Podcast
Episode 43, featuring Jordan Moblo (@jordys.book.club) talking about growing a #bookstagram account aired last week.
And, a mini episode featuring Jayda Justus (@thehistorymom) talking about historical fiction and history nonfiction will air this Wednesday.
AND, I released the first episode of a NEW MONTHLY BONUS PODCAST SERIES for Patrons! Every month, I will share my own picks in the book recommendations portion of the regular show. So, I’ll share:
- 2 Old Books I Love
- 2 New Books I Love
- 1 Book I Didn’t Love
- 1 Upcoming Release I’m Excited About
These are solo episodes (i.e. no co-host). If you’d like to get access to these bonus episodes (plus other bonus content), you can support the podcast for $5/month on Patreon.
New on the Blog
- January 2020 Books to Read (and Skip)…and it’s a great month for books (two 5 star books & a 3rd 4.5 star book)!
- The 2020 Rock Your Reading Tracker launched…including new features and improvements to existing features! Available for $14.99.
- Get bonus podcast episodes…Get bonus podcast episodes and other goodies when you support the podcast on Patreon!
Hosted by The Book Date.
This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link
I finished reading…
The Holdout by Graham Moore (February 18, 2020)
Such a fascinating look at the dynamics of a jury in a high profile trial…plus, a great mystery! I talked more about this book on my January Book Recommendations bonus podcast episode! If you’d like access to that episode and more goodies, you can support the podcast for $5/month on Patreon.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
I’m currently reading…
Anna K by Jenny Lee (March 3, 2020)
I don’t normally read a ton of YA, but after loving American Royals last year, I’m more willing to try it. Grace Atwood of the Bad on Paper Podcast loved this one that’s being pitched as “Crazy Rich Asians meets Gossip Girl” (it’s also, not surprisingly, a re-imagining of Anna Karenina. I’m so in for that! I’m about 17% in and it’s fun…though some of the slang is really YA.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
I tried, but wasn’t feeling…
A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler (March 10, 2020)
DNF at 19%
This one was heavy-handed with its “After School Special” style teachable moments…they felt clunky and didn’t feel organic to the story. I found myself rolling my eyes one too many times. This is one of my pet peeves about what I call “issue” books…I like the “issues” to be addressed in a way that feels natural and organic to the story.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Upcoming reading plans…
Unless a library hold comes in…
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell (March 10, 2020)
This story about a woman who had a relationship with her teacher when she was in high school is one of the most hyped books of 2020.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
How was your reading week?
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What! I loved A Good Neighborhood. I guess I can see that the issues were right out there, but that didn’t bother me. I feel like I need to give The Holdout a try. Courtroom stories aren’t usually my thing, but in the last few years there’ve been a few I really liked.
I’m halfway through My Dark Vanessa and am really liking it, but I have a warning for you. It’s a little slow the first 25 or 30%, but then it really picks up, so give it time.
Glad your back is feeling better and the 1st grade podcast sounds really fun!
Good to know about Vanessa…I’ll keep that in mind going in!
Your class visit sounds like a lot of fun. I have been missing reading YA a bit but have so many other books on my stack that I just can’t fit any in. Come see me week here. Happy reading!
Aww, the class podcast sounds adorable. Have a great week!
I am so with you on A Good Neighborhood. I was waiting for it and so excited. I persevered and finished but couldn’t wait for it to be over, really disappointing.
The Holdout looks good. Sorry you didn’t like A Good Neighborhood. Feel better!
My daughter just had to create a podcast about Shakespeare for a school assignment, she’s in 12th grade though.
Wishing you a great reading week
Very cool assignment!
I’ve seen A Good Neighborhood on a few blogs. I’m sorry it didn’t work for you. See what I read Girl Who Reads
Anna K sounds amazing!
Anna K sounds amazing! I’m definitely going to check that one out!