Book Review: Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane

Wow. Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane is by far the best book I have read in a while now. Lehane is author of a dozen other novels including titles like Mystic River; Gone, Baby, Gone; and Shutter Island - all of which have been adapted into films.

While I haven't read his other novels, I definitely want to now. More importantly, however, I don't want to read more mystery/thriller novels - I need to read more mystery/thriller novels.

Like you would expect from a mystery novel, Since We Fell is absolutely packed with twists and turns (don't worry - I am a firm believer in spoiler-free reviews) that will leave you saying, "Just one more chapter" to yourself over and over again. The story follows Rachel Childs, a reporter in Boston, as she faces a myriad of life-changing challenges: searching for her father, navigating a rocky marriage, and battling her own anxiety and slight agoraphobia. But of course that isn't simple enough for Lehane. 

The plot rather quickly starts to get more complex and just when you think you have a handle on it all and think you know what is going to happen next, Lehane pulls the rug out from under you and does something totally unexpected. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I had to put the book down and blab incoherently to my ever-patient, non-reading boyfriend, after my mind blew up at a plot twist.

And that's not even my favorite thing about this novel. Lehane is simply a genius with words that it was a joy to read. His style would adapt to the scene; verbose if necessary, short and gritty in others. It added both a fluidity and a jarring quality to the novel that is perfect for a mystery/thriller. His descriptions were incredibly vivid without being too wordy. I have never been to Boston, but from his descriptions of the old buildings in Copely Square alone - it felt like I had been. His ability to describe action and characterization is nothing to shrug at either. 

If you are looking for a page-turner, I definitely recommend you check out Since We Fell and then be sure to let me know what you thought!

5/5

For When Your Day Takes a Turn

Photo Source: Unsplash.com/Tim Goedhart

Some days are hard. Other days feel like the best day you'll ever have again. Then there are those special days that start out great, but then take a turn for the worse.

I find myself having those days often, so I've tried to be more thoughtful about my emotions on those special days - acknowledging the negative ones and learning how to let them go when I'm in a funk. The acknowledging part is the easy part for me, but what's difficult is the letting go. I've never been good at it, especially when it comes to how I feel about something - good or bad.

What I've found is that it's best for me to just take a deep breath and then do something else either to distract my thoughts or to take me away from whatever was currently causing frustration or anxiety. Once I am able to not dwell on it, it is easier to let it go entirely and get back on track to having a good day!

Here are some of the things that work best for me and I hope they might help you too:

▪️Closing my eyes and taking deep controlled breaths while clenching and unclenching my fists
▪️Listening to music
▪️Singing as loud as possible
▪️Playing with my dog
▪️Lighting a candle and some incense
▪️(If possible) Take a relaxing bath

What are your favorite ways to let go of those negative vibes during your day?