This post may include Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Many of us in the U.S. are enjoying a long weekend thanks to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. It’s my hope that on this day all Americans can remember the spirit and ideals of the man behind the holiday and live their lives with the same level of integrity that Dr. King did. Now, I’ll get off my soapbox and back to books!
Last Week’s Reads
The first book I finished last week was The Girlfriend by Michelle Frances. I found this story of a mother, her son, his girlfriend and a whole pack of lies entertaining. I’ll review France’s debut closer to its January 30th release date. The remainder of my week was spent deep in U.S. counterintelligence. On audio, I was with an undercover Muslim FBI agent fighting terrorism in American Radical by Tamer Elnoury, and I loved it. In print, I spent my time with a CIA analyst working to uncover Russian sleeper cells in Need to Know by debut author Karen Cleveland. Her story had twists and turns, both expected and unexpected. I’ll be reviewing both books on Friday with Mini-Reviews: The Counterintelligence Edition.
Currently Reading
I requested a review copy of Mira T. Lee’s debut Everything Here is Beautiful way back in July. When it finally came through last week, I was a little miffed and almost passed, but finally decided to give it a try. I’m now halfway through the book and mostly like it. This is a book with multiple narrators and as is often the case, some work better for me than others.
Likely to Read Next
Last week I talked about how many books I have that are being released onFebruary 6th, so today I thought i’d share two more. I absolutely adored The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, so am very excited to read her latest, The Great Alone. Taking place in 1974, this story of an Alaskan family in crisis sounds right up my alley. Self-Portrait With Boy by debut author Rachel Lyon has an intriguing premise: an artist accidentally photographs a boy falling to his death. The fact that it has an early 90’s Brooklyn setting is just icing on the cake!
I hope you have a great week in books!
Disclaimer: There are Amazon Associate links contained in this post.
I hadn’t heard of Self-Portrait with a Boy but that sounds interesting! Great reading week for you last week! I think I might start my Feb books soon as well, I’ve got about 3 coming out Feb 6th, that must be the “it” publishing day for this winter
Started my first February book about an hour ago, An American Marriage. So Far so good! You’re so right about Feb. 6th. I have 5 ARCs for that date and it could easily be 8.
Yay – glad Americal Radical is working for you! I’m definitely planning to read that one and also have my eye on Need to Know…maybe for my Summer List.
Check out my reviews on Friday for more info on those two. I listened to the first couple chapters in Tell Me More today. I like her!
My reading tends to be slow in January, but I want to give American Radical a try soon!
Thanks for the word on the American Radical book, somehow I missed seeing that last year. I’m trying to read a bit more nonfiction this year.
You’re welcome, Susan. Over the last year I’ve learned that I really like the right kind of nonfiction and for me listening is often the way to go.
Everything Here Is Beautiful looks good and so does The Great Alone.
I finished Everything today and loved it!
Love the cover for Self-Portrait with a Boy – that alone would make me pick it up.
So true. It’s a gorgeous cover.
I’m so excited to hear that you’ve enjoyed American Radical; I think this will be my next audiobook, thanks to you! I had almost forgotten about The Great Alone; we have some exciting reading ahead! I love the sound of Self-Portrait with Boy; I may need to look that one up. Hope you’re enjoying your day, Susie!
thanks Tara. I always enjoy tallking books with you. Have a great week.
While you spent your week with spies, I mostly read science fiction. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Thanks for stopping by, Kathy.
I’ve never heard of “The Girl Friend,” but it sounds like a great read! I’m going to add it to my wish list!
It was very light, but for me had a few flaws.
I’m adding the Great Alone to my wishlist. Come see what I’m reading.
The Great Alone looks amazing and yes, just like your type of book! Can’t wait to know your thoughts!