Hi all! Can you believe it’s the end of May? This month flew by in terms of life activities and general busyness, but reading wise I feel like it’s been THE LONGEST MONTH! I say that because my reading has been all over the place and I’ll be doing a reading reset in June. I’ll tell you more about it in my May Reflections wrap up post- I’m going to be sharing a lot of my thoughts on the books I’ve read in May via audio this month because I just have a lot to say haha. I’m very much looking forward to summer reading and, despite being a huge mood reader, I’m going to come up with a summer TBR for myself. I think I may write a separate post about what that looks like for me and what books I’m prioritizing on that list. I feel like that’s the best shot I have of reading all the books I want to.
This isn’t a planned question for today, but it you have thoughts you’d like to share on how YOU’RE prioritizing your summer reading feel free to share in the comments. I love hearing about other people’s ways of organizing what to read next. **in case you’ve missed any Threads this month, here’s a link and you can easily access all the Threads posts at the top of my homepage
Today’s thread questions are to highlight our favorites of May. The questions I ask in weekly threads are meant to be fun and help us connect, so please know you don’t have to answer each question, if you only have the time/desire to answer one, great!
What is your favorite read of May? (Please include the author’s name and if you’d like to say why and/or if you listened how the audio narration was that would be great)
What made your life easier this month? (This could be anything from a life hack, a product, a recipe, a new routine, etc)
My Favorite book of May was WOLF AT THE TABLE by Adam Rapp, I did a combo ebook and audio but I mainly listened and thought the audio narration was great. This book was dark but there was one part that unexpectedly made me cry- I say unexpectedly because this is a story that involves a serial killer which I knew but I wasn't expecting to cry. It's not ONLY about a serial killer though, it explores themes involving family, siblings, nature vs nurture, can we really ever know those closest to us , etc. The author tackled a lot but overall it all worked for me
One thing that really made my life easier this month is The Ninja Magic Bullet Blender. I love making protein shake smoothies for lunch but I've always used my regular blender. My husband bought this because he thought it would be faster and easier clean up for his smoothies- I wasn't convinced that it would blend as well as a full size blender, but turns out it really is faster and more convenient and I can put in all of my ingredients and it blends them perfectly. In case you're doubtful based on the small size compared to a blender, for my smoothies I add 1 full scoop of protein powder (Jocko's chocolate is my fav), 1 scoop collagen powder, 2/3 cup frozen blueberries, 1 tbsp almond butter, and then fill remainder of the cup with oat milk and blend. Take the bottom blender portion off and the smoothie is ready to drink in the cup it was blended in- genius, and super fast and easy!!
I could not narrow down to one book because I had 3 this month I really liked!
Victim by Andrew Boryga-read physical copy
What Happened to Nina by Dervla McTiernan-read physical copy
How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz-listened on audio and one of the best audio books I have listened to.
May has been long here and the only thing I could think of that had made it easier is knowing we leave on vacation tomorrow! A cruise with lots of time to read. That is keeping me sane 😂 If anyone has any suggestions for cruise reading let me know! Have a great weekend everyone.
My favorite book in May is The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl (in print). Reichl is one of my favorite Non-Fiction writers and this book proves she is just as excellent writing Fiction. There is Food, Wine, Haute Coutre, Art, Friendship, Books, and because it’s Paris there is a possibility of Love always. Saved my otherwise “so-so” reading month!
My favorite book of the month (and year ?) was “Colton Gentry’s Third Act” - excellent on audio!
My favorite thing about May was a 3-night solo getaway I took to the mountains. I stayed in a 1-room casita with lovely outdoor space and goats! It was so restorative.
My favorite book of the month might just be I Will Find You by Harlan Coben. It was my first by this author and was a suspenseful read! I’m so happy to know he has such a backlist! Also, I plan to check out some of the Netflix shows based on his books.
Anyone have any suggestions on where to start with his backlist?
As far as making my life easier, the Reminders app continues to be one I go to ensuring that I get things done!
I use my reminders app every day! I'm always saying Siri remind me to..... 😅. Oh you're in for such a treat with Harlan Coben's backlist! He's such a great thriller writer- I recommend Run Away for sure, I can come up with others too, I've read all of his standalone books
I’m a huge fan of his. His books and Lisa Gardner were always my go to thrillers every year- still are except he’s been mainly publishing new ones for his series which I don’t read
My favorite book for May is "Leaving" by Roxana Robinson. The prose is wonderful, and there were so many reasons to keep reading. I read it in just a few days, and it is a 5-star book for me.
I truly love my new shower cap that Renee recommended; it is the Drybar The Morning After Shower Cap from Amazon. It keeps my hair dry and is so comfy too.
Yay so happy to hear you like the drybar shower cap, it’s the only one I’ll use and it always keeps my hair dry. Leaving was 5 stars for me too, I have a feeling it’ll be a top read of the year for me
My favorite book this month was Wolf At The Table by Adam Rapp. It is just a book that I cannot get out of my head. I listen to it on audio and thought it was great as far as narration. I was completely in shock that I flew through a 15 hour book as quickly as I did. I have that ninja smoothie maker and love it. It is great! I think it has more power than my KitchenAid blender had. I had not used my blender in so long that when I went to make a protein shake, the rubber ring in the blender just snapped. So I bought the ninja and I love it. What made my life easy in May was putting my dog Tucker into doggy daycare One day a week. We had so much rain during the month of May and getting him watched at the park was nearly impossible to do on a regular basis. So we put him in doggy daycare to give him runaround time with other dogs and socialization. He loves it there. We buy a package of 10 days at a time and maybe use one day a week for him to go. He was socialized as a puppy And he loves being with other dogs.
My fave book of May was Cackle by Rachel Harrison, I read in print from the library and promptly bought the hard cover for my shelf. It's a balm for current times and our current feelings about men - especially here in Australia where things are very tense. It's a story about a woman finding herself with relationships, mentorship, magic and it's set in the cosiest upstate town.
Life was made easier in June by finally buying an iPad, I have a lot to learn to get the most out of it but it's very handy for pulling up recipes in the kitchen and learning new knitting/crochet stitches via Youtube!
I bet it is, Roxana Robinson has been writing for years which I just discovered checking out her backlist - how is the year of magical thinking? I own it but have never read it!
I like it on audio Renee! We were driving to Galveston to get on the cruise and it was a good listen. We also started the Root of Evil podcast and that is a crazy story if you have not listened to it.
I read The Light Between Oceans yrs ago, I can recall most of the story, it was that GOOD and original!
My summer life is now easier because I toiled for hours many days in May cleaning and repotting lots of summer annual, some from seeds . Now I can water, enjoy the beauty and fragrance of summer on the west side of Puget Sound , WA
I had 3 books this month. One was a new author for me who Renee has spoken of often. Linwood Barclay’s book Take My Breath Away was a clever thriller that was well crafted. I just needed to keep reading. Brooklyn by Colm Tobin I had physical as well as an audio version which was excellent. I read it because of his new book coming out called Long Island. And lastly The Light Between Oceans by ML Steadman. I had an audio of that as well as a physical book. The audio was difficult to understand because of the narrator’s accent. I enjoyed this backlist title about a lighthouse keeper and his wife who went through life’s trials and tribulations trying to start a family of their own.
What’s been working for me after I have my coffee getting up and out and going for a brisk walk with my dog. It seems to set the tone for the rest of the day and I feel energized!
My Favorite book of May was WOLF AT THE TABLE by Adam Rapp, I did a combo ebook and audio but I mainly listened and thought the audio narration was great. This book was dark but there was one part that unexpectedly made me cry- I say unexpectedly because this is a story that involves a serial killer which I knew but I wasn't expecting to cry. It's not ONLY about a serial killer though, it explores themes involving family, siblings, nature vs nurture, can we really ever know those closest to us , etc. The author tackled a lot but overall it all worked for me
One thing that really made my life easier this month is The Ninja Magic Bullet Blender. I love making protein shake smoothies for lunch but I've always used my regular blender. My husband bought this because he thought it would be faster and easier clean up for his smoothies- I wasn't convinced that it would blend as well as a full size blender, but turns out it really is faster and more convenient and I can put in all of my ingredients and it blends them perfectly. In case you're doubtful based on the small size compared to a blender, for my smoothies I add 1 full scoop of protein powder (Jocko's chocolate is my fav), 1 scoop collagen powder, 2/3 cup frozen blueberries, 1 tbsp almond butter, and then fill remainder of the cup with oat milk and blend. Take the bottom blender portion off and the smoothie is ready to drink in the cup it was blended in- genius, and super fast and easy!!
I love protein shakes. I have. Small Ninja blender that I purchased from QVC. It’s very handy.
I could not narrow down to one book because I had 3 this month I really liked!
Victim by Andrew Boryga-read physical copy
What Happened to Nina by Dervla McTiernan-read physical copy
How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz-listened on audio and one of the best audio books I have listened to.
May has been long here and the only thing I could think of that had made it easier is knowing we leave on vacation tomorrow! A cruise with lots of time to read. That is keeping me sane 😂 If anyone has any suggestions for cruise reading let me know! Have a great weekend everyone.
Love getting 3 favorite reads:) Have a great time on your cruise! Can’t wait to hear how it was and what you read
Your cruise sounds lovely.
My favorite book in May is The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl (in print). Reichl is one of my favorite Non-Fiction writers and this book proves she is just as excellent writing Fiction. There is Food, Wine, Haute Coutre, Art, Friendship, Books, and because it’s Paris there is a possibility of Love always. Saved my otherwise “so-so” reading month!
Can't wait for this one - have pre-ordered on audio because someone suggested the productive was wonderful x
I’ve been in a mood to travel to Paris in the pages this summer, I’m glad this one worked for you
My favorite book of the month (and year ?) was “Colton Gentry’s Third Act” - excellent on audio!
My favorite thing about May was a 3-night solo getaway I took to the mountains. I stayed in a 1-room casita with lovely outdoor space and goats! It was so restorative.
I’m getting ready to read that next. Right now I’m reading The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins.
Agree Colton was great on audio! Your solo trip sounds delightful!
That sounds awesome Brooke! I’m reading Colton Gentry right now!
My favorite book of the month might just be I Will Find You by Harlan Coben. It was my first by this author and was a suspenseful read! I’m so happy to know he has such a backlist! Also, I plan to check out some of the Netflix shows based on his books.
Anyone have any suggestions on where to start with his backlist?
As far as making my life easier, the Reminders app continues to be one I go to ensuring that I get things done!
I use my reminders app every day! I'm always saying Siri remind me to..... 😅. Oh you're in for such a treat with Harlan Coben's backlist! He's such a great thriller writer- I recommend Run Away for sure, I can come up with others too, I've read all of his standalone books
Thanks for getting me started! I was curious if you were a fan of his. I also want to check out the Netflix shows.
The Reminders app is an example of technology being helpful for sure!
I’m a huge fan of his. His books and Lisa Gardner were always my go to thrillers every year- still are except he’s been mainly publishing new ones for his series which I don’t read
My favorite book for May is "Leaving" by Roxana Robinson. The prose is wonderful, and there were so many reasons to keep reading. I read it in just a few days, and it is a 5-star book for me.
I truly love my new shower cap that Renee recommended; it is the Drybar The Morning After Shower Cap from Amazon. It keeps my hair dry and is so comfy too.
Yay so happy to hear you like the drybar shower cap, it’s the only one I’ll use and it always keeps my hair dry. Leaving was 5 stars for me too, I have a feeling it’ll be a top read of the year for me
My favorite book this month was Wolf At The Table by Adam Rapp. It is just a book that I cannot get out of my head. I listen to it on audio and thought it was great as far as narration. I was completely in shock that I flew through a 15 hour book as quickly as I did. I have that ninja smoothie maker and love it. It is great! I think it has more power than my KitchenAid blender had. I had not used my blender in so long that when I went to make a protein shake, the rubber ring in the blender just snapped. So I bought the ninja and I love it. What made my life easy in May was putting my dog Tucker into doggy daycare One day a week. We had so much rain during the month of May and getting him watched at the park was nearly impossible to do on a regular basis. So we put him in doggy daycare to give him runaround time with other dogs and socialization. He loves it there. We buy a package of 10 days at a time and maybe use one day a week for him to go. He was socialized as a puppy And he loves being with other dogs.
My fave book of May was Cackle by Rachel Harrison, I read in print from the library and promptly bought the hard cover for my shelf. It's a balm for current times and our current feelings about men - especially here in Australia where things are very tense. It's a story about a woman finding herself with relationships, mentorship, magic and it's set in the cosiest upstate town.
Life was made easier in June by finally buying an iPad, I have a lot to learn to get the most out of it but it's very handy for pulling up recipes in the kitchen and learning new knitting/crochet stitches via Youtube!
I was just listening to The Year of Magical Thinking and Joan Didion mentions Roxana Robinson! I wonder if it the author of Leaving?
I bet it is, Roxana Robinson has been writing for years which I just discovered checking out her backlist - how is the year of magical thinking? I own it but have never read it!
I like it on audio Renee! We were driving to Galveston to get on the cruise and it was a good listen. We also started the Root of Evil podcast and that is a crazy story if you have not listened to it.
I read The Light Between Oceans yrs ago, I can recall most of the story, it was that GOOD and original!
My summer life is now easier because I toiled for hours many days in May cleaning and repotting lots of summer annual, some from seeds . Now I can water, enjoy the beauty and fragrance of summer on the west side of Puget Sound , WA
I enjoyed The Light Between Oceans too! So glad you get to enjoy your flowers, I bet they’re so pretty
I had 3 books this month. One was a new author for me who Renee has spoken of often. Linwood Barclay’s book Take My Breath Away was a clever thriller that was well crafted. I just needed to keep reading. Brooklyn by Colm Tobin I had physical as well as an audio version which was excellent. I read it because of his new book coming out called Long Island. And lastly The Light Between Oceans by ML Steadman. I had an audio of that as well as a physical book. The audio was difficult to understand because of the narrator’s accent. I enjoyed this backlist title about a lighthouse keeper and his wife who went through life’s trials and tribulations trying to start a family of their own.
What’s been working for me after I have my coffee getting up and out and going for a brisk walk with my dog. It seems to set the tone for the rest of the day and I feel energized!
I love my coffee and journaling in the morning to start my day. Let me know when you finish Long Island- I listened to it and have thoughts
I will!
I loved The Light Between the Oceans! There is a movie too! I cried a lot on that one. Great backlist title!
Thank you Ashley. Do you know where I can find the movie?
It looks like you can rent it on Amazon for around $3. It was made in 2016. I hope you enjoy it if you watch it!