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For so many different reasons, I’m happy to see the start of a new month and especially one that will bring Spring to us. Winter is my least favorite time of the year and this one has felt relentlessly long. Uncertainty has dominated in so many areas: the elections, the economy, and now the growing concern over the Corona virus outbreak. I stopped by Costco on Saturday afternoon and it was every bit as crowded as the day before Thanksgiving, with people’s carts loaded high with cases of water and all sorts of other supplies. This particular Spring may be a bit of a tough go. Happily, for all of us there’s always books to hide away with!
Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Last Week’s Reads
- I found Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel to be a nice little respite from my usual reading. One of those books with no particularly likable characters, I never-the-less liked the game of cat-and-mouse played by this mother-daughter duo both set on revenge. I’ll have a mini-review later this month.
- I’m a little on the old side to have ever been a huge fan of Jessica Simpson, but that didn’t stop me from being a fan of her memoir, Open Book. Clearly, Jessica is a woman who knows herself well and is willing to put herself out there, flaws and all. For me, that’s the very best sort of memoir, plus she was terrific on audio. Mini-review later this month.
Book I Could NOT Finish
- I tried but couldn’t get past 19% in The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian. I had decided to give him one last shot after not caring for either of his last two books, but this one seemed to be going down the same out-there thriller path and I was unwilling to devote any more time to it. Sadly, I think this may be it for Bohjalian books and me.
Currently Reading
- On a bit of a whim I had requested a copy of Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman. After quitting on The Red Lotus, I thought I’d give it a quick try, not really expecting much. What a mistake! I quickly fell under the spell of this funny book about a couple trying to prevent divorce (which has plagued their friends) by sleeping with others. I only have about 20% to go and can’t wait to get back to it.
- The Education of an Idealist, Samantha Power’s memoir, has become my audiobook to listen to between other audiobooks. It’s very long, so I knew couldn’t do it all in one shot. I like it, but will likely put it aside again whenever the advanced copies of a couple other audiobooks I’m waiting on become available. With 18 hours still to go, it might take me months to get through this one.
Likely to Read Next
- I loved TaraShea Nesbit’s debut, The Wives of Los Alamos, so have been looking forward to reading Beheld. A reimagining of Plymouth 10-years after first being founded, and told from the points of view of two very different women seems like a lot, but I trust Nesbit’s ability to really give them voice.
- I can’t say it better than the publisher: “The Shape of Family is a novel about race and culture, parents and siblings, marriage and love, but most of all, it’s about finding hope after darkness.”
There was a potential coronavirus patient in our state (test turned out negative) and my sister in law was calling my husband non-stop, freaking out about it. I’m just like, this is not the way to react to this. It’s scary to think about, but staying calm will help.
I’m going back and forth on the Jessica Simpson book – I’m worried that all the lead-up to its release was actually all the good stuff in it!
I hadn’t heard much about the Jessica Simpson book prior to listening to it and that was nice.
As for the coronavirus, it’s pretty big news here in WA. I heard that the first case came up in the county where I live today and at our staff meeting this afternoon, they did a little training on it and potential scenarios. It seems like a lot for a flu virus.
The Shape of Family looks so amazing. Adding to my wishlist…I look forward to see what your thoughts will be for it.
I’m at about 25% in The Shape of a Family and I REALLY like it!
Beheld looks really interesting, so does The Shape of a Family. I hope you enjoy them.
Wishing you a great reading week
Thanks, Shellyrae. You, too.
The Last Couple book sounds like a nice diversion. Have a great week, Susie!
Diversion is the perfect word for The Last Couple Standing. I love it when a book makes you truly laugh.
Nice looking variety of books. I understand abandoning an author who just isn’t working for you. I have a few I avoid too. Come see my week here. Happy readng!
I saw Last Couple Standing but was worried it would be heavy- you have me re-thinking it!
It really wasn’t heavy at all. If you liked Very Nice, I think you would like The Last Couple Standing. It was such a pleasant surprise for me. (Also, it would make a great mini-series.)
I went to BJ’s (wholesale club) and the grocery store today. Both packed with people, but the shelves were more depleted than usual… must have been a crazy weekend!
Last Couple Standing looks good. Glad it’s shaping up to be a winner for you.
Stores here have been a mess! I try to avoid them as much as possible right now.
I have The Shape of Family on my nightstand to read. I absolutely loved The Secret Daughter and look forward to reading something else by Gowda. I love winter, but I’m also so happy for spring to come. I look forward to wearing shoes again. lol. As for the Coronavirus. I keep thinking I should stock up but haven’t done so. I was at Costco Sunday and nothing seemed different. I’m in Canada, though, so maybe that makes a difference? Regardless, I might try and get a few things, who knows. Anyway, have a great week!
I live in WA where there have been quite a few deaths, so people here are going a little crazy. I heard Costco was completely out of things like water and toilet paper. I bought a little extra food, but haven’t done much else to “prepare.” Lets hope the numbers start to decrease soon.
Be careful of the virus there! Seattle is on the news lately. You have me considering Beheld …. I like historical kinds of tales. But wasn’t her last novel told in the collective We …. that always makes me pause so I didn’t get it. Though perhaps I shouldn’t disallow the collective told tale.
Nesbit’s last novel was told in the collective voice which I really liked. I took a look at this one and it’s not told that voice.