I feel like I’ve read my last book for Nonfiction November (other than on audio, where I’m still listening to nonfiction as usual)…I’ve read every book on my TBR as well as an extra or two and feel satisfied. And, I finished what will be my last 2019 book of the year for me!
I’m now getting into the part of the year where I try to focus on reading backlist, something I don’t get to do as much as I’d like throughout the year (because I’m reading mostly new releases to find great books to recommend to y’all!) and working in a couple January 2020 ARC’s. This is also one of my favorite reading times of the year!
AND…this week, I got to be a guest on one of my favorite bookish podcasts, Currently Reading! If you like my podcast, you’ll love this one! Hosts Kaytee and Meredith and I talk reading ahead of publication date, tracking your recommendation sources, making time to read while hosting a podcast, the book Kaytee and I felt differently about, and more!
Podcast
Episode 38, featuring Garrett M. Graff (Author of The Only Plane in the Sky), aired last Wednesday!
And, a mini episode featuring Lindsay Creech (@littlelindsreads) will air this Wednesday.
Finally, the regular podcast will be going on break for the month of December, but BONUS EPISODES for Patrons will NOT be going on break! I’m releasing two fun year-end type episodes for Patrons (2019 Wrap-Up with Susie from Novel Visits and Goodreads Choice Awards Breakdown with Carla from Happiest When Reading). Support the show on Patreon for $5/month to get access to these bonus episodes!
New on the Blog
- The 2020 Rock Your Reading Tracker launched on Thursday…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.
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I finished reading…
All That You Leave Behind by Erin Lee Carr (April 9, 2019)
This memoir took me totally by surprise! It’s kind of an odd mash-up of grief, addiction, career / mentorship, and father / daughter relationships….but, it worked! Mini review coming.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey (September 10, 2019) – AUDIOBOOK
Excellent! I knew the general outline of the Harvey Weinstein case from casually following it in the news, but there was so much more to learn. In the running for my #1 audiobook of the year. Mini review to come.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell (November 5, 2019)
So many people have told me I’d love Lisa Jewell, but this was my first time reading her…and it was a success! I like the mash-up family drama / mystery and it reminded me a bit of Tana French’s The Witch Elm (although not quite as good). I’ll definitely read more from Jewell!
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
I’m currently reading…
Long Bright River by Liz Moore (January 7, 2020)
The title of this book doesn’t actually refer to a river…it refers to the vein of a heroin user. And, that gives you an idea of what this book is about…two sisters, one an addict and one a cop covering the area where her sister hangs out. I’m about 25% in and, so far, it’s feeling like a literary police procedural, which I’m on board with!
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Upcoming reading plans…
Unless a library hold comes in…
Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt (June 19, 2012)
Ashley Spivey recommended this book on Ep. 8 of the podcast and it’s been on my backlist TBR ever since. It’s a coming of age story featuring an unlikely friendship.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
How was your reading week?
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I’d love to know the whole story of the Harvey Weinstein case as well, since I’ve just pieced together bits and pieces of news stories. I’m always on the hunt for a great audiobook, so thanks for the suggestion!
I’m almost finished with Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. It has so many components that I don’t normally love, but I’m completely hooked!
I went to college with Liz Moore! She and I were both in the same creative writing class at Barnard. She was SUPER talented even then and i just knew she was going to really make it! She also has a backlist if you’re interested in checking it out. I picked up Long Bright River at BEA but I haven’t gotten to it yet.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Definitely read Tell the Wolves I’m Home next. It’s SO good.
Agreed!!
All That You Leave Behind sounds good to me!
Yes! I’m so glad you liked the Lisa Jewell. It reminded me of The Witch Elm too (but I hated that one!) Tell the Wolves I’m Home is on my list, too.
I’m interested in The Long Bright River, thanks for the recommendation. I’ve only gotten though 6 of the 15 books I hoped to read for #NonficNov, I’m hoping I’ll manage to squeeze in at least another four.
Wishing you a great reading week
I want to read She Said…and I have a copy of The Family Upstairs.
Enjoy your week, and thanks for sharing.
I loved Tell the Wolves I’m Home. Loved!
Me, too! She’s an author I would love another book from!
It is nice to step back and get a chance to read from the backlist. That is what I’m doing for the next couple of weeks too since I’ve finished all my 2019 review copies. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I’ll have to look for your review of Tell The Wolves I’m Home. People have recommended that book to me so many times. Have a good week!
I really liked Tell the Wolves I’m home!
I’m not super big into nonfiction so kudos to you for getting through nonfiction November. Tell the Wolves I’m home has been added to my winter reading list (thanks!)
I tend to devour books during the winter months so I am always looking for something new. I recently finished an awesome psychological suspense/coming of age story by Mark Tullius called “Ain’t No Messiah” (https://www.marktullius.com/). This is a fairly dark read but the author mixes in comedy, elements of hope, and some really unique concepts to make this one of my favorite reads of 2019. The main concept of the novel is fairly relatable; Joshua is trying to find himself and to find happiness. However, Joshua has grown up in an abusive household, is the member of a cult-like church, and his father & fellow church members believe Joshua is the second coming of Jesus Christ. This is a story that definitely makes you think and keeps you hooked from start to finish. I can’t recommend it enough. Happy reading and happy holidays!