Category: books & reading

I meant to post this last week, but totally forgot! So here’s the reading I did in the last three months of 2014, and tomorrow I’m going to talk more about my reading plans for this year.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart – I loved the friendship between the four main characters and they were each so well-drawn. The setting was a character in itself. I was really into the mystery aspect and the way hints were dropped along the way was well done. I didn’t try to guess the end so when the truth came out I had to reorient and then the book became even better to me. Hard not to immediately re-read. (4 stars)

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell – Quick, fun, witty, feel-good. (4 stars)

Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka – I could have read more books this quarter if I hadn’t tackled this one. I had to read it slowly and take notes. If you have a spirited child, the typical parenting advice just doesn’t cut it. I needed serious help, and this was it. I now understand so much more of why my daughter acts the way she does. My attitude is better (although not perfect). I have more patience (but I still lose it). And I have a ton of strategies to try. Some of them have worked immediately. Some will take longer to have effect. Some I am still processing, but I am so grateful to have a plan. (5 stars)

The Ground Beneath Her Feet by Salmon Rushdie – I started this for book club, but only made it 100 pages in before it was due back at the library and I chose not to renew it. The writing was excellent and I usually love generational sagas, but this was just SO dense. Hardly any dialogue with a lot of obscure references that I’m sure are symbolic and smart but I just don’t have the mental capacity for this type of book right now, and that’s okay.

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson – I think I might have a mental block against giving “lighter” books 5 stars but I am breaking through that with this book. I adored the characters and how the humor wasn’t at their expense. Reading this gave me a happy, warm feeling – like I was curled up next to a cozy fire. (5 stars)

Yes Please by Amy Poehler – I highly recommend the audio version of this book, as you feel like you are just hanging out with Amy and she’s telling you funny and sweet stories. There are also some off the cuff parts and extra voices that add a lot to the performance. Parts of this I laughed out loud to, and parts I just nodded along with knowingly. Mostly it was just really entertaining and interesting to listen to. (4 stars)

Crow Lake by Mary Lawson – Begins with a tragedy, but somehow doesn’t feel tragic. I loved getting to know these characters and the ending was hopeful. (4 stars)

Did you know that October is national book group month? Are you part of a book club? I’ve been in one with a couple of friends for years, but I’m excited to try something different; a little more relaxed and still lots of fun! Keep reading for the details on a postal book club, and be thinking about if you want to be involved!

Here’s how it will work:

1. Each person in the group will pick out a book. The book should be about 300 pages (or less) but can be any genre.

2. You will obtain a hard copy of the book (it doesn’t have to be new, though) along with a small, blank notebook.

3. On the first page of the notebook, write a brief bio of yourself, along with why you chose the book.

4. By a specified date TBD, you will mail the book + the notebook to the person whose name & address will be given to you (as the leader, I’ll distribute these). Think of it as a circle of readers.

5. A few days later, receive a book in the mail from someone else in the club.

6. Read the book! You will have a set period of time, about 2 months.

7. On the next blank page of the notebook, write your thoughts about the book. Spoilers are fine, because the next person can choose to read the thoughts at the end. You may write as much or as little as you want; give chapter-by-chapter thoughts or an overall impression.

8. By that round’s end date, mail the book + notebook off to the next person in the circle.

9. Repeat until we’ve read all the books!

What do you think? If you love reading, talking about books, think you can finish in the set time period, and are open to all genres, then this is for you! Leave a comment here if you want to be involved, and I’ll email you.

I’m excited! I need more reading in my life!

[UPDATE 10/22/14: This book club is currently closed. If you are interested in joining, let me know and I will keep you on the list for future groups!]

 photo credit

One thing I learned from my reader survey is that you guys like to read about and talk books! That was really exciting for me to discover because I could discuss them forever.

For most of this year I’ve been in a reading slump as I’ve adjusted to two kids and reordered my life, but lately I’ve been reading a lot more and I’m excited about it. I’m going to continue sharing what I actually read each quarter, but I’ll be sharing more in-depth reviews when a book really affects me or an issue sticks out. I’ll probably also be bringing up other reading topics from time to time.

Today I’m talking about the books I’d like to read this fall. I’m totally a seasonal reader – certain books are just better for my mood in certain seasons. However, I’ll also totally go for a beach read in the winter depending on my mood. The following books really feel “fall-ish” to me, and are ones that I am in the mood for right this moment. I am seriously going to make an effort to read them before the end of the year!

Rebecca by Daphne duMaurier – This is one of my favorite books, and it’s one I’ve been wanting to re-read for awhile now. I’m not a re-reader, but this one begs for it. Also, it’s so perfect for autumn.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman – I’m not sure if a series could be more in my wheelhouse (that’s the first time I’ve ever used that word, btw, felt kinda weird but I’m going with it). Since the third one was just released and it supposedly gets better and better with each book, it feels like time. And as a bonus, my brother-in-law will read it with me.

This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper – The movie is coming out. I own the book. It only makes sense.

Foundation by Isaac Asimov – I’ve read a bunch of books by Asimov but not this one, possibly his most famous. It’s been awhile since I’ve read some serious sci-fi. And I own this one as well.

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell – This is one that is recommended for fans of Jane Austen, which I am. It feels like a good choice for my next classic.

Quiet by Susan Cain – Too many people have mentioned this to me recently and I can’t continue not to read it.

Have you read any of these books? What’s on your reading list for the next few months?