Whew — I can’t believe it’s the middle of May already! I definitely noticed that the busier my “real” life became this month, my reading life suffered. With out of town visitors, traveling, finishing up one job while continuing to work at another, plus the ever present puppy and house chores…well, unfortunately, reading fell down the priority list. I’m hoping to bump it back up toward the top this next month, but the schedule isn’t looking that promising. I’m going to try my best though to get in some great summer reading!
What are you reading?
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – this was my first foray into the world of verse. I will be the first to admit that I don’t read much poetry (read: any), and I’m not entirely sure why not. It’s not a deep seated dislike for it by any means, but more simply a lack of knowledge about what to read in that genre.
After hearing Brown Girl Dreaming recommended multiple times on podcasts and blogs, I placed it on hold at my library. I must say I was captivated by this book — I think I assumed that since it was poetry it would be difficult to understand and follow, but I was wrong. A beautifully written memoir of sorts about Woodson’s childhood years, she transports her readers with her from South Carolina to New York and back again. I think listening to this book on audio would have only made it even better. (4/5)
The Lake House by Kate Morton – I featured this book as the Extraordinary Everyday (EE) Read of the Week this past Tuesday and you can find a full review there; but suffice it to say, I enjoyed this book. I’m so glad I found Morton’s work as I loved The Secret Keeper as well. (3.5/5)
Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist – Because I loved Bread and Wine (full review here), I was looking forward to reading Bittersweet. Although I think my favorite would still be Bread and Wine – this collection of personal stories about how life is bitter AND sweet was wonderfully done showcasing Niequist’s talent with the written word and her willingness to be vulnerable about the hard things in life. (3.5/5)
Out of Sorts by Sarah Bessey – If you’ve been reading these quick lit posts this year, you know I’ve been reading this one for quite some time. I seemed to go in spurts. I didn’t want to rush it, but then I would forget about it, come back, and so on. However, I finished it just this week, and I must say, it’s a beautifully written, Jesus focused, thought provoking read. It’s comforting and challenging in the same sentences and her chapters on Jesus and the evangelical hero complex made the whole book worth it to me. (4/5)
Currently Reading:
Girl Meets God by Lauren F. Winner – I bought this memoir on sale a few weeks (months?) back, but haven’t had a chance to start it. While waiting for our car to be serviced this week, I conquered the first couple of chapters. The verdict is still out on this one — I’m having a bit of trouble following where Winner’s heading, but I’m hopeful it will become clearer as I have heard great things about it.
Simply Tuesday by Emily P. Freeman – Still savoring the chapters in this one, not even close to done, but enjoying it nonetheless.
Bought this Month:
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger – I bought this one on sale, mainly because it sounded like something my husband would enjoy. In this book, the author explores why some things become cultural phenomenons, go viral, or are extremely successful while other things completely fail. Even though I knew my analytical, curious spouse would enjoy this, I hope to read it as well.
Up Next:
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande – I just received an e-mail that this book I had on hold was available, so hopefully I can sneak in some reading time before this particular loan runs out! 🙂
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I would love to hear what you are reading these days in the comments!
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**All Book Reviews can be found on the READ page**
Previous What I’m Reading Posts:
—>This is a link-up with Modern Mrs. Darcy – find more great books to add to your TBR list by reading other bloggers’ posts here <—
I’m reading Out of Sorts also and I’m enjoying it. She has a neat writer’s voice.
Hi Ginger — she does have such a way with words! I’m glad you’re liking it — thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!
I too have been hearing a lot about Brown Girl Dreaming and though I generally don’t care for poetry I feel like I should give it a try. Simply Tuesday is great! As part of the launch team for the book I got to read it early last year and it has really stuck with me. Being Mortal, The Lake House and Out of Sorts are all on my never-ending TVR list!
That to read list is definitely never ending for sure! I would recommend Brown Girl Dreaming — I quite liked it 🙂 Excited to continue Simply Tuesday — so far I’m really enjoying it! Thanks for stopping by, Kendra!
I LOVED Brown Girl Dreaming! I listened to it on audiobook and then read a few of the “chapters” online. I agree with you: I don’t ever read poetry but her free verse memoir was exceptional! I really liked Bittersweet but was not as crazy about Cold Tangerines or her devotional, Savor. But I want to try out Bread & Wine because so many people have raved about it. I have heard good things about Girl Meets God, so I may pick that one up too!
Here are my april reads: http://elle-alice.blogspot.ca/2016/05/april-book-reviews.html
Oooo — I feel I need to listen to at least some of Brown Girl Dreaming since I’ve heard how wonderful it is read out loud! I definitely would recommend Bread and Wine-it’s a beautiful read. Thanks for commenting, Elena – Looking forward to checking out your recent reads!
I just finished Being Mortal. It might be my best read of the year so far. It’s such an important book that I would recommend it to everyone! I hope you find it as interesting and informative as I did!
Glad to hear your high praise of Being Mortal — I’m really enjoying it so far! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Jessica!