I'm a sucker for any book that gives me a protagonist I can grow to know and love. Looking at you, John Green and Rainbow Rowell.
Liane Moriarty always, always gives me a main character I can root for and connect with (even if she is nothing like me). Which is why I've yet to meet a Moriarty book I wouldn't recommend to a fellow fiction lover.
I recently finished The Hypnotist's Love Story and thought I'd do a review of it compared to her other books. The idea came from someone's feedback survey - so thank you! :)
In addition to The Hypnotist's Love Story, I have read Big Little Lies, What Alice Forgot and The Husband's Secret. What I love about each one is that the ending is always unexpected. Even when I think I've figured it out - there is a twist. She's a finale magician! I do find her books to be slow to start. I often want to call it quits during the first 50 pages as she sets the scene. Give it a minute though - she'll keep things pacey after that.
I also love how she manages to cover dark, dramatic topics, while infusing humor. Her books are somehow both gritty and light at once. I always end up empathizing deeply with the main character - and often crying at the end.
Good: The Hypnotist's Love Story
This was my least favorite of the four I've read. It's about a woman who is obsessively stalking her ex. It is told from the perspective of both the stalker and the new girlfriend who, by association, is now being stalked.
Sounds like a pager turner, right? It's good - and worth a read - but doesn't suck you in like the others. If you're planning to go on a Moriarty bender like yours truly, it wouldn't be my first choice.
Better: The Husband's Secret
This was my first foray into Moriarty. At the time, I had no idea what a hit her books were - I just thought it looked like a good beach read. Well-written beach reads are my jam. This one did not disappoint. It's about a woman who discovers her husband has been keeping a dark secret since high school that could upend their marriage.
It's not as sensational as Big Little Lies (or as sad), but it's a good, quick read that makes you think about the power of our actions.
I also read it's being turned into a movie starring Blake Lively, which is making me very happy.
Better-er: Big Little Lies
Please (please!) read the book before you watch the show. It's so much better. But, isn't it always? I read this in Kenya and, even though we were typically exhausted from a long day of work, consistently sacrificed sleep to read. I was obsessed! This is about one evening, during which a horrible crime took place. As the details from the night come out, you learn more and more secrets about a seemingly perfect community.
This is one where she really tackles sad, heavy topics, yet you can't help but laugh out loud at the melodrama of the kindergarten moms. To me, the show is a lot darker than the book - but I have heard other people claim the opposite. Either way, start with the book for sure!
Best: What Alice Forgot
Even ahead of BLL, this was my favorite of the four. Alice is a 39-year-old mom to three who hits her head during a spin class. Upon waking up, she thinks she's a 29-year-old, pregnant with her first child. As a 30-year-old newlywed, I loved reading about her early marriage and couldn't wait to find out if she'd regain her memory. If you loved Big Little Lies, I definitely recommend this one, too. It is supposedly becoming a movie starring Jennifer Aniston. I can't wait!
So, which one should I read next? Any other Moriarty fans out there?