Welcome to Quick Lit, where we share short and sweet reviews of what we’ve been reading lately on the 15th of the month.
This has been an unusual reading month for me, in that my reading has come in fits and spurts. I’ve had days where I didn’t read a single page and days where I read an entire book at once. Most of my time has been spent with newer releases: I read a slew of titles for our Spring Book Preview (available now at this link); I’ve included one of my favorite titles below to give you a taste. I’ve also read quite a few potential 2024 Summer Reading Guide titles these past weeks, but we won’t talk about those for a while.
Of the titles I’m sharing today, the oldest was published in 2021. In other words, not terribly old. We have one memoir, a spy thriller, two romance novels, a quirky short novel I’ve been meaning to read for some time, and that favorite new novel. (Best of the year material? Probably!) I spent many hours in the car in January and February and my audiobook listening reflects that: I’ve noted my audio selections and their narrators below.
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 February Quick Lit
Family Family
Laurie Frankel seems to write as a form of wish fulfillment: she writes the world as she wants it to be, and hopes it can become. Her new novel about adoption is easy to read and hard to describe; I'm so glad we got to talk about her new release live at our Spring Book Preview event! The story begins with an actress named India, who finds herself at the center of a media firestorm for criticizing her new movie in the press. Her precocious ten-year-old twins, recognizing their mother is living a PR nightmare, take it upon themselves to seek help from a person uniquely positioned to do so: a family member their mother doesn’t know they know about, and whom they’ve never met. Alternating between the present day media fracas and India’s early days as an actress, and moving between LA, Seattle, and NYC, Frankel firmly roots her tale in the world of theater and film, exploring the many forms family can take and the limits of love. With its unforgettable scenes, bold plot choices, Shakespeare and musical theater references, and at least one gasp-out-loud moment, this is a book I’m still thinking about months after turning the final page. I can't wait to talk about it with everyone I know—especially because this is a book that begs to be discussed! More info →
When in Rome
Last month I found myself in need of an engaging, uplifting, and not-too-heavy listen for a solo road trip. I opted for the first book in Sarah Adams's When in Rome series; I read the second book Practice Makes Perfect last year but reading them out of order was no problem. This romance was the perfect book for the occasion: in it, famous pop star Rae Rose desperately needs a getaway and flees Nashville for Rome, Kentucky. She would go to Italy if she could, but since the setting for her favorite Audrey Hepburn movie is too far to be practical, she settles for the much nearer Rome that pops up in her GPS. Car trouble puts her in the path of Noah Walker, a gruff but handsome pie shop owner with a heart of gold. I enjoyed the small town charm, celebrity/commoner relationship, career details for music and pies, and Noah's deeply invested sisters. The book was the exact right length to carry me to my destination, and Karissa Vacker and Andrew Eiden's narration was perfection. After reading this, I feel like a re-watch of Roman Holiday is in order. More info →
The Woman in Me
Because I have so much to read between our Spring Book Preview and the coming Summer Reading Guide, I'd intended to skip this, but then several friends RAVED about the audiobook and I decided to take the new Spotify audiobook option out for a spin. At 5.5 hours (regular speed, but I hardly ever listen at regular speed), it ended up being a small investment for a compelling story. (Spotify worked fine, but I missed the options I'm accustomed to on Libro.fm.) I was aware of the broad outlines of the story but had no idea how much I didn't know. Michelle Williams's narration, as expected, was superb. More info →
The Hookup Plan
I'm talking to Farrah Rochon in next week's episode of What Should I Read Next, so the timing felt right to finally read this last installment of her Boyfriend Project series; how ironic that after waiting over a year to read this I gulped it down in a day. I've enjoyed this series for its strong female protagonists, essential female friendships, and pleasantly complex family relationships. The enemies to lovers trope is the backbone of The Hookup Plan: London and Drew were archrivals in high school, fiercely competing for top of the class. Years later, they once again find themselves in competition: London is a star surgeon at her Austin community hospital; Drew is the businessman with the power to privatize or close that hospital. I loved the contemporary Austin setting: as is the case in so many of Farrah's novels, I found myself googling neighborhoods, parks, restaurants, food trucks, shopping destinations, and more so I could see the real places where the fictional story unfolds. The series is open door and does not need to be read in order. More info →
Going Zero
This debut technothriller from an award-winning New Zealand filmmaker has been making the rounds through our team; our spreadsheet whisperer Donna got the ball rolling and specifically recommended this to me after I enjoyed Alias Emma. At the story's opening, ten contestants in the not-too-distant future U.S. begin competing in a contest hosted by Fusion, a massive tech company that is using the contest to test their software. They claim they can track down anyone at anytime (but only when strictly necessary, of course) and intend to partner with the U.S. government to track down criminals and terrorists. Boston librarian Kaitlyn Day is one of the ten selected to "go zero," that is, disappear from the grid and from Fusion's sights—and if she can do so for thirty days, she'll win $3 million. But as the contest progresses and she surprises everyone with her technical savvy, Kaitlyn reveals her motivation for competing goes far beyond the cash prize—and her request pushes multiple parties to the breaking point. This was both thoughtful and highly entertaining; I listened to fan favorite Marin Ireland read this to me on audio and enjoyed it in that format. More info →
Several People Are Typing
We recently discussed books with "a thimble full of weird" on What Should I Read Next; this is definitely one of those books. It may actually contain far more than a thimble full. The book unfolds entirely in Slack messages between the employees of a PR firm, messes with the rules of reality, holds a heady dose of corporate humor, and has an ending so bizarre it had me googling to confirm that what I thought happened had actually, in fact, happened. It's not a perfect book, but is an utter delight for the right reader. More info →
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.
58 comments
February was full of a variety of top tier reads, including a new release by Rebecca Serle that I adored!
https://neverenoughnovels.com/2024/02/15/february-2024-mini-book-reviews/
In THE BOOKBAG – evangelicals . estranged adult children . holy unhappiness . boys in the boat (+ Nicholas Sparks + dozens of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Kindle deals!)
https://lindastoll.substack.com/p/the-march-bookbag
I’m turning the corner on the first trimester with my fourth kid (a surprise pregnancy!), and reading is one thing that has been predictable in this otherwise wacky season. Books I read this month included several celebrity memoirs, a sweet feel-good novel, quirky fiction, an excellent literary mystery, and one historical fiction title that was fine but (for me) did not live up to the hype—but then, I’m not one for overly sad stories, which this definitely was.
https://kendranicole.net/quick-lit-february-2024/
Congrats Kendra! The best blessings are surprises! Prayers for a smooth pregnancy and you get the rest your body needs.
Thank you, Stacie!
Congrats! And hope you zoom into second trimester with new energy!
Very curious about the literary mystery, so headed over…
Loved Going Zero on audio!
When in Rome is on my quick lit list this month too! Such a fun read 😊
Here’s what I’ve been reading: https://readeatrepeat.net/2024/02/15/books-in-progress-february-2024/
I just added The Woman in Me to my Libby holds, both the audio and eBook. I was on the fence as well but decided I had nothing to lose on Libby, especially with such a quick read. Does anyone know if there are photos in the physical copy?
My list today includes 3 audiobooks, one delightfully entertaining, a historical fiction that will be a favorite of the year for sure, and a nonfiction that delves into the lives of teachers.
https://www.sincerelystacie.com/2024/02/quick-lit-february-2024-edition/
There are no photos in the hard copy.
My list includes a book I knew I’d love from the first lines. By the time I was a few pages in, I texted a number of people telling them they’d love it too.
https://carolinestarrrose.com/quick-lit-what-ive-been-reading-lately-33/
Several People Are Typing has me very curious! I sometimes like books that are written in a different format like this (and sometimes not! ha). Thanks, Anne!
I read 7 eclectic nonfiction books this month! And 2 interesting novels: The Leavers, and The Silent Patient (which was my favorite of the two).
They are all listed here:
https://lisanotes.com/books-i-recommend-january-2024/
“Eclectic” is a word I would almost always use to describe your wonderful book recommendation posts!
Going Zero sounds intriguing!
My past month was mostly taken up by a chunky Pulitzer winner, but I managed to read some good middle grade as well 🙂
https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2024/02/what-ive-been-reading-lately-quick-lit.html
I really enjoyed Going Zero. When I read it I could see it as a movie in my head.
I had a good January. Here are the highlights:
http://www.allthebooksihaventread.com/blog-1/2024/2/15/show-us-your-books-february-2024
I spent some time catching up on Book of the Month selections last month: https://www.mindjoggle.com/january-2024-book-reviews/
My goal this year is to get through my stacks and stacks of books in my house while sprinkling in new releases (wish me luck! ha!). In January, I read the Ellin Hilderbrand, “The Paradise Trilogy.” As with all her books, I inhaled these. I also read, “We Must Not Think of Ourselves,” by Lauren Grodstein which is amazing. Lauren was kind enough to come to my bookgroup which was a true gift. She is a delight and can’t wait to read more of her work. On audio, I listened to Noa Tishby’s “Israel: The Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth.” She narrates it and it’s a must-read. Also, wanted to share that I saw Laurie Frankel the day after you were supposed to be at Parnassus. She was in NJ. I spoke with her and said what I huge fanI am of yours and we were both so sorry about your mom’s recent passing.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Woman in Me as well, but it still kills me to see her downward spiral on Instagram.
My reads this past month have been great!
1. Keep it in the Family
2. Change your Paradigm, Change your Life
3. First Lie Wins
4. If you Tell
5. Hidden Pictures
6. The Push
I wasn’t crazy about If you Tell or Change your Paradigm, which doesn’t seem to be the consensus, but they just didn’t speak to me.
Books 7-12 of the year: https://thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com/2024/02/reading-update.html
I’ve been collecting Lenten resources for a while and shared them with readers in one post: https://michelemorin.net/2024/02/07/six-encouraging-resources-to-prepare-lent/
January was a fun, strong start to the new year. I don’t normally give a lot of 5 stars, but the ones that received it this month (3 out of 4 books!) really hit the spot for me, and they were totally unexpected.
https://avikinginla.com/2024/02/what-ive-been-reading-lately-reading-goals-january-2024/
Laurie Frankel is becoming a must-read author for me. I haven’t read Family Family but I hope to very soon.
I just finished The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhorn and was totally engaged. While the main character is a midwife in the 1700s, there is murder, revenge and a loving relationship. The author notes that the character is based on a real person.
Ooooo yes…I also recently read The Frozen River…what a remarkable woman in her time and the setting was spot on for this time of year.
Me too! Me too! What a great story teller Lawhon is! I loved the ‘seasoned’ protagonist. And her husband…sigh! Beautifully written.
Theo of Golden is my favorite book so far this year. Theo is an 80 something year old man who charms his way into the small town of Golden. I cried over tender things that happened and I cried during horrible things. So I cried a lot, mostly from the former. I don’t think it is a well known book, but should be. I’ve already purchased two copies to give to my sisters, along with some tissues!
I am listening to Family, Family on audio and it is great! Your description of Frankel as a writer really hit the mark. I’ve had a recent fascination with the Vietnam war reading Absolution by Alice McDermott and The Women by Kristin Hannah back to back. Very different books but together a compelling recall of that time period. Highly recommend them both! Going to try When In Rome and Going Zero. Thanks for this blog Anne. Happy Reading everyone
Interested in When in Rome and I already have Family Family checked out from the library, hopefully getting to it this month still.
My January was getting through some TBR books after a lot of rereading seasonal books in December. Also, getting back to some self-improvement non-fiction after mostly comfort reads for the holidays!
January Reading Recap
Another fan of The Frozen River! I listened to Bel Canto and was not impressed (Probably because I did not like the narrator). I’ve been captivated by two memoirs by Abigail Thomas that deal with grief and aging: A Three Dog Life and What Comes Next and How to Like It. Her latest Still Life at 80 is top of my TBR pile.
So sad about Bel Canto. It is in my top five best books I ever read. I suggest giving the hard copy a try. The reader of audiobooks makes such a difference.
When I read (kindle) Bel Canto, I felt like I was slogging through concrete. It was my first AP book, and I’ve never picked up another. Sad, hmm?
I finished Family Family on audio earlier this week. If you’re enjoying this book on audio, stay tuned for an interview/discussion between the narrator and author. Anyway, I loved this one – it was my first 5-star review of the year. The characters were endearing, and at times frustrating, and also totally believable.
I need to finish First Lie Wins; due back at the library tomorrow and with 110 people on a wait list, I feel obligated, or maybe pressured is more accurate!
Not going to lie, this did not feel “Smart and sharp, fast-paced and twisty,” as promised by Megan Miranda on the cover blurb. It was a bit of a slog for me. So much so, I almost DNFd it. But now 200 pages in, I feel committed.
This is the author’s adult debut. She wrote YA. So I want to give her a fair shake. I feel like the book is moving along, but something is lacking. More description & action maybe? Reese’s picks can be hit or miss for me, but I love her support of female authors.
My January reads were:
The Frozen River ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Homegoing (Yaa Gyasi) for book club always meant to read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shuggie Bain (Douglas Stuart) 2nd time reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs
(John Bloom/Jim Atkinson) also a reread ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just finished two wonderful books. As a retired librarian, I loved What You Are Looking for Is in the Library! And Virgil Wander had beautiful writing and characters that were flawed but likeable.
Some excellent books I’ve read in February include THe Women by Kristin Hannah and North Woods by Daniel Mason!
Glad to find someone else who has even read Virgil Wander. And, I have a feeling that anyone who has read it liked it. I certainly did.
I loved Virgil Wander! Leif Enger is one of my favorite authors. Peace Like A River is one of my all-time top 20 books!
I liked Virgil Wander, but I loved Peace Like a River. I need to read more of Leif Enger!
I read in spurts too. I have been reading some backlist titles from 2012 and 2013. Here is what I have been reading https://myviewofthehoneypot.blogspot.com/2024/02/what-i-read-february.html
Some very interesting reads. I’ve had my eye on Sarah Adams books lately, but wasn’t sure if they were any good. After reading your review, I will definitely pick one up.
Here are my recent reads:
Oops.. forgot to add the link. Here it is: https://forthejoyofbooks.com/quick-lit-january-2024/
My 5 ⭐️ read in January was Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay (arc). Here’s my January wrap up.
https://readingladies.com/2024/01/31/january-2024-reading-wrap-up-januaryreadingwrapup-booktwitter-bookworm-amreading-bookblogger/
February started off rough, with a couple DNFs, but listening to Sense & Sensibility put me back on track! I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible and readable Trust by Hernan Diaz was, and I’m currently indulging my love for Greek myth retellings by listening to Atalanta.
I also just started a bookstagram account! @bookscatsandtreats
I’ve read a few books this year but I’ve only had one 5-star title so far – in January I listened to the audiobook for Shy: the alarmingly outspoken memoirs of Mary Rodgers by Mary Rodgers and Jesse Green. The audiobook is stunningly narrated by Christine Baranski, with interjections by Jesse Green to add more context. (this back and forth took a little getting used to but the result was more than worth it!)
If you’re a musical theater fan, you may already know that Mary Rodgers is the daughter of Richard Rodgers (of Rodgers & Hammerstein), a composer herself (her most successful work being Once Upon a Mattress), and the mother of Adam Guettel (composer of Light in the Piazza).
This title is chock full of snark and wild anecdotes, while also not shying away from tough topics and the grittier details of her life. I just can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it, especially with Christine Baranski’s narration. I really hope this comment finds some fellow musical theater enthusiasts and that you give it a try!
Tackled lots of books this last 30 days – mostly for school but some others in there too!
The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto, by Natalie Standiford | 5/5
Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus | 3.5/5
Surprises, by | 5/5
The Lord of Psalm 23, by David Gibson | 5/5
Pompeii… Buried Alive!, by Edith Kunhardt | 3/5
The Winners, Fredrik Backman | 4.5/5
Adventures with Waffles, Maria Parr | 5/5
Owl at Home, Arnold Lobel | 5/5
Check out our website for tiny reviews and story summaries:
https://theshoreystories.com
Adventures with Waffles is a pure delight!
I’m just curious if you meant to leave the Amazon purchase links off of Family Family, or if that was an oversight?
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns is a fantastic flawed family story. I cared about them all and their sacrifices and their love!💕
Such a great range, Anne. Here’s my latest roundup: https://katieleigh.wordpress.com/2024/02/12/february-reading-roundup-1-12/
Going Zero was so good!!
Just read HEaven & Earth Grocery Store for my book club, and on a snow day read the whole copy of The Fault in Our Stars that my friend’s teen daughter gave me for xmas last year.
Going Zero sounds good!
Going Zero is on sale at Libro fm for $4.19!!
This month I listened to The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks. Great story and an audio. It sounded like a radio play because there were so many different voices. I feel like I really got the inside sauce of the movie business. It was wonderful.
Favorite book I’ve read so far this year is The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw, but I’ve enjoyed several others as well!
I’ve been hoping my cousin’s book, The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill, will be showing up in the Blog. I’ve been patiently waiting. She was featured in the Washington Post on Sunday alongside authors such as Kate Quinn! It’s a beautiful book about family by such a beautiful person. My description can’t do it justice. Please google one of the glowing reviews and consider reading it. Publication Date is tomorrow on 2/21/24. Bonus: the cover is stunning.
Amanda is one of my sorority sisters and we’re all so excited for her. I’m going to her book event at Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston next week.
Why are books so poorly edited? I started reading *Going Zero* and am really enjoying it. Except for when I am yanked out of it by poor editing. When a character falls in a hole, in the text it is sometimes referred to as a mine shaft and sometimes a well. Which is it?
And the geography errors are driving me crazy. A character is crossing Lake Ontario from Oswego, NY to Canada. The book tells us that a helicopter out of Buffalo is crossing Lake Michigan on its way to intercept. What? Lake Michigan is far west of Buffalo on the other side of Michigan. Then later the same helicopter is said to be out of Detroit.
The latest error I came across is that same character spends a night in Hamilton, Ontario then uses a seldom used trail to walk back into the USA without going through a border check. One slight problem. To pass into the US from Ontario, Canada, you need to cross a river. The St. Lawrence River east of Lake Ontario, the Niagara River between Lakes Ontario and Erie (near Buffalo), and the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers between Lakes Huron and Erie (near Detroit).
Unfortunately, these kinds of errors are not uncommon, though not often as numerous as in this book. Is this due to lax editing? Is it more self-publishing? I don’t remember this level of poor editing twenty plus years ago.
Thanks for letting me rant. 🙂