I finished my Nonfiction November TBR list and am now back to fiction for a bit (although, you’ll still see lots of nonfiction on the blog and on Instagram through the end of the month!). I have one more 2018 release I’d like to fit in before jumping into some backlist books I’ve been meaning to read forever (which is usually how I spend late November – mid December).
2019 Rock Your Reading Tracker
Y’all know how I’ve been using my “Rock Your Reading Tracker” all year to track all my reading stats in real time and figure out who my best recommendation sources are? Well, my reading QUALITY improved 42% from last year! I know this is because I started paying attention to who my best and worst recommendation sources are.
The new and improved 2019 tracker went on sale last week! For a limited time only, you can get it for last year’s price of $11.99. The price will go up to $14.99 on November 28. Get more details here!
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I finished reading…
Dopesick
Y’all, this book is absolutely terrifying…especially for a parent. I’m astounded how little I knew about the opioid crisis, especially in my home state. Mini review coming at the end of the month.
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My Sister, the Serial Killer
Great little read! There’s Korede, the “good” sister, who does everything right and always cleans up after Ayoola, the beautiful sister, who sails through life without a care in the world…yet kills her boyfriends and manages to be their mother’s favorite. Is it weird that I thought a book like this was unexpectedly funny? Parts of the story are preposterous, but for some reason, it totally worked for me!
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I’m currently reading…
When Life Gives You Lululemons
After months of waiting, my library hold came in at the exact right time. Last week was a tough one and I’ve been in the mood for easy reading since finishing my Nonfiction November TBR list. And, it’s just that…nothing more, nothing less. I’m about 65% through.
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Upcoming reading plans…
This will likely be the last 2018 release I read this year…
The Ensemble
I’ve had this galley about a celebrated string quartet for months and kept putting it off. I’ve been seeing mixed reviews since it came out, but Annie Jones of From the Front Porch podcast (and one of my best recommendation sources) loved it, so I’d still like to give it a try. I started it before When Life Gives You Lululemons came in from the library and am certainly intrigued by the opening…but, I can definitely tell it’s not going to be an easy reading kind of book.
I was reading…
One Year Ago: I read a bunch of good nonfiction!
Two Years Ago: I took a week off!
How was your reading week?
I’ve been meaning to read Lululemons, it looks like a great escape novel. I never know if I want to spend December catching up on the backlist or getting a head start on the next year … we shall see.
Dopesick is on my list, so I’ll look forward to your thoughts. Great timing for the Lululemons book… nothing like some escapist reading during the holiday stress!
I love to read about current events and social issues and need to get my hands on Dopesick.
I’ve been eyeing Dopesick but I’m just so depressed about the current state of affairs in Washington that I’m afraid it would bring me down more! I’m reading Late Air–I”m going to feature it on my blog book club in January. While it’s a novel, it’s about a runner and a coach–and it is really heavy. I need to read some light stuff after this!
I’ll be interested to see what you think of The Ensemble. It is a slow start and completely character driven. Low on action.
I think your description of My Sister is perfect. It does feel strange saying that a book about a serial killer was fun, but it was!
I know I should read Dopesick because it’s so current and an unfortunate part of the world today, but every time I consider it, I pass. It seems so depressing!
My Sister is on my TBR, glad you enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to your thoughts on The Ensemble since I remember the buzz from earlier this year.
Lululemons was a nice break for me, too, when I read it a few weeks ago. Also from the library.
I’m curious about Dopesick…and My Sister, the Serial Killer.
Enjoy your week, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
I’m hoping to find the Ensemble in audio-I didn’t stick with it in print. I listen too much anymore! Dopesick is coming up–nearly lost my son to that.
Maybe I should look at Weisberger’s book. Seems my reading has been to heavy and I feel I could use a laugh and something lighter! I was given a memoir by Tom Corbett called Confessions of a Clueless Rebel. It’s actually quite funny for a memoir, usually they are tales of a hard life. It’s good to see someone breaking their own mold and becoming who they want to be. I like those stories.
Nice variety of books. All are new to me. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I was a little on the fence about My Sister the Serial Killer, but seeing your review made it hop on to my must read list.
I loved the Ensemble. It is a character driven book and is one of my favorites for the year!
I want to hang that cover of the Ensemble on my wall! Not even exaggerating. Maybe I can make that a thing…
I’m waiting for My Sister.. from the library and totally excited to get to it.
I haven’t read The Ensemble but I love character-driven books, so I’m off to Goodreads to add it!
I liked Dopesick but thought it not very well organized and tried to tell too many stories. She clicks back and forth between several families and it got confusing. The first part describing Big Pharma and how we got here was very well done. But then she gets into various victims and their families and the quality of the telling nosedives. In some ways I was more confused after reading it. So I put “American Overdose” on hold. But it’s an incredibly important issue and Macy makes clear that it’s one overlooked/ignored my national media.
The Ensemble didn’t do it for me. It covers few decades and I couldn’t see any maturation in the characters at all. And the cellist irritated me throughout. Hopefully you’ll find it better.
If you haven’t given it a try, I found Dreamland to be incredibly interesting and educational on the opioid epidemic.
I have My Sister is a Serial Killer on my TBR. My weekly updates
The Ensemble has been on my TBR shelf for months now, and I vow to read it before the end of the year.
Right now, I’m reading Dumplin’ and The Essex Serpent. Both are good so far; it’s just taking me a while to get into them.
That is an adorable bookstore! Great picture 🙂