It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? (1/4/16)

Hosted by The Book Date.

Whew! We got home from holiday traveling late last week and things have finally settled down, the kids are back in school, and life is returning to normal. My 2016 reading has gotten off to a pretty solid start…both with the quality of books and adherence to my 2016 reading goals (which I’ll share tomorrow).

I also had some awesome TV awaiting me on my DVR. The Affair finale was picture perfect and got me right back into that show after feeling a bit “meh” about the past few episodes. Top Chef is back on and The Bachelor starts up again tonight. I’m also planning to try Making A Murderer and Fargo (Landry from Friday Night Lights is in it…so, of course I have to watch it!). AND, Serial podcast is three episodes in and I’m surprisingly enjoying the Bowe Bergdahl investigation despite not being excited about this topic when it was first announced. So. Many. Entertainment. Distractions.

I finished reading…

The Guest Room, My Name is Lucy Barton

The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian (January 5, 2016)
Bohjalian does sleaze…in a serious way! I’m still thinking about this one, but I know I’d love to see a coed book club discuss it.

Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout (January 5, 2016)
Totally snuck up on me. I absolutely loved this novel’s quiet gorgeousness.

Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

I’m currently reading…

Troublemaker, Leah Remini


Troublemaker
 by Leah Remini (November 3, 2015)
I needed a bit of a recovery book after My Name is Lucy Barton, so I’m diving back into the Scientology crazy (which I was first introduced to by Going Clear)!

I tried, but wasn’t feeling…

A Man Called Ove, Frederick Backman


A Man Called Ove
 by Fredrick Backman (July 15, 2014)
I loved the beginning of this one, but started to get irritated with Ove’s schtick around the 20% mark. I’ve seen this book on so many Best of the Year lists, so here’s my question: is the first 20% a good indication of what the rest of the book will be like or does the story take a different turn? I’m wondering if I should give it another shot…

Upcoming reading plans…

American Housewife, The Longest Night


American Housewife
 by Helen Ellis (January 12, 2016)

“A sharp, funny, delightfully unhinged collection of stories set in the dark world of domesticity, American Housewife features murderous ladies who lunch, celebrity treasure hunters, and the best bra fitter south of the Mason Dixon line.” – Goodreads

The Longest Night by Andria Williams (January 12, 2016)
This debut historical fiction set in a 1959 military town is based on the true story of the only fatal nuclear disaster in the United States…and focuses on a marriage in crisis.

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42 Comments

  1. I loved a Man Called Ove! American Housewife sounds interesting

    Have a great reading week!

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      I’ve gotten a lot of feedback that I should probably revisit Ove. Probably will at some point.

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  2. Naomi wrote:

    I’ve seen American Housewife everywhere – I hope it lives up to the hype!
    Good to hear that you liked both the Bohjalian and the Strout. Except that it means I have to add them both to the list. 🙂

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      I’ve been seeing it everywhere too lately! I’ll be starting it soon. Well, the Strout is super short and I think so worth it!

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  3. I have American Housewife in my sights, too – love a good short story collection and that topic is just right up my alley.

    DEFINITELY get to Fargo. I adored both seasons.

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      Yep – love that topic too!

      We tried Making a Murderer last night, and despite my husband’s protests, he got sucked in. I did too, but knew I would. I might try Fargo tonight if I have time. Definitely soon, though!

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  4. Kym wrote:

    I might be interested in the Elizabeth Stroud book – will be checking into that. Love the cover of American Housewife! Happy Reading!

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      It’s so so gorgeous and really short…if you can do quiet novels where gorgeous writing carries things.

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  5. Lucy Barton was so beautiful… i’m glad you loved it, too! I’ve seen The Longest Night compared to Revolutionary Road. That makes it a must read for me.

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      You were right on about Lucy Barton – thank you for the strong recommendation – I wasn’t planning to request it before I saw your post. And, I haven’t read Revolutionary Road, but Tara at Running N Reading finished it already and liked it.

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  6. I just listened to Troublemaker and found all the Scientology and Tom Cruise stuff fascinating. I hope you enjoy it too.

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      Yep – am loving all the gossip! I feel like Going Clear didn’t get into the celeb gossip side as much, so this is filling that void nicely!

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  7. Andi wrote:

    Gawd, I can’t wait for your thoughts on American Housewife! I tried Ove and didn’t get very far. Schtick just doesn’t play well with me most of the time. OMG, I’m so glad you mentioned Scientology books! I’ve been dying to read Going Clear, and I heard about Remini’s book via podcasts. Woot!

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      I usually love a grumpy old man, but for some reason this feels a little overdone. Although I’ve heard from a number of people since this post that it took them awhlie to get into it, so I might give it one more shot.

      Going Clear is longer and much more detailed about the crazy pants history of Scientology – that was what really got me into reading about it. Troublemaker is more celeb gossip relating to Scientology, which Going Clear didn’t cover as much…a nice pairing!

      American Housewife is up next!

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  8. Catherine wrote:

    Oh boy, almost too much to say for a single comment. Glad the Guest Room struck you- it’s a lot to think about. I’m really interested in your thoughts on Lucy Barton- somehow it didn’t hit me as hard. I have to think about what I mean. I read Longest Night and think I may be in the minority on it, which is all I’ll say for now. 😉

    I love Leah Remini as a hangover cure. I’ve never watched the shows she was on but did watch her reality show with her family and she’s a pistol so can’t imagine what her book would be like. I actually find it hard to believe she was a Scientologist- she’s so outspoken.

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      Haha! I have a feeling I’ll be recommending The Guest Room a lot. And – I wasn’t expecting much from Lucy Barton and I enjoyed the first part, but didn’t really fall in love until more than halfway through. I read the second half in one day. All those hard truths about family and marriage and motherhood and divorce (I’m a child of divorce)…it all hit me.

      Troublmaker – it seems Scientology didn’t quite appreciate her outspokenness! She was always in trouble with the church. But, I like her! Lots of good celeb gossip in there…great stuff about the creepiest wedding of the century (Cruise/Holmes). I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that a nice girl from Ohio got mixed up in all that…almost seemed like they’d given her a lobotomy!

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  9. The Bachelor starts TONIGHT?!! YES! More fun to cure the winter treadmill doldrums! I can’t wait! I may have to get a copy of American Housewife; it sounds really good and I keep seeing it everywhere.

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      Oh yes, yes it does! And for once I actually think the Bachelor is hot! I watched the first part of the premiere last night and will finish it up tonight. Starting A.H. soon!

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  10. Sharlene wrote:

    Love the cover of American Housewife and it sounds good too!

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
  11. MaryBeth wrote:

    Interested to hear what you think about Troublemaker. It’s on my reading list.

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      Lots of awesome juice about the creepiest wedding in the world! More gossipy than Going Clear, less tedious detail about the history. They’re kind of a nice pairing.

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  12. Carmen wrote:

    Next week I’m going to start The Guest Room (again). I started but didn’t think much of it and put it aside for The Children’s Home, a debut novel.
    I’ve heard good things about Troublemaker, though I’ve also heard it’s more about her healing journey than Scientology per se.

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      I’d agree about Troublemaker…Going Clear really covers the detailed history of Scientology and Troublemaker is more about her experience…plus celebrity gossip, which I won’t turn down!

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  13. Kay wrote:

    I have Going Clear in my Audible library, but haven’t listened to it yet. I’ve been thinking about getting Troublemaker as well. I’ll wait and see what your experience is. I find the whole Scientology thing kind of fascinating in a weird way. Love the cover on American Housewife. And I’m interested in The Longest Night.

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      It’s SO fascinating in a crazypants kind of way! I think Troublemaker would be an easier listen…less detailed history about the “religion” (using that term loosely), more celeb gossip. But, Going Clear is your bet if you really want to dig into Scientology.

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  14. Kathryn wrote:

    I’ve just come from a reader who enjoyed The Longest Night. And I am drawn to the memoir Troublemaker. Ah great that the year has started so well reading wise.

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
  15. Melinda wrote:

    I think I had the opposite experience with “A Man Called Ove.” It took a good 25-35% of the book for me to get into it but then I was hooked.

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      I’ve heard this a couple times after this post – may have to give it one more shot 🙂

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  16. Amanda wrote:

    Oh I am sad about Ove! I would say I don’t think he changes so much – but you learn why he is the way he is and fall in love. But if you’re not feeling it…

    I am very curious about Troublemaker! Might have to go on the library list. I have the Guest Room – I should have read it already!

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      I’m probably going to give it another shot..at some point. Have heard some people say it takes awhile to get into.

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  17. Gabby wrote:

    I’ve got The Guest Room on my TBR list and I’m hoping it’s literary sleaze, and not the cheesy kind

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      It’s not cheesy…handled a sleazy topic very well!!

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  18. I thought A Man Called Ove was slow to get started, but I love how the relationships develop as the novel progresses. I’d give it a bit more time….

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      Am thinking I will after a couple comments like yours…

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  19. I’ve been curious about Rimini and have A Man Called Ove on my Kindle since release to read this year. I liked his second book, but it was one I had to almost force myself to stick with, but it paid off in the end. LOVE the movie, Fargo! Enjoy!

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      This is Fargo the TV show, but I remember the movie too…how can you forget that tree eating machine scene?!

      Posted 1.5.16 Reply
      • I had NO IDEA that Fargo was a t.v. show! If it’s anything like the movie, I would love to check it out. That wood chipper scene? Classic!

        Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  20. 1. Making A Murderer – COMPLETELY engrossing.
    2. Season 2 of Serial – I’m 2 episodes in, and am not as sucked in as I thought I would be. I feel it’s just pretty straight forward… will continue on, but definitely not as good as season 1.
    3. YES TOP CHEF.
    4. American Housewife looks SO crazy good, and I can’t wait to hear what you think. I need to get my name on the library holds for that one ASAP!

    Posted 1.4.16 Reply
  21. Judy wrote:

    One of my goals this year is to read more translated literature by authors from countries other than English speaking ones. Today I am reading House of Day, House of Night by Olga Tokarczuc, a Polish writer. She is putting me right into her small town. It is not like an American novel and yet it has some of the essence of Elizabeth Stout. Good writing is good writing.

    Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  22. Love the cover on American Housewife Stories.

    ENJOY all of your books and your reading week.

    Elizabeth
    Silver’s Reviews
    My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading

    Posted 1.5.16 Reply
  23. susan wrote:

    So glad to hear you liked the Strout book. I definitely want to read it soon. I wouldn’t miss it. She rocks!

    Posted 1.8.16 Reply
    • admin wrote:

      It was so, so good and it really surprised me that I loved it so much!

      Posted 1.9.16 Reply

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