The Last Five Books I Read
As the summer days stretched long and lazy, I indulged in a diverse range of books, each one leaving a unique impression on me. Here’s a little reflection on the last five books I’ve read and what I found most captivating about them.
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
Set in small-town Minnesota during the 1960s, Ordinary Grace explores a tragic event through the eyes of a young boy, Frank Drum, and how his family and community are affected. It's a coming-of-age story wrapped in a mystery, with themes of loss, faith, and redemption.
Krueger’s prose was poetic yet straightforward, allowing me to lose myself in the rich details of the setting and the profound emotional undercurrents of the story. The blend of mystery and introspection was beautifully balanced, offering both suspense and quiet reflection. I found myself deeply moved by its exploration of grief and the strength that comes from ordinary grace.
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
This thriller takes readers through a twisty, heart-pounding ride as the protagonist searches for the truth behind an unsettling mystery. Sager's trademark tension keeps the pages turning as dark secrets are slowly unearthed. While it wasn’t my favorite of Sager’s work, it certainly kept me entertained. The fast-paced plot and unexpected turns held my attention, even if the characters didn't resonate as deeply as I had hoped. It was an engaging read, perfect for a weekend escape into suspense.
The Hunter by Tana French
Synopsis: In this mystery, Tana French weaves an intricate plot centered on a police detective hunting for the truth behind a series of chilling crimes. Known for her immersive atmospheres and psychological depth, French doesn't disappoint with this slow-burning narrative.
French has a masterful way of building atmosphere, and The Hunter was no exception. I was drawn in by the rich characterizations and the way French delves into the complexities of human nature. The slow unraveling of the mystery kept me on edge, and her writing always leaves me with something to ponder long after I’ve closed the book.
Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne
\This memoir delves into the mind of a self-professed sociopath, offering a candid, often disturbing look at life through a lens devoid of empathy. Gagne's narrative confronts readers with uncomfortable truths about the nature of morality and psychological deviance.
I found this memoir both unsettling and utterly fascinating. Gagne’s willingness to expose her inner workings without a filter made for a raw and honest account of his experiences. The book pushed me to question the limits of human empathy and what lies beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby
A gritty, high-octane thriller set against the backdrop of crime and desperation, Blacktop Wasteland follows Bug Montage, a skilled getaway driver trying to leave his past behind. However, one last job forces him to confront the choices that shaped his life.
The energy in Blacktop Wasteland was palpable from the first page. Cosby's writing is raw and visceral, with vivid action scenes that had my heart racing. At the same time, the book didn’t shy away from exploring deeper themes of identity, family, and legacy. I loved how it balanced the intensity of a thriller with an emotional core that made me root for Bug, despite his flaws. It was a ride I didn’t want to get off.
Each of these books offered something different, whether it was deep introspection, heart-pounding action, or unsettling glimpses into the darker sides of humanity. It’s amazing how stories can take us on such varied journeys—whether they’re full of grace, suspense, or grit—and leave us thinking, feeling, and understanding a little more about the world.