Welcome to Quick Lit, where we share short and sweet reviews of what we’ve been reading lately on the 15th of the month.
Lately my reading life has been focused heavily on the coming Summer Reading Guide; I’m blazing through upcoming releases just as fast as I can in order to finalize the guide’s selections. You’ll find out what those are very soon.
The other big influence on my reading life this month, as you’ll see below, is our Stay at Home Book Tour. I loved being able to read the books and talk to the others in quick succession. (If you missed those events, you’re in luck—we recorded them all, and you can watch anytime.)
I hope you have read some good books lately! Please tell us all about your recent reads in comments.
What I’ve been reading lately: the new and the notable
How to Be Fine: What We Learned from Living by the Rules of 50 Self-Help Books
The Antidote for Everything
The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power
So We Can Glow: Stories
The Highly Sensitive Parent: Be Brilliant in Your Role, Even When the World Overwhelms You
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.
P.S. 11 books that are better in the spring, and 15 titles that will help you branch out from your usual genres.
113 comments
On THE BOOKBAG * PANDEMIC EDITION –
* missing the library
* 2 books and 1 series
* giveaway of a copy of The Freedom From Depression Workbook
* lots of link love
http://www.lindastoll.net/2020/04/the-bookbag-pandemic-edition-giveaway.html?m=1
I, too, miss the library, especially since just before everything shut down I made a huge lists of books I was planning to borrow from the library. At least this is something I look forward to doing when things settle down.
So missing the library and looking forward to that experience again. Just not the same reading an e-book. Interlibrary loan enabled so many choices!
I have just started a Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg, and just finished the 6th Lady Darby book.
My reading over the last month has suffered, but I’m learning to take my time with the books I choose to read – it’s not them, it’s me! I keep reminding myself that reading is for fun, not a chore, and it’s not the numbers, but the quality. Hard to remember when there are so many good books out there.
Can’t remember if it was on your podcast that I first heard of it, but I’m reading The Shadow is the Wind and it’s SO GOOD. Perfect escape from reality during this quarantine. Just finished This Must Be the Place which was a solidly good read.
I find myself craving only fiction right now. Too much news or something had shut down my usual Ennegram 5 thirst for non-fiction.
Shadows of the Wind was highly recommended to me by a B&N employee. It is still on my shelf and was thinking of using that or Murmur of Bees for the “book in translation” for the MMD Reading Challenge.
Who wrote The Shadow of the Wind? I’m trying to find it and haven’t be successful so far.
I just finished the “Shadow in the Wind” but it was much more dark and Gothic than I expected, and I didn’t love it. Although I did love the descriptions of Barcelona Spain. My family and I would be in Barcelona, Spain right now, if it weren’t for this pandemic. After that I read “The War That Saved My Life” which was a recommendation from Anne and absolutely loved it. I am currently reading Sarah’s Key also very good!
I can’t wait for the summer reading guide! Keep reading, Anne, we need you! Also that book about addresses sounds fascinating. It’s so interesting to think about what kinds of things you can predict about a person based on where they live. I wonder what my address says about me?
I’ve been doing a lot of reading myself: https://readeatrepeat.net/2020/04/15/books-reading-april-2020/
Hi Jordan,
I just tried to comment on your blog post, but I was blocked as a suspected bot. I wanted to thank you for reminding me of As Bright as Heaven. It was a Book of the Month pick for me which I haven’t read yet. I’m currently reading The Murmur of Bees which takes place in Mexico during the time of the Spanish flu epidemic. I’ll be eager to read As Bright as Heaven soon.
Wow! I just mentioned that I was toying between that and Shadow of the Wind for my “book in translation”. I didn’t know it was about the Spanish flu.
In a flurry of excitement I requested about 15 books from the library (all recommendations from WSIRN!). After all the holds came in at the same time, I realized there was no way I could read them all before they were due back but I thought, eh WTH I’ll try! So I got them all and then THE NEXT DAY the libraries all closed and we get to keep our checked out books until they reopen!!! I kinda feel like I won the lottery or something. ☺️ This Could Be the Place has been my favorite so far. Thanks for all you do, Anne! You enrich my (reading) life so much!
This EXACT same thing happened to me only it was a couple days before the closure. Now I’ve read them all and was able to take my time and not have the pressure of looking to see how many other had requested them. My favorites of the ones I got…
These Ghosts are Families and Creatures (this one was different from what I’m normally drawn to, but I keep thinking about it so that must mean something!
This IS a jackpot! Glad you have plenty of books to choose from! This made me smile!
I visited your blog but my comment was blocked. I loved As Bright as Heaven too. Thanks for telling me about The Silent Treatment. It sounds so intriguing that I’m adding it to my list.
Tried to post on your blog, but it thought I was a bot. Just found it interesting that Whitehead used the name Mark Spitz for a character. Mark Spitz was a US Olympic gold medalist in the 1970’s in swimming.
I thought the same thing about Mark Spitz!
I love Kristen and Jolenta’s podcast so I would likely love their book as well. Thanks for highlighting it here. It wasn’t on my radar.
I just finished A Spark of Light last night, so I am looking for a new novel to throw into my stack of heavy non-fiction books. I’ll look into The Antidote for Everything. Thanks, Anne. It’s been harder to concentrate as I read these past few weeks. 🙁
My favorite 5 books I completed last month are here:
https://www.lisanotes.com/books-i-recommend-march-2020/
For this month’s Quick Lit post, I’m sharing reviews of a delightful mystery, a surprising memoir, two popular contemporary novels, and a book on slowing down (which I’m definitely getting a chance to put into practice!).
https://kendranicole.net/quick-lit-april-2020-reading-wrap-up-part-two/
My quick lit reviews include lots of light, fun reads this month! https://neverenoughnovels.com/2020/04/13/april-2020-book-recommendations/
I can’t wait for the Summer Reading Guide. I hope the library is open by then; my wallet will not be able to stand the hit.
My reading life is weird right now, just like the rest of my life, it would seem. I talk about it here: https://shannanenjoyslife.com/2020/04/10/quick-lit-next-page-please-march-2020/
Recently I have really enjoyed reading Far Far Away and The Golem and the Jinni, but was massively disappointed by Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare. I usually love all of her books, but this one felt odd. I could not keep up with all of the new characters and their relationships. Also, she had the characters go to a party towards the beginning of the book and introduced a ton of extra secondary characters, so my brain was constantly trying to figure out who was who. I gave up about 1/4th of the way thru. ***However, my fifteen year old said she got around this issue by making a chart of how all of the characters were related, so maybe I need to borrow her chart:)
I did find that there were a lot of characters to keep track of as well. I had to go online to look at family trees to remind myself of relationships! I got thru that and ended up loving it! Perhaps look at the chart your daughter made and give it another go! I wanted to make a chart but was too lazy, lol. I feel bad that I’ve had Chain of Gold from the library all this time. People out there are wanting to read it, and it’s just sitting here waiting for the library to reopen!
Chain of Gold is on my TBR pile and from the sounds of it I could use her chart also 🙂
I’ll has been looking forward to this book as loved The Infernal Devices books! I gave up on the Dark Artifices which made me a little sad.
You read such a variety of titles, when I feel like all I want to read these days is easy fluff! Here’s my list: http://under-the-lintel.blogspot.com/2020/04/quick-lit.html
Thanks so much for the link up! Please visit me at the Cozy Burrow: https://katiegilley.com/2020/04/15/reading-and-knitting-round-up-week-16-of-2020/
I’ve been seeing The Address Book around lately and it looks fascinating…also didn’t know it addressed epidemics.
My April Books to Read (and Skip):
https://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/april-2020-books-to-read-and-skip/
I love those books especially the one about Jean Nidetch. I have been a WW Lifetime member since since 1972. Yes, I am old-68 to be exact!!! I grew up in NY and remember the original Weight Watchers program and Jean Nidetch. I am still a member and heard about MMD from the Reading Group on their app. Can’t wait to order that book.
I am reading Hidden Valley Road with the Oprah Book Club and find it fascinating, but I was a psych major as an undergraduate.
How to Be Fine sounds so fascinating! I’m definitely adding to my list. I’ve read only fiction lately, so I need a good grounding in reality. =) The books I’ve enjoyed (or not!) are a mix of very new fiction, kind of old fiction (1950s), and middle grade novels, new and old. Happy reading! http://miathereader.com/quick-lit-winter-to-spring-what-i-read-in-quarantine/
I added the 2 D.W. Stevenson books to my Kindle Unlimited though I had to drop 2 others to fit into my 10 book max. How is that ‘unlimited”?
Miss.the.library.so.much.
Like others, my reading has suffered. I did however finish:
1. Gun, Germs and Steel
2. The Body by Bill Bryson
3. And am rereading probably everything by Jane Austen because she is my fall back when I am stressed. Starting with Pride and Prejudice even though it’s not my favorite, but man I need a strong and witty woman right now!
I was interested in The Body until I saw how long it was. I was going to do it on audio…thoughts? Are there a lot of pictures or tables that make the physical book more necessary?
The Address Book sounds fascinating!
I listened to the audiobook of The Body. I love Bill Byson’s audiobooks.
I have added The Address Book to my TBR list. It sounds fascinating! My recent reads are here: https://creatingthislife.com/book-report-quick-reviews-of-what-ive-been-reading-6/
This past month, I actually bought a new book – and it may be my book of the year. It’s 5 interlinked biographies of unconventional literary and academic women who lived in the same Bloomsbury Square (London) between the wars, including Virginia Woolf and Dorothy L. Sayers. Check out my review at
https://susandcook.blogspot.com/2020/04/quick-lit-april-2020.html
Thanks for this list, Anne.
How to be Fine looks intriguing.
After repeatedly checking out The Dutch House from the library, I finally found time to read it. Truly a work of art, though I have to admit feeling conflicted about recommending it wholesale.
Meanwhile, I had fun some digging for sources for free (or almost free) print books.
https://purplecrayonyourworld.com/11-ways-to-find-hard-copy-books-for-free-or-almost-free/
This web link was so helpful!! I never click on anyone’s links but did so on yours to find out the book resources. I signed up for the penguin publishing email, found a free “book house” in my area and want to add that ThriftBooks has been a saving grace now to get books in my hand for very reasonable cost ( free shipping on $10 orders) thank you for your great list!
I loved The Antidote for Everything. It was just the right blend of serious topic with a light tone.
Here’s what I’ve been reading: https://www.mindjoggle.com/april-2020-book-reviews/
I’m reading The Address Book right now and the first chapter grabbed me because I vividly remember that we went from an address that was Rural Route 1 to —– Fox Road when I was in middle school. That was such a huge thing because I was always jealous of kids that had “actual addresses”. I’ve loved both of Kimmery Martin’s books and I’m anxious to listen to her book tour!
I’m sharing 7 books this month including one I hated and 6 I really loved or enjoyed. http://www.sincerelystacie.com/2020/04/quick-lit-mini-reviews-of-some-recent-reads-april-2020-edition/
Stacie, I’m so with you!! I have put The Address Book right on my TBR list (and am sorry to see it’s still expensive on Kindle) because I’m just like you! I had a RR 1 Box 202 address forever, and I LONGED for a REAL actual street address. 9-1-1 came late to rural Maine, but I finally got a good one, 74 Broadway! Wow, was I happy. It’s these “little” things that mean so much. I will be fascinated with this new book.
Yes! I grew up in very rural Iowa and 911 is what did it for us too. All my friends and even other family had such “fancy” addresses.
Like a lot of people, it’s been oddly more difficult to carve out reading time than it was before the stay at home! But I still managed to read 8 books- 4 I’d highly recommend.
https://www.tbretc.com/etc/whatireadinmarch2020withreviews
Oh I can’t wait for the Summer Reading Guide. My current reading has slowed. I don’t read as much when I am anxious or tend to re-read however here are my new reads for April https://myviewofthehoneypot.blogspot.com/2020/04/what-i-read-april.html
I haven’t read any of the books on your list. I need to read Kimmery Martin’s books. I have Queen of Hearts, but haven’t read it yet. I have been reading from my TBR stack and have read several great books recently. https://fromourbookshelf.com/current-reads-april-20/
Library- the very first place I’m going when I have freedom! Getting new books is life essential for me! I’m so grateful my TBR pile has been piling up.
I read The Antidote for Everything last month too! I also read Hannah Coulter and The Glass Hotel. March was a great reading month for me.
With a prolonged self-quarantine headed my way, I thought I would have lots of extra time to read. It hasn’t quite worked out that way yet, but I did manage a few good reads and listens.
http://www.avikinginla.com/2020/04/reading-lately-march-2020-scandireadingchallenge-update/
I really enjoyed the quirky “The Golden Flea” by Michael Rips, and I read 22 books in March.
I have seen “The Address Book” around! Looks fascinating! I’m currently reading “Bangkok 8”. It’s a mystery/crime thriller. Happy Reading! https://incessantbookworm.com/2020/04/15/quick-lit-19-what-have-you-been-reading-lately/
I’m impressed that you’ve been able to keep reading so much! I was averaging about 8 books a month before, but I’ve been really struggling since the current pandemic started to focus on much of anything. I did knock out a few books though in the last month–I finally read Daisy Jones and the Six, as well as two fun memoirs and the classic Gift from the Sea:
https://www.toloveandtolearn.com/2020/04/14/loving-and-learning-lately-24/
I just finished listening to The Lager Queen of Minnesota, and it hit all the right chords for me – beer, overcoming adversity, and references to hotdish. Heard about it from you, Anne, on a recent episode, and I’m so glad I did! The audiobook is fantastic.
First, so glad to see Elaine Aron’s new book out! And second, I just finished all my notetaking on Anne’s new book, and I was ecstatic to put it in action this week: we got a donation request from our church, as the Guatemalan community we support needs $ for distance learning materials. We’ve had some hefty dr bills for our daughter lately–so, normally, I’d table the request and OVERTHINK it! But when it came in, I said to myself, Here’s my chance to put this in action! I said to myself, “I JUST wrote out my values in my BUJO–and they were 1) education and 2) equity. It made it SO easy. I gave what I could, directly from my checking account, IN THAT MOMENT, it was DONE, and I felt GREAT! (I’m sure you’ve all already read the book & have your own success stories…I just had to share mine!) Thanks, Anne!
Glennon Doyle, Untamed
Rage Baking
everything by Jiffy Kate
I’ve pivoted to mostly romance and YA. I read to escape, and I just want things to work out in my books right now. Here’s what I’ve been reading lately. https://anovellook.com/home/2020/4/15/quarantine-reading-update
I miss the library. It has been hard to focus on my reads, but I did enjoy Miss Buncle’s Book, maybe because is a light read. Also, working from home kind of takes away the joy of reading. My next read on my table will be “Seven Transforming Gifts of Menopause” by Cheryl Bridges Johns.
After getting a third of the was through East of Eden i needing something fun and light, life is too heavy for me to read Steinbeck right now. So I finally picked up Garden Spells I bought it at a used bookstore after hearing about multiple times on the podcast and I’m so happy I did. I instantly check out the e-book of First Frost from our library (so glad the digital library is still available in all this crazy) and I really wish there were more Waverley sister books. I’m now reading the e-book of Sugar Queen and Sarah Addison Allen will be the author I read 3 books by for the #mmdchallenge, of course I’ll be reading all her books not just 3.
I’m a month behind with my Quicklit, but February was more impressive than March anyway. I’m really enjoying my Kobo Plus account now, and I’ve subscribed to a French ebook servic, three books a month at random times – my first surprise was a good one, so I’m really anticipating what comes next!
https://lezendstreepje.be/2020/04/15/quicklit-3-gelezen-in-februari/
I’ve found myself reading more inspirational / self improvement books during the Covid-19 times. One being “Lean Forward into Your Life” by Mary Anne Radmacher and our very own Anne Bogel’s new book “Don’t Over Think It”. Fiction I’ve been reading lighter material “What You Wish For” by Katerine Center. Can’t wait for the Summer Reading Guide.
I had a mix of really excellent books (mostly rereads of favorites) and some duds, including one I had expected to be a 5-star read! https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/what-ive-been-reading-lately-quick-lit.html
My reading has suffered, but I’m starting to get back. I recently finished The Flatshare, The Lager Queen of Minnesota, The Rose Garden, and The Cruelest Month. I’m really seeking cozy and hopeful in my current reads.
I’m excited to hear about a new book from Elaine Aron!
Here’s what I’ve been reading. It’s a weird time for sure.
http://www.allthebooksihaventread.com/blog-1/2020/4/9/show-us-your-books-april-2020
I’m devouring ANYTHING and EVERYTHING by Christina Lauren… they are an amazing author duo that provides lighthearted reads that have wonderful endings…. especially in times like these…
I had a hard time concentrating on reading the first 2 weeks of quarantine but these past 2.5 weeks have gone MUCH better, thanks to spring break for my 1st grader AND getting some awaited e-books from the library! I have 21 books on my list, helped by 4 chapter books I read to my oldest!
Here’s my list!
1. Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb (a writer for Jimmy Kimmel). I’m not a big cryer, but I weeped a few times because some of her stories reminded me of my grandma. 5 stars!
2. Call the Midwife—gobbled it up then binged the first season.
3. Gilead…enjoying.
4. Home Work by Julie Andrews….the audio of course, because she reads it.
5. Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott….on writing, along with her humor tied in.
Thanks Anne! I always look forward to your blog posts. They’re such a treat!
-Just finished: All of Jasmine Guillory’s backlist (So.Much.Fun.)
-Listening to: Circle by Madeline Miller (great reader!)
-Reading nonfiction: The Stressed Years of Their Lives: Helping Your Kid Survive and Thrive During the College Years by Janet B. Hibbs and Anthony Rostain (excellent tips and information)
-Reading fiction: The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar (Meh…but perhaps my attention span is just poor right now)
– Up next: The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (for IRL book club)
The Language of Flowers is in my top three books ever read! I absolutely loved it.
You know what’s funny? I never knew how much I loved city planning until I stumbled across a post of yours from a couple of weeks ago! I promptly downloaded Strong Towns and am LOVING it. About 2/3 of the way through already. I’ve also downloaded Walkable Cities. I studied architecture for a year before dropping it – what I really should have taken was a college drafting course – and then life took over, yadda, yadda, yadda. I have always been intrigued by the reasons BEHIND the reasons for many things and this has totally sparked my inner geek!!! So thank you. 🙂
I am currently reading The Antidote for Everything. Recently finished Becoming Mrs. Lewis. I’m also reading and savoring Don’t Overthink It. Thank goodness for cloud library and hoopla! But some books, Anne’s, I just need to own!
I cannot wait for the library to reopen! Here’s what I’ve read in the past month:
* The Kremlin Conspiracy and The Persian Gamble, books 1 and 2 in the Marcus Ryker series by Joel Rosenberg. I don’t normally read geopolitical thrillers, but Rosenberg does them so well. These were fast paced stories, and enjoyable reads. I’ll certainly read book 3 in the series when I can get it from the library. May be a while because our library doesn’t have a digital copy I can borrow… sigh.
* Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. This was a good read, with interesting characters that I cheered for and cried with. But it was a long book, and took weeks to slog through, even skipping some of the gory medical details.
* In Five Years by Rebecca Searle. I picked this because I seriously love time travel or time slip stories, and I thought that is what this book would be. I thought the book had a very original premise, and the story and plot were well executed, but the characters felt stereotyped and one-dimensional to me. A good read, but could have been great.
* The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. The thing I enjoyed best about this was the close relationship between the narrator, Danny, and his sister, Maeve; I loved their story, and how they were the most constant thing in each other’s life. This is the first Ann Patchett book I’ve read, and I will definitely want to read more. Any suggestions for books on her backlist?
* Just started a re-read of What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. It’s nice to start a book when you already know you’re going to love it!
Oh do read Bel Canto, it’s the best! After that, maybe Commonwealth.
Sue – I think I have a copy of Bel Canto. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for the suggestions! I don’t have any of those books on my radar. I too miss my library and have never bought so many books in a one month period in my life! I’ve been going through audiobooks like crazy lately. My recent favorite is Never Broken which is narrated by the author the singer/songwriter and poet Jewel Kilcher.
I’m a notoriously slow reader, so I only read one book at a time, but right now it’s Peace Like a River by Leif Enger and I’m absolutely loving it. For me, his prose is right up there with Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow for its intelligence and charm. I think I might like to check out his other two books–gladly hoping for others’ opinions!
could not get into to So Brave, Young and Handsome but LOVED his latest book Virgil Wander. I may have to give SBY and H another try.
Two excellent books in a row! The Glittering Hour and The Dearly Beloved…also two quirkier books I loved…Oona Out of Order and Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts.
I’m sharing my Quick Lit for the first time! 😊Would love for anyone to come check it out over on Instagram: @laurels_paiges. I always look forward to this email every month and love hearing what everyone is reading! ❤
I didn’t read as much in the last month; too distracted by pandemic stuff, I guess. But I did manage to read the following:
-Don’t Overthink It by a certain Anne Bogel – I would have been highlighting a lot, but it was a library eBook loan!
-Olive, Again by E. Strout
-The Pelican Brief by J. Grisham (a reread)
-American Dirt by J. Cummins; a page turner
-The Lincoln Lawyer by M. Connelly – slowly making my way through this author’s backlist
-The Widows of Malabar Hill by S. Massey – enjoyed this more than I thought I would; it took me a few chapters to get into it, but by the end, I was checking to see if my public library had the next one in the series as an eBook (it doesn’t, sadly)
-Vendetta in Death by J. D. Robb (I try to read at least one recent bestseller each month); just finished this book yesterday
Up next:
-Stone Cold by R. B. Parker; part of my ongoing reading-my-physical TBR project; book 4 in the Jesse Stone series
-The Space Between Us, when my library eBook hold comes in, and
-Peace Like a River by L. Enger
Here’s the link to my current reads including one early release, several new releases, and some noteworthy backlist titles, too!
https://www.instagram.com/indulge.your.shelf/
What I am reading during the pandemic –
Blood- A Memoir – story about the childhood of two sisters and the abuse they endured growing up with a raging, alcoholic father and submissive mother. by Allison Moorer. Allison and her sister, Shelby Lynn, are country music stars.
Confessions of a Christian Mystic by River Jordan – A quote on the cover “River is the South’s Anne Lamott” enticed me to purchase this book. It is about faith, cozy stories and some good humor.
What I purchased during the pandemic either curbside pick up or online to help locally owned bookstores:
Treeborne and This Must be the Place (recommended by Anne Bogel)
Girl at War – recommended by my Bosnia neighbor to learn a little something about the takeover in the 90’s.
Mercy House – Alena Dillon
The Daughter of Time – Josephine Tey – claimed to be one of the best mysteries of all time
I’ll Take You There – Joyce Carol Oates – I wan to read at least one novel by this prolific author
I just read Crescent City by Sarah J Maas. She is a YA author and this is her first book with adult themes. She is an amazing world builder and her characters kept me turning the pages.
I am now reading a older book called Swan Song by Robert McCammon. It’s a long book but his short chapters and amazing characters keep me turning page after page. This book is not for everyone as it’s a post apocalyptic story.
I really enjoy Kimmery Martin’s writing style. I’m adding The Antidote For Everything to my TBR pile now.
Thanks for hosting this great link-up. I’m reading a lot these days and I have several great recommendations to share: http://heidimccahan.com/2020/04/15/spring-reading-2020/
Happy reading!
My new found audio book time has been lost since I’m not commuting now but my time for curling up with a book in hand has been plentiful. I’ve ordered some new books because I (can’t help myself) want to support my favorite indie book stores but I’ve also been really hitting my large unread shelf. My daughter loves it because I have given her the power of selecting my next read. She takes the decision very seriously!
I discovered Lisa Regan’s Josie Quinn series and am devouring it. The fast-paced mystery is a perfect genre for me right now because it sucks me right in and keeps me reading.
I also loved The One-in-a-Million Boy and The Song of Achilles. And enjoyed The Mothers, The Vanishing Stair (the second book in the Truly Devious series) and I Was Anastasia.
I just finished Katherine Center’s HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS and absolutely loved it! I don’t read a lot of contemporary women’s fiction and/or romance – my usual go-to genre is mystery and/or suspense – but this book had me scurrying to add the rest of the author’s titles to my TBR list. 🙂
I just finished a 12 book series “Linda Craig” a youth series about horses. Started “The Famine” A history of the Irish Famine now called Genocide.
Joan
I am participating in the MMD Reading Challenge, Mt TBR and 52 Books in 52 Weeks Reading Challenges so most of the reading I am doing this year are to complete the challenges.
I started out the month with two books that were not for me. Thankfully things have improved now with several very good books.
Books Read in April:
The Lost Girls of Paris-I had this one on my shelf and was asked to do a Buddy Read by someone in the WW Reading Group. I really didn’t care for it and wondered “am I the only one?“. I checked Goodreads reviews and found out I was not alone. The characters and storyline were both very shallow. 2 stars
Good Omen
Another book that I didn’t like. I almost gave up, but decided to pursue it. I found it very weird and probably missed a lot of the humor. I understand that the TV Series was good so Iight check it out to see if It helps. 1.5 stars
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon-Stephen King
I have never read Stephen King, but one of the prompts for my 52 Books Reading Challenge was to read one of his books. The thought of reading one of his books scared me so I listened to this audiobook. I wanted to read 11-22-63, but it was hard to find. It was fairly mild, but lots of bugs crawling. 3 stars
I Miss You When I Blink-Mary Laura Philpott
I attended The Book Tours ( thanks Anne!) and was able to borrow this audiobook on Libby. I listened to it it while working on my paper shredding project (goodbye cancelled 1989 checks!). I really enjoyed it and especially love when the author narrates their own book.
Currently Reading
Hidden Valley Road-Robert Kolker
This is a Oprah Book Club selection about a family with 12 children, six of which have schizophrenia. As a psychology undergrad major this is very interesting to me, but very heavy.
Bossypants-Tina Fey
This is a re-read that I am using for the MMD Reading Challenge. It is a perfect book to balance out Hidden Valley Road. I read it years ago when it first came out and didn’t remember it to be so funny.
When You Are Engulfed in Flames-David Sedaris
I love David Sedaris’ books that are filled with his personal brand of humor. I am listening to the audiobook while continuing my paper shredding project. David Sedaris narrates this very funny book.
Looking forward to the summer reading guide! Here’s what I’ve been reading lately 😊
http://www.bornandreadinchicago.com/2020/04/march-book-reviews.html
Just finished “My Irish History” by Malachy Mc Court” and started “My Dear Hamilton”
Marion
It took this post to make me realize my reads from the last few days all come from WSIRN.
– Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (I could have done without the sexual details but otherwise it was beautiful and so grounded in a place)
– The Loveliest Chocolate Shop on Paris by Jenny Colgan (I don’t know that this one has been recommended, but the podcast is how I discovered the lovely brain candy that is Jenny Colgan books)
– Murder on the Orient Express (I’ve read a handful of Agatha Christie including some Poirot but somehow missed this one. Don’t be like me. Read it!)
Besides some Agatha Christie and Rex Stout and some Middle Grade/YA by Lloyd Alexander, I finally read Station Eleven. It was very well done. And it also gives some perspective–things could be much worse!
I’ve been leaping across genres. Nonfiction: Fly Girls by Keith O’Brien, Science fiction: Ender’s game by Orson Scott Card, Romance: The Unexpected Bride by Ashtyn Newbold, Children’s fiction: Rules by Cybthis Lord,&Literary fiction: The curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
I loved that episode with By the Book ladies and ended up checking out their hilarious podcast afterwards, so this is definitely a book I need to add to my TBR!
Due to me taking March off from social media and then quarintine/social distancing starting in mid-March, I had ample time to read… I have a new PR for books/month: 16! Here are my reviews: https://elle-alice.blogspot.com/2020/03/march-book-reviews.html
I have found that classic murder mysteries fit the bill for me in this season of the pandemic. There is a death and interesting characters, answers are found, everything is resolved, life goes back to normal. I have picked up where I left off in the Lord Peter series by Dorothy Sayers with Unnatural Death. After these books, I plan to pick back up with the Mary Russell/ Sherlock series by Laurie R. King with Garment of Shadows. Just a few left in that series – that should get me through!
This is my first time getting a blog post written in time for the 15th of the month! that makes me happy – along with the actual reading I’ve been doing, of course 🙂
https://bealwaysfullofgrace.wordpress.com/2020/04/15/april-edition-what-ive-been-reading-lately/
I just finished Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Really enjoyed it. Has anyone watched the Hulu production of it? Wondering if it’s worth watching. I’m now in the middle of Don’t Overthink It. Can’t remember the name of the author. Kidding, Anne Bogel! 🙂
I am reading Middlemarch for the first time! It’s really enjoyable. I am reading it with my husband and we are discussing it together.
I also finished listening to Long Bright River on libro.fm and it was really good! Today I started Such a Fun Age which is such a pageturner!
After listening to Susan Meissner on the At Home Book Tour I was able to get As Bright As Heaven on Libby. It was very interesting to me to read about the flu epidemic of 1918. It makes me think we should have been more prepared for something like this to happen again.
I saw her on the Book Tour also and have purchased this book and Blue Heart Blessed.
The Splendid and the Vile–excellent. Thank goodness for friends who share good books.
I’ve got to say, I’ve never *quite* understood the urban planning passion Anne 😉 BUT The Address Book sounds fascinating! You might make a convert out of me yet!
Sheree, if you pick it up I’d love to hear what you think!
I have just finished The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kumali. It was so beautiful it hurt my heart. My favourite for this year so far. 🙌🙌
Looks like you’ve been hitting the nonfiction lately. I should add some of these to my list. Here’s what I’ve been reading lately…
http://mynovelife.com/2020/04/13/reading-reflections-month-reviews-recommendations-6/
I recently finished The Dublin Saga by Edmund Rutherfurd.. It is a two part series. Part one The Princes Of Ireland is 700 plus pages. Part two The Rebels of Ireland is 800 plus pages. I just finished The Turn of the Wheel: A Biography of Lucy Maud Montgomery by Mollie Ollin. I have now started Emma by Jane Austen.
Marilyn
Thanks for the great list! I’m especially interested in the book The Highly Sensitive Parent, as I feel it pertains to me, but I struggle to stick with nonfiction. I finished a book fairly recently called The Astonishing Color of After and I wrote a review of it at my blog. Check it out! At http://www.themamabookbear.com/review-of-the-astonishing-color-of-after-by-emily-x-r-pan
This week I’ve finished:
“Tidelands,” by Philippa Gregory
“The Bertie Project” (#11 in 44 Scotland Street series) by Alexander McCall Smith
“The Stars are Fire,” by Anita Shreve
I have finally settled down enough to enjoy reading again. We were on vacation when things started escalating with this pandemic. I brought books with me but just couldn’t get into them since I was concerned with just getting home.
This past month I have read and enjoyed:
“The Magic of Ordinary Days” by Ann Howard Creel. This was a re-read for me and I didn’t realize it until about 3/4 of the way through. It was exactly what I needed when quarantine hit.
“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett for book club. I didn’t read it when it came out and it wasn’t on my radar. Yay for book club! Such a wonderful, hiliarious, heart-breaking, and triumphant story!
“Unmarriageable” by Soniah Kamal (actually read in February). Such a fun twist on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice! It is set in modern day Pakistan and had me laughing out loud. Highly recommend!
I am currently reading “The Stationery Shop” and am about halfway through. So far I am enjoying it. I really am finding myself drawn to Middle Eastern settings and fascinated with arranged marriages, which is out of my normal reading scope.
Love seeing everyone’s reads!
I’m way incredibly late to Quick Lit this month but I made it a goal to get it done before the end of the month and I’m a week ahead of schedule! Here’s what our entire family has been finding comfort in reading lately including myself, my husband, and my kiddos. If you haven’t read Ruta Sepetys’ “The Fountains of Silence” now is an incredible time to pick it up and dive in!
I’m not an HSP, but I believe my 6-year-old is, so I’m halfway through The Highly Sensitive Child. It’s been helpful to me as I parent him, and thanks to your blog, I was already familiar with the concept.
When I see a book with the word “Fine” on it – I can’t get past the thought of Ruth in Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series. Ruth uses “F.I.N.E” a lot – you’ll have to google the meaning!
Bwahaha!!