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I survived the first week of school, where every day feels like an entire week! September and October are always tough months for teachers, with lots of meetings and routines to establish, but that first week is killer. I always use books to try and offset any stress I’m feeling. That becomes even more true this time of year. Even though I don’t have loads of time for reading right now, I so appreciate the opportunities to escape into a book. I suspect many of you use books as an escape, too. So, what’s your current escape?
Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Last Week’s Reads
- What a stroke of luck that I finally picked up Necessary People by Anna Pitoniak! I had no real expectations about the book, but had grabbed it at the library and then let it sit around my house for a couple weeks. I finally picked it up over Labor Day weekend and I loved it. This was the perfect end-of-summer read for me and I’ll be sharing a full review on Thursday.
- I also finished listening to Siracusa by Delia Ephron, a book that had long been on my backlist. I liked that it had four different perspectives, each well-read by a different narrator, but overall the story was just okay for me. It held my interest, but didn’t wow me.
Book I Could NOT Finish
- I REALLY tried to get through The Topeka School by Ben Lerner, but finally decided to let it go at 55%. Reviewing books I don’t finish isn’t the norm for me, but next time I do a Clearing the Shelves post, I’m going to talk more about this one. I read enough that I have a lot to say about this book that for me had many flaws.
Currently Reading
- I had thought I’d probably listen to The Liar by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, but then an ARC request finally came in, so I started it yesterday. I’ve read 25% so far and really like this story of a 17-year old girl who gets swept up in a lie of her own making. I missed Gundar-Goshen’s debut, Waking Lions, but her writing here already has me thinking I’ll go back and try that one.
Likely to Read Next
- I’m a little bit at a loss for what to listen to next, but think I may try The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan. I don’t know much about this mystery-thriller and have never read Macmillan before, but the early Goodreads reviews are strong. I’m in the mood for something a little different and it feels like the right time for a thriller.
- Here for the second week in a row sits Right After the Weather by Carol Anshaw. This time I’m confident it will come next. I really am looking forward to this story of a woman living in parallel worlds and that’s only the start!
I hope you have a great week in books!
Disclaimer: There are Amazon Associate links contained in this post.
I bet it’s hard to get back into the school year! I’ve heard such great things about Necessary People.
I loved Necessary People and didn’t really expect to. That’s always a nice surprise.
I pre-ordered The Nanny, so I’m eager to read it. I’m curious about Necessary People.
Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting my blog.
I agree with you about both Necessary People and Siracusa!
Another reading twin?
I don’t miss that. No, I don’t miss the start of school at all. It’s as though you have disembarked from a spacecraft and landed on an alien planet. The aliens stare back at you as you scroll through introductions and instructions; they seem to be trying to figure out what sort of life form you are.
I must look for Necessary People. I feel like I’m almost ready to look for some new reads. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this book.
Have a great week.
I love your alien description. That captures the start of the school year perfectly.
You have a nice week, too.
I don’t miss starting a new school year. So much stress! Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Believe me I look forward to retirement and no more middle school drama!
Congrats on surviving the first week of the new school year!
Thanks, Valerie….only 40ish more to go!
The Liar sounds good. My weekly updates
I’m a little nervous about that one, but am hopeful it will be just what I need right now.
The Nanny sounds quite interesting! I hope you have a great week!
Thanks, Jamie. You have a great week, too.
It’s hard to believe summer is over already! Kudos to you for finding time to read the first week of school. When I used to teach, I’d be asleep by 7:30 that first month! It’s exhausting! I love reading to escape stress and anxiety.
Believe me, I was hitting the pillow pretty darn early that first week of school. It’s always such an adjustment after the freedom of summer. Hope all is going well for you, Allison.
I think I will read Necessary People — and too bad about the Ben Lerner book. He is a different kind of writer for sure. You gave it a whirl.
Please let me know if you try The Topeka School. I’d love to hear from someone who got through it. I feel like maybe I missed something!
I hope things settle down for you soon.
Have a great reading week