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Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Hooray for spring! Flowers, shrubs and trees are in bloom, the sun is shining, and everyone is in a good mood. That’s what spring in Washington gets you after those long wet and gray days of winter. I took advantage of it on Saturday, buying and planting loads of flowers for pots and the yard. I’m in the midst of redecorating my front porch (to me it’s like another room in my house), and want to share pictures, but a couple items are on back-order. When all arrives in a week or two, I’ll give you a glimpse of my very favorite place for reading books. Speaking, of which, how’s your reading going? Is spring being good to you? I hope so!
Last Week’s Reads
This looks like a much bigger accomplishment than it actually is. I was nearly done with two of these books at the end of last week, and a third was very short. So, really a four book week was mostly due to timing.
- I first finished Juliet the Maniac by Juliet Escoria and I really liked it. This is a sort of autobiographical novel about a teenage girl falling into bipolar disorder and her journey toward finding a life with the disease. It’s raw and gritty, and pulled at my heart. I’ll have a full review posting on Thursday.
- When you’re listening to an audiobook and find yourself going for extra long walks just to get in more listening time, you know it’s a good one. That’s exactly where I was with The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth. This family drama will be part of a double audiobook review I’m doing tomorrow.
- Is there anything that Anna Quindlen isn’t wise about? She truly gets to the heart of being a grandparent in Nanaville: Adventures in Grandparenting. This is a slim little book that I’ve already recommended to several of my friends, and it’s a perfect Mother’s Day gift for grandparents, and parents alike. I’ll have more to say in that double audiobook review tomorrow.
- Reviews for The Farm by Joanne Ramos seem to be all over the place, and I think I fall a little more on the positive side. While it won’t be making my top ten of the year, I still found myself interested throughout and I think the story leaves a lot to think about. Mini-review later this month.
Currently Reading
- I’ve only read about a quarter of The Night Before by Wendy Walker, but have thoroughly enjoyed it so far. Told by two sisters in the past and the present, I think this is going to be a fun, fast read.
- I wasn’t sure what to do with this next entry, but want to talk about Taylor Jenkins Reid’s short story, Evidence of the Affair. It cost me $1.39 on Audible and I loved all 79 minutes of it. Told entirely through letters, I listened to most of it while getting a pedicure earlier today. Julia Whelan is only one of four narrators who all did a terrific job. If you’re a TJR fan, and have an extra hour, I highly recommend listening.
Likely to Read Next
- Next up in reading I’m going to be heading to a place I rarely go: space. Vessel by Lise R. Nichols tells the story of a female astronaut, long believed dead, who returns to Earth after more than a decade missing in space. That’s a premise i couldn’t say no to.
- I have an eARC of Southern Lady Code by Helen Ellis, but plan on listening to it instead. I’m looking forward Ellis’s wit and wisdom told in her own voice.
I hope you have a great week in books!
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I’d never heard of the TJR short story! Good to know! I’ll read anything she writes!
I recently read it and enjoyed it myself. I’m still wondering if TJR can write a book I won’t like? Doubtful!
I haven’t read everything by her yet. Have either of you? I’m a little nervous her earliest stuff may be a little to heavy on the romance.
I hadn’t heard of Vessel but I’m intrigued! Can’t wait to see your front porch, that’s one thing I’ve always wanted but don’t have, have to settle for backyard patio reading:)
I have no backyard to speak of which is why the porch is so important to me. Either way, reading outdoors is heavenly.
I love it when an audiobook keeps me walking. That’s a good sign. We pretty much live on our porch and deck (they’re connected) from mid-May through October. We’re just starting to pull it together for the season.
I read the Mother In Law and I really liked it which, surprised me since I didn’t care that much for the book she wrote last year.
That was exactly how I felt. Just goes to show we never know for sure.
I’m on a very long library hold list for The Mother-in-Law, but just found the audio available for instant download on hoopla. Maybe I’ll go that route. And I absolutely consider our porch another room, too!!
It was great on audio, so I say go for it!
I have The Mother In Law and Evidence of the Affair on my list to read.
I also fell on the positive side for The Farm! I thought it was super interesting and thought-provoking; there’s a lot to unpack in that book! I’d love to read it for a Book Club…that discussion would be great!
Some elements got a little soap-opera like, but overall I liked that it took where we already are to a whole other level. You’re right about making for an interesting book club discussion.
The Southern Lady Code seems like it could be fun.Have a great reading week
So far, I’ve liked it.
Nice looking group of books. Our trees haven’t greened up yet and this week is supposed to be cooler than normal which may put off growing things a while longer. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I actually had to break down and borrow a Kindle so I could read Evidence of the Affair, and I’m so glad I did! TJR can basically do no wrong.
Oh, wow! That’s dedication.
The Vessel sounds interesting. I’m adding it to my wishlist. My weekly updates