Alright, I’m still in my huge reading slump! Only four books in three months! That’s incredibly low for me and it bums me out. I mean, obviously I have less time now than I did before Liam came along, but I do have time. I’m just choosing to use it in other ways, like blogging, crafting, sleeping, or planning. It’s fine, I know that the enthusiasm ebbs and flows, but I am looking forward to it coming back. Anyway, here is what I did read:
Joyland by Stephen King – Stephen King is just such an amazing storyteller. This was a good coming-of-age story with an interesting setting, likable characters, a little mystery, and a satisfying & touching ending. (5 stars)
Lexicon by Max Barry – I super enjoyed this book. It was the first one in awhile that made me just want to sit down and read it straight through (although of course that couldn’t happen, but I read it a lot faster than my usual). It has such a cool premise, lots to do with human psychology and how we are influenced by words. There is a slight sci-fi bent to it but nothing crazy. It jumps around in time which kept it interesting although I do feel like I need to read it again to get it all straight. There is a bit of romance which I won’t say no to. A good amount of suspense, mystery, and action. Just all in all really fascinating. (4 stars)
Allegiant by Veronica Roth – My biggest complaint about this is that I found it boring. I was in favor of the expansion of the world and exploring the greater issues behind their factions and cities, but I felt like the bigger conflict was hastily thrown together and just didn’t work well. I found that I was having to force myself to read because it just wasn’t interesting me. Further than that, I had an issue with the alternating points of view. I see why it was necessary and I liked the insight into Tobias’s mind to an extent, but his voice and Tris’s were so similar that I kept forgetting whose chapter I was in and getting confused. Obviously I wasn’t satisfied with the ending but I’m not mad about it. Anyway, glad I pushed through so I could see what happened, but definitely ready to move on.
It Starts With Food by Melissa and Doug Hartwig – This is the book that inspired my whole30. It was extremely educational and interesting, and has changed the way I think about food and so far I’m sold on this lifestyle. Their attitude was completely nonjudgmental, encouraging, and hopeful. At the same time it made me want to eat clean while also not feeling guilty about the way I’ve been eating. I liked that they addressed the science behind food as well as the psychology. There are a ton of resources, plans, and ideas so it makes doing a whole30 seem obtainable.
From Nora:
Confession: I’ve never read a Stephen King novel. I borrowed one from the library once, reported to be one of his scarier ones, and I was so nervous about waiting for something to happen in the book (the scary stuff) I couldn’t get into it. I may have to try again!
From Kathleen:
You just have to pick and choose with him, because he does write a lot of horror and mystery, but he also just writes great stories! David is a Stephen King fanatic, otherwise I don’t know if I’d have ever picked up one of his books, but I’m so glad I did!
From Melissa:
Like Nora I’ve never read a Stephen King novel either! I just always assumed he wrote weird and scary stories…is that not the case?
From Kathleen:
A lot of them are scary or even outright horror, but many just have a hint of mystery or suspense. Even the scary books usually have an awesome story to them. For example, I read IT and it was also an amazing coming-of-age story which I totally didn’t expect!
From Mindy:
I have probably read way too many Stephen King books, lol… a phase in college! I loved his Dark Tower series. He writes some very bizarre stuff, but there’s no question he’s a gifted writer, as you say. And not all of his books are in the horror genre… Green Mile, or Shawshank Redemption, for example… his book on writing is great. I hadn’t heard about this newer one! I don’t think I can read most of his books anymore, but thanks for the review on this one!
From Mindy:
So, a question for you Kathleen (or anyone!): How do you decide on your summer reading list? Do you go by recommendations, or seek out lists, or does the library recommend? (I enjoy this feature from our library)… I tend to go by recs (now I’m going to check out Lexicon and Joyland!), but am curious about what you do!
From Kathleen:
I actually don’t really have a “summer reading list.” I keep a “to-read” list on Goodreads, and usually the books I add to it are recommendations. I listen to two book podcasts (Book Riot and Books on the Nightstand) so I get a lot of ideas there, and I’m also in a book club that meets monthly so I try to keep up with those books.
As far as deciding what to read next, I’ll usually prioritize my book club book and when I finish that I’ll just pick up whatever I feel like reading! Sometimes it’s dependent on library availability, or what I own, because I rarely buy books anymore.
From Trish:
I was just reading an old post the other day and it mentioned that I had only read 3 books in four months–right before elle was born. This year I’ve read more than any other recent year but I’m super stingy about naptime and doing anything else (like cleaning my messy house). I’m sad that this will all change when I go back part time in the fall. Maybe you can schedule in some reading time a few times a week?
From Kathleen:
That’s what I need to do – work it into my routine and schedule it! I just need to prioritize it more!