Hosted by The Book Date.
I got extra strategic about my reading last week to prepare for this week’s Olympics! I’d planned to read Bright, Precious Days, but realized I should probably read a more serious book and save the “lighter” book for this week since my brain will be consumed by Olympics. So, I pushed Bright, Precious Days off and picked up How I Became A North Korean instead. And, I should probably say that I don’t expect to get much reading done this week with Olympics mania swirling around my brain!
Triathlon Training: My race is this coming Sunday! After a couple hard workouts early last week, I started to ease up just a bit to rest up for race day. And, this week will be very, very light. The weather forecast for Sunday is a 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms, so I’m crossing my fingers that things improve before then! I’ve never done a triathlon in the rain, so will have to figure out those logistics.
I finished reading…
The Hopefuls by Jennifer Close (July 19, 2016)
Fantastic, smartly written light read and one of my favorite summer 2016 books! My only complaint was the ending. Mini review to come.
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How I Became a North Korean by Krys Lee (August 2, 2016)
I’m glad I read this book about three escapees to the area of China bordering North Korea and their journey to try to make it to a “safe” country, but I felt a weird distance from it the whole time I was reading. I appreciate learning what it’s like for those that try to escape North Korea, but I wish there had been more of a focus on life in North Korea.
I’m currently reading…
Bright, Precious Days by Jay McInerney (August 2, 2016)
I’m only about 30% into the third book about Russell and Corrine Calloway, but I enjoy McInerney’s writing style (even if it is a bit pretentious). Now I’m just waiting to see where this story will go and what will differentiate it from the first two Calloway books.
Upcoming reading plans…
I really have no idea…any suggestions? Or, possibly one of these…
American Heiress by Jeffrey Toobin (August 2, 2016)
Nonfiction about the Patty Hearst kidnapping and subsequent trial.
The Inseparables by Stuart Nadler (July 19, 2016)
I heard about this novel on the All the Books podcast and remembered that I loved Nadler’s 2013 novel, Wise Men.
The Natural Way of Things by Charlotte Wood (June 28, 2016)
Shannon at River City Reading loved this somewhat dystopian Australian novel.
How was your reading week?
Kathy Martin
I have just watched bits and pieces of the Olympics. I’m a fan of gymnastics and swimming. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Sarah Dickinson
Those are my 2 favorites also!
bermudaonion (Kathy)
I haven’t heard anything about American Heiress but it sounds good to me. I really want to read The Hopefuls.
I hope you have great weather for your race!
Sarah Dickinson
Thanks so much – fingers crossed!
Carmen
I haven’t watched any Olympic event yet. Good luck with your reading and race day on Sunday.
Sarah Dickinson
Thanks!
Katie McD @ Bookish Tendencies
THE NATURAL WAY OF THINGS!!!! This one gets all my votes 🙂
Sarah Dickinson
I’m thinking that’s what’s in store for me as soon as the Olympics are over! I have a feeling I won’t be concentrating much on anything until then.
Laurel-Rain Snow
The Hopefuls is on my list….and I’ve read and loved another book by McInerney.
I also want to read American Heiress. When the Patty Hearst abduction took place, I was a young social worker, caught up in what was happening, wondering how it would all unfold. And then fascinated by the whole Stockholm Syndrome aspect.
Since then, I’ve seen movies about her experience. I am definitely eager to read just one more.
Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Sarah Dickinson
That must be an interesting perspective to have on Hearst! Very cool – I’m trying to decide whether to read or listen to that one.
Aj @ Read All The Things!
I’m so impressed that you can do a whole triathlon. I started a Couch to 5k program last week, so in a few months, I should be able to run a 5k. I hope you enjoy your books and the Olympics.
Sarah Dickinson
That’s great! I’ve heard really good things about Couch to 5K!
JoAnn @ Lakeside Musing
I’m looking forward to American Heiress… just need to decide whether to red or listen. Good luck on Sunday!!
Sarah Dickinson
Ha – I’m wondering the exact same thing! It’s kind of in my audio wheelhouse.
Mareli Thalwitzer
I stand in awe of anyone who can compete and complete any -thon. Marathon, triathlon, readathon…. you listed one or two books I might look into here! The Hopefuls seems interesting. Hope your week will be great and crossing my fingers that the weather will hold. Here’s my latest post: http://marelithalkink.blogspot.co.za/2016/08/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-1.html
Sarah Dickinson
Well, I stick to the short triathlons, so it’s not as awe inspiring as you think!
Hope you give The Hopefuls a try!
Amanda
Please read American Heiress so I can hear about it! I really want to try How I Became North Korean, but I’m thinking I might read Without You There is No Us first because I’ve read nothing at all about North Korea. That is one I’ve been really wanting to read so it will at least give a bit of exposure I’m hoping.
Sarah Dickinson
If you haven’t read much about NK yet, I’d try Without You first. That gives a much more in depth picture what what it’s like inside NK…How I Became is more about escaping and living as a NK refugee in China.
Catherine
Hello, from your Olympics viewing partner! I’m not getting a damn thing done today- writing this comment and heading back to watch U.S. women’s gymnastics.
I think you’ll find BPD exactly what you expect- no revelations but you won’t regret reading it.
I’m reading The Dollhouse and it’s a frothy 1950s/modern day split narrative about the Barbizon hotel. Decent so far. I’m thinking about Behold the Dreamers next. I saw you read it- should I or not?
Sarah Dickinson
Well hello! Fancy meeting you here! Yes – BPD is more of the same for me so far. It’s what I need during the Olympics, but I wish it wasn’t quite so warmed over.
Dollhouse sounds like another good light read…which I’ll add to my list since I seem to be needing lots of those lately. I liked Behold the Dreamers ok, but I wanted more out of the writing. It’s billed as “readable” and I think it’s maybe too readable, if that’s such a thing? I have a review coming closer to pub.
Kathy @ Kathy Reads Fiction
Best of luck on the triathlon! I’m pretty sure my reading week is shot already since the Olympics are now showing on my t.v. and the book is tucked away. haha
Sarah Dickinson
I’m right there with you! Next week’s Monday update is going to be pitiful…or maybe I’ll just write about the Olympics!
Shannon @ River City Reading
I wasn’t thrilled by the end of The Hopefuls either, but it was a fun read. I hope you get to The Natural Way…its wonderful.
Sarah Dickinson
Yes – I thought it wrapped things up too nicely while simultaneously not resolving some large issues, if that makes any sense. And I peeked at Natural Way last night…I’ll be giving it a go after the Olympics are over and I’m not completely distracted!
Athira
Natural Way of Things would probably be my pick. I’ve read some wonderful reviews of that book and cannot wait to read it.
Sarah Dickinson
Me too – and that’s probably what I’ll go with once the Olympics are over and I’m less distracted 🙂
Heather @ Bits & Books
You have to read The Natural Way of Things – it’ll blow your mind.
Sarah Dickinson
That’s what I keep hearing!