Ok, let me start by saying this is going to look a little different then how I use to write reviews. I was getting to the point that I found writing almost a chore. I lost the enjoyment out of this blog and kept finding myself pushing posts off until the last minute. But why did I let myself get to that point! This is a blog that I started because I love to read and travel and wanted to share that with loved ones. It should be my own voice and me writing what I want to read instead of what I think I should read and write about. And thank you to an uncle of mine who helped talk some sense into me when I texted him about wanting to end this blog. I won’t say any more or his ego will get too big but he helped me realize that nobody, myself included, enjoy reading the plot in book reviews. It’s boring/fluff work that we can all read on our own. So I’m taking it back to when I sent weekly book reviews when living in Seattle and have just the basics. Getting to the point of my opinion faster. So without further ado, here is the new Library Abroad book reviews.
Before we start, I thought it would be a good idea to break down Meghan’s star rankings and why a book may get certain rankings. 1 Star ⭐: This book is trash. Do not even waste any of your time reading this book of garbage. I hated every second of it. Most likely didn’t make it to more than 30-50 pages. Burn it! 2 Stars ⭐: I probably didn’t finish this book. Liked it more than trash but there was possibly a plot point that really bothered me or a character was stupid and made me annoyed. Could also be an over complicated writing that confused me. Keep it simple, stupid. 3 stars ⭐: 50/50 on if I finished the book. If I didn’t I got to page 100 and just was like huh? Or if I did finish it, the book made me feel nothing. Was very just average. 4 Stars ⭐: I liked this book. I finished it completely. It made me think, caused some kind of emotion or was entertaining enough to stand out. This book is unique and unlike others. 5 stars ⭐: The ultimate winner. Everybody should ready this book, no questions asked. Surprise endings, made me cry, or left with such a heart warming moment are some of the reasons.
Title: I Must Betray You
Author: Ruta Sepetys
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (.5) (I can’t figure out how to use a half star)
Why I Gave this Rating: I really like Ruta Sepetys as a writer. I like how her historical fiction follows countries that are not often written about (Spain, Romania, etc). This book took a little longer for me to get into than The Fountains of Silence, but once I got about half way I really enjoyed it. She does such a great job of writing for the underdog and teaching the audience about parts of history that they might not often know or remember. I personally had no idea the extent that the Romanian people had to endure especially during the 1980’s.
People who would like this book: Historical Fiction enthusiasts. Fans of the underdog. People looking for a historical fiction that isn’t WWII.
Favorite Quote: ““Will YOU REMEMBER ME? A boy with wings of hope. Strapped to his back. That never had a chance to open, denied Forever knowing, What he could have become. What we all could have become.”” (I Must Betray You)
Title: The Perfect Marriage
Author: Jeneva Rose
My Rating: ⭐⭐ (.5)
Why I Gave this Rating: This book was fine. The fact that I was able to speed read through it helped. It was very much a so so thriller. It felt kind of predictable which I feel like takes away from the thriller. There was also a mother in law in this book who just enraged me to no end. Like every scene she was in just made me mad she was a character. Would I recommend this one? Not really, unless you love all thrillers or looking for a less graphic one though there was so graphic sexual scenes so would just advise before reading.
People who would like this book: People looking to just start getting into thrillers.
Title: West With Giraffes
Author: Lynda Rutledge
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why I gave this rating: I liked the concept of this book. I thought it was going to be historical fiction until I read the first few pages that were set in 2025 and they said giraffes were extinct. I enjoyed the first 100 pages of this book before I found myself wanting the speed to pick up and for things to move along. I thought it was kind of charming the different timelines and you got to see the main character grow from over the years.
People who would like this book: Mature Young Adults. Animal lovers. Fans of historical aspects.
Favorite Quote: “In a long life, there is a singular moment when you know you’ve made more memories than any new ones you’ll ever make. That’s the moment your truest stories—the ones that made you the you that you became—are ever more in the front of your mind, as you begin to reach back for the you that you deemed best” (West With Giraffes).
Until Next Time, The Library Abroad
The Library Abroad 
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