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Last week was particularly hectic in my personal life and I felt fairly distracted with my reading until things settled down late in the week. I’ve switched gears to some lighter books, which are better matches for the life craziness right now!
I haven’t talked much about my back injury lately…but I’ve been plugging away. I’m still in physical therapy twice a week and am gradually increasing the intensity of my workouts. They still aren’t anywhere close to what I was doing pre-injury, but I feel like I’m making baby steps progress. Last week, I ran a whole mile without a walk interval for the first time since the injury – so yay? I’m also learning to accept that it now takes a lot more to loosen my muscles than it did before this happened. So, the time I’m spending on stretching, foam rolling, and doing Jasyoga has dramatically increased.
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I finished reading…
Woman No. 17
My feelings about this book didn’t change during the last 40% (i.e. where I left you last week). I never really got the “sinister, sexy noir” or the “female friendship” elements…or figured out what the book is truly about. Mini review to come.
The Fact of a Body
My thoughts about this part memoir / part true crime are all over the place. I’m not sure what I expected, but it definitely wasn’t quite what I got. I found it a bit tedious and clunky initially, but ended up appreciating how the two stories linked up by the end. Warning: this one is an emotional gut-wrencher. Mini Review to come.
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I’m currently reading…
Trophy Son
I’m almost done with this novel about a young tennis prodigy with an overbearing sports father and it’s exactly the type of book I need right now! It’s a unique spin on a coming of age story and I’m flying through it. Bonus if you’re a tennis fan, but that’s not necessary to enjoy it!
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Upcoming reading plans…
I’m not quite sure! I’ve been powering through May ARC’s for the last few weeks and I might try to fit in something from my “must try before the end of the year” list. Or, I might tackle my one remaining May ARC.
Rabbit Cake
Susie at Novel Visits recently put this debut novel featuring a lovable twelve year old girl narrator on my radar and since then I’ve been hearing a lot of great buzz about it.
White Fur
Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea raved about this 1980’s NYC love story. I normally avoid books about romance, but I hear this one is untraditional and gritty, which is much more up my alley. This is the aforementioned “one remaining May ARC.”
I was reading…
One Year Ago: I was reading one of last year’s buzziest books.
Two Years Ago: I was reading one of the few YA novels I read last year.
How was your reading week?
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Diane piqued my interest in White Fur, too! Can’t wait to hear what you think. Glad your back is slowly getting better.
I’m really enjoying Fact of a Body even though it’s so serious. Really like the way it’s written. I agree that Woman No. 17 had some real problems!
Rabbit Cake is the perfect sort of lighter read that you’re looking for right now. I flew through it. I picked up White Fur last week after reading about it somewhere. Great setting and era, so hopefully it will be good.
Hang in there with the back!
I’m almost finished with Rabbit Cake…it’s totally delightful! I love Elvis.
White Fur sounds really good. I am going to look into this one. Hope that you enjoy all of your books and have a great week ahead!
I’m about to pick it up. Ended reading Rabbit Cake first.
I hope your recovery continues to go smoothly.
I’m dying to get my hands on a copy of Trophy Son.
It’s on Netgalley – go grab it!
Trophy Son sounds good. Good luck with the rehabbing. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Fact of a Body is on my list. Trophy Son sounds great and perfect for summer. Here’s hoping your back heals soon.
Get ready for Fact of a Body – it’s intense! Trophy Son was actually a perfect recovery read!
Yes, Diane piqued my interest in White Fur, too.
As for Woman No. 17, I ended up loving the book, but not the characters, and I didn’t really worry about whether it turned out to be what I expected (it didn’t). I tend to go into books without too many expectations…LOL. That saves me a lot of angst.
Glad your back is better. Having struggled with back issues, including surgery in 1993…and I can relate.
I’m not sure about Trophy Son. I’m afraid I would HATE that father. LOL.
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Problem smart to throw the expectations out the window! But, in some cases, unexpected books tend to be really good things. I just had issues with Woman No. 17 itself…independent of the expectations.
Yes – you’d hate the father. That’s the point. But, I really loved the son.
I’m sorry about your back – those are not fun issues to have!
Ooh, I hadn’t heard of Trophy Son before, but it sounds great! I’m definitely going to be adding that one to my wish list!
Congrats on the progress you’re making with your physical therapy.
It was another busy week but I did manage to finish some books. Come see what I’m reading.
I’m going to start Fake Plastic Love tonight. but already have another book on hand, based on your initial response. There are so many new releases this month that I won’t be inclined to stick with anything that is less than great- which I appreciate your vetting Woman No 17. I’m setting that one aside for now.
It sounds like you’re making great progress with the back injury. I know it must be a hard adjustment for you also.
I’m intrigued by The Fact of a Body. Happy reading!
I just added “The Fact of a Body” to my to-read list and your little blurb has me intrigued. I’ll be interested to read your review. I just love the cover of the rabbit book! I’m not a huge fan of child narrators, but I’ll have to look it up. Hoping you have continued progress with your back recovery!