August 2017 Monthly Round-Up

August 2017 Monthly Round-Up

 

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August Reading / Life

  • And, the summer of slumpiness continues through August. My reading this month was extremely unfocused…mostly due to moving. I read less (9 books) and with less concentration than I have all year. A couple super short books are the only reason I even hit 9.
  • Lots of library holds came in this month: The HeirsThe Hate U Give, and Exit West. And, other than the hands-down winner this month (Emma in the Night, my review), most of my relative successes came from the library!
  • Ann Patchett’s memoir on writing, The Getaway Car, was only 45 pages, but it was outstanding. I’m not an aspiring writer (as in writing an actual book rather than a blog), but much of her advice can be applied to work in general. And, I love her grounded take on things.
  • My audiobooks were hit and miss: I didn’t really connect with Sheryl Sandberg’s Option B (but, possibly could during a period of grief), but Kate Fagan’s What Made Maddy Run was eye-opening. It’s a must-read for parents, especially parents of young athletes.
  • Finally, I read two very confusing ARCs (advance reader copies): I adored parts of Young Jane Young (my review) and The Resurrection of Joan Ashby, but borderline inexplicable editorial choices tarnished both books for me.
  • We can’t forget the DNF’s: two super hyped debut novels (Stay With Me and My Absolute Darling), and South Pole Station.
  • Check out my commentary on the September Book of the Month Club selections…I’ve read 2.5 of this month’s selections and have to say it’s a great month to join! I’m also working on a new addition to my monthly Book of the Month Club feature…another tool to help you pick the Book of the Month Club selection that you’re most likely to enjoy!
  • Finally, I’m continuing to share my small, but highly selective library for my new, built-in bookshelves on Instagram. So far, I’ve acquired 4 books for a total of $2.00 – pretty thrifty! Follow me at @sarahsbookshelves to see what books make the cut!

Best Book of the Month

My Favorite Book(s) of the Month

Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker (August 8, 2017), My Review
Fiction – Mystery/Thriller, 320 Pages
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

PS – last year’s Best Book of August was Dear Mr. M by Herman Koch (my review)! 

Best Selling Book(s) of the Month (via my affiliate links)

By a landslide…
Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker (my review)

September Releases I’m Excited About

Sourdough by Robin Sloan (September 5)
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (September 12)*
The Twelve-Mile Straight by Eleanor Henderson (September 12)
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille (September 19)
The Best Kind of People by Zoe Whittall (September 19)

*I’ve already read it and it’s awesome!

Most Popular Posts

Posts Actually Published in August
My Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2017

Eight Campus Novels That Will Make You Want To Go Back To School…Or Not
Book of the Month Club August 2017 Selections: What Would I Choose?

Overall Posts
Book Club Recommendations

Best Books of 2017 So Far
Behind Her Eyes and THAT Ending: Spoiler Discussion (#WTFthatending)

Favorite Posts by Fellow Bloggers

How was your reading month?

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8 Comments

  1. Renee wrote:

    So we’re in the same boat about My Absolute Darling…what led to your DNF? Let’s hope most of the fall titles live up to their hype!

    Posted 9.7.17 Reply
  2. Considering you moved in the middle of the month, you actually got through a lot of books and reviews. I’m feeling better about not getting an ARC of My Absolute Darling, since you and Renee both didn’t finish.

    Thanks for the fall preview mention. I hope your reading life settles down as the kids are back to school and the unpacking wraps up!

    Posted 9.7.17 Reply
  3. Moving is a huge pain. Considering how busy you were, you got a lot of reading done. Have a great September!

    Posted 9.7.17 Reply
  4. Your reading will pick up once things settle down.

    Posted 9.7.17 Reply
  5. Naomi wrote:

    I’ve already been hearing good things about Little Fires Everywhere. And I’m excited to see The Best Kind of People on your September list!

    Posted 9.7.17 Reply
  6. Madeline wrote:

    Everything I read about My Absolute Darling told me to run, and run away as quickly as possible.

    If you want a book about the “lost coast” of California the Last Cowboys of San Geronimo is a good alternative.

    Posted 9.7.17 Reply
  7. Beth F wrote:

    I’ll be ready Joan Ashby for a freelance assignment. HOpe I like better than you did!

    Posted 9.8.17 Reply
  8. You’re my DNF twin with Stay With Me and My Absolute Darling!

    Posted 9.12.17 Reply

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