Lunch at my favorite spot, with a book! 📖 🍰

Just got home from the first library-led (me) book discussion since early 2020. I know many have loved this and our readers often really enjoy historical fiction so it was a great one to start us up again. I appreciated the book for the way it holds a mirror up to our current issues with immigration and climate change compared with the suffering during the Dust Bowl/Great Depression which so many need to see. A bit over-done and obvious at times.

Busy busy day of gardening, soccer, kids birthday party, and laundry….but snuck in a few minutes of porch reading with the man himself, Paul Holes!
(Beside my peonies!🌸)

A big ol‘ book about the most famous family in the world…? Is that accurate or would it be the Kardashians?! 😆
Anyhoo, I was entertained and if you have a royal fascination like me, read it!
Pictured here with my English rose!

Lunch break today was a good one: everything bagel sandwich, book, courtyard, lovely flowers and friendly neighborhood kitty for company (not pictured)
📖🥯 🌹 🐈‍⬛

This is a great palate cleanser for me, after several nonfiction books. I needed a bit of “out there” fiction and this delivered. I‘ve seen this compared to The Village (film) and that works. Don‘t want to say too much about plot, other than a children‘s book author goes missing and a private detective is hired by her parents to find her. Other characters are introduced and the story unfolds from different perspectives. Really liked the ending!

I think this needed some editing. Another memoir, but one I wasn‘t totally taken by. A bit like Educated, Glass Castle, and the like that show readers a tough childhood and coming of age. But the way Rodenberg flopped back and forth between her own story and those of her relatives didn‘t work for me. The relatives‘ stories were just long enough to be boring and too short to care about them. I had high hopes for this…But I nearly bailed!

You all know I can‘t say no to a memoir! This one was on the periphery of my radar and took the plunge after stumbling across the #audiobook on #hoopla. It was repetitive (many memoirs are) but it had something to say about post-9/11 America through the lens of a musical group traveling across the states on a tour to “perform” for audiences in malls, opera houses, etc. music that reminds audiences of the Titanic soundtrack. Decent read.

Soccer mom status ⚽️

Seriously loving this beautiful spring 🌸
The golden hour ✨
(Last night featuring my mom‘s rhododendron!)

Downeast Maine — a place I‘ve never heard of, is the town used here in the nonfiction trope of “profile people of a disadvantaged area and tell a larger story of America as a whole”. There are 5 girls (as the subtitles suggests 😆) but I wouldn‘t know that from reading it because I could never keep anyone‘s story straight. I would like to say it was my fault as a reader but I listen to many like this and it could have been better.

I love an essay collection and this was a good one! For some reason I thought this was going to be funny, and though there is quirk, I felt much more anxiety than I expected to feel. The author‘s son began having seizures which is traumatic. She writes openly and eloquently about her worries for him and how it has impacted their family. Also, the essay about the visiting turtle is adorable. But definitely not as light-hearted as I imagined.

THIS is why I read! The author has developed characters I cared about while maintaining a plot that had me turning pages and taught me so much! How did she do it?! Alternating POV from 3 characters—2 students and a teacher at a deaf school whose lives become intertwined, face issues experienced in deaf culture. Nonfiction “articles” are sprinkled throughout. The narrator of the audiobook signs when the characters do in the book! I learned so much!

This title pretty much sums up this perfectly! I‘ve read Phoebe‘s second book but still need to read her first. I don‘t remember heavy topics in her other (tagged) but this one covered 2020 and you know what that means — pandemic and #BLM movement. But still lots to laugh about here. She always delivers and I lovvvvee her tangents, abbreviations, and hashtags. Excellent narration for the #audiobook.

Terrifying how these outrageous dystopian-adjacent works of fiction are becoming more and more like real life. As a mother, this one hit hard. Though it‘s not a perfect book, it is impactful. Readers spend the majority of the novel with our MC in the school for good mothers, as the title implies. It was a bit repetitive, though it serves a purpose— I felt as if I were there going through the program with the mothers. A book for our time.

My #libraryhaul 📚
Work is a dangerous place…I can‘t resist these beauties 🤩

I wish I would‘ve passed on this one. It‘s newly published, posthumously, and translated from French to English. I think the combination of these two elements were working against it from the get-go for my reading taste. Though I see what the author was doing, I was bored to tears. It reminded me a bit of My Brilliant Friend but with less going for it.

I had my 4 choices picked then I saw @thebluestocking post a nonfiction list and I scrambled through my list of 2022 NF and found 2 to round out the list. #camptob2022 #camptob
@BkClubCare @Megabooks @Hooked_on_books @Cinfhen @Mindyrecycles @cariashley @Well-ReadNeck @Suet624 @Readerann @Sophronisba @vivastory @Chelsea.Poole @4thhouseontheleft @kwmg40 @squirrelbrain @thebluestocking @Addison_Reads @Ruthiella @sarahbarnes @ImperfectCJ

This really is a beautiful book. Although it isn‘t big on plot, I was very interested to see what would become of each of the well-developed characters. Liam, a 30-something man, arrives back in Solace and meets Clara, a young girl going through something big and they form a bond. An episode from Liam‘s past is slowly revealed by Mrs. Orchard, a neighbor he had a special bond with as a child. I teared up multiple times throughout this quiet novel.

#BookSpin and #DoubleBookSpin for May!
Thank you @TheAromaofBooks ☺️
Maude West is a leftover from @Mitch ‘s #NYWD list and this is just the push I needed to get going on it!
Also, I‘ve been looking forward to Solace quite sometime!

#bookreport and #weeklyforecast in one. I‘m a sucker for the royals and really loving The Palace Papers. Looking forward to my reading week 😊

Many of these made an appearance on my #bookspin list from April, gonna see what the spin has in store for May 🌸

My idea of #sundayfunday

Is this slim novel confused about what it is trying to be? Or maybe, myself as a reader tried to fit it into a box rather than just taking in the story. Either way it felt like YA and could have easily been. It also felt horribly dark in parts but then turned around and downplayed horrific events. After some thought I actually think this is skill from O‘Nan in his ability to inhabit the minds of his characters so compelling that he created.

I knew nothing about this serial killer, which is rare because I‘ve read and watched so much #truecrime. Ann Rule is the undisputed queen of the genre and she certainly didn‘t disappoint in this coverage of the crimes committed in Oregon and California in the late 70s. The audiobook is available on #hoopla.

This book provided a reading experience that burrowed into my brain. It at once felt like a lived experience for me (the pandemic) but also completely out-of-this-world (literally!). This author is magical. Also, a great companion to The Glass Hotel which should be read first. Sci-fi isn‘t my jam but St. John Mandel‘s particular brand is perfection. So much contained in such a slim novel…I‘m amazed! Loved it.

In a word: melancholic
More words, more do to with me than the book: For some reason, all the while I was anticipating this book‘s release, I had no idea it was poetry. Probably because I hate spoilers and rarely read the book‘s synopsis if it‘s an author I know I‘ll want to read anyway…? Anyhoo, did not see the poetry part, just the Ocean Vuong part and would have been less excited because poetry is typically not my thing.

Excellent audio narration! I picked this one up for #Booked2022 for #BlackOwnedPublisherOrImprint and I‘m glad I did. While I do agree wish some reviewers who mention the pacing issues, I liked the concept enough to overlook it. Our MC is hurting for cash so she enlists in a series of studies at Lakewood, where the benefits are great but come at a great price. A commentary on race and raises plenty of ethical issues which I appreciate in fiction.

Ok, life has been getting in the way of my reading. Both boys celebrated birthdays this past week — 7 & 5 years old! 😭 🥰my sister in law was in to visit for birthday celebrations and the perfect weather had us outside playing baseball in the backyard. Lots of great memories but not so many books consumed. Gonna take the pressure off and hope I get caught up with these in-progress reads. #weeklyforecast #bookreort

Oh, this was a nice distraction! A zany misadventure with a recently divorced mom of young children “killing it” in more than one way! I can see why this is getting so much love and I‘m glad I gave it a go even though the description didn‘t really appeal to me. I see the comparisons to the Stephanie Plum series and though that‘s not my jam, this one worked for me! There seems to be more meat here and I can see it being a movie.

Had the absolute best time last night out to dinner and then to see DAVID SEDARIS with my mom ♥️
He was fabulous!! I spent the day leaving up to seeing him listening to the tagged book which covers his early days abroad learning French.
At the event, he read several essays from his upcoming Happy-Go-Lucky (releasing next month!), other essays and journal entries and even plugged another author — Patricia Lockwood. The best time ♥️

I‘m so impressed with the audio narration for this title. Such a great take on motherhood and the stress of keeping it all together. This mother has an added issue — substance abuse disorder which has greatly impacted her life and the way she‘s raising her son. This was so well done; I felt like I was in the MC‘s shoes the entire way. 💔

Crazy busy week. None from my #BookReport are outstanding, This Might Hurt was a pan, the other two decent enough.
#weeklyforecast
Looking forward to each of these. It‘s finally David Sedaris week— we see him on Thursday!
Currently reading
Trailed — an ARC and it‘s good!
Finlay — just started, wacky
Tranquility— I‘ve been reading in print and life has just been so busy that I haven‘t had a chance to really get going. It‘s a winner though!

I really did not enjoy this. I was lured in by the premise: there‘s a cult, psychological thriller with twists. I wish I would have bailed when I wasn‘t enjoying it at the beginning but so many references to the “spectacular ending” made me want to see if it was worth it. It wasn‘t. I suppose I prefer my cult books to be nonfiction. I listened to the audiobook and found it dull. As sad as it was, the child abuse scenes were the most well-done.

We started a new weekly program at my library. We talk about what we‘re reading each Wednesday at noon on Zoom. It‘s free and open to all and it‘s been pretty fun so far! I have been thinking Litsy may be into it! If you are, fill out this Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZn4bkWMEMM5FeKyajSBmBqsKaHs5wmcU7zvZj...

I read something that described this as a “reverse false imprisonment story” and that‘s pretty spot-on. This is the unbelievable account of murderer Edgar Smith‘s crimes, time in prison (and lack thereof), relationships (notably with William F Buckley Jr —politician) and multiple trials. Unsettling to read 2 books so close together about white men who literally get away with murder in our criminal justice system while innocent BIPOC sit in prison.

A mix of true crime and memoir, this is squarely in my wheelhouse. Rachel Rear, the author, has written an examination of her stepsister‘s disappearance. It‘s a bit problematic because Rear never met Stephanie and writes this book against Stephanie‘s sister‘s wishes. Rear uses case files she has access to as a member of the family, and interviews people close to Stephanie. The case is ultimately solved and I was hooked until the end.

I love Emily Oster‘s parenting books. She‘s an economist and uses research to make her parenting decisions. Her children are slightly older than mine, so each time she releases a new book my kids are the perfect age for the content. I‘ve followed her since “Expecting Better”, my favorite pregnancy book. This one is for school aged kids and covers topics like, when to get kids phones (12!), redshirting kindergartners & extracurricular activities.

#BookReport
Another amazing bunch of books! Lost & Found was my top favorite but all were great!!
#WeeklyForecast ⛅️
Not sure exactly what I‘ll get to, but these three are most likely. Finlay is my #bookspin
Currently Reading 📖
Can‘t wait to really get going on Sea of Tranquility! I‘ve read wonderful things! It‘s getting cracked open tomorrow hopefully!

An amazing memoir, likely one of the most memorable books of the year. A heartbreaking and perfect examination of the death of Schulz's father and it‘s impact on her life (Lost), followed by being Found (part 2) by the love of her life, fellow author Casey Cep (Furious Hours). The final section “&” —a mingling of the worst and best times of Schulz‘s life. This is full of the stuff of life: joy and grief, death and love, the mundane and profound.

In one word— relatable. I haven‘t read the author‘s advice column but apparently I need to because I love her tone and down-to-earth, realistic self-depreciating (and husband-depreciating!!) tone. I laughed out loud more than once and also sympathized and could have nearly cried at the end. Shes alternatively feeling repulsed, annoyed, but ultimately loved by & hugely grateful for her life partner, throat-clearer that he is! (I have one myself!🫠)

A perfect Friday night! I don‘t even mind this horrible cold weather that‘s supposed to be spring because I have this gorgeous new fireplace! 🔥 And here I am in my turnip socks, book in hand, as promised 😊

After school playground session for my boys while I antisocially read in the car 😅😏📖

My new fireplace! A true dream come true!!! Custom built-in reading bench on all sides. This is where you‘ll find me with my book, hot tea, and a cozy blanket. I‘ve been waiting years for this and so happy to finally have it installed. 😍
🔥 📖

#BookReport ✔️
A great reading week. I highly recommend each of these!!
#currentlyreading 📖
👑WILL is extra intriguing after the events at the Oscars
🪶SPARROW is #truecrime and excellent so far
#WeeklyForecast ⛅️
I‘ve got some nonfiction titles lined up for the upcoming week. Not sure I‘ll get to all of these but I‘ve been looking forward to Foreverland so I‘ll probably prioritize that one.

Ok, this was my first time trying this out— and I didn‘t complete all the winter prompts for #Booked2022 :(
However! I now have a better plan to get some I left out accomplished. Plus, I finally crossed some off my list to fit prompts that I ended up really enjoying!

Thanks for hosting! @4thhouseontheleft @barbarathebibliophage @Cinfhen

My #BookSpin and #DoubleBookSpin for April ☁️
The queen of true crime, Ann Rule is first and then going to dig into Finlay Donovan — heard some great things about it!!

A years-long view of an extended family told through snippets of various members in different stages of life. Though a big undertaking, the chapters zoom in on the minutiae of the characters‘ everyday life in Anne Tyler‘s signature style.

Anne Tyler is magnificent. I fell in love with her books with A Spool of Blue Thread. This one is a close second to that one, although I‘ve only read 5. Tyler backlist, here I come!

Absolutely dynamite! I won‘t be able to offer anything more than what has already been said about this one-of-kind novel, but will add my name to the list of those blown away by it. I think someone has said this here, but it‘s all I can come up with — the funniest book about racism and injustice I‘ve ever read. This is a testament to the author‘s skill. I must read others by Everett. Read this for the Tournament of Books which has broadened ⬇️

One that I‘ve been eyeing for quite awhile, which was worth the wait! I love a memoir in essays!! ♥️ and O‘Farrell certainly did not disappoint. Harrowing, but also relatable, these stories of near-death experiences range from medical issues she‘s experienced to violence and even swimming mishaps. Adored Hamnet, which is so different, but makes me want to read her others ASAP. Also, be warned - this can be difficult/traumatic. Read TWs.