Whew! Last week was a busy one! My 2020 Summer Reading Guide came out on Tuesday and then I recorded 2 fun podcast episodes (one with Kimberly McCreight and the Summer 2020 Book Preview with Catherine from Gilmore Guide). I was focused on all this, so I didn’t get a ton of reading done.
But, the weather was amazing, so we did manage to get outside a ton and that helped my mental state immensely!
Podcast
Mini Episode 58…the companion podcast episode to my 2020 Summer Reading Guide…focusing more on backlist books…featuring Susie from Novel Visits.
And, a mini episode featuring Alyssa Hertzig (@alyssahertzig, @alyssaisbooked) will air this Wednesday.
New on the Blog
- The 2020 Summer Reading Guide launched last Tuesday! 32 books for your beach bags (or backyards?)!
- May 2020 Books to Read (and Skip)…three awesome, but very different books (plus a DNF).
- The 2020 Rock Your Reading Tracker launched…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.
This post contains affiliate links (plus: here’s your Amazon Smile-specific affiliate link), through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
I finished reading…
The Girls of Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe (July 8, 2014)
I really liked Thorpe’s debut novel, but not quite as much as The Knockout Queen (my review)…but that was a super high bar. It’s a similar style to The Knockout Queen (just the right amount of weirdness + some sadness). Mini review coming.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Conviction by Denise Mina (June 25, 2019)
This Reese Book Club pick from last year was all over the place! I loved that the story centers around a true crime podcast, but it was messy and uneven. I was totally in on some parts and completely out on others. And, the ending felt abrupt and not fully explained. I like the potential of this concept, but I don’t think it was executed well in this case.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
I’m currently reading…
What’s Left of Me is Yours by Stephanie Scott (June 23, 2020)
You’ll hear more about this literary novel centered around a crazy Japanese phenomenon that I was totally unaware of in next week’s Summer 2020 Book Preview podcast episode (Catherine of Gilmore Guide shares it and she put it on my radar). I’m only 5% in so far, so I don’t have much to share, but I was delighted to find it has short chapters!
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
Upcoming reading plans…
Unless a library hold comes in…
I Keep My Worries in My Teeth by Anna Cox (June 23, 2020)
This debut novel about 3 women rebuilding their lives after an accident at the local pencil factory came unsolicited from the publisher. I know know nothing else about it, so it’s a bit of a risk, but it’s also under 200 pages.
Affiliate Link: Buy from Amazon
How was your reading week?
Pin this post…
I’m mostly about escape reading these days. I have the Mina book, but the mixed reviews have me hesitating.
I ordered both of Rufi Thorpe’s other books after finishing The Knockout Queen this week! I’m glad you enjoyed this one!
Interesting looking assortment of books. All of them are new to me. I hope you enjoy I Keep My Worries in My Teeth. It certainly has an intriguing title! Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I loved The Knockout Queen SO MUCH. Definite 5 stars from me! I think she might be one of those rare authors where I do actually try her backlist.
What’s Left Of Me Is Yours sounds excellent. I’ve been outside a bunch too. I’m so thankful to have a backyard right now. I hope you have a good week.
Other than The Girls from Corona del Mar, I haven’t heard of any of your books this week. Looking forward to hearing more about What’s Left of Me is Yours on next week’s podcast. Have a good week, Sarah!
Have to agree with all your thoughts on Conviction.