It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? (2/27/17)

Hosted by The Book Date.

Last week’s reading was filled with super high highs and frustrating lows. I loved the one book I finished and am LOVING my current read. But, I also had two DNF’s, one of which was The Barrowfields, which I mentioned in last week’s update that I had put down, but was considering revisiting. Well, I didn’t and have now moved on.

I was also visiting family last week since my kids were off from school and we had a lot going on, so I didn’t fit in as much time with my current book as I would’ve liked. Back to our routine this week.

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I finished reading…

All Grown Up, Jami Attenberg


All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg (March 7, 2017)
I loved this tiny novel about a single woman in her upper thirties living in NYC for it’s truth-telling, salty writing, and gallows humor, but I don’t think it’s necessarily for everyone. It’s really different from her last novel, Saint Mazie (my review). More to come in an upcoming post.
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I’m currently reading…

Dead Letters, Caite Dolan-Leach


Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach (February 21, 2017)
Ya’ll, read this book ASAP!! Or save it for your beach trip because it’s perfect for that too! I’m not quite done yet (75%), but am absolutely loving Dead Letters. It has everything – a great plot, a dysfunctional family, a mystery, great writing, and depth. It’s one of those rare novels that I can see myself recommending to absolutely everyone! And a huge thanks to Catherine at Gilmore Guide for putting this novel on my radar…because I hadn’t heard a thing about it before she told me I must read it.

Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

I tried, but wasn’t feeling…

What You Don't Know, Joann Chaney


What You Don’t Know
 by Joann Chaney (March 7, 2017)
I took a chance on this thriller because Liberty Hardy recommended it on a recent All the Books podcast episode. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get past the cheesy writing and dynamic between the two members of the detective team.

Upcoming reading plans…

The Roanoke Girls, Amy Engel


The Roanoke Girls
 by Amy Engel (March 7, 2017)
I heard this dysfunctional family story possibly takes dysfunction to an entirely new level. Which is hard to do with me. We’ll see.

I was reading…

One Year Ago: I was having a reading hangover following Tender.

Two Years Ago: I was reading one of my favorite books of 2015 (and a massive critical darling).

How was your reading week?

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43 Comments

  1. I’m currently reading Fitness Junkie, which is by the authors of the Knockoff. It’s along the same vein, the snarky humor, this time about the fitness industry. I think it will be a fun read for my book club–it’s not about running per se, but we can’t read serious books all the time! It’s going to be released in the summer, which works well for this type of book. Good for the beach.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      A little lightness is always a good thing! Even though I love my dark stories too!

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  2. Kay wrote:

    I’ve got ROANOKE GIRLS on my queue as well. Am hearing ‘interesting’ things about it. DEAD LETTERS has an odd cover – something about those faces and the legs – they don’t match. LOL

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      OH my gosh – I’m almost finished Roanoke and it’s SO messed up. But I can’t stop reading.

      I hated the Dead Letters cover…would never have picked it up based on that. The story itself also doesn’t seem to match the vibe of the cover.

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  3. I am curious about Dead Letters. I’m currently listening to a story about a dysfunctional family. It’s amazing – the many ways a family can be dysfunctional! Have a great week Sarah.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Dysfunctional families are 100% in my wheelhouse! Which one are you listening to?

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
      • Pat wrote:

        The Nest (4 Stars: Liked it a lot!)

        Posted 3.5.17 Reply
  4. I’ve seen some comments both you and Catherine have made about Dead Letters and now I really want to read it. Just have to find some time to squeeze it in! I’m also really curious to hear what you think of The Roanoke Girls.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Yes, yes! You must.

      I’m almost done with Roanoke Girls…80%…it’s crazy messed up. I’ll email you my spoiler-y thoughts once I finish.

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  5. All Grown Up sounds like fun and so does The Roanoke Girls.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
  6. Beth F wrote:

    As you know, All Grown Up is on my list! I think I might have a copy of The Roanoke Girls somewhere around here. I’ll have to check.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
  7. Tara wrote:

    Ahh! Two years ago! A Little Life! I was way late to the party on this one, but I’m so glad y’all finally convinced me to do it. I am loving Dead Letters, so far; did not want to put it down to leave home for my run this morning, and I’ve just begun. Also, I can hardly stand to wait and hear what you think of The Roanoke Girls.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      So glad you’re loving Dead Letters! Will probably finish RG in next day or so…will text you when I’m done.

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  8. All Grown Up is on my list…but now I must add Dead Letters. Thanks for sharing!

    Here are
    MY WEEKLY UPDATES

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      You must, you must!

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  9. Majanka wrote:

    I’ve seen Dead Letters around, and The Roanoke Girls sounds interesting too. I hope you enjoy your books!

    My It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? post.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
  10. Michelle wrote:

    Dead Letters has been popping up more and more lately, and I admit to being strongly tempted by it. Your accolades are not helping me, and we all know I have no self-control when it comes to books others rave about!

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Haha! Self control with books is overrated.

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
      • Michelle wrote:

        Well, I have none, so I agree!

        I love how Dead Letters was a BOTM pick for March. You know which one I selected!

        Posted 3.3.17 Reply
  11. I just read Catherine’s post about Dead Letters and now reading what you’ve written here…I need this book. I saw you guys talk about it all weekend on twitter…but now I actually know what it’s about, I want to read it even more. If only I had fewer books at home that I really feel need to be read soon. Maybe one to take with for the Easter Long Weekend?

    I can’t wait to hear what you think about The Roanoke Girls! I think you’re the one that put this on my radar a while ago.

    My reading has been good but I feel like I’m not getting anywhere. I’m definitely reading but I don’t seem to be finishing books very quickly and i certainly haven’t posted any blog content recently. That’s the worst feeling! I’m reading Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory, which I’m really enjoying but I’ve barely read 150 pages over two days.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Dead Letters would be perfect for a long wkd!

      And almost finished RG – people aren’t kidding when they say it’s messed up.

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  12. Anita wrote:

    Dead Letters may have to go on the list!! I have Roanoak Girls also on my list for March. I had an awful week, too much traveling around and then I got sick :(. I’m feeling better today and hope to get some reading in tonight.
    I always find new books on your blog, you are a dangerous friend…LOL

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. And I’ll be your dangerous friend any day! Glad you’re finding new books on my blog 🙂

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  13. Athira wrote:

    I have been seeing Roanoke Girls around a lot! You will have to tell me what you think of it. Have a great week! Hope you get to do more reading this week.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Almost done with it – and it’s SUPER messed up. Might be most dysfunctional family I’ve ever come across in fiction…and that’s saying a lot.

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  14. Greg wrote:

    I had the same- a book that was a tad disappoiting and then another I couldn’t get enough of! Talk about extremes… I just saw another review for The Roanoke Girls and it mentioned just how dysfunctional the family was.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      I’ll take a low for a mind-blowing 5 star read anyday – would rather have that than a couple “decent” books!

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  15. RK wrote:

    Your thoughts on Dead Letters gave me a push to start reading it, thanks!

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Yay! Hope you love it!

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  16. Catherine wrote:

    Oh boy, thanks for helping get the Dead Letters love out there! I’m with you- I haven’t heard much about it at all.

    I think I might be one of the ?? people for All Grown Up. I started it, but the changing POVs and narration confused me. I set it aside for now. May return later for quick light reading.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      You know, I thought about how it probably wouldn’t be for you when I was reading it. I think the main character would drive you crazy.

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  17. Dead Letters is on my list. I love the cover!

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
  18. I didn’t realize All Grown Up was the same author as Saint Mazie. I loved Saint Mazie audiobook. I really want to read both Dead Letters and The Roanoake Girls. They are two books I’m most anticipating. I’m still looking for a favorite and a five-star book this year.

    Posted 2.27.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Yep – but the 2 books are really different.

      You will LOVE Dead Letters – it’s totally up your alley (I think – haha)!

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  19. Arianna wrote:

    I’ve added Dead Letters, Roanoke Girls, AND This is How It Always Is (from your other post) to my queue! Thanks!! 🙂

    Posted 2.28.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Yay!! Love killing your TBR – haha!

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  20. Lauren wrote:

    I have both What You Didn’t Know and Dead Letters on hold at the library. Who knows if/when I will get to them, but they were two of the few that moved me enough to request based on thoughts from friends. Now that you’ve chimed in on the former, even more curious to see what I’ll think of it.

    Currently reading the latest Jack Reacher because I had a couple of days for a “me” book. Ebook is A Man Called Ove (yes, a bit behind the times), and listening to Marie Kondo, which I have much more interest in after reading Goodbye, Things. Now I want to throw everything away.

    Posted 2.28.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      You must must read Dead Letters.

      And I never read the Kondo, but all the chatter about de-cluttering definitely got me on the ball with clearing out my stuff…a bit at least.

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
      • Lauren wrote:

        I got on the library wait list for Dead Letters, but it was just announced as one of the Book of the Month Club selections, so I picked it. Excited to cram it in somewhere.

        I am a pretty neat person (as in tidy, not awesome), but I learned a lot from both books. Kondo is certainly different in her approach. Some of it I think could be very useful for me, other things didn’t apply, but I think next time I do a total cleanout I’ll certainly use some of her principles. It was an interesting listen.

        Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  21. I have The Roanoke Girls and Dead Letters on my audiobook waiting list post Armchair Audies season. I can’t wait.

    Posted 2.28.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Yay! Good luck with the Audies!

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply
  22. I was one of those that All Grown Up wasn’t a great fit for. While I still love Attenberg’s writing style, I couldn’t deal with the main character not getting her shit together, especially since she wasn’t even in her 20’s (the usual suspects for that behavior). I won’t give up on her, but I enjoyed Saint Mazie so much more.

    Posted 2.28.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      I knew she’d frustrate a ton of people and I was frustrated with her for a bit, but came around by the end.

      Posted 3.1.17 Reply

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