Welcome to the Twitterature link-up! For the lowdown, head over here, or try this Cliff Notes version: this is the place to share short, casual reviews of books you’ve been reading.
Here’s what I’ve been reading
The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion
Believe the buzz: this completely charming Australian novel is fast, fun, and smart, with an outrageous plot and groundbreaking characters. I listened to the audiobook version, which I highly recommend. (Two words: Australian narrator. Plus, since I was using my Audible free trial, I got to bypass the 78-readers-long library waiting list.)
The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap, Wendy Welch
This one came highly recommended since I talked crazy about opening a bookstore. As a memoir, it’s only okay–but I was so interested in the bookstore I didn’t mind.
The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance, David Epstein
I’m a little obsessed with deliberate practice and the 10,000 hour rule, but Epstein tells us the rest of that story in this fascinating book. I was hoping it would be a little more readable–its tone is very textbook-like, at times–but it’s worth reading for anyone interested in elite sports, nature vs. nurture, or a more nuanced look at the 10,000 hour rule.
(If you’ve never read Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers, which popularized the 10,000 hours rule, it’s worth a read: get the ebook on sale for $3.99 right now.)
Stitches, Anne Lamott
I didn’t dog-ear this one to death like I did Help, Thanks, Wow. Despite that, I loved Lamott’s central metaphor about stitches and repair, and I used half a box of Kleenex.
Dragons Love Tacos, Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri
This is our family’s favorite picture book at the moment. It’s full of zany, ridiculous fun–and tacos.
I also read The Goldfinch and Five Days at Memorial recently, but they’ll be getting their own post later this month.
What have you been reading lately?
56 comments
I included a few picture books in my post this month, too! I hopped on the library wait list for Rosie (only 15 holds on 10 copies, the word must not have gotten out yet around here). I finished Stitches just after I wrote up my post for this month, I’d agree that I didn’t quite love it as much as H,T,W, but that one essay about mending the curtains? Wonderful.
I haven’t read the Anne Lamott yet but I can’t wait! She’s just so amazing.
I just started The Rosie Project and am really enjoying it so far. It keeps me smiling. 🙂
Dragons and Tacos? Genius!
Little Bookstore was “only okay”? I am … hurt. No, really, I’ll be all right, don’t worry about me (sniff, sniff).
The dragons/tacos book looks awesome to me too. Imagine the gas, though! Just sayin’.
Gives a whole new meaning to “dragon’s breath”
Heh. 🙂
Ah, I don’t know what to say! I have read some spectacularly written memoirs, and this wasn’t one of them. Put pure enjoyment factor? High. 🙂
The Rosie Project sounds like a fun winter read and I haven’t heard of it, only from you. Here’s hoping our library has it and the list isn’t too long. =)
I also haven’t read any Anne Lammott but want to read her, what title would you suggest starting first?
Definitely Bird by Bird. Especially since you’re a writer, though you certainly don’t have to be to enjoy it.
It’s now on my list. =)
I second Bird by Bird (because it’s fabulous and because as Anne said, you’re a writer :)), followed by Traveling Mercies.
Done and done, thanks luv!
The Rosie Project sounds like such fun. And I love Anne Lamott, but haven’t gotten to Stitches yet. Also, dragons and tacos? Hilarious!
I’d love to know what you think if you read The Rosie Project. (I think you’d like it….)
I’m surprised by the “Dragons Love Tacos”! Eleanor and I were both underwhelmed. But we both love “Not Your Typical Dragon”! Have you read that one?
If you’re loving dragons books, try There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon.
That’s one of our favorites!!
Sad, our library doesn’t have it! But I just reserved There’s No Such Thing as Monsters. 🙂
Silas is almost 4 and I think he’s at the bottom of the age range to “get” it. Plus, my kids have ridiculous senses of humor. That may be part of it. 🙂
But no, never read Not Your Typical Dragon. (Yet!)
It’s super cute! We checked it out maybe 5 months ago, and Eleanor just brought it up again and asked if we could go look for it at the library! It’s about a little dragon who breathes silly things (bubbles, beach balls, marshmallows) instead of fire. 🙂
Due entirely to your recommendation, Anne, I am reading The Rosie Project and enjoying it thoroughly. I wonder if it’s funnier to me because my daughter has Aspergers. The main character often says and does things that are so like her. A fun read. Hope to finish it up today!
Your comment jumped out at me, Susan: my daughter also has Aspergers. (She is 15.) This book does look like a lot of fun and I plan to check my library right now!
I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on this one, Jeannie!
Cool! I linked a post I wrote Monday which lists two books I’ve recently read and 11 more I want to read soon. Since I wrote that post, I’ve begun “The Circle” by Dave Eggars. Very intriguing so far.
I’ve heard that’s a good one, but I haven’t read it myself. Yet. 🙂
Just downloaded The Rosie Project on my kindle – it’s only $1.99 right now, score! Thanks for the reviews and for hosting the link up, it’s become a new favorite!
Yay! (And let me know what you think!)
I’ve heard such good things about Five Days at Memorial from such varied sources that I’m almost afraid to read it now – it’s been on my to-read list quite a while :/
It’s really well-written, so have no fear on that front. But it’s a hard read, just because of the subject matter.
So many to add to my list. I actually haven’t heard of the Rosie Project but it sounds like a must read ( or a must listen!).
It’s so fun. 🙂
My number is so far away from coming on The Rosie Project at the library. I might have to check out the audio book now by your recommendation!
I highly recommend it, especially if you can do the free trial!
Or check for the Kindle version 🙂
Based on everything I’ve heard about The Goldfinch, I can see how it might deserve its own post. Outliers has always intrigued me, but I’m so bad with nonfiction. It can take me forEVER to get through. I read The Little Book of Talent upon your recommendation though and learned so much from it. Like I said in my own Twitterature post, I’ll never think of practice in the same way after reading that book.
Niiice on bypassing the library wait list, but I am not sure I could focus on an audiobook. Never tried it though, so it may surprise. The book looks great. I’ve read Bird by Bird and Traveling Mercies, and I need to read more Anne Lamott. Is Stitches a follow-up to Help, Thanks, Wow? Wondering if I should read that first…
I just downloaded The Rosie Project after seeing it on a bunch of your best of lists from 2013. I haven’t started yet but am looking forward to it. My kids LOVE the Dragons Love Tacos book (especially because they dislike spicy salsa too!).
Hi! Connecting to you from Sarah @ BeautySchoolDropout. The Rosie Project is already on my list to read – I see a couple others to add. I’m trying to have more luck with audio books – a couple have been good choices; others – not so much. Thanks for hosting this fun roundup!
Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to hear how you like The Rosie Project.
I just added Anne Lamott’s book to my wish list! Thanks for hosting.
The Rosie Project sounds good! I might even do the audiobook of that one…I love an Australian accent 🙂
Just wanted you to know that I save this post to read until I have time to sit down and really look at all of them with a cup of tea (or glass of wine, depending on the time of day!). It’s a special treat.
Aw, thanks! I hope it’s worth the wait. 🙂