This week, I’m linking up with Sheila at Book Journey for It’s Monday, What Are You Reading?
I mentioned last week that, after finishing A Little Life, I was going to read one more review book before shaking things up with a lighter backlister. Well, upon finishing A Little Life, it was abundantly clear that this plan wasn’t going to cut it. A Little Life affected me so much that a recovery book/palate cleanser is absolutely necessary before I can read another “serious fiction” book for review. So, that’s the new plan…
I just finished reading…
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (March 10, 2015 – tomorrow!)
This “epic about love and friendship in the twenty-first century that goes into some of the darkest places fiction has ever traveled and yet somehow improbably breaks through into the light” (Goodreads) is completely all encompassing. I’m still processing it, but I will say that this is only my second 5 star book (for the Goodreads rating system) of the year.
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I’m currently reading…
Panic by Lauren Oliver (March 4, 2014)
I’m giving this psychological page turner where high school seniors in a tiny town play “a legendary game […] where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher” (Goodreads) a try as my “recovery from A Little Life” book. I literally just started it, so the jury’s still out, but I’m curious about how this “game” will go. So far, we know that a few people have died playing it in past years (this is not a spoiler, it’s in the first few pages of the book)…
Next up are…
The Unraveling of Mercy Louis by Keija Parssinen (March 10, 2015)
“In this intricate novel of psychological suspense, a chilling discovery near the high school ignites a witch hunt in a southeast Texas refinery town, unearthing communal and family secrets that threaten the lives of the town’s girls.” (Goodreads) I was supposed to read this one right after A Little Life, but I think it’s only fair (to me and to the book) to give my emotions a rest before diving back into the deep end.
Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum (March 17, 2015)
A debut novel about a young woman, who despite her comfortable life in Switzerland with her husband, tries to make herself feel alive by having affairs. Scandalous, no? Bloggers who have already read this one have raved about it, particularly about the gorgeous writing.
I hope you enjoy your selections!
Have a great week
I’ve just finished reading Swimming through Clouds & Swimming in Tokyo… now I’m onto long road to the deep north. I’m thinking that I will struggle through it. It is very well written but a bit jumpy for me. I’m really interested in Panic… sounds intriguing. I look forward to reading what you think.
I liked Oliver’s Alex, so would love Panic, I bet!
Was not so bowled over by Hausfrau. Found it very disapointing at the end, and it was very disquieting.
The cover of A Little Lie makes me think of that famous Dust Bowl photo. I’m glad to see it’s so good!
I want all the books you’ve featured this week. The library copy of A Little Life can’t come soon enough.
Thanks for visiting my blog–have a great reading week.
I hope you enjoy Panic and your other choices for the week. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I always feel a little bereft when I finish a book that affects me so much. Often, that’s when I go into a slump for a bit. However, here’s hoping that PANIC will work well for you. Have a good week!
I’m intrigued by A Little Life, so I’m looking forward to your review, though I don’t want to read it if it’s that dark and intense; I don’t need that right now. Good luck liking Panic.
Hausfrau sounds good, but I’m not sure how deep the story can be. I’ll wait for your review to find out.
It is incredibly dark and intense…so maybe save that one for another time 🙂 It is a phenomenal book, though!
The cover of Hausfrau caught my eye on Goodreads this week. I even listened to an excerpt but have not pre-ordered it. I may wait to see if shows up on my library’s NEW BOOKS display. I look for your review. Have a great reading week.
It’s gotten great reviews by some other bloggers that I trust, so I’m looking forward to it!
These are all so exciting, Sarah! I remember seeing Panic and thinking it could be a great read; I can’t wait to hear what you think. Also, your next two selections looks fantastic; I’m really interested in The Unraveling of Mercy Louis and you already know that I enjoyed Hausfrau. I’ve just started a new one called The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase; needed something different in between Reunion of Ghosts and At The Water’s Edge, since they both have some historical references, etc. Enjoy and I hope your Monday is going well.
Will look for your thoughts on The One That Got Away…I’m looking for some lighter books to possibly include on my summer reading list!
Hausfrau sounds a little like Anna Karenina to me. If you’re looking for some light reads, check out my post.
http://ebogie.blogspot.com/2015/03/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-39.html
A Little Life sounds wonderful and I’m planning to read Hausfrau sometime this spring. Unfortunately, no 5 star reads yet this year 🙁
I’ve heard so many good things about A Little Life! I’ll be sure to check out your review!
I love the cover of Hausfrau, beautiful. Seen some good reviews too. I might look out for that one. Happy reading this week.
Hi! I just started Hausfrau. Promises to be an interesting read. Bloglovin was unable to change my url after my recent renovations. Please re-subscribe here. https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/chronicles-13793205. I hate technology. Ugh. Hope you are doing well.
That’s so annoying! I just resubscribed. I’ll go check out your renovations!
I went into a huge slump after A Little Life that I think I could have prevented with some nonfiction or lighter reads. Sounds like you’re taking the smart route!
Ahhhhhh I need A Little Life! Good thing I put it on hold at the library like…2 months ago. Everybody seems to love it. Same with Hausfrau, which I’m excited to get to soon! Have a good week, I hope Panic is a good time!
Hausfrau is on my list, and I am intrigued by The Unraveling of Mercy Louis. Thanks for sharing and enjoy! And thanks for visiting my blog.
Wow 5 stars for A Little Life. Good to know. At 728 pgs it seems like a mountain.
I totally understand needing a literary palette cleanser! I try to never read two similar books in a row.
You are the millionth blogger to love A Little Life. I think it’s time to place my hold at the library!