The Wayward Reader

Book reviews

The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult

Dawn Edelstein had her career mapped out. She was a doctoral candidate in Egyptology at Yale.. Until she wasn’t. A call from her mother changed everything. Her mother is dying and needs her. So she returns home and her life changes. She becomes guardian to her young brother, marries, and is a mother. She shifts […]

What’s Left Of Me Is Yours by Stephanie Scott

I won this book on a GoodReads giveaway. This story illustrates the power of love but not in a traditional manner. There isn’t a vast romantic interlude here. In fact, you will learn about the tragic side of love – lost and betrayed. In Japan when a man wishes to divorce his wife quietly, he […]

Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein

I received this book from Goodreads in a promotion. In this insightful book about gymnastics, maturity, and second acts, Hannah Orenstein has captured life pre- and post athletic competition. She puts you inside the mind of a gymnast demonstrating a depth of knowledge. She also bravely tackles the sexual abuse controversy that has marred gymnastics. […]

A Walk Along The Beach by Debbie Macomber

I received this book from NetGalley. Debbie Macomber has the unique ability to create characters that you wish you knew. This is her second book set in the town of Oceanside. The first book was Cottage by the Sea. It is not necessary to read Cottage by the Sea first, this book simply shares location […]

We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall

I received this book from a GoodReads giveaway. Set in 1939, this lovely novel follows the experiences of two young ladies, Maxine Roth and Vivi Holden. Having suffered career disappointments, both become friends after attending a lecture on women’s empowerment. They vow to help each other curb their faults and achieve success. What a refreshing […]

Daughter of the Reich by Louise Fein

I won this book on a GoodReads giveaway. Hetty Heinrich was born into a loyal German family. With a promotion at work, her father moved them into a beautiful new home that was completely furnished. The neighbors appear to be afraid of her family. This is the time when Adolph Hitler was beginning to exert […]

Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett

I won this book from a Facebook giveaway by Celadon Books. How can someone in their mid 40’s have enough life experience to write their memoir? And why would you want to write your memoir at such a young age? I really wondered what this book could contain. I had not heard of Mikel Jollett, […]

Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop by Roselle Lim

I received this book from a GoodReads giveaway. Vanessa Yu is a third generation Chinese clairvoyant. At the age of three, she made her first prediction, much to her horror. Since that time she has avoided looking into teacups yet the predictions still come. She tries to avoid speaking them but no matter how hard […]

Sin Eater by Megan Campisi

I received this book in a giveaway from GoodReads. This is a story that mimics certain events in history set in 16th century England. Fourteen year old May is left alone after her father dies. She takes in laundry but it is not providing her with a living. One day she steals a loaf of […]

If There’s a Mailbox in Heaven by Celeste Bowers

I received this book from Book Tasters and Celeste Bowers in exchange for a fair and honest review. The Bowers family suffered an incredibly difficult tragedy, the death of their 10-year-old daughter. In the book “If There’s a Mailbox in Heaven”, Celeste Bowers shares the impact that her daughter Christina made on their family, friends, […]