gold Coast 

When I read the back of this book I immediately knew I was going to like it. The best way I can describe it is a crossover between The Great Gatsby and the Mafia, with even crazier and perplexing characters. This novel is narrated by John Sutter, a grade-A wasp living on the Gold Coast with his heiress wife, Susan. One day, the head of New York's biggest crime family, Frank Bellarosa, moves into the estate next door and the Sutter’s can’t help but be intrigued. What follows is a series of wild and unpredictable events as the novel twists and turns, supported by John’s witty banter and thought provoking questions. 

I really enjoyed reading this extremely long novel, but I did find that there was a bit of a lull in the middle. However, I forgive this lull due to the extremely captivating beginning and end that make me almost forget it existed. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading and had to reread some pages to fully grasp Nelson DeMille’s clever writing. I highly recommend everyone reads this novel, as I found it an interesting commentary on many facets of life that left me with a new perspective on what motivates people in this world. 

I would rate this book a 9.5/10

Cleopatra and Frankenstein 

This novel follows the timeline of an unconventional relationship between Cleo, a 24 year old aspiring painter from England living in NYC and Frank, a 44 year old man in charge of an  advertising company with a not so subtle drinking problem. This relationship begins on New Year's Eve and continues for about two years as the couple navigates the implications of an impulsive marriage, estranged children, depression, love, addiction, friends, parties and more. 

This was a novel unlike any I had read before. Normally when I read a book about a relationship I’m used to a happily ever after and I can’t say I felt bubbly at the end of this story. I guess the point of the novel was to be real, and show authentic relationships in society that aren’t perfect. I stayed hooked the entire way through and I was definitely entertained, but this is not a feel good novel. I was left contemplating the imperfections of humanity and what truly defines happiness. Light stuff :)

I would rate this book an 7.8/10 

A Court of Thorns and Roses 

This dystopian romance is set in a fictional world where humans are slowly being overtaken by faeries, a breed of mythical creatures led by High Faes best described as half human, half supernatural with a variety of abilities such as shapeshifting and mind reading. In an effort to save her family, Feyre, a near starving human girl signs her life away to go live on the estate of a High Fae named Tamlin. The two begin their relationship with Feyre in a blind rage aimed at Tamlin and his kind, but as she spends more time in his realm, her opinions start to soften. 

This novel was well written, and kept me engaged, however I did not find that the plot lived up to my expectations of such a popular series. I found that the story was rather predictable, while entertaining. Perhaps I have read too many books in this genre, or perhaps the novel lacked a satisfying plot twist. Overall, I found this novel to be very entertaining for a light read or if you like to follow characters in a series with many subsequent books. 

I would rate this book a 7.5/10