I need to check out the Oprah menopause podcast. There’s suddenly so much talk about the topic but I still feel *adrift*. As for subtitles, I had to turn them on for Mobland because I couldn’t understand half the dialogue.
I desperately need subtitles for Mob Land but we couldn’t figure out how to turn them on- also my husband didn’t try very hard because he hates subtitles haha. But he also has a hard time understanding a lot of what they’re saying. They really need to speak up!😅
My husband is the same way. I’ve only recently started using them on some shows but I’m a bit torn on whether I actually prefer them or not. They help me understand heavier accents and softly spoken words but I read faster than they speak so I often react before the action actually happens.
I finished 2 more winning memoirs this weekend- The Tell, and a book by a woman I actually know called Life Minutes. It’s a memoir that tells the story of her family‘s life after her academically gifted and athletic seventh grade daughter began having uncontrollable seizures that left her disabled. And that was just the beginning of the trials ahead for the family. I was aware of most all of this peripherally because of various connections through my school system, but reading the details of what they went through was absolutely heartrending, and I could not put it down! I’m going to review it later when I can get my thoughts together, but I think even though it may not be the most well written book I’ve ever read, a lot of my fellow readers would really enjoy this book, and I was so impressed by her family’s bravery in allowing her to tell their story.
Other than that, I’m just super pumped that Top Chef is back!
I'm going to give Our Souls at Night a shot! My mom is 82, widowed, and alone. I wonder how her life would be different with a significant other in it... I can't imagine how difficult it would be to let someone new into my life if I were widowed.
I’m looking forward to WILD DARK SHORE by Charlotte Mccognahay and THE CORRESPONDENT. I liked the Town and Country link you posted, there are so many good books!
I am also anticipating THE CORRSPONDENTS and THE RIVER IS WAITING. This week I've been on a mystery and suspense/thriller binge. Catherine on Sarah's Bookshelf recommended THE BEST LIES (David Ellis). It's a really complex thriller . . . very twisty and convoluted. Still thinking about it. Last night I finished Steve Cavanaugh's latest, WITNESS 8. It's another in the Eddie Flynn series and the author never disappoints. I also listened to MY YEAR OR REST AND RELAXATION (Ottessa Moshfegh). I didn't think I wanted to read it but, I have found that after listening to a podcast interview with an author, I often change my mind and decide to read the book. That was the case in this instance, and I wasn't disappointed. Renee, I also listened to (and own the book) MEDITATIONS FOR MORTALS (Oliver Burkemann). I think you read it as well. I know I read his first book (4,000 WEEKS) because of your reco. Love them both.
Yes I loved Meditations for Mortals on audio and bought a print copy. I'm really on board with his philosophies. Also, I love when an author interview can lead us to reading the book- that happened to me with The Tell by Amy Griffin- I was very unsure about the recovered childhood trauma aspect but her interview with Oprah had me immediately starting the audiobook and I'm so glad I did, it's a favorite of my year so far
I SO hear you on NEEDING a book and sometimes struggling to select a book and it can be so frustrating! I actually just experienced this this morning! It was less that nothing appealed to me, more that I just couldn't narrow my focus to decide what I wanted to pick up. Like, everything somehow simultaneously sounded good and wrong at the same time or something? Anyway, I think you're exactly right, sometimes finding the right book just requires some patience which is hard when you just want to be into a book RIGHT NOW!
I also just finished White Lotus. Looking back on the season it was kind of slow as far as plot, but while watching it didn't even register because I enjoyed the characters and setting so much. It really built to a good climax, I thought, and I appreciated the themes contemplated.
Also, also, it has recently come to my attention how little I understand about menopause and how important it is to understand. I'm in my late-30s and not quite to this phase yet, but I'm beginning to see it on my horizon. I'm thankful it seems to be getting more attention and discussion and I think that tracks because of the population of women who are moving into this phase. I think you're near central Ohio, right? I was just reading Ohio Health is opening some sort of menopause focused women's health clinic (something along those lines) and it's the first of its kind in this area (like, what?! Why are women always overlooked?!) I guess waitlists are months long right now, but something I'll be keeping my eye on as a future resource!
Yes I'm in Columbus, well north of the city - did I know you lived in Central Ohio?? I didn't know that about the menopause clinic but it's about time, I started seeing various dr's for it when I was in perimenouse around age 46 and it's been frustrating to experience the lack of concern and knowledge by "good" doctors, my own Ob being one of them
I want to watch Mob Land but I still have many other shows that go first. "I need the anticipation of reading", I never realized it but I totally do this as well, I love the feeling of wanting to go back to reading because you have a grea book waiting for you. Correspondent sounds good, I love epistolary (or mixed format) novels, so I'll check it out!
I have a little reading group with 2 of my nieces and we are just finishing up Heart’s Invisible Furies and wow! I know this is not news to anyone but what a great book!
Renee, I would recommend any of the books by Kent Haruf. They are favorites. Plainsong might be a perfect book. Definitely a lifetime favorite! And I must’ve read Our Souls at the rite time cause I think that is also an almost perfect book.
That makes me sad that Michael Crichton’s widow is suing over The Pitt. I don’t think they are the same and for heck sakes-how much money does she need?!
Oh The Heart's Invisible Furies is so wonderful! It's my second favorite book after A Little Life, both had me crying my eyes out. I read it in 2016 and haven't forgotten Cyril Avery. Thank you for the Kent H Plainsong rec, I really did love his writing and loved Our Souls - you can probably guess what had me so unhappy at the end- and I wasn't sure what I would pick up next so Plainsong it will be:)
I thought the same thing about her suing The Pitt people- it seems she's mad because they were in talks to do an ER reboot and couldn't come to an agreement so they pivoted and went on with another project that is The Pitt and she's not happy. Which makes it seem like a vindictive move.
Plainsong has cowboy/farmer curmudgeons with those hidden hearts of gold- I think u mite love it.
I have confession to make…I am in that slim minority that ABHORS A Little Life. Feels like trauma porn and emotional manipulation. Don’t know why Heart’s does not. Maybe my age? I can relate more-grew up Irish Catholic and even in the US-it is as toxic and crazy as Ireland. And as a young nurse, I took care of these folx. So long ago we were still calling it GRID.
Yes, it’s widely loved. Just did not land with me-started with the cover, I think. I could appreciate the writing . I did finish cause I knew it was such a fav of so many but…that’s why reading is so great-everyone is different but when u land on something u live it’s magic!
The cover is truly awful! I found some interviews with the author when I went on my google rabbit hole deep dive after finishing the book and she discussed it and the fact that she basically battled with her publisher over the fact that she wanted that cover and nothing else- she got her way but now I can't unknow what I learned about the photograph that cover came from and I wish I could haha. Magic is such a good descriptor for finding a book that consumes us!!
As much as I tried not to, I tapped on the link to the most heart wrenching books ever read. My TBR Just went up. I think the universe has tried to tell me something because lately A LITTLE LIFE keeps popping up in book recommendations for me. when playing around with Ally, a book popped up when I inquired about a novel that has a theme of rags to riches family saga called THE INHEIRITENCE OF LOSS. Wondered if you have heard a bit or read it. When I asked my assistant about emotional reads, I received a recommendation for a book that I had not heard of called TIN MAN which is also a backlist book and is only four hours long and audio. Plan to read it this week. Love your healthy recipe for oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips and bananas. I just recently saved a recipe for Bailey’s Irish cream trifle made with chocolate cake layered between a mixture of cream cheese mixed with Bailey’s Irish cream and chocolate chips I think. Not exactly healthy but sure sounded good.
A Little Life is a lot to tackle in every way so I don't blame you for being hesitant, the universe might keep bugging you until you try it though haha. I haven't read The Inheritance of Loss but I have read Tim Man by Sarah Wiman if that's the one you're referring to- I liked it but not nearly as much as Still Life. I don't really remember much about it though and I read years ago before I was reading a lot of literary fiction. Will look forward to hearing what you decide on:)
I mentioned OUR SOULS AT NIGHT previously and agree on the ending of their story but I recall it was realistic . Still I would have rather it had been different but a lovely book
I need to check out the Oprah menopause podcast. There’s suddenly so much talk about the topic but I still feel *adrift*. As for subtitles, I had to turn them on for Mobland because I couldn’t understand half the dialogue.
I desperately need subtitles for Mob Land but we couldn’t figure out how to turn them on- also my husband didn’t try very hard because he hates subtitles haha. But he also has a hard time understanding a lot of what they’re saying. They really need to speak up!😅
My husband is the same way. I’ve only recently started using them on some shows but I’m a bit torn on whether I actually prefer them or not. They help me understand heavier accents and softly spoken words but I read faster than they speak so I often react before the action actually happens.
I finished 2 more winning memoirs this weekend- The Tell, and a book by a woman I actually know called Life Minutes. It’s a memoir that tells the story of her family‘s life after her academically gifted and athletic seventh grade daughter began having uncontrollable seizures that left her disabled. And that was just the beginning of the trials ahead for the family. I was aware of most all of this peripherally because of various connections through my school system, but reading the details of what they went through was absolutely heartrending, and I could not put it down! I’m going to review it later when I can get my thoughts together, but I think even though it may not be the most well written book I’ve ever read, a lot of my fellow readers would really enjoy this book, and I was so impressed by her family’s bravery in allowing her to tell their story.
Other than that, I’m just super pumped that Top Chef is back!
That memoir sounds interesting! And I want to hear all your thoughts on The Tell- will message you!
I'm going to give Our Souls at Night a shot! My mom is 82, widowed, and alone. I wonder how her life would be different with a significant other in it... I can't imagine how difficult it would be to let someone new into my life if I were widowed.
we'll chat about this if you read it- I'm super curious to hear what you think!
I’m looking forward to WILD DARK SHORE by Charlotte Mccognahay and THE CORRESPONDENT. I liked the Town and Country link you posted, there are so many good books!
I've been loving Town & Country's book content!
I am also anticipating THE CORRSPONDENTS and THE RIVER IS WAITING. This week I've been on a mystery and suspense/thriller binge. Catherine on Sarah's Bookshelf recommended THE BEST LIES (David Ellis). It's a really complex thriller . . . very twisty and convoluted. Still thinking about it. Last night I finished Steve Cavanaugh's latest, WITNESS 8. It's another in the Eddie Flynn series and the author never disappoints. I also listened to MY YEAR OR REST AND RELAXATION (Ottessa Moshfegh). I didn't think I wanted to read it but, I have found that after listening to a podcast interview with an author, I often change my mind and decide to read the book. That was the case in this instance, and I wasn't disappointed. Renee, I also listened to (and own the book) MEDITATIONS FOR MORTALS (Oliver Burkemann). I think you read it as well. I know I read his first book (4,000 WEEKS) because of your reco. Love them both.
Yes I loved Meditations for Mortals on audio and bought a print copy. I'm really on board with his philosophies. Also, I love when an author interview can lead us to reading the book- that happened to me with The Tell by Amy Griffin- I was very unsure about the recovered childhood trauma aspect but her interview with Oprah had me immediately starting the audiobook and I'm so glad I did, it's a favorite of my year so far
I SO hear you on NEEDING a book and sometimes struggling to select a book and it can be so frustrating! I actually just experienced this this morning! It was less that nothing appealed to me, more that I just couldn't narrow my focus to decide what I wanted to pick up. Like, everything somehow simultaneously sounded good and wrong at the same time or something? Anyway, I think you're exactly right, sometimes finding the right book just requires some patience which is hard when you just want to be into a book RIGHT NOW!
I also just finished White Lotus. Looking back on the season it was kind of slow as far as plot, but while watching it didn't even register because I enjoyed the characters and setting so much. It really built to a good climax, I thought, and I appreciated the themes contemplated.
Also, also, it has recently come to my attention how little I understand about menopause and how important it is to understand. I'm in my late-30s and not quite to this phase yet, but I'm beginning to see it on my horizon. I'm thankful it seems to be getting more attention and discussion and I think that tracks because of the population of women who are moving into this phase. I think you're near central Ohio, right? I was just reading Ohio Health is opening some sort of menopause focused women's health clinic (something along those lines) and it's the first of its kind in this area (like, what?! Why are women always overlooked?!) I guess waitlists are months long right now, but something I'll be keeping my eye on as a future resource!
Yes I'm in Columbus, well north of the city - did I know you lived in Central Ohio?? I didn't know that about the menopause clinic but it's about time, I started seeing various dr's for it when I was in perimenouse around age 46 and it's been frustrating to experience the lack of concern and knowledge by "good" doctors, my own Ob being one of them
I want to watch Mob Land but I still have many other shows that go first. "I need the anticipation of reading", I never realized it but I totally do this as well, I love the feeling of wanting to go back to reading because you have a grea book waiting for you. Correspondent sounds good, I love epistolary (or mixed format) novels, so I'll check it out!
I think you'll love The Correspondent, especially since you love that epistolary format. Let me know what you think of Mob Land when you get to it:)
I have a little reading group with 2 of my nieces and we are just finishing up Heart’s Invisible Furies and wow! I know this is not news to anyone but what a great book!
Renee, I would recommend any of the books by Kent Haruf. They are favorites. Plainsong might be a perfect book. Definitely a lifetime favorite! And I must’ve read Our Souls at the rite time cause I think that is also an almost perfect book.
That makes me sad that Michael Crichton’s widow is suing over The Pitt. I don’t think they are the same and for heck sakes-how much money does she need?!
Oh The Heart's Invisible Furies is so wonderful! It's my second favorite book after A Little Life, both had me crying my eyes out. I read it in 2016 and haven't forgotten Cyril Avery. Thank you for the Kent H Plainsong rec, I really did love his writing and loved Our Souls - you can probably guess what had me so unhappy at the end- and I wasn't sure what I would pick up next so Plainsong it will be:)
I thought the same thing about her suing The Pitt people- it seems she's mad because they were in talks to do an ER reboot and couldn't come to an agreement so they pivoted and went on with another project that is The Pitt and she's not happy. Which makes it seem like a vindictive move.
Plainsong has cowboy/farmer curmudgeons with those hidden hearts of gold- I think u mite love it.
I have confession to make…I am in that slim minority that ABHORS A Little Life. Feels like trauma porn and emotional manipulation. Don’t know why Heart’s does not. Maybe my age? I can relate more-grew up Irish Catholic and even in the US-it is as toxic and crazy as Ireland. And as a young nurse, I took care of these folx. So long ago we were still calling it GRID.
That's fair about A Little Life, I have a few friends who felt the same as you. I had a very different reading experience with that book
Yes, it’s widely loved. Just did not land with me-started with the cover, I think. I could appreciate the writing . I did finish cause I knew it was such a fav of so many but…that’s why reading is so great-everyone is different but when u land on something u live it’s magic!
The cover is truly awful! I found some interviews with the author when I went on my google rabbit hole deep dive after finishing the book and she discussed it and the fact that she basically battled with her publisher over the fact that she wanted that cover and nothing else- she got her way but now I can't unknow what I learned about the photograph that cover came from and I wish I could haha. Magic is such a good descriptor for finding a book that consumes us!!
I'll second the recommendation for PLAINSONG...it is on my all-time favorites list too! I love his sparse, crisp, clear prose.
Was it the throes of an orgasm or being tortured? I found it just yuck!
First one 😬
😳😩
As much as I tried not to, I tapped on the link to the most heart wrenching books ever read. My TBR Just went up. I think the universe has tried to tell me something because lately A LITTLE LIFE keeps popping up in book recommendations for me. when playing around with Ally, a book popped up when I inquired about a novel that has a theme of rags to riches family saga called THE INHEIRITENCE OF LOSS. Wondered if you have heard a bit or read it. When I asked my assistant about emotional reads, I received a recommendation for a book that I had not heard of called TIN MAN which is also a backlist book and is only four hours long and audio. Plan to read it this week. Love your healthy recipe for oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips and bananas. I just recently saved a recipe for Bailey’s Irish cream trifle made with chocolate cake layered between a mixture of cream cheese mixed with Bailey’s Irish cream and chocolate chips I think. Not exactly healthy but sure sounded good.
A Little Life is a lot to tackle in every way so I don't blame you for being hesitant, the universe might keep bugging you until you try it though haha. I haven't read The Inheritance of Loss but I have read Tim Man by Sarah Wiman if that's the one you're referring to- I liked it but not nearly as much as Still Life. I don't really remember much about it though and I read years ago before I was reading a lot of literary fiction. Will look forward to hearing what you decide on:)
I'm looking forward toThe Correspondent.
I mentioned OUR SOULS AT NIGHT previously and agree on the ending of their story but I recall it was realistic . Still I would have rather it had been different but a lovely book