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
My Berlin Kitchen, Louisa Weiss
I love cookbook/memoir mashups, and this one–about Louisa’s peripatetic childhood, the pain of growing up, and the comfort of the kitchen–is worth reading. I still have a dozen recipes bookmarked to try. #wanderlust
Hatching Twitter: A True Story of Money, Power, Friendship, and Betrayal, Nick Bilton
Truth is stranger than fiction in twitter’s startup history. This nonfiction narrative reads like a novel, and nobody comes out looking good. Fascinating insights into the founders’ differing intentions for the status-sharing service. Recommended reading for Jon Krakauer fans.
The Chaperone, Laura Moriarty
A frustrating read: the bulk of it is strong, and well-written, but gaps in the story left me wondering how the characters could possibly make the choices they did. Based on the life of silent film star Louise Brooks (pictured above). #beachreading
Pastrix, Nadia Bolz-Weber
“pas-trix:” a term used by some Christians to describe female pastors they don’t recognize as such. I knew nothing when I began page one, but loved this wildly irreverent, profanity-filled memoir about Weber’s spiritual journey. Filled with humor, f-bombs, and grace. Not everyone’s cup of tea.
Wildwood, Colin Meloy
The Decemberists’ frontman Meloy takes the reader on a journey through the enchanted Impassable Wilderness in this first installment of the Wildwood fantasy adventure trilogy. Meloy’s a songwriter, and it shows in Wildwood’s prose. Aimed at middle graders but enjoyable for adults. (Watch the tiny desk concert, then read the book.)
The Silver Linings Playbook, Matthew Quick
I saw the movie before I read the book. The book is entirely from Pat’s perspective, and I thought Quick’s voice and characterization for his mentally ill character were pitch-perfect. Grain of salt: my favorite librarian thought it was “poorly written.” I disagree, and am looking forward to reading more of Quick’s work.
The Middle Place, Kelly Corrigan
Poignant and witty, this memoir is about “the middle place”–that sliver of time when you’re raising your own kids but you still fill like a kid yourself–and the year Corrigan and her father were both diagnosed with cancer. I was terrified of the cancer theme, but needn’t have been.
What have you been reading lately?
***** ***** *****
Big news: the Veronica Mars movie is out and the reviews are fantastic. Rent it here. We watched it last night: it’s not perfect, but it’s hugely enjoyable. Whatever you do, watch the series first.
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35 comments
I’ve been dithering about ‘Pastrix.’ You may have convinced to me delve in. 🙂
I’ve been intrigued about Wildwood based solely on the cover art. Maybe I’ll add it to my summer goals list I’m (already!) compiling.
Carson Ellis did the cover art for The Mysterious Benedict Society, too–another great book (and another great cover!) (Also, she’s married to the author. How’s that for collaboration? 🙂 )
I feel so relieved that you liked My Berlin Kitchen. And I would never have looked at the Twitter book and thought for Krakauer fans, and now that comment tempts me to try it.
My Berlin Kitchen has been on my list for ages and you only make me want to read it more. I totally agree about The Chaperone- I liked it but I didn’t.
I’ve been wondering if I should watch the show before the movie of Veronica Mars, thanks for the heads up!
I too watched the movie version of Silver Linings Playbook and have wanted to read the book but I always hate to read it after I watch it since I can’t get the actors out of my mind. But I keep hearing about it, so maybe it’s time. Thanks!
I loved The Middle Place when I read it several years ago. I didn’t love (or finish) Corrigan’s latest, Glitter and Glue.
I enjoyed Silver Linings Playbook as a movie much more than the novel, I think because I liked the objective view versus seeing the entire story through Pat’s eyes.
Oh, too bad you didn’t like the Chaperone! I loved it and found it very satisfying. The Hatching Twitter book sounds like something I would like. Thanks for sharing your picks.
I’ve had The Silver Linings Playbook downloaded forever but haven’t started it yet. Unlike you though, I have not seen the movie. My Berlin Kitchen sounds like something I would enjoy as well!
I’ve been wondering if I should watch the Veronica Mars series. I’ll have to add it to my watch list.
Oh, I’m glad you tried The Middle Place! My book club is reading her new one right now.
I’ll have to pick up Pastrix, it sounds like one I’d be interested in. 🙂
The Berlin Kitchen has been been on my TBR list forever, I too love a food memoir. I have Wildwood on my kindle and it will have to be next on my list!!
So interesting that you recommend Hacking Twitter for Jon Krakauer fans! Now I definitely have to read it to see the correlation. The Silver Linings Playbook is on my too read list as well (just waiting for my number to come up on the digital library). I just read Perks of being a Wallflower and preferred the movie over the book, and I’m wondering if that will be the same of Silver Linings, mostly because, well, Jennifer Lawrence. Always love your recs, Anne!
I haven’t seen Perks of Being a Wallflower: interesting to hear you preferred the movie. If you read Silver Linings I want to know which version you like better!
I have never heard of the Decemberists, but loved Wildwood – thanks for helping me make that connection! Great Tiny Desk Concert, too. Now I understand Prue’s obscure musical tastes and the close connection to Portland.
By the way, I can’t tell you how handy the Goodreads Right Click extension in Chrome is when I’m going through these lists! You highlight the title, right click, and the Goodreads search results show up in a new tab. So much easier.
How did I not know about this?? Thanks so much!
You are welcome! It’s so handy.
Glad to hear you liked Silver Linings Playbook after the movie – I’ve heard such great things about it, but wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it after knowing the story!
I started Veronica Mars season 1 last night to get caught up on all this hubub 🙂
Happy watching! (Don’t watch the movie yet! You’ll enjoy it more if you see the series first.)
“My Berlin Kitchen” has been on my list to read for a year or longer… one of these days I’m going to HAVE to get around to it. 🙂
This link up is terrible for bookaholics lol – clicked over to see Silver Linings Playbook on Amazon and saw how cheap the kindle edition was. Bought it instantly. ::sigh:: lol – great recommendations, love this link up in spite of my lack of self control.
I just read Corrigan’s Glitter and Glue. It was interesting and looking back I really liked it. I didn’t so much like it while I was reading it, though. I think that is typical of my experience with memoirs.
You’re talking right to me with recommending Hatching Twitter for Krakauer fans!
I’ve been wanting to read it for forever, because, well, I’m slightly obsessed with Twitter (it’s like that imaginary dinner party with all the best people, right on your phone!).