My reading life was fairly robust for the first half of 2016, but I have a sinking suspicion the second half may not be as successful. Two words: grad school. In a way, the reading slow down already happened this month. With all the travel we did, the few days we had at home were spent “adulting,” not lost in a good book, although I would have much preferred the latter!
However, I did read some books this month, and am excited to squeeze in reading time whenever life allows this coming fall. What are you currently reading?
{Sad story about this picture — we went to see the famous NYC library — and they were filming a TV show there that day so we couldn’t go inside or get very close…I was pretty disappointed! I mean priorities!}
Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave — the third book in my summer reading club, this one still has me sorting out all my feelings. A World World II novel, the author shared that the premise of this book was inspired by his very own grandparents. He has taken much creative liberty with the story, but his research included thousands of their letters sent throughout the war. This book follows four characters, all in vastly different social classes with a variety of occupations through the first few years of the war. The writing is excellent, the author witty and highly skilled in use of language, the story engaging, yet heavy. When I closed the book, I just had such a mixture of emotion — mainly because there is a thread of dry humor woven throughout the book, and I had trouble appreciating that approach during such a devastating time in history. I also found it hard to truly love/relate to any of the characters. The end kinda of left me feeling depressed and confused, even though it probably shouldn’t have. Since reading, I’ve heard the author is working on a sequel which I’m curious to see how much reading that one will affect my opinion on this one. (3/5)
The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin – another of Modern Mrs. Darcy’s summer reading club pick, this book’s premise intrigued me. Although it deals with quite a controversial topic, I actually found myself completely absorbed in the book’s plot. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but suffice it to say, I think this is a thought provoking, perfect book club read that will lead to spirited discussion on life, death, grief, parenting, and everything in between. (3.5/5)
Before We Visit the Goddess by
Currently Reading
Heart Made Whole by Christa Black Gifford – if you haven’t already (I know I’ve mentioned them before), please go and listen to Christa’s podcast Head to Heart. You will then need to get this book. So much wisdom, emotion, and deep lessons are on these pages — this is a slow read (just to let it all soak in), but what I believe will be a life changing one.
Stopped Reading
No books in this category this month!
Bought this Month
Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts by Sara Frankl and Mary Carver. This book has been on my to be read list for quite some time, so when I saw it under the kindle deals of the day, I quickly acted. This Sara’s story, some of which she documented on her blog before she passed away from a terminal illness. Her motto: Choose Joy has inspired people around the world. I’m looking forward to learning from her life.
Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer. This is a book that Emily P. Freeman speaks highly about on her blog and in podcasts as a book that really changed her life. I ordered this one this month to check it out.
Up Next
Grad school reading? Haha — in all seriousness, probably one of the books I bought this month or a library hold — I still have many that I’m waiting for!
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What have you read this summer?
All book reviews on the site: READ
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’ve heard similar things about Everyone Brave Is Forgiven (the unlikable characters, dry humor, and overall depressing nature of the book). I chose to read All The Light We Cannot See and The Nightingale so I may eventually try out Everyone Brave at some point but I’m feeling burnt out on WWII fiction for now. I really appreciated your honest review of the book!
I am really interested in reading Before We Visit The Goddess. I love books about different cultures. Is there a lot of sensual parts, profanity, or really tough themes like abuse? I like to have some kind of idea what I am getting myself in to. I love all of Khaled Hosseini books (like The Kite Runner) but I wish I would have known what was going to happen to kinda prepare myself.
Here are my July reads: http://elle-alice.blogspot.ca/2016/07/july-book-reviews.html
Hi Elena — thanks for reading! Excited to check out your July reads. As for your question, I would say that Before We Visit the Goddess has a few tough themes (not abuse, but other ones), but no explicit scenes or content. I don’t remember much profanity. The main story is the three generations of women, their feelings, and what drove them apart.