Aussie Author Challenge: Book 5

I'm blaming the hype (or maybe something is wrong with me) but this book was just okay for me. In fact, I was ready for it to wrap up and finish.  I feel like I should apologize for feeling this way.  So many people adored this book.  I gave it 3 stars, and if I'm being honest, I probably did so because I'd feel guilty for giving it a lower rating since so many others loved it.  Yes, I do fall to peer pressure from time to time. 

I don't like bashing books or talking negatively about books that others enjoy, because I want others to maintain those fond feelings.  I want to refrain from my criticisms.  But, that wouldn't be reviewing a book, would it? 

I felt like I was supposed to really care for these characters and get invested in their stories, but I didn't.  Maybe I'm heartless.  (No, I'm not.)  I think Alice's sister's (see, I finished reading it 3 days ago, and I can't even remember her name) story of her struggles with infertility was the most well-developed story.  But, it wasn't enough to make the book feel complete for me. 

Sorry Alice lovers!

It's the 7th year for the Aussie Author Challenge, and my 2nd year participating (click on the picture/link to take you directly to the site for more information).  My preliminary book list is as follows:

Female Authors:

• People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
• What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty  - COMPLETED 25 March 2016
• The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
• Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington (non-fiction) - COMPLETED 17 January 2016

Male Authors:

• Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
• Life or Death by Michael Robotham
• Guilt by Matthew Nable - COMPLETED 3 February 2016
• The Street Sweeper by Elliot Perlman

Authors New to Me:

•  Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett - COMPLETED 12 March 2016
• This House of Grief by Helen Garner (non-fiction) - COMPLETED 25 February 2016
• Thornwood House by Anna Romer
• All the Rivers Run by Nancy Cato