Fall books are still proving tough for me, but I’ve now found at least a few I actually enjoyed! Usually, at least one of my Top 3 books of the year comes from the Fall release crop, but I’m thinking that may not happen this year. On a better note, I started watching USA’s The Sinner and am totally hooked! It’s dark, twisty, demented…and perfect!
I posted less than usual on the blog last week, but it was because I was working hard on my Ultimate Guide to the Book of the Month Club JUDGES, where I compiled every BOTM judge’s selection track record into an easy-to-use guide (and Excel template) that will help you find the judges that are most compatible with your reading taste! October selections are out…check out my commentary on all the books and the judges guide (including free template) to help you choose the perfect book for your taste!
#Buildsarahsbookshelves Library Update
I’m putting together a very selective library for my new (but small) built-in bookshelves and am sharing each book I acquire on Instagram (follow me at sarahsbookshelves)! And, I’m trying to acquire all these new books at rock bottom prices.
Round 1 of my shelves is complete and, last week, I shared the “blue books” shelf! This just includes my “A List” books…I’ll be adding more books and some decorative things for Round 2.
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I finished reading…
The Best Kind of People
A pretty good read, though not perfect. I think this one would make a great book club selection. Mini review to come.
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I’m currently reading…
Fear
Finally, something is working for me! Herman Koch (author of one of my favorites, The Dinner) recommended this German thriller and it surprisingly does remind me of the tone of Koch’s books. It’s rare that an author’s blurb actually pans out like this! I’m almost halfway through and, so far, it’s more story of a family rather than thriller, but there is definitely a good amount of suspense.
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I tried, but wasn’t feeling…
Manhattan Beach
Despite all the awards and the fact that this book is an October Book of the Month Club selection, I thought it was slow and introduced too many characters too quickly, causing me to glaze over. Some trusted blogger friends who read farther than I did also said it was a slog. DNF at 9%.
Lie to Me
Anne Bogel at Modern Mrs. Darcy said this psychological thriller was “best in class” for “domestic noir,” so I gave it a shot despite my general hesitancy about this genre. But, through the first 9%, I thought it was pretty standard psych thriller fare and put it down.
Upcoming reading plans…
Seven Days of Us
This debut novel features a family cooped up together over the holidays and is supposed to be “warm, wry, and sharply observed.” Kind of reminds me of This Is Where I Leave You or the movie Christmas Vacation
I was reading…
One Year Ago: I was having a letdown following two 5 star books in a row.
Two Years Ago: I read one of my top 3 books of 2015!
How was your reading week?
Bummer that Lie to Me didn’t work for you! I also DNFed Manhattan Beach and The Best Kind of People didn’t work for me either. I’m not having the best of luck with my Fall ARCS at the moment! I may have to try The Sinner and take a reading break!
Ugh – add you to the Fall ARC slump list! That makes 4 of us now. I just have a few more Oct books, then I’m going to read some nonfiction and wait for library holds to come in.
Fall books have been a huge disappointment for sure! I hadn’t even heard of Fear. Let me know if I should read it. I really wish I hadn’t read Manhattan Beach, but I did, so I wrote a review….it’s not pretty! Started Seven Days last night. So far it’s okay.
Your bookshelves are coming along! I’ve had a hit or miss fall too.
I look forward to your thoughts on The Best Kind of People – my book club needs new recommendations.
I like the way your bookshelves look. I have seen a number of your books on other people’s stacks but none of them appeal to me. I hope you find some that you love. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Love the look of your shelves!
I think I’ll pass on Manhattan Beach. I enjoyed Egan’s earlier books, but really didn’t like A Visit from the Goon Squad.
I have Lie To Me, but haven’t read it yet. I am still hopeful.
Seven Days of Us looks promising to me.
Enjoy! Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
I’m reading The Best Kind Of People right now too and share your viewpoint on it. It’s growing on me but somehow is still lacking a bit.
Agreed – it was decent and engaging, but definitely didn’t knock it out of the park or anything.
Sorry a lot of your books didn’t pan out! Seven Days of Us looks hopeful though.
I’m almost 25% through and it’s fine..but nothing more than that at this point.
Soon I’ll be organizing my shelves again as the books come out of storage. Come see what I’m reading
Good luck!
SEVEN DAYS OF US is very popular.
I LOVE the cover on FEAR….perfect for the title because that does look frightening,
LIE TO ME looks good as well.
ENJOY your week.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading
I finally fell in love with a fall book! Alice Hoffman’s The Rules of Magic was absolutely divine. Now I’m afraid to start anything else.
Your bookshelves are gorgeous. Is that a seagrass wall paper on the back? Or a textured paint? It all looks so chic.
I’m so glad you finally found something you love!! I’m now due – haha!
The wallpaper is vinyl that looks like grasscloth, but is much more low maintenance. You can just wipe it down with a wet paper towel…good for kids. I love the real grass cloth, but it didn’t make sense for me with the kids…especially in the eating area. My kids eat like zoo animals!