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Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Just as predicted, last week was crazy busy with very little reading time, resulting in only one finished book. Oh, well! I’m perfectly willing to take that in exchange for all the wonderful time with family and so many toddler snuggles and kisses. I was able to squeeze in a couple movies with my mom and the one we saw on Saturday, The Big Sick, I highly recommend. The movie was written by real-life couple Kumail Nanjiani (from HBO’s Silicon Valley) and Emily V. Gordon and is loosely based on the early days of their own relationship. Nanjiani also stars in the movie which highlights the strains on a cross-cultural relationship with an incredible amount of humor!
Last Week’s Read
It’s true. I only read one book and it was very short! What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons has been billed by many as the debut of the summer, if not the entire year. For me, it fell well short of that mark. I’ll be reviewing What We Lose tomorrow.
This week I quit on two books. The first, Infinite Summer by Edoardo Nesi, I found to be dull. I just wasn’t interested in any of the men who dominated the story. Quitting at about the 30% mark, I gave it a fair shot. I also couldn’t finish Refuge by Dina Nayeri. I’d very much looked forward to Nayeri’s book and might be willing to go back to it if I see stunning reviews by readers I trust. The story unfolded from the perspectives of a father and his adult daughter, and I found myself drawn to the daughter, but not the father.
Currently Reading
I’m currently listening to American Fire by Monica Hesse. At first I wasn’t sure about this book, but to be fair I started it on a plane ride that was far from quiet and peaceful. Since being back home, I’ve listened to a few more chapters and find this nonfiction really gaining speed. On a whim I requested Gather the Daughters by Jennie Melamed last week and am I ever glad I did. I’m loving this dystopian debut about a cult living on an isolated island off the coast of the “wastelands” and the daughters who finally rebel against the strict rules and controlled breeding programs laid down by the “ancestors.” I’ll be sitting down to finish Gather the Daughters just as soon as I finish writing this post!
Likely to Read Next
August 1st marks a day of many excellent sounding books being released, and here are just two of them. I may read Danzy Senna’s much talked about new novel, New People, next. This slim volume focuses on race, class and desire in the waning days of the 20th century. A daughter learns about her mother as they drive across the U.S. in Sara Taylor’s new book, The Lauras. Since both road trip books and mother-daughter stories appeal to me, The Lauras seems like a perfect fit.
I hope you have a great week of reading!
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Gather the Daughters sounds very Handmaid’s Tale-ish! And glad to hear American Fire is picking up speed for you.
I’m literally baffled by What We Lose…there are certainly some brilliant sentences, but the book as a whole felt so jumpy to me! I’m confused about all the hype.
And will be interested to hear your thoughts on The Lauras…
Gather the Daughters definitely had a Handmaid’s tale vibe, but also its own creepiness.
Started The Lauras this afternoon and think I’m going to like it.
I only finished one book as well last week Susie! I hope this week is a better reading week for both of us:) New People sounds great and I hadn’t heard of it so I’m glad you featured that one. Requesting at the library ASAP
Thanks, Renee. I hope we both have greater success this week. There have been too many DNF’s recently.
Gather the Daughters does sound interesting. I haven’t heard of it or any of your other books before. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I cannot wait to read The Lauras! I am totally intrigued by American Fire from the cover – off to check that out!
Thanks, Amanda. I started The Lauras this afternoon and so far, I like it.
So excited to hear something positive about Gather! It’s on my list to read next.
I’m glad you had such a nice vacation, catching up with family. I’m not sure if you were still in WA, but if so- hasn’t it been just gorgeous?! This weather is perfection.
I’m reading Tornado Weather and loving it. It’s reminding me a bit of Sara Taylor’s The Shore- the same kind of structure and dark worldview.
I loved Gather the Daughters and am excited to hear what you think of it.
I was in Montana, where it was very hot, but I’ve been home since Friday night and am loving the high 70’s, low 80’s we keep getting. My porch is going to get a lot of reading action this week!