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Well we did it. We survived another holiday season! Mine was great and went way too fast, ending with the same cold that everyone else seems to have right now. I so wish I had a third week off of school just for some “me” time, but instead it’s back to work today. Last week I managed to finish two books, and had a fun couple of days with my 4-year old granddaughter. We played this game called “Count Your Chickens” SO MANY times that I let her take it home so her parents could play it with her. They’re delighted! I hope your 2020 is off to a wonderful start.
Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Last Week’s Reads
- When I began reading A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler I thought it was being released in early February, but later found out they’ve pushed it to March 10th. Either way, I loved this story of a neighborhood fractured. This was my second 2020 book told in the collective voice, which I really enjoy. I’ll wait closer to the publication date to review this one.
- The Truants by debut author Kate Weinberg is a campus novel being compared to The Secret History by Donna Tartt. I think elements of the comparison are valid, and I thoroughly enjoyed this sort of mystery/obsession story, but it wasn’t quite as compelling as The Secret History. Review at the end of this month.
Currently Reading
- I was looking at Tina’s favorite books of 2019 list on her blog TBR, etc. and noticed once again how similar our reading tastes are. She loved If You Want to Make God Laugh by Bianca Marais and I was looking for my next audiobook, so…bingo! I’m only a quarter of the way into this book, but am loving the story of three South African women in 1994, just as Mandela has been elected president. The three narrators are all excellent.
- I wanted something fun and light, so picked up Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore. It’s the story of a woman who each year on her birthday wakes up at a different point in her life. I’ve not read very much of it, but so far, I’m intrigued.
Likely to Read Next
- I’ve never read Sarah Pinborough before, so it’s time. The publisher’s description of Dead to Her begins, “This soapy domestic suspense novel from Pinborough (Cross Her Heart) roils with passion, rancor, and greed wrapped in Southern politesse.” Now that sounds like a lot of fun for some cold winter evenings!
Oona Out of Order sounds like such a fun book and unique premise – I’ll look forward to your thoughts on that one!
Glad you had a great holiday season!
I’ll let you know how Oona works out. I’ve been sick this week and my mind hasn’t fully been in it which I don’t think has been a great thing for the book.
A Good Neighbor sounds like a book I’d enjoy. I’ll be curious about your review of The Truants, since The Secret History is a favorite. Glad you had a good holiday season, but I remember feeling that another vacation week for recovery would have been nice, too! Hope it’s a good week for you.
The Truants was good, but not as good as The Secret History. That’s a really high bar to reach and I’m not sure publishers should use it as often as they do.
It’s funny, but I’ve never read a book that compares itself to Secret History live up to Secret History. But, then again, Secret History is amazing.
I like the sound of Oona Out of Order. I’m trying to read more fiction and more light stories this year, so I’ve added it to my wishlist.
Have a great week, Susie.
I completely agree with you about The Secret History comparisons, but isn’t that the case with most book comparisons? Think of all the Gone Girl ones.
I’m glad you had a wonderful holiday .
Wishing you a great reading week
Thanks, Shelleyrae. How are the fires in your part of Australia now?
I’ve never read Secret History but it sounds like I should. Come see my week here and Happy New Year!
Oh, wow! The Secret History is an amazing book. It’s the debut novel of Donna Tartt who wrote The Goldfinch. You should try it sometime.
Out of Order sounds like a fun read. I have A Good Neighbor here . . . hoping to get to it soonish.
Yay!! I’m so glad you picked up If You Want to Make God Laugh. Dead to Her and A Good Neighborhood are both coming up for me!
Sounds like we’ll continue to have lots of books to talk about. I’m really enjoying If You Want to Make God Laugh, but a nasty cold has me going to bed early and not getting much reading or listening in this week.
I’ve never heard of Oona Out of Order, but it sounds intriguing! I’m going to check back to see what you think before I decide if add it to my TBR.
Everyone seems to be liking the new upcoming Therese Fowler novel. I will add it to the ever-growing TBR.
I loved it and I think you will, too. It’s nothing like her other books, but just as compelling.