For anyone who missed it, my Rock Your Reading Tracker is now available for purchase here! What’s special about this reading tracker? It automatically compiles your stats in real time…and helps you pick better books for your reading taste by enabling you to track your recommendation sources. I’ve been using it for a few months now and love being able to see my stats as I go! And, I know I’m going to love all the hours I’ll save tallying up numbers at the end of the year.
In other news, life has been super chaotic and messy lately…and I feel like I’ve barely been able to read (time-wise and concentration-wise). I’m on track to have one of my lowest volume reading months I can remember. But, I *think* things are taking a turn for the better.
Hosted by The Book Date.
This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link
Favorite Instagram Post
Follow me at sarahsbookshelves
I finished reading…
Bored and Brilliant
I listened to this one on audio. Check out my mini-review here.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Red Notice
Bill Browder was one of the first foreign investors in Russia following the fall of Communism. He made a ton of money, angered some oligarchs via his anti-corruption battles, and ended up in a knockdown, drag-out battle with Putin and the Russian regime. You may not think a nonfiction financial book could keep you on the edge of your seat, but you’re wrong! Think a cross between Michael Lewis and Dominick Dunne…told like a thriller.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
I’m currently reading…
An American Marriage
I’m only about 30% into this story about marriage and race, but I’m really enjoying it so far. I was told to go in blind and I did (I didn’t even remember what the publisher’s blurb said about the book) and I’ve been surprised at where the story has gone so far.
Affiliate Link: Pre-Order from Amazon
I tried, but wasn’t feeling…
The Wife Between Us
DNF at 32%. This psychological thriller was fine, but fine psychological thrillers are everywhere. I’m looking for something that stands out. However, if someone tells me this one will stand out if I read past 32%, then I’ll consider picking it up again.
Turtles All the Way Down
I made it through 3% of this one. I just couldn’t take the writing style.
The Glass Forest
At the 14% mark, this dysfunctional family novel was fine (but no more than that). But, I just kept thinking about other books I was excited to read. I’ll pick it up again if any of my Go-To Recommendation Sources say it’s awesome.
Upcoming reading plans…
Continuing with February releases…
All the Castles Burned
This one doesn’t come recommended by anyone who’s already read it, but I’m willing to take a risk for a boarding school novels.
I was reading…
One Year Ago: I’d read one of last year’s backlist beauties and a short story collection.
Two Years Ago: I’d just finished one of my favorite books of 2016!
How was your reading week?
Sorry life has been so crazy, hope things are settling down soon! I think you made the right call on The Glass Forest…I did finish it (I read to find out about 1 character) and I didn’t like it at all. I’m not reviewing it on the blog but I did on Goodreads. I have An American Marriage coming up so I’m glad you’re liking it so far
I saw your GR review…definitely influenced my decision when I was starting to lose interest!
I have heard good things about an American Marriage! I’m currently reading Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, which was recommended to me by a fellow blogger. It is hilarious! It was a 1.99 kindle daily deal, so I figured why not?
I read that awhile back! Loved the beginning about her childhood, but got frustrated with the writing and story-telling style when she moved into adulthood.
I’m sad to hear you The Glass Forest wasn’t anything special. I think I’ll still give it a whirl, but won’t stay with it too long. Red Notice sounds really good. The perfect sort of nonfiction. I’ve not heard of All the Castles Burned, but since I also love campus novels, I’ll read it if you love it. Hope things are much improved this week.
I’m open to picking it back up if you end up liking it!
And – yes, I agree about Red Notice. Would be great for someone who is skittish about nonfiction b/c it reads like fiction.
Hummm all three of your DNF’s are on my list. I’ll go in with lowered expectations.
Ha – sorry!!
I really enjoyed An American Marriage! It reminded me a lot of The Mothers (which I loved). I’ll be eager to hear what you think of it! also just started the audio version of The Wife Between us. Only a few hours in, but so far i’m intrigued.
I loved The Mothers too and I can kind of see that! Can’t wait to see how the second half pans out.
I have the same issue with John Green’s books. He’s better in theory than in practice for me. I hope you find a bunch of winners to read this week. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I loved The Wife Between Us, but everyone has a different perspective on books. For me, it had numerous layers and lots of intricacies. It reminded me of a kaleidoscope.
I’m curious about An American Marriage. Enjoy your week, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Lots of people loved Wife Between Us…I know I’m in the minority 🙁 C’est la vie.
I did enjoy The Wife Between Us, but my enjoyment level definitely picked up later on in the novel; there’s a bit of twistiness that I appreciated, but it comes in late. I’m so excited to hear that you are enjoyed An American Marriage; you told me about this one when we met up in November and I’m looking forward to it!
Hmm…now you have me intrigued. I am looking for a good thriller to do a spoiler discussion on. Maybe I’ll pick it back up again.
Don’t bother with Wife Between Us.
Ha – thank you! I always appreciate when people warn me away from books…I’m always overloaded with books I want to read so it helps to weed some out.
Hmmm…you now leave me concerned about The Wife Between Us. Hopefully, it does pick up after the 30% mark.
I’ve been hearing mixed things. Tara liked it.
TAYARI JONES! Hope it is a good one!
This is the first time I’ve read her, but I’m loving her writing style!
I can relate to things being crazy and I thought January would be a quiet month. I listened to Turtles All the Way Down and didn’t love it the way most people did so I can see how it wouldn’t work for you.
Well, I’m glad I’m not the only one!
Just put Red Notice on my to-read list. I’m always on the lookout for fast-paced nonfiction.
Yay – hope you love it!
Ooh, I hadn’t heard of the boarding school novel but I’ll basically read anything that someone says “boarding school novel” about. Adding to the list!
Yep – I feel the same way!
I’ve also been struggling with reading and blogging. I feel like I have no time for them. Red Notice sounds kind of awesome, so I’m glad you liked it. Have a good week!
It’s a great slump buster…totally different and fast-paced!
Ooh, Red Notice sounds fascinating! I love nonfiction thrillers 🙂
It is – definitely give it a shot!