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How’s your February reading going? I hope it’s on fire, and if it is maybe you can give me some suggestions! I seem to have read a lot of blah books recently and we all know how frustrating that can be, but things are looking up. I’m currently both reading and listening to books I really like and I think my upcoming reads will be good, too.
I’m excited about this week for a couple of reasons. First, I have a really fun sort of Valentine’s Day post to share with you this week. It’s my only other post this week and will be up tomorrow. Second, my sister is coming for a visit. She’s flying in on Thursday and I have an extra long weekend for some fun girl time. We’re hardly ever together with just the two of us, so I’m very excited to get her to myself for a few days. May you have a wonderful week, too!
Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Last Week’s Reads
- Going into Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin I’d heard from quite a few people that it hadn’t really worked for them, but I wanted to try for myself. I should have listened to everyone else. The first half of the book was pretty good, but then it just went off the rails and became a hot mess! The book has a lot of buzz around it, but I just don’t see why.
- It’s a similar story for The Companions by Katie M. Flynn. This is a dystopian sci-fi story and I really liked the first 60%, as Flynn introduced all her characters in long, but interesting chapters. Then, she got lost with so many different balls in the air that it was impossible to keep juggling them. And the ending? Again, a hot mess!
Currently Reading
- My reading took a turn for the better when I started listening to You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, The writing team’s 2019 release, An Anonymous Girl, really worked for me on audio (my review) and at 30% so is You Are Not Alone. Narrators Barrie Kreinik and Dylan Moore are bringing the story to life for me.
- I was a little skeptical about The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner because I’ve read a lot WWII historical fiction. Finding something new and unique can be difficult, but I was immediately drawn into this story of a Polish mother and daughter trying to stay hidden and alive. I read 60% in one day and plan on finishing the book this afternoon.
Likely to Read Next
Both books here were February Book of the Month Club selections for me and I have to say as a new BOTM member, I’m frustrated. I saw people on Instagram posting as early as the 3rd that they already had their boxes and mine is still not here. (I ordered on the 1st.) They sent me tracking information for my shipment on the 5th, but it has just moved from one east coast “Shipping Partner” to another. The box still doesn’t seem to be in the actual postal system. I’m going to wait to see when it finally arrives, but I see an email to BOTM in my future. I’m done complaining now. Thanks for listening!
- The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré is a book that wasn’t much on my radar until the last few weeks, but one I’m now very excited to read. The story of a young Nigerian girl finding her voice and fighting to make a better life for herself sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful coming-of-age debut.
- Courtroom dramas aren’t usually my thing, but so many have already read and loved The Holdout by Graham Moore that I knew I had to give it a chance. My picks haven’t been working all that well this winter, so maybe it’s time to go in some different directions.
Oh, man, the BOTM thing is so frustrating! Hope you get them soon!
Bummer on the BOTM shipping. Ugh. I hope my reading time increases this month.
I hope so too, Beth. Maybe you can escape with some good books.
I received my BOTM book Saturday, 2/8 and I live in Texas. Also, I just read “Sweetgirl” by Travis Mulhauser and I really liked it. It has a wonderful first line (love those) with a high interest beginning that stayed strong until the end, and I cared about the main character.
My BOTM shipment went from PA to IL to Las Vegas and I live in WA. Who knows when I’ll see it!
I’m going to check out Sweetgirl right now. Thanks for the tip.
Haha I HATE when I ignore others’ advice and read book anyway “just to see if I like it”! Thanks for vetting Saint X for me 🙂
I’m enjoying The Holdout but I really hope it ends well. Right now it could go either way, but at least I’m enjoying it as I’m reading it! Have a great week.
Happy to vet for you, Tina, but still wish I’d listened to others.
Looking forward to trying The Holdout.
Have fun with your sister! I have been reading blah books too and haven’t anything to suggest. I hope we both find something amazing to read this week. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
The Yellow Bird Sings has been a real bright spot for me. You might want to try it if you like historical fiction.
I’m always amazed at how fast my BOTM boxes arrive. I’m sorry yours is inching along.
I’ve heard lots of good things lately about The Girl with the Louding Voice. Let’s hope that it or one of the other books you are reading currently like Yellow Bird is a breakthrough book for you. I hate it when the books I read are just so-so.
I hope you have a great week and that your box arrives!
The Yellow Bird Sings did make me really happy. On to something else because I still dont have my BOTM box.
Enjoy the rest of your time in Paris.
The Girl with the Louding Voice is on my wishlist. My weekly update
Enjoy your time with your sis!
Wishing you a great reading week
Enjoy your long weekend with your sister!
As you know, I’ve been in the same (sinking) reading boat as you. Thankfully, I finished one book, The Women in Black, that was delightful, and now I’m reading The Sun Down Motel which is creepy fun. I’m hoping this is how the rest of Feb goes.
Thanks, Catherine. Like you, my reading has taken a turn for the better. Let’s hope it continues for us both!
I just finished & reviewed The Holdout … which I liked until the ending which got a little crazy. Still it was enjoyable enough for February cold spells. I think I’ll check out The Yellow Bird Sings. thanks!
Let me know if you read The Yellow Bird sings. I’d be interested to hear what you think of it. And, thanks for the warning on The Holdout. I’ll go into it a little more aware.