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Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
With the three day weekend last week I’ve decided a couple things. First, four days is really the perfect amount to work in a week. It’s enough time to dig in and really get things accomplished, but not enough time to get overly weary with the job. And, three days off every week? So nice! A day to get things done, a day for friends and family, and if you’re lucky, a day for yourself. It’s an ideal set up. Now if I could only get my school district on board! Okay, enough of the dreams, onto books. Thanks to a couple that were on the short side, I had my second three book week in a row. (That extra day off helped, too…yet another benefit.)
Last Week’s Reads
When it comes to books, January has been very good to me and last week was the best yet. I thought Mira T. Lee’s debut, Everything Here is Beautiful was wonderful. I liked it so much that I got its review up almost immediately. In case you missed it, check here. Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan is the author’s take on the 12 hardest things she’s learning to say. I listened to this one, and have rarely rarely been so moved by a book. Her thoughts are wise, and obvious, and hard, and emotional, all at once. I cried three out of the four days on my commute last week, but was left feeling more whole. There’s a lot to ponder with this one, and I’ve been doing a lot of that. I plan to do a sort of discussion on Tell Me More sometime next week, so keep an eye out for that and please join in. Overall, I really enjoyed An American Marriage by Tayari Jones. It had a long section that I wish had been handled differently, but the rest of the book made up for it. I’ll review An American Marriage closer to its February 6th publication date.
Currently Reading
Speaking of February 6th releases, I started The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah yesterday and can hardly put it down. The fact that I have other things I need to do today is causing stress because I just want to read. Told from the perspective of 13-year old Leni and set in the 70’s, this is a story of a former POW who moves his small family to Alaska in search peace and solitude. As one would expect, the demons that haunt him find their way to Alaska. It’s a funny story how I came to pick The Newcomers by Helen Thorpe as my next nonfiction/audio book. Madeline, who comments regularly on the blog, told me of a few books she’d read this year on my recommendation and this was one of them. Only I hadn’t read it! I had to investigate and it does sound like just the sort of nonfiction I’d like. So, I’m about to start The Newcomers. At 15 hours, it’s longer than I normally like, but the story of immigrant teens in a Colorado classroom was too perfect a fit for me to pass on.
Likely to Read Next
I’ll most likely turn to How to Stop Time by Matt Haig next. I’ve been reading a lot of books about family and think it will be time for a change of pace. A story about a man who’s lived for centuries with only one rule: don’t fall in love, and then he does, sounds whimsical and on the light side. If instead I’m feel ing the need for a thriller, I’ll pick up The Glass Forest by Cynthia Swanson. Both books are also February 6th releases. That date is HUGE. I have 5 and could easily add a few more.
I hope you have a great week in books!
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Another great reading week for you, 3 books is awesome! And to enjoy all of them is even better. I’m waiting on Everything Here is Beautiful from the library and have both Tell Me More and An American Marriage so I’ll try to get to Tell Me More before your discussion…I need a good cry as well. You’ve made me even more excited to get to The Great Alone…so many amazing books for Feb!! Have a great week Susie!
Thanks for stopping by Renee. What are you reading now?
So glad you’re reading has been awesome! I’m now excited about The Great Alone, but the timing is definitely not right for me for a big, immersive novel right now. I’m thinking the week after next maybe.
And am loving American Marriage – I didn’t mind the letters part. I’m almost haflway through now.
Other than the letters, I really liked American Marriage and especially the ending.
I could definitely go for a three-day weekend every week! How to Stop Time is on my TBR, it looks really good!
The Great Alone — OMG. Right?????
Definitely! I have 8% to go.
Nice assortment of books. Somewhere in the late 70s or early 80s my school district did an experiment and tried a 4 day week. Each day was longer but Monday was a day off. They only did it for one year because they didn’t realize the energy savings they were hoping for. I always thought it was a good idea. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Boy would I love to try a four day work week, but I know parents would never go for it. Have a good week, Kathy,
Just stopping by to let you know that I am so glad I discovered your blog. Thanks for all of the great reviews and recommendations!
Thank you so much, Katy. It makes me very happy to hear that you enjoy my blog.
Okay, I am definitely adding Everything Here is Beautiful to my list (need to check the library for that one right now!) and I’ll add Tell Me More to my audio list. I am SO EXCITED to hear that you are enjoying The Great Alone; I have really been looking forward to this one! Also, another vote here for 4 day work weeks – ha! 😉
If only! Have a wonderful week, Tara.
I’m perplexed — I thought you had recommended The Newcomers! Anyway, I enjoyed it a lot. Look forward to your thoughts.
I’ve got The Great Alone and American Marriage on hold. Just received Chalk Man. The sample really grabbed me. It may have to go to the top of the pile.
While Everything Here is Beautiful is getting great attention, I’m not sure the subject matter is for me. I’ll think about it some more.
Have a great week!
Well I’m happy to have your recommendation on The Newcomers. It’s really a perfect union of my reading and work life. I’ve only listened to the first 45 minutes, but like it so far. Thanks.
So glad to hear you had such a great week! You’ve really got me interested in Everything Here is Beautiful. I hope to post my review on the Great Alone in the next day or two. Overall, I liked it very much.
Looking forward to your review of The Great Alone. I’m almost done and it’s held up very well for me.
It looks like you read some great books. I’m curious about Everything Here is Beautiful, so I’m glad you liked it. Have a good week!
I’ve had a really good reading month and Everything Here is Beautiful has been one of my favorites. Thanks for stopping by.
Quite strong novels released in January! I think this bodes well for the rest of the year. Wahoo. Enjoy.