Nonfiction November (get all the details here!) is still going on, but I’ve gotten burned out a bit on nonfiction. I snuck in a novel last week, then a nonfiction I’d been waiting for forever came in from the library, so I knocked that out. With that done, I think I’m officially retiring from this year’s Nonfiction November. I’ll be sharing mini reviews for all the nonfiction I read this month plus the new books I added to my TBR list tomorrow!
I posted my Best Holiday Gifts for Book Lovers 2017 guide on Black Friday! I’ve got you covered with book recommendations, a special Cyber Monday deal for Book of the Month Club (the gift for book lovers that keeps on giving!), and bookish gifts. Best of all, you can get all this stuff without leaving your couch!
A Way to Help Victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma & Maria AND Knock Out Some Holiday Shopping
Online retailer zulily (they have adorable children’s clothes at great prices, among other things!) is teaming up with Penguin Random House to help victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria through their “first-ever interactive book fair, running now through December 10.”
“Six sales events will feature a curated selection of children’s books, and each book purchased will trigger a donation from Penguin Random House to First Book (a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books and other essentials to children in need).
Shop the Book Fair for holiday children’s classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Christmas Story, The Velveteen Rabbit, Goodnight Baby Jesus, Madelline’s Christmas, and current favorites (at least in my house) Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, and Thomas the Train…and much more! Or, visit zulily’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest) and comment on or like their posts to trigger additional Penguin Random House donations to First Book.
Sponsored by zulily.com
Hosted by The Book Date.
This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link
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I finished reading…
Unraveling Oliver
After reading that eye-opening first line, I thought I’d be getting a dark thriller. It’s dark, but it’s not a thriller. It’s a story told from different perspectives, a character study that peels back many layers, and all the pieces came together like a symphony. You’ll be seeing this one pop up on a future recommendation list!
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Strangers in Their Own Land
Different than I expected. Didn’t realize so much of it was about environmental pollution in Louisiana. Mini review to come.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
I’m currently reading…
Everybody’s Son
This pick from my Must Try Before the End of 2017 TBR list was available for immediate download at the library…plus, I was totally drawn in by the Prologue, in which a young boy is abandoned in a sweltering apartment with no air conditioning for a couple days. I’ve only just started it, but I have a good feeling about this one.
Upcoming reading plans…
If no library holds come in, I’ll be reading something from my Must Try Before the End of 2017 TBR list. Likely The Rules of Magic
I was reading…
One Year Ago: I’d just finished my inaugural Anna Quindlen, who has now become a favorite author!
Two Years Ago: I took the week off!
How was your reading week?
I have yet to read a bad book by Thrity Umrigar.
OK, so I didn’t love Everybody’s Son. Didn’t hate it, but just was kind of meh and predictable. But, I know so many people that love her as an author that I’d love to try something else of hers.
I really need to read Unraveling Oliver! Happy late holiday!
Earlier this year I tried samples of both Unraveling Oliver and Everybody’s Son and wasn’t hooked by either. Samples are so short. Maybe I need to go back to one or both?
I’m a little burned out on nonfiction, too and I haven’t read nearly as much as you!
I’d say go back to Oliver and not Everybody’s Son. Was kind of meh.
I love that cozy reading spot!
I enjoyed Unraveling Oliver, even though it was different than what I expected.
I am curious about Strangers in Their Own Land.
Have a great week, and thanks for sharing. Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Thanks!
Great reading spot! I’m not familiar with any of your books choices but hope you are enjoying them. Come see my week here. Have a great week!
Unraveling Oliver sounds interesting, might have to check it out.
Everybody’s Son is on my shelf and I know I’ll love it. Her books are always so good for me.
You’ve done Nonfiction November proud, no need to feel bad. My choices in that category were all audio, but it was good.
Love your photo for Instagram. Very cosy and welcoming. I also enjoyed seeing that one year ago and two years ago, first time I noticed it. Enjoy some of that fiction now!
Glad you like the picture and the past years section!
I really liked Everybody’s Son but I’ve read some negative things about it. I hope you love it as much as I did.
So…I thought it was kind of meh. Fine, but I don’t really have anything to say about it and won’t stick with me. 🙁
Love your reading spot, it looks so relaxing! I just started a nonfiction, Radical American, which reads like fiction and is similar to the tv show Homeland. So far I love it! I’ve heard mixed reviews of The Rules of Magic but I’m curious about that one as well and my library hold just came in for it
I really want to read Radical American! I added it to my TBR.
I’ve enjoyed Nonfiction November so much, but also ended up sneaking in a novel this week. Will be curious to hear what you think of Everybody’s Son. Umrigar is a great writer and I hope to try this one soon.
Gotta switch things up after awhile!
I’m looking forward to the quieter reading of the middle of December. Right now I’m in the middle of the Cybils. Come see what I’m reading this last week of November.
I’m so glad to hear that Unraveling Oliver worked out for you; guess I need to check that one out! I really hope you are able to get to Rules of Magic; I’m trying to get you over this magic hump – lol!
Fun post- now I have a need to make a cozy reading spot, since yours is so comfy looking, a bigger TBR pile, and a list of shopping to do!
That is cool about Zulily… That site is kind of addictive! haha… Can’t wait to hear what you think of Everybody’s Son!
Thanks so much for sharing the info about the book fair event! I’m looking forward to your mini review of Strangers in Their Own Land.
I am reading The Rent Collector by Camron Wright at a fellow book club member’s urging, and I am LOVING it! It has mixed reviews, but it is on its way to being a 5 star read for me!
Always great to get a 5 star read!