Nonfiction November (get all the details here!) is still going strong (last week, I shared my favorite Books on Reading and Writing) and I’ve still got some posts to come! But, I’m starting to burn out of actually reading nonfiction. I’ve switched to reading fiction for a bit, though I’m still listening to nonfiction on audio.
I’m also hosting Thanksgiving for the first time ever, so will be stressing out about that all week! Hosting parties is not my forte. But, my family’s Thanksgiving gathering is always laid-back and informal, so I’m banking on that to cover up my inevitable hosting flubs!
Finally, my Best Holiday Gifts for Book Lovers 2017 guide is coming on Black Friday! I don’t know about you, but I never go to stores on Black Friday. Can’t think of anything worse. With my holiday gift guide, you’ll be able to knock out your shopping for all your book lover friends and family without leaving your couch! Something I’m always thankful for…
Hosted by The Book Date.
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I finished reading…
How Reading Changed My Life
It pains me to say this, but this is the first Anna Quindlen I’ve ever not liked. I hope it will be the last. Mini review to come.
Black Dahlia, Red Rose
This investigation into the still unsolved Black Dahlia murder in 1940’s L.A. hit my true crime spot. It’s not perfect, but a pretty fascinating and maddening read for true crime or L.A. history buffs. Mini review to come.
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I’m currently reading…
Unraveling Oliver
My library hold for this dark and demented story came in at just the right time. It’s exactly the change of pace I needed after lots of nonfiction. I’m 25% through and still not quite sure where it’s is headed, but I can’t wait to find out!
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I tried, but wasn’t feeling…
The Senator’s Children
DNF at 49%. This story about the two daughters of a U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate came recommended by one of my go-to book gurus and it was fine, but I’m never in the mood for “just fine” during the last 2 months of the year. It’s a time when I’m looking for a latecomer to sneak into my Best Books of 2017 list. So, on to the next…
Upcoming reading plans…
I’m not sure. I have a bunch of library holds that could come in any day. I also have a list of 2017 books to at least try before the end of the year, which I’ll be sharing on Tuesday.
I was reading…
One Year Ago: I was hosting last year’s Nonfiction November Book Pairings and didn’t do a Monday update.
Two Years Ago: I’d just read one of my favorite Nonfiction November reads of 2015.
How was your reading week?
I just finished The Sky Below and now I’m looking for a new read!
I wasn’t planning on participating in nonfiction November but both books I finished last week were nonfiction by chance. I usually like Quindlen’s essays better than her fiction, but haven’t read this one. If I do, I’ll go in with lowered expectations.
Yay!
I started with her fiction and loved it…then loved Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake even more! Sadly not this one.
I finished Quindlen’s book last night and have to agree that it’s not her best.
It almost didn’t sound like her at times. It was confusing.
I’m curious which 2017 books you’re still trying to work in. I feel like nothing much left from 2017 is really speaking to me, though I know I’m missing things.
Have fun with hosting your first Thanksgiving! I successfully avoided it for many years, and still don’t like doing it. I’m sure it will be wonderful and fun, too in your new home.
Ha – you’ll find out tomorrow! I’m doing a post on my “must try before EOY” TBR list. I won’t get to most of them…just trying to prioritize a couple. I think Rules of Magic will be one.
I loved Unraveling Oliver and hope you do too.
It’s great so far…I’m now at 72%. It’s really diff thank I expected.
Good luck with your Thanksgiving hosting! You have an interesting assortment of books on your reading pile. I hope you find at least one that delights you. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Even though I read a few memoirs and other nonfiction books fairly regularly, I have yet to participate in Nonfiction November.
I loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo…and now I must find The Heart’s Invisible Furies.
I enjoyed Unraveling Oliver.
Thanks for sharing, and I love your reading hangover cure.
Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Oh man – run run to Heart’s Invisible Furies. It’s just gorgeous. Although that word sometimes connotates “boring” to me…and this one is def not boring!
I don’t shop on Black Friday either. Come see what I’m reading
Okay. I have one more book to finish and I will be starting The Heart’s Invisible Furies. I am anxious and excited all at the same time!
I’m sure your Thanksgiving will be perfectly fine. Hosting for the holidays are like weddings. Something is sure to go wrong, but as long as you expect it and roll with the punches it will be fine. Thanksgiving is stressful – trying to plan all of the food to finish at the same time is not easy – but it can be a blast too! Plus, you won’t have to cook for the rest of the weekend! Have fun and good luck!
So how’s it going?? I hope you’re loving it! Or you may have finished it by now…I’m super late on responding to comments!
I used to do Thanksgiving all the time. It’s fun but a lot of work (especially when you live in an old building without dishwasher or sink disposal, one oven and a fridge that’s not as tall as I am!).
I finished The Heart’s Invisible Furies earlier this month. Fabulous.
Thank you (!) for the lead on Unraveling Oliver. I hadn’t heard of it but sounds right up my alley. The book versions at my library were all checked out and not on Overdrive but Axis 360 gets overlooked and I was able to check it out immediately (yah!). IF I can finish Essex Serpent in the next 3-4 days it’ll be up next in the queue.
So fabulous! And hope you like Unraveling Oliver! It wasn’t what I was expecting at all, but in a good way and very well done I thought.
I can’t wait for your review on Unraveling Oliver, I passed it by but it sounds like you’re liking it! I still have several 2017 I want to get to as well, my library holds are filled to the brim so I hope some start coming in soon! Glad you’re getting back to some fiction reading. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy hosting:)
I’m not going to formally review Unraveling Oliver…I kind of stop writing reviews in December every year 🙂 But I did write a bit about it in a later Monday post (that is how far behind I am responding to comments!)
I’m glad you’re getting excited about end-of-year reading possibilities; I am, too! Hope all goes well with Thanksgiving this week.
Loooooved The Heart’s Invisible Furies! That and THUG are my favorite of the year.