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Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
I hope everyone had a perfectly wonderful holiday season, and now it’s back to reality! It’s been three weeks since I’ve posted a reading update, but with Christmas one week and New Years the next I didn’t actually finish many books during that time. I’ve also been a little bit obsessed with watching The Crown on Netflix, so the Queen is stealing some time that would normally go to reading. I’ve finished the first season, and am in the middle of the second, so I should be free to read a little more soon. Love this series!
Last Week’s Reads
The first book I actually finished in 2018, Brass (a debut) by Xhenet Aliu, was a definite winner for me. It was a gritty mother-daughter story told from the perspectives of each as they were young women with few choices. The choices of the mother and their effect on her daughter made for striking contrasts. On the other hand, Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan proved to be a bit of a slog. This book about a British politician accused of rape, his wife and the woman prosecuting him was purported to be a courtroom drama, but it lacked drama. Editing about 100 pages would have really helped. Instead, I ended up doing a lot of skimming in the last half. I’ll have reviews of both books later this month.
Currently Reading
Thanks to a glowing recommendation by Renee @itsbook talk, I started listening to the audio of American Radical by Tamer Elnoury when I headed back to work last week. This true account from a Muslim FBI agent working undercover in the fight against terrorism is captivating. It reads almost like fiction. I started The Girlfriend by Michelle Frances (debut) yesterday and have read about 20%. It’s touted as a psychological thriller about a mother, her son, his gold-digging girlfriend, and a lie that binds them forever. I haven’t got to the thriller part yet, but so far the story is proceeding nicely.
Likely to Read Next
I’m not sure how I let it happen, but I have five (yes, FIVE) books that get released on February 6th! I don’t know what it is about that date, but there are actually two more that I want to read. I had to put the brakes on eventually! An American Marriage by Tayari Jones and The Glass Forest by Cynthia Swanson are simply the first two alphabetically. I was a big fan of Swanson’s debut, The Bookseller, so may turn to her book first.
I hope you have a great week in books!
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I can relate to a great TV show taking reading time! Some nights I have to choose books or shows. I really liked The Bookseller by Swanson so I’m adding The Glass Forest to my TBR. I have a lot to get to on NetGalley for Feb too! A good problem to have but it does make me stop and think before requesting sometimes (not always!!)
Sometimes I go overboard on the requesting, too and February is one of those Months!
I’m so happy you’re enjoying American Radical!! I wish it was getting more press because it really is such a fascinating and well paced nonfiction read. I totally agree with you about Anatomy of a Scandal, in fact I just commented on Sarah’s post that I skimmed the last half…really I skimmed a lot of the first half as well. I have American Marriage coming up as well and have also overloaded myself with Feb reads! I finished The Glass Forest a couple weeks ago…I’ll keep my thoughts to myself until you’ve read:) Have a great week!!
Hmmm..You have me really curious about The Glass Forest. I fear you didn’t like it?
Glad American Radical is going well – will definitely read it this year!
And adding Brass to my TBR. Agree on Anatomy of a Scandal…I skimmed the last 30%.
And I have An American Marriage and Glass Forest coming up too – though not with 3 other 2/6 releases – ha!
I think you’ll really like American Radical. It’s interesting, and also has a fiction feel to it.
We watched the Crown too. Now waiting for Victoria! I had been looking forward to Anatomy of a Scandal, but so many people were disappointed that I can’t muster the interest.
I love Victoria, too. I think it starts next week?
Nice bunch of books. I know what you mean about having too many releasing the same day. I had 7 releasing Feb. 6 that are all read and scheduled, two on Feb. 8 that are read and scheduled, and I’m working on the seven releasing on Feb. 13. February is obviously a great month for new books I just had to read. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Wow! Seven on 2/6. You’ve definitely topped me and you’ve read them all. I envy your organization!
GAH! I need to read Anatomy of a Scandal next! I guess I’ll start it and see what happens, but this does not make me happy. 😉 On the other hand, I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed Brass (I have a copy coming later this month) and I’m planning to listen to American Radical, as well. An exciting start to the new year!
Hopefully Anatomy will work for you. I’ve read a couple of good reviews.
I need to get back to The Crown, but know once I start I won’t be able to tear myself away… and that kills my reading! American Radical sounds interesting, so I’ll look forward to hearing more about it. Glad you’re keeping an eye on all the new releases for us 😉
Glad you liked Brass — I’ve had that one on my radar. Wahoo.