The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah review

This book broke me.  I thought I was getting into a wilderness survival story but it was so much more.  I've never been to Alaska or the Pacific Northwest but Kristin Hannah's writing brought me there.  I feel like I can actually still smell the trees and see the lakes and feel the cold and it amazes me.  It's very rare that I come across an author anymore that I'm like "oh my God, I have to find everything they've ever written and I need it NOW" but this book did that to me. 

It's also pretty rare that I cry when reading books.  A few have gotten me before but never like this.  I didn't feel like I was reading about a character, I felt like I was living it.  I related to this story in a way I didn't think I would.  Yes, my mom was in an abusive relationship with my dad which I've talked about previously and that was another theme in this book, but that's not what I'm talking about this time.  It was the bond between daughter and mother that really made me feel part of it.  I've always been close to my mom, but reading about the journey Lenora and her mom went through and their ending reminded me so much of the bond with my mom that I cried like a little baby for the last 75 pages or so. 

I can't say much more without giving away a lot of stuff, but if this book isn't made into a movie within the next few years I will be highly surprised.  Gorgeous gorgeous writing from Kristin Hannah, I'm so glad I decided to pick this one up at the bookstore a few days ago.  An absolute must read and now on my favorites list.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman review

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31434883-eleanor-oliphant-is-completely-fine

I really liked this! Reading the blurb I was like, "Yes, I am so Eleanor. My mom is my best friend, I avoid human interaction at all costs, and I love me some vodka!" 

Once I got into the story I realized I am so not Eleanor (I like my fashion and makeup too much and I'm much more a dog person) but it didn't make the book any less enjoyable. 

Until I got used to Eleanor's demeanor I thought she was quite rude to people, but halfway through the novel my opinion changed and I began rooting for her when I realized that this her persona and she doesn't even realize how she comes across to people which made some of her interactions even more enjoyable, i.e "who's Zumba?"

I always try to say I enjoy books without a love interest but I did so want Eleanor and Raymond to live happily ever after. She deserved it! No spoilers as to whether it happened or not though, you'll have to read it to find out yourself because Eleanor Oliphant is soooooo not fine and her story is amazing and you have to experience it yourself!

4 out of 5 stars