I had two back to back outstanding reads last week and now feel like I’m having a bit of a hangover. It’s the first time this has happened to me in awhile and, despite the DNF’s that came along with it, it’s a welcome feeling to have read something that’s caused a hangover!
Last week, I posted my Ultimate Guide to Celebrity Book Clubs with a free downloadable template to help you find the celebrity book club that best matches your reading taste! And, my #1 celebrity book club is one that may not be on your radar, but should be!
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I finished reading…
I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell (February 6, 2018)
It took me awhile to pick up this memoir / essay collection because the whole “near-death experiences” premise struck me as a little melodramatic, but I shouldn’t have worried because they were powerful and unsettling in a way that had me riveted. Some experiences are more serious than others, but a couple of them will knock your socks off (the first two and the last were particularly powerful) and all impart some wisdom about life. Her writing is extraordinary and she makes you keenly feel your own mortality. Unquestionably 5 stars!
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Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (August 14, 2018)
This North Carolina marsh country debut completely surprised me in the best way possible! I’d heard Owens was known for her nature writing, so I worried this would be one of those beautiful, but boring books. I shouldn’t have worried because I couldn’t put this book down! Put this one on your list for August!
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I’m currently reading…
The Line That Held Us by David Joy (August 14, 2018)
I really enjoyed Joy’s debut novel, the gritty Where All Light Tends to Go (my review), so I’m excited to get into this novel about a hunting accident. I’ve just started it, so stay tuned for more thoughts.
I tried, but wasn’t feeling…
Anatomy of a Miracle by Jonathan Miles (March 13, 2018)
DNF at 21%
There were far too many tangents…like detailed family backstories of peripheral characters. I didn’t care about those and they took me out of the main story.
The Drama Teacher by Koren Zailckas (August 7, 2018)
DNF at 6%
I just didn’t care.
Upcoming reading plans…
Ohio by Stephen Markley (August 21, 2018)
This debut novel about four friends who return home to their Rust Belt hometown is being billed as relevant to today’s economic and political issues facing America. We’ll see if the story brings the issues organically along (hopefully) or if the issues drive the train.
I was reading…
One Year Ago: I was reading one of the most hyped books of 2017.
Two Years Ago: My audiobook and TV shows were overshadowing my reading.
How was your reading week?
The best book I read last week was David Bell’s new one “Somebody’s Daughter” it was very good! It drew me in quick, engaged my emotions right away, has a fast moving plot, well developed characters, good dialogue.Best of all I didn’t see the ending coming which is unusual since I tend to read a lot of mystery and thriller type books. Highly recommend!
I like to be surprised by mystery/thriller endings too! But, they also have to make sense with the story.
It sounds like I need to add I Am I Am I Am and Where the Crawdads sing to my wish list.
Yep and yep.
I’m so glad you loved I Am, I Am, I Am. It’s definitely one of those books that makes you think. Too bad Anatomy didn’t work for you.
Thrilled to hear you’re going to take on Ohio. I keep looking at it and thinking it sounds good, but something (besides the length) keeps holding me back. I’m happy to have you vet it for me.
I’m thinking about picking up Ohio again. At least to get past this one annoying character’s chapter. I keep hearing good things. But, we’ll see.
I’m reading When Life Gives You Lululemons, which is the perfect “palate cleanser” after Baby Teeth.
Where the Crawdads Sing is in my house and so is the O’Farrell. When fall comes, I’m going to do ALL THE READING. 🙂
Good for you!
You’re definitely moving I Am, I am, I am, up my TBR list with this! I’m also super interested in Ohio so looking forward to seeing what you think. I started Give Me Your Hand this weekend and devouring it so far!
I love Maggie O’Farrell…and so enjoyed I Am I Am I Am. Now I’ve put Ohio on my list. So many books, not enough time!
Thanks for sharing, and here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to read her!
I’ve been stuck at 7% with The Drama Teacher for a month now for the same reason! I keep trying to pick it back up, but I realize now that I should just move it over to my DNF shelf. I’m glad to hear about Where the Crawdads Sing. I’ve been curious about it and you’ve inspired me to give it a try!
Okay I just put Where the Crawdads Sing on hold in my library. Looking forward to it!
HAHA! Your “I just didn’t care” comment hits home.
Better reading this week!
Valerie @ Cats Luv Coffee
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Ohio, I’ve tried it 2 separate times and just can’t get into it. I’m bummed about it because I live in Ohio so it seems like a no brainer but I have a feeling it’s too “literary”for me.
I’m glad you found two excellent books. The Maggie O’Farrell book is on my TBR, but I haven’t heard much about the other one. Have a great week!
I’m glad you enjoyed Maggie O’Farrell’s memoir so much! She’s become one of my favorite authors in recent years. I especially love The Hand that First Held Mine.
“I just didn’t care.” Best review ever! I am almost done with “The Death if Mrs. Westaway” by Ruth Ware…..deliciously creepy. I have to reserve the Ohio one..sounds intriguing!
I am I am is going to have to go onto my “someday” list. I’m trying to not only read fluff but I’m definitely not up for pondering mortality. Just put Crawdads on my library list though – that sounds good! Very curious to see what you think of Ohio. I’m plugging through Comey’s book and trying to find good fiction to get sucked into on the side.
Sarah, Unfortunately The Drama Teacher is on my NG shelf – I won’t hesitate to DNF it if it doesn’t capture my interest. I love your comment: “I just didn’t care.”, lol
The Line That Held Us in on my EW shelf so I’m looking forward to your thoughts.
I’m reading I Am, I Am, I Am right now and enjoying it. Its so easy to pick up and read a story start to finish when I have a few minutes.
I’ll finish The Banker’s Wife today – enjoying it as well.
I had the same worry about the Maggie O’Farrel book. I should not have worried because she is such a great writer. But thanks for the reassurance.
She really is – I can’t believe I waited this long to try her. Will be reading This Must Be the Place later this year.
Ok- I hope you can help me. I just finished your recommendation: Black Chalk.
I didn’t understand the end? Where did the character go? Did he kill him? I’ve checked everywhere to figure this ending out and of course its a huge SPOILER to write about BUT I did not follow? Can you tell me where I can read about it?
Haha! You and I felt the same way about the ending. Personally, I thought Yates was 100% setting up a sequel (he wasn’t – I interviewed him about it…link below). I think he left it up to reader interpretation. Email me at sarahsbookshelves@gmail.com and I’ll tell you my personal interpretation.
https://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/possibility-black-chalk-sequel-guest-post-christopher-j-yates/
Uh oh, one of my 5 star books this year and an author I previously loved were DNFs for you! Our reading tastes are starting to separate. Oh well, it was a good run while it lasted! 😉
I’m curious to hear more about Crawdads and what made it so good. Will you be reviewing it?
Yes – will actually be doing a full review for it! Can you believe it?! Will post on 8/16 I think.