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Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Happy New Year everyone! We did it. We made it through another merry and bright holiday season. I hope yours was wonderful and that 2019 is already off to a great start. I took last Monday off from my weekly check-in, instead sharing My Year in Books for 2018 (lots of stats and some goals for 2019). So, today you’re getting My Week in Books x2. I was out of school those entire two weeks and had a good amount of reading time, but also travelled for six days in there. Without further ado, on with books I read over my Winter Break.
Last Week’s Reads x2
I finished one backlist book on audio, but for the others it was all about January 2019 new releases.
- Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones – I really liked this story of sisters with the same father, but different mothers. The audio version featured two excellent narrators, Heather Alicia Simms and Rosalyn Coleman-Williams. As with An American Marriage (my review), it was just short of being an ‘A” book for me.
- The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker – Excellent! Come back tomorrow for my full review.
- Late in the Day by Tessa Hadley – My first book written by this prolific author and I’m still not quite sure what to think. I loved parts, but others dragged a bit. I’ll be reviewing Late in the Day later this month.
- Talent by Juliet Lapidos – You all know I’m a fan of debut authors, and it pains me to pan one, but I have nothing good to say about Talent. The only reason I finished it was because it’s short and I was stuck on a plane. I’ll eventually make it part of a mini-review post.
- The Current by Tim Johnston – Fans of Descent are not going to be disappointed with Johnston’s new book. It very much has the same feel and emotional connections between the characters. It was a great book to cap off my Winter Break reading. Full review later this month.
Currently Reading
I was already excited to read The End of Loneliness by Benedict Wells and now that I’m about a quarter in, I’m even more excited about this book. A German runaway hit, it won The European Union Prize for Literature in 2016. About a boy who grows up lonely and often alone after his parents are tragically killed when he’s 11, I suspect there will be many tears by the end. The author’s backstory is fascinating. Here’s a great article from The Guardian, if you’d like to know more.
Likely to Read Next
The powers in charge of granting ARC’s were not kind to me for ANY January 8th releases, so I’ll have to take things into my own hands. My next audiobook is going to be An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. One of its two narrators is Julie Whelan and since she’s one of my very favorites, that was an easy choice. I’ve placed library holds on both Sugar Run by Mesha Maren and Her One Mistake by Heidi Perks. It looks like I’m at the front of the line on each, so we’ll see which of these books wins the race.
I hope you have a great week in books!
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I couldn’t get my hands on Sugar Run either…and I normally get stuff from Algonquin. Annoying! Planning to read it when it comes out.
If the library doesn’t come through in the next couple days, I’ll probably buy Sugar Run. What’s with not getting approved on that one!?!
Great wrap-up! I’m hoping to check out An Anonymous Girl soon as well.
The End of Loneliness sounds wonderful and I’ll keep an eye out for your review of The Dreamers. Silver Sparrow is on my list, too. Your New Year is off to a great start!
Thanks, JoAnn. I’m hoping to finish The End of Loneliness tonight and for me it’s been lovely.
I ended up DNFing Late in the Day, so I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts on it when you post your review.
I wavered on quitting Late in the Day, so will need to think carefully about exactly what to say in its review.
You always have such interesting looking books. I have finished my January review books and have begin reading February releases. I’m also trying to squeeze in some from TBR mountain. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Thanks, Kathy. I try on the books! I’m impressed you’re on to February already. I have a couple January books yet to go.
So happy to hear that Johnston’s new book holds up to Descent … I loved that book.
Sugar Run is one that Im curious about! Will wait to see what you think ^^
I want to read The Dreamers at some point. I liked her first book. I recently read Anonymous Girl (good) and have the Heidi Perks book up next.
Sounds like we’re reading a lot of the same books this month, Melissa. I’ll keep an eye out for your reviews.
Most of these are new to me. Anonymous Girl is in my tbr list at the library.
I headed to net galley and requested The End of Loneliness after reading your thoughts. When I see saga in the description I can’t resist! I finished An Anonymous Girl and may have my unpopular opinion review up soon. I do think the audio with that narrator will probably be a good choice though
I hope you like The End of Loneliness. I’m almost done and I’m not sure I’d call it a saga.
Anxious to see your review of An Anonymous Girl. You have me a little nervous about it now!
Silver Sparrow is on my wishlist. First update of 2019
Interesting list of books Susie, most of which I’ve not heard of before now. I loved The dreamers and enjoyed An Anonymous Girl. I’m going to check out the other books you’ve listed, thanks!
Well, that’s it for me reading Talent. Neither you or Sarah liked it. Thank you for saving me the time!
I’m glad to see your 2019 reading is off to such a strong start with your other books.