I’m seeing so many people on social media talk about how they’re thrilled Fall weather is finally coming…well, don’t count me among them! I’m loving this Indian Summer and will gladly wear shorts a bit longer. My reading is looking up a bit…I think. I’m on the precipice and it could go either way.
Last week, I started a new Instagram series. I love the first lines of books and agree with authors Doug Brunt and Pat Conroy (and I’m sure many others) who say the good ones tell you almost everything you need to know about the book. So, I’ll be sharing favorite first lines from my reading on Instagram. Follow me at sarahsbookshelves!
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I finished reading…
Fear
Whew – first book I’ve confidently liked since August! It’s got a Herman Koch vibe (more Dear Mr. M than The Dinner). Mini review to come.
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I’m currently reading…
Sing, Unburied, Sing
I’m almost finished this National Book Award Finalist and I can totally see why it’s racking up critical accolades. The writing is raw and vivid and the story is a sad portrait of hard lives. Yet…I keep zoning out. This is becoming a pattern for me with certain types of books.
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I tried, but wasn’t feeling…
Seven Days of Us
DNF at 27%. This one was so-so and an easy read. It would’ve been easy to keep going, but I didn’t want to waste my time on yet another easy, but forgettable book. On another note, it’s the 3rd book that got lots of buzz at this year’s Book Expo America that has bombed for me. Hmm…maybe a recommendation source to ignore in the future?
Upcoming reading plans…
Ranger Games
I was planning to save this true story about a seemingly normal Army Ranger who up and robs a bank for Nonfiction November, but I desperately need a change of pace. So, I’m starting early.
I was reading…
One Year Ago: I was reading one of my favorites of 2016…I was also on a reading hot streak!
Two Years Ago: I read one of my go-to recovery books!
How was your reading week?
You, Susie and I seem to be on the same page about Seven Days of Us! What a disappointment. I was so hoping for another This is Where I Leave You but not even close. I heard about Ranger Games on a podcast (I think) and thought it sounded fascinating. I love true stories that sound like fiction and that certainly does. Thanks for reminding me about it!
I’m definitely adding Ranger Games to my TBR list for Nonfiction November. I wondered how you’d feel about Sing, Unburied, Sing. I think it’s a book you definitely have to be in the right frame of mind for. GOOD call on Seven Days of Us. What a waste of time!
I mean, I didn’t dislike Sing, I just had trouble really sinking into it even though I objectively thought her writing was amazing.
Too bad about Seven Days of Us. l am intrigued by the premise, but agree about not needing another easy, forgettable book.
Yay for finding a book to love! I’m so distracted right now, it’s hard for me to focus on much of anything.
Seems like a lot of us are!
I hope that slump is far behind you now Sarah – not to jinx it or anything! Also, I love a good first line of a book. I don’t have Instagram myself, but will try and keep up with this new series of yours. A wonderful week to you – reading & otherwise.
I’ll post some of the on the blog for you 🙂
I agree that summer is best. Fall is just the intro to winter which I really dislike. All your books are new to me. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Sing, Unburied, Sing sounds like just what I need right now. Thanks for sharing, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
I’m ready for the rainy season. California is on fire. Come see what I’m reading
In that case, yes…definitely time for summer to be over for you.
Ranger Games is on my list. I like fall (am not a fan of the heat).
I don’t dislike Fall, but I’ll stretch out the warmth as long as possible… And Ranger Games is good so far!
Sing, Unburied, Sing is *still* on my TBR stack. I’m having a slow reading week. *sigh*
I love the idea of highlighting first lines from books!
We are having a week of rain and humidity in NJ, so I would take normal fall weather any day now…
I’m so bummed to see multiple didn’t love posts about Seven Days of Us. I love the cover and I’ve been looking forward to reading it. Maybe I’ll give the audiobook a chance more towards the holidays when I start to read lighter things. Can’t wait for your first line posts!
I know..the premise sounded great. Two other bloggers I trust DNF’d it as well. One called it “drivel.” Ha.
I’m all for Indian summer but I do not need summer temperatures in September. Like the hottest temperatures all freaking year in September. Warm temperatures are wonderful. 90s, not so much.
There was something about the premise of Seven Days of Us that had me steering clear of it when it was available to request. Based on your response, I’m glad I did.
I am afraid that Sing, Unburied, Sing is going to be the type of novel that I pound through because if I don’t, I won’t finish it. Beautifully written and all, but I am not feeling an urge to actually read it.
I have Ranger Games as an audiobook. I will be curious to hear what you think of it!
Yep on Sing, Unburied, Sing – my thoughts exactly! It’s a good book and I’m glad I read it, but can’t say I actually enjoyed reading it or would recommend it to others.
I’m enjoying Ranger Games…it’s a crazy story…it could be a little shorter, but overall a really good read.