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Hey, everyone! I hope last week was good to you. For me, it was a week of calm and that almost felt strange. Between the election and work things have been so ramped up that when the election was finally over and I had an easier work week. Weirdly, it felt like something was missing. I know that sounds sick! I did have the new daily coronavirus counts to worry about, but I also got plenty of time with books which is always a good thing. I hope your time for books has been plentiful, as well.
With all that calm, I should have managed a book review or two last week, but I failed on that score. I will have a full review on Wednesday and my monthly mini-reviews the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Last Week’s Reads
- I’m in the midst of some sort of free-form reading, trying to get in books I missed earlier this year. The Comeback by Ella Berman was one of those books and I really liked it. I flew through this debut about a young actress who leaves Hollywood for nearly a year and then returns in the midst of scandal and fully in the lens of press. I’ll have a full review on Wednesday.
- So many people loved Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby, but I was not one of them. For me this book was like being forced to sit through a “guys movie” full of crime, villains, and car chase scenes. While I had some empathy for the main character, mostly I just wanted it to end! Mini-review next week.
Currently Reading
- The weather here has been very rainy, so that has cut into my walking time, resulting in less listening time. All that to say I still have three hours left in Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. This is another one that many have loved, but that I think will likely end up in the “okay” range for me.
- Somehow I had heard very little about Sea Wife by AmAmity Gaige, but Sarah @sarahsbookshelves recommended it, and happily I was able to get it immediately on Libby. I just started it yesterday and devoured the first 30%. This fast read about a couple with a troubled marriage traveling around the Caribbean on a sailboat is well told and really working for me.
Likely to Read Next
- I’m looking forward to wrapping up my November reading with two more books recommended by Sarah. Being a fan of the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise, I’m sure to enjoy One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London. In this a plus-size fashion blogger ends up on a similar show, determined NOT to fall in love.
- So far, I’ve resisted reading We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper for two reasons: it’s really long and nonfiction has not been working for me this year. That being said, since life is a little calmer I’m hoping this will be the perfect time to read about a long ago murder of a young Harvard student.
Oh too bad about Blacktop Wasteland … most of the car action happens near the end. It’s pretty gritty but I liked Bug for a summer action kind of audio. I listened to Sea Wife in June and really liked it … except the end is a bit weird … but still liked it for the most part. Cassandra Campbell too. Have a good week.
I agree about the end of Sea Wife. It was bizarre. Still, overall I really liked the story. I would have loved listening to Cassandra Campbell. She’s one of my favorite narrators, too.
I liked the Sea Wife so happy to read you are enjoying it as well. I thought about trying Blacktop Wasteland but, from what I read here and other places, I don’t think it is for me. Hope this is a good week for you.
Thanks, Diane. I hope you have a nice Thanksgiving.
I really liked Sea Wife. Many of the characters just worked their way into my heart!
Agreed!
Things have been settling a little more around here too. I’ll be happier once the whole election thing is in the rear view mirror but don’t expect it until Inauguration Day when I hope Trump slinks out of the headlines. You have a nice looking variety of books. I have actually started reading my January review books. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I think Trump is determined to ALWAYS stay in the headlines. Ugh! I’m not reading January books, yet, but I might start soon.
I read Blacktop Wasteland for a book club with my two very grown sons. It was perfect for us with lots of action but a moral to tell.
It would be a good book to read with your sons. My grown son always asks me for audiobook recommendations, but we’ve never done a book together. I really like the idea. I might borrow it from you.