Posts By: Sarah Dickinson

Podcast Episode 8: Carla from Happiest When Reading (Tracking Your Reading)

February 20, 2019 Sarah Dickinson Podcast 1

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Ep. 8: Carla from Happiest When Reading (Tracking Your Reading)

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In Episode 8 (the episode in which I have a really bad cold and don’t sound like myself!), Carla from @happiestwhenreading and I talk fitting in reading amongst our mom activities, reading goals, and tracking your reading!

This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link), through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

Highlights

How we read so much as stay-at-home moms.
Carla’s finicky relationship with e-books…and, the only time Sarah reads hard copy books.
Why Sarah didn’t set a quantity-based reading goal for 2019.
The difference between achieving your reading goals and being happy with your reading.
Setting a reading quantity goal that feels right for you.
Tracking the publishers you have the most success with (and our top publishers).
Tracking your recommendation sources.
Carla’s 2 big 2019 reading goals.
Our mutual love of dark, gut-punching books.

Carla’s Book Recommendations

Two OLD Books She Loves

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi | Buy from Amazon [19:19]
Waiting for Eden by Elliot Ackerman (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [23:30]

Two NEW Books She Loves

The Road Beyond Ruinby Gemma Liviero | Buy from Amazon [28:38]
The Paragon Hotel by Lyndsay Faye | Buy from Amazon [31:30]

One Book She Didn’t Love

Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [35:12]

One Upcoming Release She’s Excited About

When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton (Release Date: April 9, 2019) | Buy from Amazon [37:10]

Other Books Mentioned

Becoming by Michelle Obama | Buy from Amazon [16:55]
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [17:37]
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [21:57]
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [31:07]
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn | Buy from Amazon [31:07]
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr | Buy from Amazon [31:07]
The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [33:20]
Killing Pablo by Mark Bowden | Buy from Amazon [36:23]
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton | Buy from Amazon [37:21]
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed | Buy from Amazon [42:13]
From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [42:39]
Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan | Buy from Amazon [42:57]
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling | Buy from Amazon [43:05]
Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo | Buy from Amazon [43:22]
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [43:49]

About Carla

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

As a stay-at-home mama to two “tween” kids, I finally have more time to dedicate to reading. I have loved getting back into a passion of mine that I’ve had since I was a small girl. But sadly, what I quickly came to realize is that I really don’t have a lot of local reading friends. As a way to connect with others who love to read just as much as I do, I started my “Bookstagram” account (@happiestwhenreading). This community has given me a place to engage in bookish conversations, and I can truly say I have made so many online friendships that I’m truly grateful to have.

Next Week’s Episode

Nicole Bonia and Gayle Weisswasser from The Readerly Report Podcast (airing February 27)

Support the Podcast

Share
If you like the podcast, I’d love for you to share it with your reader friends…in real life and on social media (there’s easy share buttons at the bottom of this post!).
Subscribe
…wherever you listen to podcasts, so new episodes will appear in your feed as soon as they’re released.
Rate and Review
Search for “Sarah’s Book Shelves” in Apple Podcasts…or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Feedback
I want this podcast to fit what you’re looking for, so I truly do want your feedback! Please tell me (email me at sarahsbookshelves@gmail.com or DM me on social media) what you like, don’t like, want more of, want less of, etc. I’d also love to hear topics you’d like me to cover and guests you’d like to hear from.

February 2019 Books to Read (and Skip)

February 14, 2019 Sarah Dickinson Mini Book Reviews 15

I was excited about my February reading since there were a number of books I was really looking forward to, but the brightest stars came from unexpected places (i.e. books that were late adds to my TBR list based on glowing recommendations from trusted sources).

I read one 5 star book and a second 4.5 star book…with only one unsuccessful book that I DNF’d quickly.

I’ll take that for a reading month!

Hosted by Modern Mrs. Darcy.
This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link).

Favorite Book of February 2019

The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin
Fiction – Literary (Release Date: February 5, 2019)
368 Pages
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Source: Publisher (William Morrow)

Plot Summary: The story of the Skinner family – the four Skinner children, their father’s unexpectedly passing in his thirties, their mother’s years long depression (which the children call “the Pause”), and how their lives unfold into adulthood.

My Thoughts: Finally….my first 5 star book of the year! I almost bypassed this one, but a few of my go-to recommendation sources rated it 5 stars (Mind Joggle, Happiest When Reading, Novel Visits) and it was compared to Ann Patchett’s Commonwealth (my review) and Meg Wolitzer’s The Interestings (my review). I thought it was more Commonwealth than The Interestings with shades of My Sunshine Away (my review) in the beginning sections, but for once a big-time comparison proved accurate! The Last Romantics can be called a dysfunctional family novel, but the dysfunction is normal enough to be relatable…the type of dysfunction you see in real life all the time. It’s a novel of sibling dynamics and how parenting decisions/style impacts children in later life. Joe, the lone son among three sisters and the “golden boy” as a child, slides by on looks, charm, athletic ability, and, later in life, his wealthy friends…each sister has her own relationship with Joe and it’s these relationships that drive much of the drama later in the book. My one complaint is that the ending was a bit too tidy…it read a bit like an Epilogue and I felt it was unnecessary. But, that didn’t kill the book for me…I loved every other second of it and it’s one of those character-driven novels I couldn’t put down! PS – I loved the fact that a blog plays a role in story!

The Pause could not go on forever. We knew this. There were dangers. We were children alone, the four of us, without protection or instruction, and while Renee played the part of quasi mother, she buckled under the weight. Unsustainable, I wrote later. Unsupportable, hazardous, perilous, unsafe.

But, Also Read These

American Popby Snowden Wright
Fiction – Historical (Release Date: February 5, 2019)
400 Pages
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Source: Publisher (William Morrow)

Plot Summary: The story of an American dynasty…the fictional Forster family who started Panola Cola, the world’s largest soda company.

My Thoughts: Though American Pop is fiction, I’m guessing you automatically think of the Coca-Cola family when you hear the premise of this book (especially since the author lives in Atlanta, GA). Wright mentioned in a Publisher’s Weekly interview that he was inspired by Coca-Cola “with a little bit of Dr. Pepper.” One of my complaints about the book was that there was no Author’s Note laying out what was true and what was fiction, which is my favorite parts of books based on real people and events, but Google can help you out with this a bit.

The story kicks off with a glitzy party scene at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis and it’s immediately apparent that most Forster family members have skeletons in their closets…making American Pop most definitely a dysfunctional family novel. It was hit and miss for me, but overall more hit than miss. The writing is really fun and glittery, but sometimes veers into “what is he talking about?” territory. I loved that the book was juicy, pulling back the curtain on this prominent family, but he tried to pack a lot into it. There was lots of jumping around between time periods and characters, which made it hard to follow at times, and I wish he’d pared back the scope of the story a bit. But, I loved the spot-on social commentary on the South. It’s not a perfect book…it’s ambitious, but messy. But it’s overall an interesting twist on the dysfunctional family novel with flashes of brilliant writing and commentary.

The Forsters, like most Southern families, typically had one of two intentions when conversing among themselves: to make each other laugh or to make each other bleed.

Otherwise Engagedby Lindsey J. Palmer
Fiction – Brain Candy (Release Date: February 26, 2019)
304 Pages
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Source: Publisher (Skyhorse)

Plot Summary: When Gabe publishes a novel that’s very closely based on his steamy, volatile relationship with his ex-girlfriend (Talia…or the fictional “Dahlia”), his relationship with his new fiancee (Molly) hits some speed bumps.

My Thoughts: Y’all know I’m not normally big on the rom-com style brain candy books…they can easily venture into cheesy for me. But, there have been two over the past few months I’ve actually liked (How to Walk Away and One Day in December) and I can now add Otherwise Engaged to the list! The beginning is a touch cheesy, but then the story turns a corner. The premise is totally intriguing…Palmer’s juxtaposition of excerpts of Gabe’s book with Molly’s thoughts and commentary as she’s reading it brings all this intrigue to light. And, boy does this book(understandably) get in her head! Gabe’s book shatters the core of who Molly thinks Gabe is and has her constantly analyzing details from his previous relationship and details from her own relationship that appear in the book. Of course, Talia (Gabe’s ex-girlfriend) also re-appears on the scene to stir things up. Palmer takes all this upheaval in Gabe and Molly’s relationship to levels I’d never considered, but that were certainly interesting to ponder (i.e. in general, how do the family and friends of any author feel when details from their actual lives appear in their family member’s / friend’s book?). Great pick if you’re looking for something light, easy, and happy!

So, did Talia steal that little speech from the book? Or did Gabe take it from Talia to insert in his book, attributing it to Dahlia? Or did Gabe put into words something that Talia had felt, and then Talia borrowed Dahlia’s words to describe it back to me? The possibilities spin out like anagrams in my mind, making me dizzy. The more I deliberate, the less of a grip I feel I have on what’s real and true.

The Age of Light by Whitney Scharer
Fiction – Historical (Release Date: February 5, 2019)
384 Pages
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Source: Publisher (Little, Brown)

Plot Summary: Set in 1930’s Paris and inspired by the real-life love affair between former Vogue model and photographer Lee Miller and the artist Man Ray.

My Thoughts: I don’t normally love historical fiction or love stories (and The Age of Light is both), but I loved Scharer’s take on it! Mainly because it’s not just a love story or historical fiction…it could also be called a “badass lady book.” It’s the story of a woman who is defined by the man in her life trying to break out on her own…to be known for her own work. And, I do have an excellent track record with these kinds of historical fiction love stories (ex: Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, Loving Frank). Scharer immediately immerses you in 1930’s Paris and I was engrossed in the story right from the beginning. Man Ray and Miller have a complicated relationship…he’s her teacher, boss, mentor, lover, and creative partner, but she also teaches him. I appreciated the fight in Lee…her drive to be known for her own work and her gumption at the end of the book. My one complaint is that I always love the Author’s Note in these kinds of books because it usually tells you where the story is historically accurate and where he/she took liberties for the sake of the story…this Author’s Note just contained the usual thank you’s to her team, family, etc. I should also warn you that this one is steamy…if that bothers you.

The prow of myself, she thinks. Lee doesn’t know – or really care – if she has fully understood what Claude was getting at, but she wants to be how the words made her feel: alone but not lonely, needing no one, living her life with intention.

The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray
Fiction – Literary (Release Date: February 19, 2019)
304 Pages
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Source: Publisher (Berkley Books)

Plot Summary: When Althea and her husband (Proctor) are arrested, Althea’s sisters become caretakers for Althea’s two teenage daughters (Kim and Baby Vi).

My Thoughts: This was a tough book…not emotionally tough to read, but tough because my expectations were so high. I peeked at the first 10 pages or so well before actually reading it and was immediately pulled in by the writing. From that glimpse, I was expecting a 5 star book. And, I did end up liking it, but more lukewarmly than a 5 star book. It’s been compared to The Mothers (my review) and An American Marriage (my review)…but, to me, it felt more like The Mothers in style and the An American Marriage comparison is coming from the fact that Proctor and Althea are in prison. It’s a sad portrait of what prison and betrayal does to a family. It’s a quiet book, which I’m okay with since I did really love the writing, but I was waiting the whole time for it to blow me away…and, it never did. Althea is a tough character. I kept thinking she would be more sympathetic, but it never happened. She’s hard to read and I was confused by her; however, there are other likable characters in this story. I did really like the ending, which was more hopeful than the rest of the book, and I loved hearing in the Author’s Note that Gray pulled some elements of the story from her own life (ex: eating disorders and gay marriage). Overall, this one suffered from my inflated expectations, but I still more or less liked it.

How does time heal the want of time, such crucial time, with someone you miss? You learn to get by with a loss like that, but something is always off.

The DNF’s

Bowlaway by Elizabeth McCracken (February 5, 2019)
DNF at 8%
I just couldn’t get past the language…it felt really old-timey and required more concentration than I felt like devoting.

What’s the best book you’ve read so far this month?

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Podcast Episode 7: Ashley Spivey (Galentine’s Day Book Recommendations & Bachelor Talk)

February 13, 2019 Sarah Dickinson Podcast 0

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Ep. 7: Ashley Spivey (Galentine's Day Book Recommendations & Bachelor Talk)

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In Episode 7, Ashley Spivey (founder of #SpiveysClub Facebook Group and former Bachelor contestant) shares Galentine’s Day book recommendations and talks a bit of The Bachelor behind-the-scenes!

We had a lot to cover this week (including 3 extra book recommendations from Ashley!), so the episode as a little longer than you’re used to. But, I don’t think you’ll be mad about it!

This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link), through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

Highlights

Surviving The Bachelor without being allowed to read.
A bit of behind-the-scenes of The Bachelor & what it’s like to be a contestant on the show.
Why Ashley doesn’t like reading books in advance of publication.
Sarah’s favorite podcasts.
Why Ashley rarely DNF’s books.
Ashley’s dream job.
Authors on social media (and some that are particularly good follows).
Why Ashley doesn’t read books about The Bachelor anymore.

Ashley’s Book Recommendations

Four OLD Books She Loves

Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt | Buy from Amazon [22:29]
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson | Buy from Amazon [25:01]
Forever is the Worst Long Time by Camille Pagan | Buy from Amazon [27:37]
Stay with Me by Ayobami Adebayo | Buy from Amazon [31:24]

Two NEW Books She Loves

Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering | Buy from Amazon [33:47]
Matchmaking for Beginners by Maggie Dawson | Buy from Amazon [37:05]

One Book She Didn’t Love

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (My Quick Thoughts) | Buy from Amazon [40:21]

Two Upcoming Releases She’s Excited About

Otherwise Engaged by Lindsey J. Palmer (Publication Date: February 26) | Buy from Amazon [43:52]
The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvais Graves (Release Date: April 2, 2019) | Buy from Amazon [46:51]

Other Books Mentioned

Life of Pi by Yann Martel | Buy from Amazon [3:54]
Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart | Buy from Amazon [10:34]
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center | Buy from Amazon [12:52]
How to Walk Away by Katherine Center (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [13:04]
It’s Not Okay: Turning Heartbreak into Happily Never After by Andi Dorfman | Buy from Amazon [18:18]
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern | Buy from Amazon [22:02]
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [24:26]
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [24:44]
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [24:44]
Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagan | Buy from Amazon [27:49]
I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott | Buy from Amazon [29:29]
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | Buy from Amazon [32:15]
The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. by Adelle Waldman (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [35:47]
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman | Buy from Amazon [38:24]
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [41:15]
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr | Buy from Amazon [41:45]
Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian | Buy from Amazon [41:45]
On the Island by Tracey Garvais Graves | Buy from Amazon [46:59]
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang | Buy from Amazon [47:31]
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion | Buy from Amazon [47:40]
Bachelor Nation by Amy Kauffman (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [49:21]
The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [51:06]
The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [51:06]
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld | Buy from Amazon [51:16]
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld | Buy from Amazon [51:26]
You Think It, I’ll Say It: Stories by Curtis Sittenfeld (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [51:26]

About Ashley

Facebook Group | Instagram | Twitter

Ashley is the founder of the #SpiveysClub Facebook Group and Book Club. She’s also co-host of the He Said, She Said Podcast sharing advice on life and love with Reality Steve. Prior to all that, she was a contestant on Season 15 of The Bachelor with Brad Womack.

Next Week’s Episode

Carla from Happiest When Reading (airing February 20)

Support the Podcast

Share
If you like the podcast, I’d love for you to share it with your reader friends…in real life and on social media (there’s easy share buttons at the bottom of this post!).
Subscribe
…wherever you listen to podcasts, so new episodes will appear in your feed as soon as they’re released.
Rate and Review
Search for “Sarah’s Book Shelves” in Apple Podcasts…or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Feedback
I want this podcast to fit what you’re looking for, so I truly do want your feedback! Please tell me (email me at sarahsbookshelves@gmail.com or DM me on social media) what you like, don’t like, want more of, want less of, etc. I’d also love to hear topics you’d like me to cover and guests you’d like to hear from.

Do you celebrate Galentine’s Day? What are some of your favorite books featuring awesome ladies?

What I’m Reading Now (2/11/19)

February 11, 2019 Sarah Dickinson It's Monday! What are you reading? 12

Y’all, we had 70 degree weather for multiple days last week! It was so nice to exercise outside for a couple days and actually sweat! On the downside, the winter illnesses are still around. We got hit by the stomach bug last week as well…

Podcast

Episode 6 of the Sarah’s Book Shelves Live podcast came out last week! Tara of Running N Reading talked her job as a clinical chaplain, finding the right listening material for long runs, and a bit about The Bachelor…plus, book recommendations!

Episode 7, featuring Ashley Spivey, former Bachelor contestant and founder of #SpiveysClub Facebook Group is coming on Wednesday!

New on the Blog

More (Mostly) Unconventional Love Stories for Readers Who Don’t Like Romance…I often have issues with traditional romances, but have found I love the untraditional kind!
2019 Rock Your Reading Tracker – I used my “Rock Your Reading Tracker” this year to track all my reading stats in real time and figure out who my best recommendation sources are…and, my reading QUALITY improved 42% from last year! The new and improved 2019 tracker is now available for $14.99…get more details here!

Hosted by The Book Date.
This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link), through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

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My @bookofthemonth picks arrived! And I haven’t been this excited about a month’s picks in awhile! I’ve already read and loved THE AGE OF LIGHT (in e-galley form), so that one is going on my shelves. And, I can’t wait to start A MAN IS NO WOMAN. I peeked at the first paragraph and was immediately drawn in… #affiliate⠀ _⠀ ⠀ Have you read either of these yet? What did you think?⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ *⠀ #bookofthemonth #bookofthemonthclub #botm #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookgram #amreading #bookworms #instabooks #instabook #booktalk #booklovers #booklover #bibliophile #biblio #bookaddict #bookaddiction #igreads #booksofinstagram #badassbookbabes @bookofthemonth @wscharer @etafrum

A post shared by Sarah’s Book Shelves (@sarahsbookshelves) on Feb 7, 2019 at 11:49am PST

I finished reading…

The Age of Lightby Whitney Scharer (February 5, 2019)
I was totally engrossed in this based on real life love story set in 1930’s Paris. Mini review coming on Thursday!
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

This Will Only Hurt a Littleby Busy Phillips (October 16, 2018) – AUDIOBOOK
Actress Busy Phillips is raw, honest, down-to-earth, hilarious, and unafraid to share some experiences from her childhood that many people would feel uncomfortable talking about. A fun listen!
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

I’m currently reading…

The Last Romanticsby Tara Conklin (February 5, 2019)
I almost bypassed this book and I’m so glad I didn’t! It’s been compared to Commonwealth (one of my favorite books of 2016!) and Allison from Mind Joggle and Carla from Happiest When Reading both loved it! I’m about halfway through and it’s one of those character-driven novels I can’t put down…I feel my first 5 star book of 2019 coming as long as things don’t go off the rails in the second half!
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Our Prince of Scribesedited by Nicole A. Seitz (September 15, 2018)
I’m slowly working my way through this collection of essays by friends, family, and fellow authors remembering Pat Conroy, my all-time favorite author. I read one essay every night and I just love hearing as much as I can about him. Plus, it’s a nice, comforting way to end the day. I’m now about 70% through! Should be done by next week.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Upcoming reading plans…

I meant to start this last week, but snuck in The Last Romantics instead…

The Lost Prince: A Search for Pat Conroyby Michael Mewshaw (February 26, 2019)
The true story of Mewshaw’s friendship with Pat Conroy…then their subsequent falling out and reconciliation. I talked about this book on my Winter 2019 Book Preview podcast and am a little nervous to read it just because I don’t want my image of him to be tainted!

I was reading…

One Year Ago: I read a necessary nonfiction pairing: a daytime read and a nighttime read.

Two Years Ago: I was reading a 5 star book that many other people didn’t like.

How was your reading week?

Podcast Episode 6: Tara from Running N Reading

February 6, 2019 Sarah Dickinson Podcast 4

0:00

Ep. 6: Tara from Running N Reading

iTunes Google Play Leave a Review Listen in a New Window Download Stitcher Subscribe on Android

In Episode 6, Tara from the blog Running N Reading and I talk about Tara’s job as a clinical chaplain, finding the right listening material for long runs, and a bit about The Bachelor…plus, book recommendations!

This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link), through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

Highlights

How Tara’s job as a clinical chaplain influences what she reads.
Her listening content of choice for long runs.
Our issues with listening to fiction on audio while exercising.
Tara’s Go-To Nonfiction Audiobooks to listen to while running.
Tara’s simple method for deciding when to DNF a book.
And, a bit of The Bachelor talk.

Tara’s Book Recommendations

Two OLD Books She Loves

Still Life by Louise Penny | Buy from Amazon [14:43]
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach | Buy from Amazon [16:36]

Two NEW Books She Loves

Our Homesick Songsby Emma Hooper | Buy from Amazon [19:11]
The Deeper the Water the Uglier the Fish by Katya Apekina | Buy from Amazon [22:33]

One Book She Didn’t Love

Tin Man by Sarah Winman | Buy from Amazon [24:56]

One Upcoming Release She’s Excited About

Lost and Wanted by Nell Freudenberger (Release Date: April 2, 2019) | Buy from Amazon [27:01]

Other Books Mentioned

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi | Buy from Amazon [5:19]
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande | Buy from Amazon [5:45]
Everything Happens for a Reason by Kate Bowler | Buy from Amazon [5:56]
Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [6:52]
Wild by Cheryl Strayed | Buy from Amazon [13:10]
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed | Buy from Amazon [13:26]
Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [13:45]
North by Scott Jurek | Buy from Amazon [13:48]
Beartown by Fredrik Backman (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [16:53]
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [17:23]
Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger | Buy from Amazon [18:53]
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [21:14]
Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett | Buy from Amazon [24:16]
Everything Here is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee | Buy from Amazon [24:27]
The Newlyweds by Nell Freudenberger | Buy from Amazon [24:27]
The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [30:42]
The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll (My Review) | Buy from Amazon [30:42]

About Tara

Blog | Instagram | Twitter

When she’s not working as a hospital chaplain, Tara is usually outside running, often with an audiobook, or reading with two dogs curled around her lap. Her favorite reads are usually literary fiction but she also enjoys engaging thrillers and nonfiction, with a few historical fiction and YA titles thrown in for an occasional break.

Next Week’s Episode

Ashley Spivey from #SpiveysClub Facebook Group (airing February 13)

Support the Podcast

Share
If you like the podcast, I’d love for you to share it with your reader friends…in real life and on social media (there’s easy share buttons at the bottom of this post!).
Subscribe
…wherever you listen to podcasts, so new episodes will appear in your feed as soon as they’re released.
Rate and Review
Search for “Sarah’s Book Shelves” in Apple Podcasts…or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Feedback
I want this podcast to fit what you’re looking for, so I truly do want your feedback! Please tell me (email me at sarahsbookshelves@gmail.com or DM me on social media) what you like, don’t like, want more of, want less of, etc. I’d also love to hear topics you’d like me to cover and guests you’d like to hear from.

What are your favorite mysteries / thrillers?

10 MORE Love Stories (2019 Additions)

Forever is the Worst Long Time by Camille Pagan
You’ll start out thinking this is a run-of-the-mill love triangle, but it goes in a direction you probably wouldn’t guess.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center (my review)
This love story is more traditional and feels like a rom-com…but, for some reason all that didn’t turn me off!
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
Based on the real-life affair between the architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney, Wright’s married client. Beyond the tempestuous love affair, this is a story about Mamah finding her own identity outside of love.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

One Day in December by Josie Silver
Another more traditional love story featuring a love triangle, but its intriguing premise kept me interested.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Otherwise Engaged by Lindsey J. Palmer
Yet another more traditional love story with an intriguing premise. Mini review coming next week.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering
A sociopathic love story…and I can’t say this one is happy. It’s more of a cautionary tale.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

The Age of Lightby Whitney Scharer
Similar to Loving Frank, a novel based on the real-life love affair between former Vogue model Lee Miller and artist Man Ray. It’s out coming out today and I’ll have a mini review for you next week!
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
Are you wondering why I have a thriller on this list? There’s a bit of a love story mixed in here too…a really messed up one.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

This Must Be the Place by Maggie O’Farrell
A family drama / love story…involving a Hollywood actress that the world had presumed missing and an American divorcee on the run from his problems.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Where the Crawdads Singby Delia Owens (my review)
A coming of age story, a murder mystery, and a love story wrapped up into one…with some beautiful nature writing thrown in.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

12 Unconventional Love Stories for Readers Who Don’t Like Romance (Original List, 2018)

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood (my review)
Some would call this love story horrifying. I definitely did at times. But, it’s also different than anything I’ve ever read and Greenwood makes you question what you thought were your rock solid convictions.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (my review)
What happens to a love story when a husband of only a year and a half goes to prison? Oprah sure wants her book club members to find out!
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (my review)
Most people probably wouldn’t consider this sci-fi page turner a love story. But, ultimately, Jason is fighting tooth and nail to be with his wife and child…his idea of home.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift (my review)
An illicit affair between a British heir and his neighbor’s maid. It definitely doesn’t have a happy ending, but I finished the book completely satisfied.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf (my review)
Two older people (Louis and Addie) stop caring what everyone else thinks and do what they need to do to be happy. It’s sort of like they read The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck by Sarah Knight.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Sunburn by Laura Lippman
A love story where the two lovebirds are totally messing with each other and you have no idea who will come out on top.
Affiliate Link: Pre-Order from Amazon

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (my review)
This is the kind of love story that many of us had in our youth (especially if you lived in NYC) and look back on with horror. We wish we would’ve been stronger, smarter, and valued ourselves more. It’s raw and most definitely not sweet.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Tender by Belinda McKeon (my review)
A story of friendship, unrequited love, desperation and obsession. This one will make you uncomfortable…I was cringing often.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel (my review)
Probably the most F’d up love story you’ll ever read (with a love story you can actually root for buried amid the horror)…starring a supremely dysfunctional family.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

The Rules of Magicby Alice Hoffman
Love permeates this story about family and magic. Can the Owens children find love? Should they?
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugoby Taylor Jenkins Reid (my review)
The true love story of this book isn’t the one you think it will be.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

White Fur by Jardine Libaire (my review)
A classic “wrong side of the tracks” love story…told in a raw, gritty, edgy, and uncomfortable way.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

How do you feel about romances? Do you prefer the traditional or unconventional type?

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What I’m Reading Now (2/4/19)

February 4, 2019 Sarah Dickinson It's Monday! What are you reading? 15

Even though Pat Conroy is no longer with us and I don’t have any of his work left to read for the first time, I can read about Conroy and I seem to be doing a lot of that lately! And, it’s almost as good as reading Conroy’s own words.

I also was recently a guest on The Lisa Clark Valentine radio show talking about 2019 books and how to achieve your reading goals. Listen here if you’re interested!

Podcast

Episode 5 of the Sarah’s Book Shelves Live podcast came out last week! Renee of It’s Book Talk shared her mystery/ thriller book recommendations!

Episode 6, featuring Tara from Running N Reading is coming on Wednesday!

New on the Blog

Book of the Month February picks are due on Wednesday…I’ve got commentary on all the picks and am choosing 2 for myself this month!
2019 Rock Your Reading Tracker – I used my “Rock Your Reading Tracker” this year to track all my reading stats in real time and figure out who my best recommendation sources are…and, my reading QUALITY improved 42% from last year! The new and improved 2019 tracker is now available for $14.99…get more details here!

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February Book of the Month selections are here! And, for the first time in awhile, I love these picks! I’ve read the beginning of one and am loving it so far (and it comes highly recommended from 2 trusted recommendation sources @georgiahunter @novelvisits)! And, a second one wasn’t on my radar at all, but the Goodreads reviews are so outstanding that I’m now super interested! Check out my blog post for my picks… _ I’ve got commentary on all the selections (including my personal thoughts on the one I’ve read) AND my ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB JUDGES to help you choose the right book for your reading taste. LINKS IN PROFILE #affiliate _ What will you choose as your BOTM February selection? * * * * * * #bookofthemonth #bookofthemonthclub #botm #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookgram #amreading #bookworms #instabooks #instabook #booktalk #booklovers #booklover #bibliophile #biblio #bookaddict #bookaddiction #igreads #booksofinstagram #badassbookbabes @bookofthemonth

A post shared by Sarah’s Book Shelves (@sarahsbookshelves) on Feb 1, 2019 at 5:10am PST