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Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
I hope everyone had a lovely weekend and that Father’s Day was a great success in your home. This is it for me; the final three days of school and it’s pretty much one big party. At my middle school, the “graduating” class has one activity after another this week and since I teach at that level it’s always a relaxed three days. This year I’ve been lucky enough to have an especially great group of students. I know I’ll eventually miss them, but for now I’m pretty excited about summer, freedom, and more time for books!
Last Week’s Reads
I’m thrilled to report that I liked Us Against You every bit as much as Beartown, maybe even more. This book was less about hockey and more about the people. Fredrick Backman is truly a masterful storyteller and from the first page to the last I was so happy to be back in Beartown. I hope to review Us Against You sometime next week. Goodbye, Sweet Girl by Kelly Sundberg was, on the other hand, just okay for me. I had a hard time connecting with Sundberg and I don’t think it would have mattered if I’d read the book rather than listened to its audio version. Mini-review coming later this summer.
Currently Reading
I’m reading Eagle & Crane, a historical fiction with a mystery built in by Suzanne Rindell. Her story revolves around a barnstorming troupe of aviators in the WWII years. It’s fun and entertaining, but I’m having trouble sticking with it only because I can’t stay away from The Book of Essie! I started listening to Meghan MacLean Weir’s debut on Friday afternoon and am already well past the halfway mark in this 11 hour audiobook. (I don’t usually get through audiobooks quite that quickly.) The three narrators are wonderful, but it’s Essie’s story that is so compelling. I’m happy to sit and just listen.
Likely to Read Next
Next up in my July ARC’s should be Summer Wives, another historical fiction by Beatriz Williams. Her latest novel is on many “beach read” lists for this summer and I could use a beach read right about now. I’ve had hits and misses with Beatriz Williams’s books so I’m a bit nervous about this one. Since my current read, Eagle & Crane, is also historical fiction, I may jump ahead to Megan Abbott’s latest offering, Give Me Your Hand. I’ve actually never read a Megan Abbott book, but have heard so many great things about her writing that I’m excited to try her new thriller. Give Me your Hand revolves around onetime high school friends in competition ten years later for the same prestigious position. I can’t wait!
I hope you have a great week in books!
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I just read that Beth Fish Reads loved Megan Abbott’s new one. I’ll be picking it up soon!! And so thrilled you’re loving Essie! It was pretty addictive!
Just finished Essie. I thought it was wonderful. I love it when you can’t put a book down.
So many tempting books! I’ve been eyeing The Book of Essie, Eagle & Crane, and Goodbye, Sweet Girl. I am giving it some time before I “click to buy,” because that is my goal this year. Fewer book purchases, more review books and books from the library…
I’ll be watching for your reviews.
Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.
Great goals. I’d definitely put that library hold on The Book of Essie. I just finished it and loved every minute of it.
I have Essie and Eagle & Crane on my summer list. Now to find some extra time to read!
Cheers to that!
Us Against You as good as Beartown! Wow! That is hearty praise. It’s sitting on the shelf at the library with my name on it. I have a week to pick it up and will let it sit as I’ve got 4 checked out to read! The Ensemble being one.
Eagle & Crane looks interesting but I’ve been so disillusioned with historical fiction lately. I’ll wait for your review.
For me Us Against You was every bit as good as Beartown. So if you loved Beartown, I think you’ll be happy with Us.
I plan on listening to Us Against Them shortly. I’m happy to know you liked it so much!
I’m so glad that you enjoyed Us Against You; I don’t know how he does it, but I’m really hoping for a third novel, one of these days! I’m loving The Book of Essie, as well; can hardly put it down!
Both Essie and Us Against You were pure delights for me. Now I just need to find time to get them reviewed. Have a great week, Tara.
Ah, summer and books! My favorite time of the year. All of you books sound fascinating. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Enjoy your books. My weekly updates
I really enjoyed Summer Wives and I’m definitely going to give The Book of Essie a try after hearing your thoughts!