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Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Last week was crazy busy at work, but finally ended on a high note when I had lunch with Catherine from The Gilmore Guide to Books on Saturday. It’s always fun talking books and so much more with Catherine. The coming week will also be big for several reasons. First, on Wednesday I’ll be the guest on this week’s episode of Sarah’s Book Shelves Live! where we’ll be talking about our all time favorite summer books. I’ll follow that up on Thursday with my Beach Bag Books post, my own guide to reading this summer. (There, I’ll include the books I shared on the podcast, along with many from 2019.) That same day I’ll be flying to my mom’s for a few days to visit and help out. With such a busy week I hope I can squeeze in plenty of time for books and I hope you can, too!
Last Week’s Reads
- I finished Vessel by Lisa A Nichols early in the week. This book was the perfect example of the right book at the right time. I was in the mood for a little something different and that’s exactly what I got with Vessel. It wasn’t perfect, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Full review tomorrow.
- I think I’ve fallen a little bit in love with the combination of Peter Heller’s writing and Mark Deakin’s narration. I finished listening to and loved The River (my review) earlier this year and now I can say the same about The Dog Stars. This one started off a little slower for me, but in the end it was every bit as good. As you’ll see in the next section, I’ve already moved onto a third audiobook from this winning combination.
- I liked Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane just fine. I thought it was good, but it didn’t amaze me. It was a solid read, just one I can’t rave about. I feel like I’m in the minority on this one, but that’s fine. I’ll have a mini-review at the end of the month.
Currently Reading
- I don’t know why I was nervous to start In West Mills by De’Shawn Charles Winslow, but I shouldn’t have been. At a quarter of the way in, I’m loving this 1940’s story of a quirky group of African American friends in small North Carolina town. The synopsis promises that they will be followed on through the 1980’s.
- The Painter by Peter Heller – No surprises here, I’m listening to this one, too. (See above!)
Likely to Read Next
- I still have a couple of May books left, but one I’m regretting I requested and the other I want to listen to on audio and it’s not released until next week. So, I’m beginning to read June releases. In West Mills is the first and I plan on making Recursion by Blake Crouch the second. A change up with a little sci-fi/suspense seems perfect right now!
I hope you have a great week in books!
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The Painter is so good …. I love Peter Heller.
Oops, I meant to say — good luck with the podcast!
Thanks, Beth. I’m now a big Peter Heller fan, too. Love discovering a new to me author.
Oh my gosh – I didn’t expect you to say that about Ask Again, Yes! We’ve diverged on 2 of my big ones this year…this and Miracle Creek. Too much hype for some of these?
I sent you a text with my thoughts on Ask Again, Yes. It wasn’t the hype.
I’m with you on Ask Again, Yes although I can’t say how I feel about the whole thing because I did decide to put it down at 52%. I wasn’t into the story or characters except maybe Peter. Sometimes the hyped books just aren’t for us:)
For me it wasn’t the hype. I just thought it was too much. She through every sort of family problem into the mix and for me that made the story itself weaker.
So glad you’re enjoying In West Mills, which is on my TBR.
It’s really different, but a fun easy read.
Sounds like I need to listen to one of Heller’s books soon!!
You do!
So glad to hear you loved the audiobook of The River – I’m starting it as soon as I complete The Sun is Also a Star.
It’s so good. I reviewed it a couple months ago if you’re interested.
Nice variety of books. I haven’t read Blake Crouch yet but am getting curious. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Thanks for stopping by, Kathy.
Ooh, I haven’t heard anything about The Painter. Looking forward to your thoughts!
I turned to The Dog Stars in part thanks to your thoughts on it, so I owe you one for that. 🙂
The River is my next up. Unfortunately, Dark Matter scored 2* from me so I’m passing on Recursion.
In West Mills is a new title to me. Will check it out!
Oh! I hope you like The River as much as I did.
Most of your books are on my wishlist. Have a good week. My weekly update
Well, I hope you get those wishes soon!
I’ve just started reading Ask Again, Yes.
Have a great reading week
That’s great you get to meet up with Catherine. I enjoyed the summer book podcast you were on with Sarah, very fun to listen to. I’m pleased you are liking Peter Heller’s books. I’ve read & liked The Painter okay but not as much as either The River or The Dog Stars. Mark Deakin’s narration seems to fit the audios so well! The one book of Heller’s I haven’t read is Celine — which someone told me was Terrible so I never picked it up. But perhaps you should vet it for me?? Ha.
Thanks, Susan. The podcasts are fun to do. I always love talking books with anyone!
I’m definitely a new Peter Heller devotee. I’m not done with The Painter yet, but think I’ll fall in with you that it’s not quite as good as The River or The Dog Stars. Not sure about Celine….heard the same thing about it.
Lunch was so much fun! I really hope we can find one more time to meet up before we move.
In West Mills did start out strong, but then the main character really started to bother me and I didn’t care about her story anymore.
As you know, I didn’t love Vessel, but I am linking up to your review tomorrow. We agreed on some aspects, but I cam down harder on the end.