Every year the first week of school is crushingly busy. And, every year I forget just how crazy it is. Figuring out new routines, getting set up on all the different online systems for each child, all the forms, all the forms, all the forms…
This year was no different and I barely had time to read. I don’t think I’ve had a week all year when I’ve read less. I made it 30% through one book this week. I’m LOVING the book…I just need some good chunks of time to sit down with it. It’s frustrating, isn’t it, when you love a book, but aren’t getting to focus on it?!
#Buildsarahsbookshelves Library Update
I’m putting together a very selective library for my new (but small) built-in bookshelves and am sharing each book I acquire on Instagram (follow me at sarahsbookshelves)! And, I’m trying to acquire all these new books at rock bottom prices.
The books are going to start arriving fast and furious now…I just ordered a bunch from Amazon so we can take a first pass at getting the shelves organized in the next couple weeks. This week’s addition is The Unraveling of Mercy Louis (my review) one of my favorite books of 2015…it’s a great choice if you love Southern literature and/or badass female characters!
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I finished reading…
Sourdough
Aaah. This book. I could have absolutely adored it. But, it jumped the shark in a couple places. I’m still glad I read it, but it wasn’t as delightful as it could have been. I’ll be discussing it more in an upcoming post about questionable editorial decisions.
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I’m currently reading…
The Twelve-Mile Straight
This is a long, immersive, multi-generational family saga set in 1930’s Georgia. It’s SO good and reminds me of Mudbound. I just wish I had hours and hours of uninterrupted reading time to devote to it. It’s been slow going (I’m around 30% through) only because of my schedule. I’m hoping to really dig in this week.
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I tried, but wasn’t feeling…
The Burning Girl
DNF at 20%. The story hadn’t gone anywhere by that point and that was too long for me.
Upcoming reading plans…
The Cuban Affair
DeMille was one of my favorite authors awhile back. His latest books (Radiant Angel, my review) didn’t live up to his older stuff for me, but I’m hoping his debut of a new lead character (Mac McCormick) will shake things up.
I was reading…
One Year Ago: I was on vacation!
Two Years Ago: And vacation again!
How was your reading week?
I’ll be interested in hearing your thoughts on The Twelve Mile Straight! Sounds like I made the right choice in passing Burning Girl by
Twelve Mile Straight is so good, but I feel like my reading is not doing it justice. I got to about 75% yesterday, and hope to wrap it up in the next couple days. It definitely reminds me of Mudbound, too. Probably a good call on The Burning Girl…it was just odd. I may need to go back and read The Unraveling of Mercy Louis sometime. I missed that one.
Hope we both can get our heads back into books this week!
I’m definitely not doing 12 Mile Straight justice. Bad timing. Why is September big book month anyway?! Anyone with kids (and teachers) has a crazy schedule.
I almost DNF-ed The Burning Girl too, but ended up forcing my way through and enjoyed it. It took WAY too long to get into though.
Glad you enjoyed it…but I don’t have the patience for anything that takes awhile to get going these days. Life is too chaotic.
I had mixed feelings about Sourdough too. It was fun, but I’ll quickly forget it. I have Twelve-Mile Straight on my list. I’m curious about the DeMille.
The Twelve-Mile Straight sounds like something I’d love. Hopefully I can get to it soon.
I kept reading The Burning Girl until the very end, but the beginning pages were not my favorite parts. By the end, I was engaged, but I didn’t really like Cassie, who consumed too much of the attention. It wasn’t a favorite read for me.
The Twelve-Mile Straight is definitely going on my list.
Enjoy your week, despite all the minutiae of back-to-school opening weeks.
Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
I’ve been hearing similar things about Burning Girl…and I don’t have the patience for slow starters right now.
I read Henderson’s first novel and loved it. I think I was ignoring the fact that she has another book out because I don’t need a new one. Still, the fact that you are loving it convinces me I will have to procure a copy soon enough!
Well, hold your horses on that. I loved it in the beginning, but it’s taking me so long to read that I’m kind of losing interest. It definitely needed to be tighter. But, I’m interested in her first novel, now!
Wow! I don’t miss the first week of school at all. It is as complicated for educators as it is for parents. I’m so grateful for retirement. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
The Twelve-Mile Straight sounds like it needs to be on my shelves!
Some really interesting sounding books on your list. I might have to add a few of them to my list!
Check out what I am reading HERE
I didn’t get much read last week but I’m on a good start this week. Come see what I’m reading