What I’m Reading Now (10/16/17)

Oh man…my library holds are rolling in (don’t you love how they all invariably come in at the same time?!) and I’m hoping I can get through them before Nonfiction November starts!

On that note, join us for a month celebrating the often pushed-to-the-backburner genre of Nonfiction! There will be themed link-ups, a book swap, an Instagram challenge, and lots of nonfiction reading…learn more here.

Hosted by The Book Date.

This post contains affiliate links.

I finished reading…

Sing Unburied Sing, Daring to Drive
Sing, Unburied, Sing
 by Jesmyn Ward (September 5, 2017)

I felt the same about this National Book Award Finalist as I did about A Gentleman in Moscow and Exit West. Full review to come later this week.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Daring to Drive by Manal al-Sharif (June 13, 2017)
This is one eye-opening, heart-breaking, and enraging read. And al-Sharif is one brave woman. She started the campaign for women to drive in Saudi Arabia and this book is the story of her life as well as a stark portrayal of the oppression women face in Saudi Arabia. Perfect for anyone who loved The Underground Girls of Kabul by Jenny Nordberg (my review) and excellent on audio.

Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

I’m currently reading…

Ranger Games by Ben Blum


Ranger Games
by Ben Blum (September 12, 2017)
This is one crazy story (a couple U.S. Army Rangers rob a bank). A bit overly long (not not even close to the point where I’m dying for it to be over), but entertaining and has some interesting insights to chew on. I’m almost finished with it. And, keep this one in your back pocket as a great “Dad” gift for the holidays!
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon

Upcoming reading plans…

Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne


The Heart’s Invisible Furies
by John Boyne (August 22, 2017)
This hefty novel has been getting raves from bloggers I trust and my library hold finally came in! I’m trying, but failing, to keep my expectations at a reasonable level. Who am I kidding…I actually think this is my last hope for a clear Best Book of 2017.

was reading…

One Year Ago: I finished reading one of my favorites of 2016…and was about to start another!

Two Years Ago: I was in a bit of a slump…kind of like right now!

How was your reading week?

Get Weekly Email Updates!

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

30 Comments

  1. Beth F wrote:

    So funny, I had three library holds come through last week too. And this was the week I had no time to read. OF COURSE! I’m not quite sure what my top read of the year is going to be.

    Posted 10.16.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      I know, of course! I’m now frantically trying to finish Heart’s Invisible Furies before it’s due back. It’s a long book and I have 5 days left.

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  2. Renee wrote:

    I’m so glad you mentioned that Ranger Games would be a great Dad gift…I always buy my dad nonfiction books for Christmas and that’s going on the list!! My fingers are so tightly crossed that you love Heart’s:)

    Posted 10.16.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Oh good! And loving it so far!

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  3. I read a sample of The Heart’s Invisible Furies and thought it was great! Now I need to find time to read all of it. Hope you love it… can’t wait to hear what you think!

    Posted 10.16.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      The writing is just fantastic. I think you’ll love it based on the 22% I’ve read so far!

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  4. I’m so glad you liked Daring to Drive. That is my favorite nonfiction so far this year. (Not that I read a lot of nonfiction!) I hope you love The Hearts Invisible Furies as much as I did. I know it will be very high on my end of year list. Have a great week!

    Posted 10.16.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      So far, so good! It’s a contender for the #1 slot.

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  5. Kathy Martin wrote:

    These all sound good. I don’t read nonfiction often and want it to be a five-star book when I do. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

    Posted 10.16.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      I agree! I usually let others vet nonfiction before I jump in.

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  6. I downloaded Sing, Unburied, Sing…it sounds like you enjoyed it. I do occasionally read nonfiction; the ones I choose are usually memoirs.

    Enjoy those library books…and thanks for sharing. Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES

    Posted 10.16.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Hmm…I didn’t actually enjoy it that much. More I could rationally see why it’s getting praise, but didn’t actually enjoy reading it. Hope it’s better for you!

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  7. Tara wrote:

    Oh, no! Sounds like things did not go well for you with Sing, Unburied, Sing, based on your comparison; I’ll be curious to read your thoughts. I’m feeing pumped about your early comments on Heart’s, though…maybe some redemption? I’m nearly finished with The Rules of Magic and I have really enjoyed it.

    Posted 10.16.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Yes and yes! Catherine was telling me how much she loved Magic, but I’m just not into magical realism so am nervous about trying it.

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  8. The Underground Girls Of Kabul is on sale today on kindle and I just scooped it up to add to my Women’s Rights in the Middle East book list, which also includes Daring To Drive (I already read it and found it a really important read).

    Posted 10.16.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Oooh – awesome! And that’s a great list topic. Maybe for Nonfiction November’s Be/Ask the Expert?!

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  9. Nice selection of books. Come see what I’m reading

    Posted 10.16.17 Reply
  10. I’m so glad you loved Daring to Drive! It was such an emotional read for me but so good. Sing, Unburied, Sing and The Heart’s Invisible Furies are both on my TBR stack.

    Posted 10.17.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Yup – I’m finding I’m drawn to women in the Middle East nonfiction. And Heart’s Invisible Furies is fantastic so far!

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
      • Glad to hear it! If you’re looking for more women in the Middle East nonfiction you might also like Headscarves and Hymens by Mona Eltahawy.

        Posted 10.17.17 Reply
        • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

          That’s on my TBR!

          Posted 10.23.17 Reply
  11. Ann Marie wrote:

    I’m trying to convince myself to read one nonfiction book in November. It’s so good to hear that you and so many others enjoyed Daring to Drive. I was thinking of heading in the direction of true crime but I’m leaning toward this one now!

    Posted 10.17.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      That’s a tough one! I love true crime as well! But, Daring to Drive is really fantastic!

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  12. Sarah R wrote:

    I’m finishing After the Eclipse, which was my October BOTM pick. It’s such hard material but extremely well written. Sarah Perry has her MFA in non-fiction and I will absolutely read her next books.

    Posted 10.17.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Thrilled to hear that! I haven’t gotten to it yet, but it was my BOTM pick. Planning to read it during Nonfiction November!

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  13. The Heart’s Invisible Furies is on my TBR stack, too. I just need my stepmother to finish it quicker!
    I always mean to read more non-fiction but get distracted by all the enticing fiction out there. I’ll definitely try to read more so I can participate in the Non-fiction November fun!

    Posted 10.17.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Haha! It’s a long one! I’m annoyed that I’m having to speed through it before it has to go back to the library.

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply
  14. I didn’t know that John Boyne had a new book out! I haven’t read anything by him yet, but I’ve heard a ton of good things — keep me posted on how that goes!

    Posted 10.17.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      It’s SO amazing so far! If it keeps up like this, it will be in my top for the year for sure. I’m at 22% as of now.

      Posted 10.17.17 Reply

Get Weekly Email Updates!

Join our mailing list to receive all new blog posts in one weekly email. Plus, news of special updates and offers!

You have Successfully Subscribed!