This post may include Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I hope everyone had wonderful holidays and that the start to 2020 will be equally as good. I’ve been sort fo missing in action the last couple of weeks. After posting all my end of year lists (see links below), I decided to take a little time off. My whole family met up in Denver where my brother and his family live. Great times were had by all, but there was almost no time for books or reading. This next week I’ll be home more so really hope to squeeze in a couple of great 2020 books.
In case you missed any of my year end wrap up posts, here’s the line up!
Six 2019 Books That Deserved the Hype, plus Six That Didn’t
Six 2019 Underrated Gems
DEBUTS ~ My Favorites from 2019
Audiobooks ~ My Favorites from 2019
Novel Visits ~ Winter Preview 2020
BEST BOOKS of 2019
Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Last 3 Week’s Reads
- Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano tells the story of the lone survivor of a horrific plane crash, 12-year old Edward. I really enjoyed this coming-of-age story dominated by Edward’s long journey through unimaginable grief. I’ll be reviewing Dear Edward next week.
- It feels like I finished listening to The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood a very long time ago! It was a reread for me and because I already knew the story, I don’t think I liked it quite as much as the first time around. Still, it’s an amazing tale. I have a library hold coming up in a few weeks on The Testaments audiobook, so we’ll see if I’m ready for that one when the time comes.
- Long Bright River by Liz Moore hadn’t been a book I thought I’d like, but then it started to get a lot of buzz, so I picked it as a December Book of the Month selection and I’m SO glad I did. I loved this story of two sisters, one a cop, the other a drug addict, and will be reviewing it next week.
- I finished listening to A False Report by T Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong (in some instances titled Unbelievable) while flying across country last week. From beginning to end, I was fascinated by this report on a serial rapist and how one police department got it completely wrong, while another got it completely right.
- I’m not sure I gave The Better Liar by debut author Tanen Jones a really fair read. I was in and out of the book over the week of Christmas spent in Denver with lots of family, fun and distractions. That may have flavored my feelings, but in general I thought the book was just so-so, and much too predictable. Mini-review later this month.
Currently Reading
- I started A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler mid-way through my flight home yesterday and it made the time fly by. This book is not historical fiction as we typically get from Fowler, but the story of a nicely diversified neighborhood that is slowly becoming gentrified and how that affects neighbors and their relationships. I’m at about 30% and eager to get back to reading!
Likely to Read Next
- Next up I’ll likely turn to The Truants by Kate Weinberg, my last January ARC. Another debut, this book is purported to be both literary suspense and a campus novel which sounds like a truly winning combination to me. Comparisons to The Secret History by Donna Tartt can be dangerous, but I’m eager to try this one.
I’m so glad you had a great holiday with your family! It’s always nice when everyone can get together.
I just finished Dear Edward as well and really enjoyed it!
I was touched by his story.
Hope you have a wonderful New Year, Angela.
Good reading! I like Fowler but haven’t yet read A Good Neighbor. Happy New Year.
I’m 70% into A Good Neighborhood now and it’s still holding up. It’s a very different sort of book for Fowler and I love when authors change things up.
You were in Colorado??!?! Wish we could have met up! Glad you enjoyed time with your family! I can’t wait to get to Dear Edward and The Good Neighborhood!
My brother is in Denver, so next time I head that way, I’ll let you know and maybe we can meet up.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time with your family. I still have one January ARC but hope to finish it today. Come see my week here. Happy reading and happy new year!
I have one January ARC left, too, but skipped it to venture into a February book. I’ll go back and finish January next.
Sometimes its great to get away and be with family and leave even reading behind. I think it would bring you back refreshed and ready to read!
Wonderfully, said. I read the ENTIRE three hour plane ride home!
I can’t wait to hear how The Truants is! I held off on the ARC b/c We Wish You Luck sounded similar, but I’ll grab it if you end up liking it!
Will let you know. I hope to start it by Wednesday or Thursday. Enjoy your vacation!
I should see if my library has The Testaments on audio. Happy New Year! See what I’ve been reading at Girl Who Reads.
The Truants and A Good Neighborhood have both been on my radar. It’s so hard to make time for reading over the holidays, I agree! I’ve been reading the same two books for ages, although I’ve listened to a lot of audiobooks. On my breaks at work I’m reading China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan and at home I’ve been reading A Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory. Both are very easy, entertaining reads, but family and holiday stuff has taken precedence!
Ohh great. So glad you liked Long Bright River which is on my January list to read. It looks so good!