This post may include Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
I had a great week until Saturday afternoon when I started to feel a little off. By Saturday night it was clear I’d picked up some kind of virus because I pretty much felt like I’d been hit by a bus! No improvement Sunday morning, so I’ve sent in sub plans for the next couple days. After I slowly knock this out, I’m planting myself on the couch and looking for something to binge watch in between napping sessions.
Last Week’s Reads
My reading last week just kept getting better and better. I first finished Alternative Remedies for Loss by Joanna Cantor and liked the book less as I got further into it. Overall, this story of a young woman trying to deal with the loss of her mother was just okay for me. My review will be later this week. I listened to The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil. I found Clemantine’s story of surviving the Rwandan genocide heartbreaking on so many levels, but also inspirational. The delivery by Robin Miles was excellent. I’ll be reviewing this memoir soon. I loved Tin Man by Sarah Winman. This slim volume is beautifully written, telling a lovely story of two friends whose relationship was many things, but always, always valued. I hesitate to say it, but the book reminded me a little of The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne.
Currently Reading
I’m not very far in either of my current reads, but am far enough to know that both are a little on the soap-opera “ish” side and I mean that in a good way! Little Disasters by Randall Klein is about two NYC couples who met on the day their wives gave birth. From there, at least one affair developed. I’m looking forward to seeing what other entanglements arise. Speaking of affairs and entanglements, in the first half hour of listening to Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman, one neighbor has already caught another neighbor in a “delicate” situation. These escapist novels are just what I need right now and Saskia Maarleveld makes Other People’s Houses a pleasure to listen to.
Likely to Read Next
I’m trying to be better about using the library and it looks like I’ll be getting my hands on both Only Child by Rhiannon Navin and The Ensemble by Aja Gabel this week. The Ensemble has long been on my radar, so I’m excited to read this coming-of-age debut about four friends navigating the ups and downs of professional musicians. Thanks to Catherine at The Gilmore Guide to Books, I’m also eager to take on Only Child, the story of a young boy who survives a school shooting.
I hope you have a great week in books!
Disclaimer: There are Amazon Associate links contained in this post.
I’m so sorry you’re sick – hope you feel better soon!
TV binging – I just binged Music City…a reality show set in Nashville from the creator of Laguna Beach and The Hills. Good, mindless TV.
I’m sorry you didn’t like Alternative Remedies 🙁 But, now you’ve got me super excited about The Tin Man – just put it on hold at the library. Also tried The Ensemble and the writing is gorgeous…I’m going to go back to it, but I knew it would take too much concentration for my Summer Reading Guide, so I temporarily put it down.
Thanks, Sarah. I haven’t been able to stay with a TV show, but am staying home one more day and finally feeling more like myself. I’ll check out Music City tomorrow.
Oh, no, hope you start feeling better soon!
Thanks, Angela. I’m on the upswing.
So sorry you’re feeling under the weather. I have Tin Man up for next week (a review assignment), so I’m happy it’s good.
I’m excited to hear what others think of Tin Man. I’ll be looking for your review.
Oh, dear! I hope you feel better soon. Looks like you have some good books to keep you company between naps. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Thanks, Kathy.
Boo to the being sick! If you have Netflix, when you start feeling better, watch Wild Wild Country. Wow. I had no idea about any of it. Did you, living in the PNW?
Thank you so much for the copy of Tin Man, I’m going to start it next. I stalled on Alternate Remedies but based on your initial thoughts I’m going to DNF it. Too much other reading to do!
I tried Wild Wild Country, but it took too much concentration. Now that I’m feeling a little better I’ll go back to it. And, no. I had no idea about any of it.
So sorry you’re not feeling well! Take care and get better soon 🙂
I’ve had a few DNFs in a row which is always a bummer.
If “Tin Man” is anywhere near John Boyne, I’m in!
I’ve read a couple other Boyne’s since “Heart’s Invisible Furies.” “The History of Loneliness” chronicles the downfall of the Catholic Church in Ireland through the personal experiences of one accidental priest. (Who could perhaps be called an allegory for the Church as a whole.) Then “The Absolutist” was a heart rendering story about WWI and wove in how conscientious objectors were treated and the full on press of patriotism. No doubt, Boyne can write and his characters are magnificent.
Thanks, Madeline. You’ve inspired me to read another John Boyne book. If you were to recommend only one, which would it be.
I hope you feel better soon. You have a bunch of great looking books. What am I reading?
Thanks so much. Have a great week.
Have a great week Susie! Right now I’m reading Wrong Way Home 🙂
I’ve not even heard about Wrong Way Home, but am off to check it out. You have a great week, too.
I hope you feel better soon! I really liked Tin Man, too. Have a great week!
Yay! I’m so happy to have found someone else who’s read Tin Man and liked it. It was such a lovely little book.
Feel better soon! Tin Man sounds excellent–I’m eager to hear more about it.
I’m waiting on Only Child as well. I’m looking forward to it, but I may need to squeeze in a lighter read before I tackle it.
Healthy thoughts to you!
Thanks, Allison. I’m on the upswing, but taking one more sick day to be sure. Have a great week.
Sorry to hear you’re sick Susie! You’ve made me so excited to read Tin Man, if it’s even a little like Heart’s I’ll be happy. I just picked up Other People’s Houses at the library so I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts on it. Feel better soon!
Other People’s Houses has been a perfect listen for me while I’ve been sick. It’s an easy, but engaging story and the narrator is excellent. It’s been harder for me to concentrate on reading, but listening has been great.
A lot of these books are on my list – The Girl Who Smiled Beads and Only Child are way up there! I keep seeing Tin Man, so I guess that means I need to go look it up on Goodreads now. Feel better!