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It’s such a strange time! Some days I feel like time is crawling, with every day being so much like the day before, but then I look at the calendar and it’s already the middle of July. Last week was very slow, so I was able to get a lot of reading time in, and good reading, too. This week, I’m getting my hair cut and colored for the first time since mid-February. Obviously, it’s long overdue! I’ll also be working on curriculum mapping one day, though we still have not heard about any solid plan for reopening school. With the COVID numbers out there, school feels a little scary right now. I guess time will tell, and in the meantime? I’ll keep on reading!
Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Last Week’s Reads
- Overall, I’d have to say I was a little disappointed with The Party Upstairs by Lee Conell. The idea of sort of class differences in an Upper West Side building was good, but the execution was just a little too slow and a bit strange for me. Mini-review at the end of the month.
- Over the last few weeks I’ve been reading a chapter most days in Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be An Antiracist. With a lot to take in from each chapter, I really liked the approach and learned much from his book. It’s well worth reading! I’ll be doing a post next week sharing some of what I’ve been doing to better educate myself on racism in America.
- I finished listening to His & Hers by Alice Feeney this last week. I was a little up and down with the story. In the beginning I really enjoyed it, but then I felt like it went a little off the rails. This is one of four audiobooks I’ll be doing mini-reviews on tomorrow.
- Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Asichie has been on my backlist TBR list forever and I finally got to it and I’m glad I did. I really enjoyed this book that is ultimately a love story, but that brings in SO MUCH MORE. I rarely do full reviews on backlist books, but come back Thursday for my full review of Americanah.
Currently Reading
- I have had a library copy of Deacon King Kong in my house since March and I still had not read it. That’s embarrassing! Finally, last week I decided to change that, but I’m still not reading the library book. Instead I’m listening to it and after about 5 hours, I’m really liking James McBride’s story which is full of really interesting characters.
- I’m at the mid-point in The Golden Cage by Camilla Läckberg and am thoroughly enjoying this book about a wealthy woman seeking revenge on her cheating husband. it’s exactly the sort of book I needed after the heavier Americanah.
Likely to Read Next
- I had eight ARC’s of books released on July 7th. One got moved to September, I DNF’d one, have read four and have these two left. Want by Lynn Steger Strong is a short little book that I’ve heard mixed reviews on, but I’m eager to check it out for myself. Other writers, including Rufi Thorpe, have spoken highly of this debut novel.
- In You Again by Debra Jo Immergut a woman begins spotting a younger version of herself around the city. What she does about this is why I’m intrigued to read You Again.
I really like Camilla Läckberg, though I’m a bit behind in her series. I have this standalone on my list.
This was the first of her books for me, and I’d definitely read more.
Nice assortment of books. Teachers here in Minnesota are sharing your confusion about the next school year. I’m glad I’m retired. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I wish I could retire. This year may be it for me if things don’t get better.
So glad to know you enjoyed Americanah! I had hoped to start listening this week, but had a couple of library holds arrive. Guess it’ll be next month now. Will keep an eye out for your review.
I greatly enjoyed Deacon King Kong. Look forward to hearing more of your thoughts. (Did you read McBride’s The Color of Water years ago? Excellent.)
Our hair salons are still closed. My color is my own but I’m looking quite shaggy! Pony tail time 🙂
I did read The Color of Water, but it was a long time ago, for sure. I liked Deacon, but I think it’s a book that would have worked better for me in print. There was a lot to keep track of on audio.
I got my first cut and color since February last week. It feels good.
I really need to move Americanah higher up on my TBR list! I’ve been meaning to read it for ages. I haven’t read anything by James McBride, which I’m embarrassed about!
There’s always time!
Yeah I’ve read Americanah and liked it. I’ll have to dig up my review to recall its particulars. Does the woman in Want have about everything she set out to do … and still is unhappy? Not sure if I can handle that now in the pandemic with so much death. Hmm. but I’m sure it raises some interesting questions.
On Want, that’s not exactly it. She’s depressed and her and her husband are struggling financially, so are without a lot of options for her.