YOU GUYS. I was too sick to READ! November was TERRIBLE.
But! The books I did manage to plow through were great. Here they are from worst to best:
Leather and Lark by Brynne Weaver: This series is not for me. I did not like the first one, but I tried again, and it is still a nope. **2024 **Audio
One by One by Freida McFadden: We've talked before about how I love her terrible books, yes? They're so terrible but in her real life she's a brain surgeon, and I am fascinated. **Audio
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig: This was weird, even for him. **2024
Playground by Richard Powers: I really wanted to love this, but I only just liked it. **2024
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney: I liked this one a lot, but I always think I am not quite smart enough to appreciate her all the way. **2024
Someone in the Attic by Andrea Mara: SO SCARY OMG. I had to stop reading it when Ben was gone. **2024
The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand: I haven't read ALL of her books. YET. **Audio
Sandwich by Catherine Newman: A charming delight of a book. **2024
A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg: I loved Attenberg and think everyone else should, too. **2024
Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel: This is FANTASTIC and a really quick read but not necessarily light-- about girl boxers. I loved how the authored narrowed and widened her lens-- reminded me of Tommy Orange in that way. **2024
Colored Television by Danzy Senna: This book is GREAT-- family drama plus Hollywood drama plus race, class, and gender critique-- loved it. **2024
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny: The 19th Gamache book did not disappoint. I really SAVORED this one because a new Louise Penny is a treat. **Audio **2024
THE STATS
This month: 12 books
Audio books: 4
Real books: 8
2024 books: 10
This year: 151
Audio: 65
With my eyes: 86
Books published in 2024: 91
Little preview of December to close since I hit the library hlds jackpot:
I DNF’d Intermezzo. The writing style for one of the narrators bothered me and I just could not get into the book. I think she’s just not for me as I have only enjoyed Normal People. I also read and enjoyed Colored Television. Did you know she is married to Percival Everett! What a couple!!
ReplyDeleteLisa this pairing BLEW MY MIND, but Google tells me it ain't so...
DeleteIt is in fact true... Percival Everett and Danny Senza are married! I've heard it mentioned on several podcasts and confirmed it in a New Yorker interview where it mentioned they've been married for over 15 years.
DeleteNow I'm thinking you thought I was saying that Sally Rooney and Percival Everett were married... I was referencing the author of Colored Television.
DeleteHAHAHAHA I totally skipped that line about Colored Television, FML! So Sorry!
DeleteRooney and Everett would have been a WILD combo!!
DeleteI enjoyed Normal People but have never had the desire to read another of Rooney’s books. Like you, I adore Frieda McFadden - how does she do it??? Added Someone in the Attic so fast.
ReplyDeleteHope you and Minnie are on the mend.
Sarah I am in the worst reading slump I have had in YEARS. I'm hoping January energy will pull me out!? Seriously it's been like . . . desolate. Part of it is that I'm writing more (I think?!); maybe I just have word fatigue!? But still. I miss reading SO MUCH!!! This post gives me hope. I need to pick up the fluffiest candyest book and get back into it, thinking Liane Moriarty's latest.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE SANDWICH!!!! But I love everything Catherine Newman has written. I have SO many library books right now, it's insane.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any Jami Attenberg, but I read the description of that book, and it sounds good! I'm putting it on my TBR, which means I'll get to it... eventually.
ReplyDeleteAnd you also reminded me to pick up the Louise Penny series again. I'm about seven or eight books in, and I haven't read one in a while.
I was too sick to read, she said before sharing the 8 books she read. Ha. I'm sure this was less than you would normally read, but still - wow. Not sure the brain surgeon has much on you. ;)
ReplyDeleteI've not read any of these, but I know a few people liked Sandwich. Thanks for the recommendations. Hope you are feeling so much better.
I love Sally Rooney's political stances although I'm not always sure if their writing is good? But I get to borrow Intermezzo from my eldest who just finished it and thought it was Rooney's best so far. I think the writing may have improved--it seems like the prep reading was intense https://www.faber.co.uk/journal/sally-rooney-eight-books-i-read-while-writing-intermezzo/
ReplyDeleteYou read a lot despite being sick, Sarah... I hope you're feeling all/much better!
I really liked the Matt Haig book, though it was strange as always. I am in the middle of Playground, and I love the writing, but am a bit confused by all of the characters. Would it be easier to read the physical book instead of listening? I'm not sure.
ReplyDelete