Welcome to Quick Lit, where I share short and sweet reviews of what I’ve been reading lately on (or around) the 15th of the month, and invite you to do the same.
Our Fall Book Preview is coming up this Wednesday, September 18 (click here to register) and I have been reading up a storm so I can tell you all about what’s publishing this season. There are so many good books coming out and I’m pumped to tell you about the “big” books of fall that I LOVED, the much-lauded books that were just not for me, and my sleeper favorites that I have seen nowhere else.
If you’re a regular reader you know that a mix of old and new is crucial to my reading happiness. While I’ve been reading mostly (but not entirely) new books in print, I’ve been mixing in some older releases on audio. That’s why this month’s edition of Quick Lit is heavy on the audiobooks.
I hope you find something that looks intriguing for your TBR on this list (and in these comments), and I look forward to browsing your recent reads below. Thanks in advance for sharing your short and sweet book reviews with us here!
Welcome to September Quick Lit
Wahala
The Briar Club
Lost Man’s Lane
By Any Other Name
Pink Slime
What have YOU been reading lately? Tell us about your recent reads—or share the link to a blog or instagram post about them—in comments.
43 comments
My favorite thriller of the year plus a few romances are all included in this month’s roundup!
https://neverenoughnovels.com/2024/09/13/september-2024-mini-book-reviews/
I was intrigued by the description of Lost Man’s Lane on that recent episode but forgot to make a note of it so I’m glad you brought it up again here!
My reading month was heavy on catching up on the to-read list I created during Pride month, so it was a lot of queer books: romance, memoir, nonfiction, and more! https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2024/09/what-ive-been-reading-lately-quick-lit.html
Anne – So many of your recent reads are on my TBR! I’m looking forward to Briar Club and By Any Other Name (the library hold list for these is long), and I am loving Lost Man’s Lane! The Weller… yes! This book is so good!
My recent reads include:
• The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (5 stars) – I loved the story of Homa and Ellie, who become best friends as young girls in Tehran, Iran, and despite rifts and obstacles, maintain a friendship for their lifetimes. Homa’s passion and fight for women’s rights in the face of political upheaval and crackdowns on women’s freedoms in Iran in the 1970’s is so inspiring. It’s hard to believe that Iran in the 1950’s was so modern and progressive in term’s of women’s rights when we see the country as it is today…
• No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister (5 stars) – This was a re-read for my book club, and it is still one of my favorites. The individual stories are just so captivating and I found myself totally immersed in each one. Such a beautiful book about how books affect us all in different ways.
• The Dallergut Dream Store by Mi Ye Lee (3.5 stars) – This is a charming fantasy story, translated from Korean, featuring Penny, a new employee of the Dallergut Dream Store, which sells dreams. In the book dreams are created and marketed in a similar way as video games are today, but they are purchased using the dreamers emotions as currency. It sounds a bit strange, and it is actually! There is not much plot in this book beyond Penny finding her role in the store, and the stories of customers and the dreams they purchase.
• Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn (3.5 stars) – this book was so strange… This is a portrait of a native Hawaiian family, struggling to make ends meet. During a boat outing the 7-year old son, Nainoa, falls overboard and is carried back to the boat and delivered to his mother by a shiver of sharks. Because of this event, Nainoa is perceived to have magical powers or special abilities. The story focuses on how this perception impacts him, his parents, and his two siblings throughout their lives. It was all a bit depressing, and I think the book struggled to make any sort of point.
• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (audiobook, 4 stars) – Loved this whodunit featuring “seasoned” protagonists and a twisty mystery, and am looking forward to continuing the series.
Current reads are The Day Tripper by James Goodhand (audiobook), which is similar in plot and structure to Oona Out of Order, and Lost Man’s Lane by Scott Carson, which is riveting! Happy Reading!
I’ve been reading Crow Talk, 1776, and Why We Sleep, Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Come discuss with me!
https://carolinestarrrose.com/quick-lit-what-ive-been-reading-lately-38/
I enjoyed Griffin Dunne’s memoir The Friday Afternoon Club. Actually it is titled: a family memoir. I am surprised at some reviews grumbling about name dropping. It’s like a well traveled person being accused of bragging when describing their travels. Mr. Dunne is approaching 70 and has every right to tell his story, which includes the names of well known people. His relatives and his acquaintances in the film industry. One of whom was Carrie Fisher. Someone also said in a review that they wished more of the story had been devoted to the tragic death of his sister Dominique. But this is Griffin Dunne’s memoir, so although the tragedy was one aspect of his life, he is telling his story. I enjoyed it very much. I would warn that if you do not know who he or his family members are, then it may not be your cup of tea. I loved his father Dominick’s Vanity Fair articles, as well as his novels. I think Griffin is as talented a writer and story teller as he is actor and director. This was a great blast from the past for me. I enjoyed reading it on a long flight and while traveling.
I listened to The Friday Afternoon Club. The narration by the author was fantastic. This was a 5-star for me!
Thank you for the suggestion of Long Island, I have never read anything by Colm Toibin, this is also my first time making a comment. I have followed for years and taken many suggestions. Long Island stayed with me through the weekend and I ordered Brooklyn to catch up on the folks in Long Island. I’m hoping for a sequel. Thank you for all you have done to enhance my reading life. I’m looking forward to receiving my Fall preview in the mail.
I’ve also never read Jodi Picoult — I tried to read one by her a few years ago, but one of the opening scenes was so disturbing to me that I couldn’t carry on. It did surprise me that this was your first Picoult novel!
My round-up list is looooong because I’ve been busy farming and haven’t had time to read or blog as much, but I did finally put together a round-up of most everything I’ve read in the last several months. There were a few duds in there, but so many really fun and noteworthy titles, including several off of my summer reading list:
https://www.toloveandtolearn.com/2024/08/29/loving-and-learning-lately-50/
Hi Torrie! I enjoyed your blog post and book list. I listened to Simon Senek’s Ted Talk on “Start With the Why,” which I think is the same topic covered in the book you listed. The Ted Talk was really good and seemed to cover the topic in ~20 minutes so I can see why you think the book could have been shortened. Happy Reading!
YES, I think the idea is excellent, but a TED talk is probably about the perfect length! I’ll have to check it out 🙂
I have “By Any Other on my library hold list; can’t wait! Thanks for the recommendations, Anne.
I read “The Anxious Generation” this month, such an important book about how phone usage is affecting our kids. My favorite fiction book this month is “The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers.”
See all 6 books here that I recommend in September.
https://lisanotes.com/books-i-recommend-september-2024/
For book club I have been reading Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry. While it is non-fiction and not my typical topic of interest, I have found it super informative and enlightening. I want to tell everyone to read it just to know what is going on in our economics and how certain families control so many aspects of our lives! (and influence governments and regulations)
I just listened to the podcast with Calley and Casey Means about their new book GOOD ENERGY about the same topic including BigPharm. So important for people to realize how big corporations control our lives in so many ways.
Also read Good Energy by Calleyand Casey Means or listen to the podcast .
We should be aware of who controls food and health.
This month’s BOOKBAG?
* Literary Guides & Role Models
* Next Level Devotional Journaling
* Booklover’s Links
* Upcoming Bestsellers I Can’t Wait to Get My Hands On
* My 30 Year Literary Time Capsule
* Kindle Deals
https://lindastoll.substack.com/p/porch-150-a-hefty-literary-lovers
Lost Man’s Lane sounds like the perfect fall mystery! I’ve been reading a lot of rom-coms lately so I’m ready to switch things up.
Here’s what I’ve been reading: https://readeatrepeat.net/2024/09/books-in-progress-what-ive-been-reading-lately-september-2024/
Really looking forward to Lost Man’s Lane after I heard about it on the podcast last week. The premise reminds me a bit of Stranger Things.
Here’s my reading from August. The new back to school routine has impacted my reading, but still managed to get a decent amount in.
https://www.allthebooksihaventread.com/blog-1/2024/9/15/on-my-nightstand-september-15-2024
Always fun to see what Anne and others are reading and get ideas for next reads!
It was a busy and fun month of reading with lots of variety to complete my summer reading challenge!
https://avikinginla.com/2024/09/what-ive-been-reading-lately-witmonth-august-2024/
I just finished By Any Other Name this weekend. I go back and forth on Jodi Picoult, but this was really good. It was recommended by the librarian who runs our book club.
Now trying to get into The Demon of Unrest. A lot of moving parts.
Just read Anthony Horowitz’s first and last books in the Hawthorne and Horowitz series. He is such a clever writer!
The Briar Club intrigues me. I will have to add that to my ever-growing TBR list. My reading was slow this month https://myviewofthehoneypot.blogspot.com/2024/09/what-i-read-september.html
Just finished The Briar Club. Started out a little slow, but by the end, I was holding my breath as I turned each page. Really good.
If you haven’t read Jodi Picoult I’d recommend My Sisters Keeper! This new book felt down different than previous books to me.
Loved My Sister’s Keeper!
Books #48-60 of 2024: https://thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com/2024/09/reading-update.html
I seem to be reading about prayer a lot lately, and specifically the historical written prayers of the church. The Riches of Your Grace is about the author’s immersion in The Book of Common Prayer. I still need to write a review, but I have managed to write about Prayers for the Pilgrimage, a collaborative offering from W. David and Phaedra Taylor with prayers arranged by topic and covering occasions for prayer from morning to evening, from doubt to faith, and from birth to death. It’s lovely. Here’s the link to my review—> https://michelemorin.net/2024/09/04/the-gift-of-fresh-language-for-a-daily-practice-of-prayer/
I am presently reading Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth and enjoying it. Hepworth is a sure-bet author for me, and she didn’t disappoint.
The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison; The In-between Bookstore by Edward Underhill; Small Rain by Garth Garwell; and Solito by Javier Zamora. The first two are Netgalley ARCS of still to be published novels.
I had a couple of duds, but also some five-star or near five-star reads that made it a great month. Here are my latest reviews: https://www.mindjoggle.com/august-2024-book-reviews/
With school back in swing, the book count is up! Though not as much as usual since Herriot’s book is a tome.
The Fire Cat, Esther Averill | 5/5 ⭐️s
All Things Bright and Beautiful, James Herriot | 5/5 ⭐️s
Wagon Wheels, Barbara Brenner | 5/5 ⭐️s
When Crickets Cry, Charles Martin 4/5 ⭐️s
The Titanic: Lost and Found, Judy Donnelly | 4/5 ⭐️s
Check out our website for tiny reviews and story summaries:
https://theshoreystories.com
Can’t believe you’ve never read Jodi Picoult; I love her books! I believe “My Sister’s Keeper” is the first one I read and it is excellent but if I had to choose just one, everyone should read “Small Great Things.” It is exceptional!
I loved The Briar Club! I have enjoyed all of the Kate Quinn books that I have read, but I liked that this one was set in a different time period.
I just added By Any Other Name to my TBR list and when I logged into Libby, surprisingly it was available for checkout at my local library without a wait!
I just finished All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda. It is told in a reverse time schedule – started with today, then went to 14 days out, then 13 days, and so on until it got back to today and then went to two weeks out again. I struggled with this format. Also just finished Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. It is the first of a three book series that is designed for adolescent readers, but I enjoyed it.
Currently reading The Measure. What an intriguing premise for this one!
The best book I finished this month was “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore. So good. I was reluctant to try it because I DNF’s “Long Bright River”. But The God of the Woods was excellent. I will be thinking about that book for a long time. May be my best book of 2024.
I read The Briar Club by Kate Quinn, The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers and The Unseen World by Liz Moore. I listened to the audio version of Go as a River by Shelley Read. It was a good month. I enjoyed them all.
I’m adding The Briar Club to my TBR now. I also dipped a toe into historical fiction (Magpie Murders and The Sea Keeper’s Daughters) and historical nonfiction (Clementine) this past month. See more at https://melissahoran.wordpress.com/2024/09/17/what-ive-been-reading-lately/
I’m really surprised that this will be your first book by Jodi Picoult. The first book I read by her was Leaving Time and just I loved it. Since then I’ve read many of her books such as: Small Great Things, House Rules, The Book of Two Ways, and A Spark of Light. Just a few days ago I finished Mad Honey, which is my new favorite. I met Jodi recently on book tour and received a signed hardcover of By Any Other Name and cannot wait to read it. I hope you enjoy this book and that you continue to enjoy her books.
I read a pretty good variety in August, a memoir, some informative non-fiction, my favorite read of the whole summer, family drama, and quite a few chapter books to my 6 year old!
August Reading Recap
Ive been reading the Divine Rivals duology (currently on the second book, Ruthless Vows). I also just finished The House is on Fire which is a historical fiction novel based on the Richmond theatre fire in 1811 (I could be off on the year but a few years). I found it really compelling! It is a fast moving historical novel written from the perspective of a couple different people whose lives are drastically affected by the fire. It deals with class, racism, gender roles and really invites the reader to examine these topics as well.
I recently finished “The Last Garden in England” by Julia Kelly, which has been out for a while (since 2021). It was a great summer read, and I plan to read more from this author.
Picoult’s newest book”By Any Other Name” is a departure from her other books most of which have storylines that center on a moral dilemma or family drama which can make the reader uncomfortable. In my opinion her writings stay with me long after and make me think and reflect on the issues of our times.
” By Any Other Name” is meticulously researched with shifting timelines that blend historical fiction (Emilie Bassano) and present day settings. I absolutely loved it and once again this story will stay with me for years to come …
I just finished The Briar Club on audio and really enjoyed it. I’m reading Everyone On This Train is a Suspect right now, and it’s a fun read. LOVED The God of the Woods this summer.
edited!
Just finished Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang. A memoir of what it’s like to be an undocumented immigrant in the 2000’s. Well-written. Also finally read The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. Loved it and can’t wait for the sequel. And The God of the Woods by Liz Moore was fantastic.
Comments are closed.