Happy Friday! 📚😊 Is it just me, or did this week fly by? For today’s Thread, I have less questions for you than last week’s thread haha - which by the way was so much fun and exactly what I hoped it would be…a bunch of readers getting to know each other in this group!! FYI, I have put THREADS in my navigation bar at the top of my home page, so if you ever wonder if you missed one just head there. Moving forward, you can count on question #1 always being reading related:)
What did you finish reading this week (and would you recommend it- no spoilers please), are currently reading, and/or planning on reading as we head into the weekend?
I'm reading You Are Here by David Nicholls - this is my print read and I'm enjoying it so far- David Nicholls has a unique way of making characters interesting even though not much is happening yet. He's a master of dialogue and I've already chuckled to myself several times. I started The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand on audio, so far the audio narration is great, I'm in the mood for a bougie beach read!
Two things I really enjoyed this week: Exploring Sara from Fiction Matter's Paperback Summer Reading Guide- there's nothing I love better than finding new to me books that sound perfect for me and Trader Joe's Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing. I've been making a big salad for lunch ever day this week and this is my current favorite dressing- ooh should we do a fav summer salad recipe thread soon??
Ok you already know I would love to hear what you think of You Are Here when you finish. I did not read One Day, though I have it. I will read it this summer. I did watch the show, which I normally wouldn’t do, but we needed something to watch on vacation to wind down, and I caved! (And I loved it.)
I didn’t love You Are Here. I agree he is a very deliberate and masterful writer though. And I did feel for the characters and enjoyed it. But I found myself getting a little bored and rolling my eyes at their lack of honesty and communication, especially at their age.
I’ll have to check out that dressing. I love Sara from Fiction Matters and that group. It’s one of the many reasons my TBR is out of control.
I am almost done with Talking at Night, which I’ve found drew me in, but I’m feeling a little meh about it and just want to finish now. I think the problem is I started tandem reading and listening to my 5th of the 6 books shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for fiction - Enter Ghost by Isabelle Hammad. I finished it yesterday, and it was incredible. It’s one of those books you appreciate more and more as you sit back and think about how she did so many things in it. So now I have to read The Parisian this summer!
I finished Brooklyn last week, so I’m going to start Long Island as soon as I get my Parnassus First Edition subscription. I also am trying to get to a classic for another book club, Brideshead Revisited, and then On Beauty by Zadie Smith. (I didn’t love The Fraud, though I also appreciated all she was trying to do in it. And I love her on interviews, so we’ll see!)
My tbr is also out of control! I'll keep you updated on my progress with You Are Here- bummer it didn't work out better for you. I really want to read Isabelle Hammad, I know Sara enjoyed Enter Ghost too. I want to hear about your expericence with reading all the Women's Prize for fiction books when you're done, especially your favorite of the bunch
I want to read Long Island too but will read Brooklyn first and no I haven’t read Fresh water for flowers but I want to- it’s been on my print tbr shelf for about 3 years😅
I have an update on Love, Rosie. It is 13 hours and change in audio. I feel like i have been reading this book like FOREVER and i m only 5 hours into the book. I hav the speed at 2.5. The format is all a series of emails and Instant Messages. You would think that this format would give you the feeling of flying through the book but the opposite is true. I am enjoying it but it’s too early to tell if I will love it like I did One Day.
Thanks for this update, I have it downloaded but haven't tried it, I didn't realize it was in the format of emails- I'm not sure I'd enjoy that type of format, I don't tend to like stories told via letters either. I might just watch the Love, Rosie movie:) let me know how it ends up going for you
I am 9 hours into the book with 4 hours left and am so tempted to quit. I won’t as i have come so far. It is longer than it needs to be. You have about 8 or 9 characters emailing each other about things not relevant to the story throughout the book just to establish or maybe to describe the relationship between characters. For example, Rosie’s daughter IM’s her friend about a dance which simply shows how her relationship with her male friend is like her mom’s and Alex’s. Some emails simply say hahahaha etc. so why is it taking so long to get through this book??? I read 8 hour books in one day yet it has taken me 3 days to get through 9 hours. I enjoy the story but am not finding myself unable to put it down. The plot is not a spoiler as it is whether Rosie and Alex will ever get together. At 9 hours into the book the reasons that are keeping them apart are becoming absurd. Don’t get me wrong, i do not hate the book. Just think the format and length isn’t contributing to the enjoyment of reading this book.
I have to say I don’t think this story structure sounds like something I’ll like- I think I’ll watch the movie because the premise does sound good to me
They do, you never know when something will vanish forever there- that's why I buy about 6 jars of the pepita salsa every time I go and inevitable the cashier will say "are you having a party'😂 nope just stocking up in case it disappears from the shelves
They used to sell these delicious chocolates from Kona that were out of this world. And they stopped selling it. There was also a tortilla chip that was lime that was really good and I have not seen that in our store in ages.
That sounds like the White Corn Tortilla chips I also buy 6 bags of!! They are the perfect chip with just a bit of sea salt and lime - in a blue and white bag. So sorry you lost your chocolates:(
I am finishing up reading James by Percival Everette. I also have it on audio. The audio definitely amped up my enjoyment of this clever novel. Continuing to read On Beauty by Zadie Smith. Family drama with some satire and humor about society, family dynamics and friendships. This was a Novel Pairings suggested book club read and I’m so glad I picked it up. Not sure what’s up next for me. There are a lot of great choices now available at my fingertips, just have to correspond with my mood. Looking forward to the weekend and picking out something good on the streaming networks. Anyone have some suggestions?
James is still on my tbr, I’ll listen to it when it feels like the right time- I love what you said- figuring out what corresponds with our mood, that’s so true, and always the never ending question right?! I just watched the recent episode of Loot on Apple TV- I love that show. If you’re in the mood for comedy it’s a good one. I’m planning on giving Sugar a try, I believe that’s on Apple TV as well, my son said it’s really good
The last book I finished was What Happened to Nina which I enjoyed. But … the cover. The worst. I am currently reading The Square of Sevens in print, The Force of Such Beauty on audio, and The Husbands on Kindle. Enjoying all of them so far.
I finished The Return of Ellie Black and I thought it was decent enough to read but not great. 3 stars for me. I really enjoyed What Happened to Nina and would definitely recommend it. Going into the weekend I’m starting Victim by Andrew Boryga and enjoying time at my nieces graduation party in Indiana!
It definitely pulled me out of my book slump. It took five hours for me to get into the book because of being in a slump but I was hooked after that. We had nothing but rain today and I read eight hours of the book today and finished it. Is In The Woods The first book in the series? Or is that a different series. I love this author.
Yes In the Woods is book 1, I read that one, Broken Harbor which isn't part of the series but I bet you'd like and The Trespasser - I still want to read the others in the series and then maybe The Searcher- did you read The Witch Elm?
I have only read In The Woods many years ago. I do have Likeness on my wish list on the library after you and Tina mentioned it in a podcast. I read the book The Searcher and it’s sequel The Hunter this year. I love them both and gave them both five stars. These books are not police procedure and I think you would love them both. They are more reflective of the setting of Ireland and the folk door of the country. They are character dripping and just great mysteries. I love the trespasser that I read per your recommendation for the book challenge and really enjoyed it. But the setting could have been anywhere. The story did not identify it as being Ireland like the book the searcher and the Hunter did. Those are all the books that I have read by Tana French.
I just finished News of the World by Paulette Jiles yesterday. It totally surprised me, because really the only way it was in my wheelhouse at all was that it was short and immersive. Historical fiction is really hit or miss for me, and I don't usually gravitate towards a western, but this book set in Texas during the post-Civil War Reconstruction period was great. It was atmospheric, but well-paced and encompassed so many different conflicts and communities of that time and place: free Black people, returned children who had been captives of indigenous tribes, different local tribes, the relationship between the federal government and locals, German and Spanish settlers, Mexicans. It also vividly showed how people got by and made a living. Recommend if you're looking for something different, but enjoyable.
Hi bookish friends! This week I finished First Lie Wins and One Perfect Couple. I rated both 3 stars and comparing the two, I would recommend First Lie Wins over OPC. This week I've enjoyed the start of my son's baseball league and being outside in the evenings watching him do something he loves! I'm currently reading The Familiar in print and I'm starting The Main Character audio. Happy reading and living, friends!
I finished Long Time Gone by Charlie Donlea and Next Summer Will be Different by Carley Fortune. I preferred Long Time Gone between the two and would recommend to suspense fans. Short chapters and not a totally predictable outcome.
I love short chapters, I forgot to mention that about You Are Here- I think the chapters in in are a page and a half- authors catering to our short attention spans 😅
I’m late responding but last week I finished The Child Finder- highly recommend (thanks Renee!), Colten Gentrys Third Act- enjoyed way more than I do most rom coms, and Table For Two, which I loved!
Your reading is going so well! I'm so happy you liked The Child Finder, she's such an under rated author. Colton Gentry surprised me too, I really liked it. Good to hear about Table for Two- have you already read Rules for Civility? If so, wondering if you think it's a good idea to read that first
I have read Rules- it's actually my favorite of all his books! I actually don't think you have to read it first, but you would definitely know Eve a little better if you did. I'm surprised you like Colton Gentry with all the food writing! ; )
Ok noted on Rules of Civility! Haha that’s very true about Colton, I almost stopped listening when all the food details started but I liked him and the story so much I had to find out what would happen. I skimmed through any time food was talked about 😂
I have read a few Harlen Coben but I have not read Linwood Barclay. What would you recommend starting with? I love Lisa Gardner but have not read her in awhile I need to circle back to her!
No Time for Goodbye was my first Linwood Barclay and It was 5 stars. I also think Take Your Breath Away or A Noise Downstairs would be great starting options
I read Confessions by Kanae Minato. Although I can understand why a lot of people really like it, it was a 3 star read for me. I am currently listening to Bel Canto by Ann Patchett but also struggling to stay focused on the story. I picked up The Return of Ellie Black yesterday and so far, this one is working for me.
About 9 weeks ago, I had back surgery and I am finally starting to exercise a little more again. I have been enjoying short LEKFit rebounder workouts. It feels great to sweat and move my body again. Also this week, I started putting together a puzzle while watching Baby Reindeer on Netflix.
Glad to hear your recovery is going well, I broke my leg years ago and didn't walk for 11 weeks and I can still remember how amazing it felt to move again and be able to exercise. Glad Ellie is working for you, I read Bel Canto and ended up 4 star loving it but it took me quite awhile to get into it
This week I finished The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods and Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, both of which I thought were good but not great. Didn't love the ending of either. I also read Playing for Pizza by John Grisham which turned out to be a reread for me. It's cute but very light weight. I always enjoy his characters and story telling.
I enjoyed having a couple of days of sunshine this week. It seems like it's been raining an awful lot this spring.
I finished Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson and Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel and would recommend both! Very different books for sure, but I loved them. Next up is The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters and definitely one from paperback summer reading guide, maybe Special Topics in Calamity Physics, so many sound great!! Other than reading it’s all about playoffs in my house, both the Celtics and Bruins have taken over the TV 🤪 no complaints here haha
I have only read two books so far this month. I finished Within Arms Reach by Ann Napolitano wch was a re-release which I did not realize until I got to the end of the book and the authors note. I can appreciate now why it did not sell so well the first time around. The second book that I finished was The Lady Waiting which I discussed that great links on the previous post. I a going to finish The Trespasser by Tana French this weekend for a book challenge and then I am on to Love, Rosie.
I'm usually skeptical of repackaged and republished books for the reason you mentioned- they are usually being repackaged now because they didn't sell so well the first time around and the publisher is trying to capitalize off of an author's recent success. I had the same problem with the "new" repackaged Maggie O'Farrell backlist The Distance Between Us- I dnfed it and thought her writing now was leaps and bounds better. The one book I've read that was a repackaged backlist that I loved was The Divorce Party by Laura Dave
This is our first time watching! I got them hooked on big brother this year and now they love the competitive reality shows. We will definitely watch another season.
I'm reading You Are Here by David Nicholls - this is my print read and I'm enjoying it so far- David Nicholls has a unique way of making characters interesting even though not much is happening yet. He's a master of dialogue and I've already chuckled to myself several times. I started The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand on audio, so far the audio narration is great, I'm in the mood for a bougie beach read!
Two things I really enjoyed this week: Exploring Sara from Fiction Matter's Paperback Summer Reading Guide- there's nothing I love better than finding new to me books that sound perfect for me and Trader Joe's Organic Toasted Sesame Dressing. I've been making a big salad for lunch ever day this week and this is my current favorite dressing- ooh should we do a fav summer salad recipe thread soon??
I think we should do the favorite salad thread soon. I’m all for it.
I really liked 5 Star Weekend! A salad thread sounds fun!
Ok you already know I would love to hear what you think of You Are Here when you finish. I did not read One Day, though I have it. I will read it this summer. I did watch the show, which I normally wouldn’t do, but we needed something to watch on vacation to wind down, and I caved! (And I loved it.)
I didn’t love You Are Here. I agree he is a very deliberate and masterful writer though. And I did feel for the characters and enjoyed it. But I found myself getting a little bored and rolling my eyes at their lack of honesty and communication, especially at their age.
I’ll have to check out that dressing. I love Sara from Fiction Matters and that group. It’s one of the many reasons my TBR is out of control.
I am almost done with Talking at Night, which I’ve found drew me in, but I’m feeling a little meh about it and just want to finish now. I think the problem is I started tandem reading and listening to my 5th of the 6 books shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for fiction - Enter Ghost by Isabelle Hammad. I finished it yesterday, and it was incredible. It’s one of those books you appreciate more and more as you sit back and think about how she did so many things in it. So now I have to read The Parisian this summer!
I finished Brooklyn last week, so I’m going to start Long Island as soon as I get my Parnassus First Edition subscription. I also am trying to get to a classic for another book club, Brideshead Revisited, and then On Beauty by Zadie Smith. (I didn’t love The Fraud, though I also appreciated all she was trying to do in it. And I love her on interviews, so we’ll see!)
Have a great weekend!!
My tbr is also out of control! I'll keep you updated on my progress with You Are Here- bummer it didn't work out better for you. I really want to read Isabelle Hammad, I know Sara enjoyed Enter Ghost too. I want to hear about your expericence with reading all the Women's Prize for fiction books when you're done, especially your favorite of the bunch
Brooklyn and Long Island are on my audio tbr!!
Ok well wait, I did love Long Island…BUT I have some strong feelings about the ending. So I’ll wait ‘til you get to it!
I listened to Brooklyn and read Long Island on paper. Loved both!
I just got Brooklyn. I may pick that up next, because I’d like to read Long Island. Have you read Fresh Water for Flowers by Valerie Perrin?
I want to read Long Island too but will read Brooklyn first and no I haven’t read Fresh water for flowers but I want to- it’s been on my print tbr shelf for about 3 years😅
Same!!
I have not! I feel like I just saw this mentioned somewhere else and haven’t heard of it before. Will look into it!
I recently read Brooklyn and looking forward to Long Island.
I have an update on Love, Rosie. It is 13 hours and change in audio. I feel like i have been reading this book like FOREVER and i m only 5 hours into the book. I hav the speed at 2.5. The format is all a series of emails and Instant Messages. You would think that this format would give you the feeling of flying through the book but the opposite is true. I am enjoying it but it’s too early to tell if I will love it like I did One Day.
Thanks for this update, I have it downloaded but haven't tried it, I didn't realize it was in the format of emails- I'm not sure I'd enjoy that type of format, I don't tend to like stories told via letters either. I might just watch the Love, Rosie movie:) let me know how it ends up going for you
I am 9 hours into the book with 4 hours left and am so tempted to quit. I won’t as i have come so far. It is longer than it needs to be. You have about 8 or 9 characters emailing each other about things not relevant to the story throughout the book just to establish or maybe to describe the relationship between characters. For example, Rosie’s daughter IM’s her friend about a dance which simply shows how her relationship with her male friend is like her mom’s and Alex’s. Some emails simply say hahahaha etc. so why is it taking so long to get through this book??? I read 8 hour books in one day yet it has taken me 3 days to get through 9 hours. I enjoy the story but am not finding myself unable to put it down. The plot is not a spoiler as it is whether Rosie and Alex will ever get together. At 9 hours into the book the reasons that are keeping them apart are becoming absurd. Don’t get me wrong, i do not hate the book. Just think the format and length isn’t contributing to the enjoyment of reading this book.
I have to say I don’t think this story structure sounds like something I’ll like- I think I’ll watch the movie because the premise does sound good to me
I’m so glad you were able to pick up the FM PSRG!! I have found some wonderful choices.
such an abundance of choices! Sara stocked us up on literary fiction possibilities for the summer:)
I’ll need to grab that dressing next time I’m there.
sesame is my fav type of dressing and I haven't found a brand I like better than good old TJ's:)
I am bummed that they no longer sell the cranberry pear dressing. That is the only thing i do not like about TJ’s. They seem to rotate some products.
They do, you never know when something will vanish forever there- that's why I buy about 6 jars of the pepita salsa every time I go and inevitable the cashier will say "are you having a party'😂 nope just stocking up in case it disappears from the shelves
They used to sell these delicious chocolates from Kona that were out of this world. And they stopped selling it. There was also a tortilla chip that was lime that was really good and I have not seen that in our store in ages.
That sounds like the White Corn Tortilla chips I also buy 6 bags of!! They are the perfect chip with just a bit of sea salt and lime - in a blue and white bag. So sorry you lost your chocolates:(
I am finishing up reading James by Percival Everette. I also have it on audio. The audio definitely amped up my enjoyment of this clever novel. Continuing to read On Beauty by Zadie Smith. Family drama with some satire and humor about society, family dynamics and friendships. This was a Novel Pairings suggested book club read and I’m so glad I picked it up. Not sure what’s up next for me. There are a lot of great choices now available at my fingertips, just have to correspond with my mood. Looking forward to the weekend and picking out something good on the streaming networks. Anyone have some suggestions?
James is still on my tbr, I’ll listen to it when it feels like the right time- I love what you said- figuring out what corresponds with our mood, that’s so true, and always the never ending question right?! I just watched the recent episode of Loot on Apple TV- I love that show. If you’re in the mood for comedy it’s a good one. I’m planning on giving Sugar a try, I believe that’s on Apple TV as well, my son said it’s really good
The last book I finished was What Happened to Nina which I enjoyed. But … the cover. The worst. I am currently reading The Square of Sevens in print, The Force of Such Beauty on audio, and The Husbands on Kindle. Enjoying all of them so far.
You're right about the cover of Nina- so bad! It looks like she's jokingly hitchhiking
The cover is really awful! I feel so bad for the author.
I finished The Return of Ellie Black and I thought it was decent enough to read but not great. 3 stars for me. I really enjoyed What Happened to Nina and would definitely recommend it. Going into the weekend I’m starting Victim by Andrew Boryga and enjoying time at my nieces graduation party in Indiana!
Elle was 3 stars for me too. I hope you like Victim, the author has a Substack newsletter, he seems like such a nice guy
I really like it so far!!
Loved What Happened To Nina, listening to Return of Ellie Black (enjoying the format) and looking forward to Long Island.
I just finished both of those as well, and I totally agree about Ellie Black. It was “fine”.
Renee, i just finished The Trespasser by Tana Frenzh for the backlist challenge for 2016. I loved it! Thank you for recommending it to me.
oh that’s great news I’m so happy to hear you loved it- I was a little worried maybe it wouldn’t work for you but I hoped it would be a winner
It definitely pulled me out of my book slump. It took five hours for me to get into the book because of being in a slump but I was hooked after that. We had nothing but rain today and I read eight hours of the book today and finished it. Is In The Woods The first book in the series? Or is that a different series. I love this author.
Yes In the Woods is book 1, I read that one, Broken Harbor which isn't part of the series but I bet you'd like and The Trespasser - I still want to read the others in the series and then maybe The Searcher- did you read The Witch Elm?
I have only read In The Woods many years ago. I do have Likeness on my wish list on the library after you and Tina mentioned it in a podcast. I read the book The Searcher and it’s sequel The Hunter this year. I love them both and gave them both five stars. These books are not police procedure and I think you would love them both. They are more reflective of the setting of Ireland and the folk door of the country. They are character dripping and just great mysteries. I love the trespasser that I read per your recommendation for the book challenge and really enjoyed it. But the setting could have been anywhere. The story did not identify it as being Ireland like the book the searcher and the Hunter did. Those are all the books that I have read by Tana French.
I just finished News of the World by Paulette Jiles yesterday. It totally surprised me, because really the only way it was in my wheelhouse at all was that it was short and immersive. Historical fiction is really hit or miss for me, and I don't usually gravitate towards a western, but this book set in Texas during the post-Civil War Reconstruction period was great. It was atmospheric, but well-paced and encompassed so many different conflicts and communities of that time and place: free Black people, returned children who had been captives of indigenous tribes, different local tribes, the relationship between the federal government and locals, German and Spanish settlers, Mexicans. It also vividly showed how people got by and made a living. Recommend if you're looking for something different, but enjoyable.
Thanks for this rec! I know we have a copy in our house because my oldest son was assigned it to read his senior year of high school
I loved that book!
Hi bookish friends! This week I finished First Lie Wins and One Perfect Couple. I rated both 3 stars and comparing the two, I would recommend First Lie Wins over OPC. This week I've enjoyed the start of my son's baseball league and being outside in the evenings watching him do something he loves! I'm currently reading The Familiar in print and I'm starting The Main Character audio. Happy reading and living, friends!
I always loved baseball season! Definitely let me know how The Familiar goes, I grabbed that on audio on Scribd aka Everand😏
I finished Long Time Gone by Charlie Donlea and Next Summer Will be Different by Carley Fortune. I preferred Long Time Gone between the two and would recommend to suspense fans. Short chapters and not a totally predictable outcome.
I love short chapters, I forgot to mention that about You Are Here- I think the chapters in in are a page and a half- authors catering to our short attention spans 😅
I think I’m going to try Long Time Gone over the summer. It sounds really good.
I'm finishing up Shady Hollow: Twilight Falls and I just absolutely love this series, it's so sweet and charming!
I've just got a new ipad and I've been watching 90s slashers while working - Urban Legend 1998 has been a favourite!
I’m late responding but last week I finished The Child Finder- highly recommend (thanks Renee!), Colten Gentrys Third Act- enjoyed way more than I do most rom coms, and Table For Two, which I loved!
Your reading is going so well! I'm so happy you liked The Child Finder, she's such an under rated author. Colton Gentry surprised me too, I really liked it. Good to hear about Table for Two- have you already read Rules for Civility? If so, wondering if you think it's a good idea to read that first
I have read Rules- it's actually my favorite of all his books! I actually don't think you have to read it first, but you would definitely know Eve a little better if you did. I'm surprised you like Colton Gentry with all the food writing! ; )
Ok noted on Rules of Civility! Haha that’s very true about Colton, I almost stopped listening when all the food details started but I liked him and the story so much I had to find out what would happen. I skimmed through any time food was talked about 😂
I finished Leaving by Roxana Robinson (4.5🌟) and really enjoyed Renee’s spoiler convo with Tina on BookTalk Etc.
I’m currently listening to Find You First by Linwood Barclay. It made my long walk fly by this morning. I can’t wait to hear what happens next!
So glad you liked Leaving and our chat, that book was so fun to discuss. There's a ton to unpack. Yay, glad you're liking Find you First!
I have read a few Harlen Coben but I have not read Linwood Barclay. What would you recommend starting with? I love Lisa Gardner but have not read her in awhile I need to circle back to her!
No Time for Goodbye was my first Linwood Barclay and It was 5 stars. I also think Take Your Breath Away or A Noise Downstairs would be great starting options
Thanks Renee!
Yes loved Nina! Any other mysteries you would recommend?
Have you read any Linwood Barclay Ashley? Harlan Coben? they are fast paced thriller/mystery writers. So is Lisa Gardner, she's a favorite of mine
I read Confessions by Kanae Minato. Although I can understand why a lot of people really like it, it was a 3 star read for me. I am currently listening to Bel Canto by Ann Patchett but also struggling to stay focused on the story. I picked up The Return of Ellie Black yesterday and so far, this one is working for me.
About 9 weeks ago, I had back surgery and I am finally starting to exercise a little more again. I have been enjoying short LEKFit rebounder workouts. It feels great to sweat and move my body again. Also this week, I started putting together a puzzle while watching Baby Reindeer on Netflix.
Glad to hear your recovery is going well, I broke my leg years ago and didn't walk for 11 weeks and I can still remember how amazing it felt to move again and be able to exercise. Glad Ellie is working for you, I read Bel Canto and ended up 4 star loving it but it took me quite awhile to get into it
I felt the same way with Tom Lake then ended up loving it in the end. I’ll keep pushing through.
This week I finished The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods and Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera, both of which I thought were good but not great. Didn't love the ending of either. I also read Playing for Pizza by John Grisham which turned out to be a reread for me. It's cute but very light weight. I always enjoy his characters and story telling.
I enjoyed having a couple of days of sunshine this week. It seems like it's been raining an awful lot this spring.
I finished Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson and Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel and would recommend both! Very different books for sure, but I loved them. Next up is The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters and definitely one from paperback summer reading guide, maybe Special Topics in Calamity Physics, so many sound great!! Other than reading it’s all about playoffs in my house, both the Celtics and Bruins have taken over the TV 🤪 no complaints here haha
Glad those two recent reads worked for you, I want to try Stevenson sometime.
If you’re in the mood for snarky/light it’s perfect!
I have only read two books so far this month. I finished Within Arms Reach by Ann Napolitano wch was a re-release which I did not realize until I got to the end of the book and the authors note. I can appreciate now why it did not sell so well the first time around. The second book that I finished was The Lady Waiting which I discussed that great links on the previous post. I a going to finish The Trespasser by Tana French this weekend for a book challenge and then I am on to Love, Rosie.
I'm usually skeptical of repackaged and republished books for the reason you mentioned- they are usually being repackaged now because they didn't sell so well the first time around and the publisher is trying to capitalize off of an author's recent success. I had the same problem with the "new" repackaged Maggie O'Farrell backlist The Distance Between Us- I dnfed it and thought her writing now was leaps and bounds better. The one book I've read that was a repackaged backlist that I loved was The Divorce Party by Laura Dave
My family and I have been watching Survivor season 33 on Netflix and enjoying it.
can you believe I've never watched Survivor? I bet I would like it
Me either. The only reality tv that I have ever watched is Biggest Loser back in the day in the news lol.
I used to watch that too!
This is our first time watching! I got them hooked on big brother this year and now they love the competitive reality shows. We will definitely watch another season.
It started off strong but then just ended up average which is always disappointing! Do you read a lot of mysteries? Any you would recommend?
I haven't heard of that but I'm intrigued- a lost luxury space ship has me interested:)