Although I did read some great books lately, I feel like I'm in a bit of a reading rut. I have hundreds of "good books" around me on my kindle or nightstand but sometimes I just feel like sleeping instead of reading at night. I'm sure it will resolve itself soon enough, I just need to hit on the right book. Little Fires Everywhere kept me pretty enthralled for longer than usual this weekend, so I'm happy about that. I just need to put my phone in the other room and focus on my books. I got a bit carried away with library holds too and just decided to return a bit chunk of them and get them another time. I have a few books on my shelf that I'm dying to get to, and a few Netgalley books that I want to review this fall, so I need to prioritize those for a bit. I'm sure some of you can relate :)
Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
This book wasn't too bad even though it was pretty messed up. I was interested in the psychological parts of it since that is my background ;). It had been awhile since I'd read an unreliable narrator book (or so it felt like), so it was good that way. I just didn't care very much about the characters and found parts of it to be a little bit too "meh". Overall, not a bad read, but nothing too particularly special and writing about it now a month later, I'm realizing it didn't stay with me as much as other books have.
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I think I like the movie a little bit better, but the audio version of this was quite good and different from the movie. It will be fun to share with our girls in a few years. (read for Erin's challenge - Disney category)
Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
This book was pleasant enough to read, and I appreciated the alternating storyline and all of the characters (especially Ruby!). It felt like it was lacking a little something at times but overall the themes and the story were worth the read. It's not A.J. Fikry by any means, but it wasn't a bad read at all. It was definitely thought provoking in regard to politics, feminism, and stigma/discrimination. (Read for the yellow cover for Erin's challenge; thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book by a wonderful author.)
Until Love Do Us Part by Anna Premoli
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was okay, but not my favourite for this genre. It had a bit of the hate-to-love storyline, but it was just missing a bit of a connection and parts were confusing. The writing wasn't the highest quality, but the plot was enjoyable and happy enough. Thank you to Netgalley for the copy of this book.
New York, Actually by Sarah Morgan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is such a cute romance series and I liked this one a lot. I read this and Until Love Do Us Part back to back, and actually they are similar in many ways (Manhattan setting, etc) but I much prefer Sarah Morgan's writing. This series doesn't have to be read in order at all but the side characters are often reflected in other books.
Currently working on: Beach Music (still loving it but it is long!), Little Fires Everywhere (Had to bump it up because it was a 7-day library loan - really good so far), and The Four Tendencies. I've also read 6 chapter books to the girls and have read Julia Donaldson's books about 50,000 times lately as well as reading French books with Molly :) Lots of reading going on!! haha.
What have you read lately?!?
As usual, linking up with Steph and Jana to share some thoughts on the books I've read lately :) Happy 3 Year Anniversary to the best link up out there!!!
Highly Enjoyable Books
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of my most beloved books of my childhood, and it was quite a treat to revisit it as an audiobook. I have fond memories of getting this book taken away from me by my dad because it was too late at night and I could not put it down despite my parents telling me numerous times. I had to dig it out of his "hiding place" for it above the fridge the next day after school to finish it. haha. The story holds up quite well and the characters are so fun and different. It's not for everyone because the fantasy elements are a bit out there, but I love this series. (Read for banned books category for Erin's challenge).
Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
I read this book as a child and recently enjoyed the audio version, which was quite well done. I can see the relation between Emily and Anne, and I love them both but I do feel that Emily has a bit of a stronger desire to please her caregivers, at times at least, which I can relate to. L. M. Montgomery's writing is so wonderful and I really love this trilogy about Emily of New Moon. Hearing the audiobook also brings back fond memories of the CBC show that we used to watch every Sunday evening :)
Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Steph mentioned this series awhile ago, and since I have the 8th (I think) book on Netgalley, I wanted to start at the beginning and get through a few of them despite hearing that they can be read out of order. This was an intense book and I can absolutely see myself binging on the series at some point. I really like Kate Burkholder. I liked this book quite a bit; as much as you can like a situation that is as messed up as this one was. :)
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was unlike anything I've ever read and it was super quick and enjoyable and different and heart-wrenching. I read this in a single sitting and I loved the format, which was in verse and would be SO fun for about a 12-13 year old who needs something to hold their interest when reading.
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I must first say that this narration was quite well done, and I enjoyed listening to this audiobook very much. That being said, this is not my favourite Austen novel. I felt so sad for Fanny throughout the book, and so disappointed about how she was treated by so many people even though I know it wasn't uncommon at that time and I know that that was the whole point. I really liked the writing and found it quite lyrical and lovely. I think the characters just didn't click for me the way that her other novels do. Still hoping to check out the film version sometime and this book also concludes my reading of Austen's novels, so I am quite pleased with that!!
Books that were Good, but not Great
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'EngleMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of my most beloved books of my childhood, and it was quite a treat to revisit it as an audiobook. I have fond memories of getting this book taken away from me by my dad because it was too late at night and I could not put it down despite my parents telling me numerous times. I had to dig it out of his "hiding place" for it above the fridge the next day after school to finish it. haha. The story holds up quite well and the characters are so fun and different. It's not for everyone because the fantasy elements are a bit out there, but I love this series. (Read for banned books category for Erin's challenge).
Emily of New Moon by L.M. MontgomeryMy rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
I read this book as a child and recently enjoyed the audio version, which was quite well done. I can see the relation between Emily and Anne, and I love them both but I do feel that Emily has a bit of a stronger desire to please her caregivers, at times at least, which I can relate to. L. M. Montgomery's writing is so wonderful and I really love this trilogy about Emily of New Moon. Hearing the audiobook also brings back fond memories of the CBC show that we used to watch every Sunday evening :)
Sworn to Silence by Linda CastilloMy rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Steph mentioned this series awhile ago, and since I have the 8th (I think) book on Netgalley, I wanted to start at the beginning and get through a few of them despite hearing that they can be read out of order. This was an intense book and I can absolutely see myself binging on the series at some point. I really like Kate Burkholder. I liked this book quite a bit; as much as you can like a situation that is as messed up as this one was. :)
The Crossover by Kwame AlexanderMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was unlike anything I've ever read and it was super quick and enjoyable and different and heart-wrenching. I read this in a single sitting and I loved the format, which was in verse and would be SO fun for about a 12-13 year old who needs something to hold their interest when reading.
Mansfield Park by Jane AustenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I must first say that this narration was quite well done, and I enjoyed listening to this audiobook very much. That being said, this is not my favourite Austen novel. I felt so sad for Fanny throughout the book, and so disappointed about how she was treated by so many people even though I know it wasn't uncommon at that time and I know that that was the whole point. I really liked the writing and found it quite lyrical and lovely. I think the characters just didn't click for me the way that her other novels do. Still hoping to check out the film version sometime and this book also concludes my reading of Austen's novels, so I am quite pleased with that!!
Books that were Good, but not Great
Emma in the Night by Wendy WalkerMy rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
This book wasn't too bad even though it was pretty messed up. I was interested in the psychological parts of it since that is my background ;). It had been awhile since I'd read an unreliable narrator book (or so it felt like), so it was good that way. I just didn't care very much about the characters and found parts of it to be a little bit too "meh". Overall, not a bad read, but nothing too particularly special and writing about it now a month later, I'm realizing it didn't stay with me as much as other books have.
Mary Poppins by P.L. TraversMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I think I like the movie a little bit better, but the audio version of this was quite good and different from the movie. It will be fun to share with our girls in a few years. (read for Erin's challenge - Disney category)
Young Jane Young by Gabrielle ZevinMy rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
This book was pleasant enough to read, and I appreciated the alternating storyline and all of the characters (especially Ruby!). It felt like it was lacking a little something at times but overall the themes and the story were worth the read. It's not A.J. Fikry by any means, but it wasn't a bad read at all. It was definitely thought provoking in regard to politics, feminism, and stigma/discrimination. (Read for the yellow cover for Erin's challenge; thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book by a wonderful author.)
Until Love Do Us Part by Anna PremoliMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book was okay, but not my favourite for this genre. It had a bit of the hate-to-love storyline, but it was just missing a bit of a connection and parts were confusing. The writing wasn't the highest quality, but the plot was enjoyable and happy enough. Thank you to Netgalley for the copy of this book.
New York, Actually by Sarah MorganMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is such a cute romance series and I liked this one a lot. I read this and Until Love Do Us Part back to back, and actually they are similar in many ways (Manhattan setting, etc) but I much prefer Sarah Morgan's writing. This series doesn't have to be read in order at all but the side characters are often reflected in other books.
Currently working on: Beach Music (still loving it but it is long!), Little Fires Everywhere (Had to bump it up because it was a 7-day library loan - really good so far), and The Four Tendencies. I've also read 6 chapter books to the girls and have read Julia Donaldson's books about 50,000 times lately as well as reading French books with Molly :) Lots of reading going on!! haha.
What have you read lately?!?
I hear good things about Little Fires Everywhere so that's great it's keeping your attention. I also really want to read The Four Tendencies. I enjoy Rubin's books.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
Me too - her books are SO interesting. The Four Tendencies is something I feel I can really apply to my everyday life.
DeleteThe new Zevin book is something I wanted to check out. I'm on the wait list for Little Fires Everywhere but I think it'll be awhile. Also, my library doesn't have Sworn to Silence but has other books in the series (which makes a lot of sense, of course).
ReplyDeleteI've been feeling the same way with reading lately, even though I'm reading books I enjoy they're just taking me forever to finish/pick up, but hopefully soon I'll get back into the swing of things because I miss reading more! I had similar feelings to Young Jane Young, I think I went into it with my expectations a little too high maybe. I read a book a few years ago that was in prose (ghosting) and ended up loving it, so I added The Crossover to my list!
ReplyDeleteI read Mary Poppins for one of Erin's other challenges, and I totally agree with you about how different it was from the movie, even though it's been a while since I've actually seen the movie. And that sucks that you feel like you're in a reading rut, but I bet that you bounce back soon! Sometimes all we need is a little break!
ReplyDeletei couldn't get into Young Jane...and was so disappointed considering how much I loved Fikry!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a great Thanksgiving, and I love your daughter's shirt!
ReplyDeleteI am All Kate Burkholder, All The Time.
I'm definitely skipping Emma.
I haven't read Crossed but I did read Alexander's Booked which is written in the same style. My son received A Wrinkle In Time as a present awhile back and it's sitting on his shelf. That may be our next book that we read together. Not sure that I've read this one! I found the characters in Emma In the Night to be a little too crazy.
ReplyDeleteI always forget that Mary Poppins was a real book.
ReplyDeleteI have never read A Wrinkle in Time and need to decide whether to read it now or after I see the movie next year. I really liked Emma in the Night, but it's definitely not a book for everyone. Steph has mentioned the Kate Burkeholder series so often and it sounds like one that I would love. Just like I love your daughter's shirt!
ReplyDeletei always go a little crazy at the library lol so i feel you. i returned like half the other day because i was getting so overwhelmed and ignoring them all. i haven't read a wrinkle in time but it's on my list. i'm glad you liked mansfield park well enough to rate it 4 stars, honestly the rate i am going it will be 1 star if i even finish it! i am struggling hardcore. i've seen the movie versions years ago, though i heard that they are very different. i barely remember them either lol.
ReplyDeletei love the hate to love storyline so even though you didn't love that one i might check it out. i am so bummed about young jane young, i should have read that as soon as i got it from netgalley because now i've thought about it way too much, there is no way it can compare to aj fikry. it does sound good though. so we'll see. little fires everywhere is on my list!
I am about to start Emma in the Night from my Netgalley shelf...and now I am way less excited about it. I thought Sarah Morgan's books were super cute. Good for a palette cleanser. I have Little Fires Everywhere on my TBR, cant wait to hear what you think.
ReplyDeleteI read A Wrinkle In Time a while ago, because it's part of the Amazon 100 books to read in a Lifetime, and I am looking forward to reading it with my son.
ReplyDeleteYou brought me back to childhood with a wrinkle in time. I was thinking about young jane and now the reviews have me all meh.
ReplyDeleteI recently read a Wrinkle in Time for the first time and was surprised it had taken me that long to read. Tried to read the rest in the series but I couldn't get into them.
ReplyDeleteI keep seeing "meh" associated with Emma in the Night. It's on my never-ending NetGalley list, so I probably will still read it eventually, but I'm not hurrying to read it.
ReplyDeleteI got Young Jane Young from NetGalley months ago. Still haven't read it.
ReplyDeleteI'm about halfway through Little Fires. It's so freaking good.
I am having an off reading month this month. I've been wanting to do all sorts of other things instead. Which I guess is ok. But I just got my 3 most anticipated YA books of the year from the library at the same time. And they're each 14 day loans. :( I finished one, I hope to finish the other two before they are due back. And I need to read Outlander (2&3) because my in-law's DVR is filling up with the show and I "can't" watch it yet! ha Emma in the Night is in my Netgalley queue. Thrillers aren't my normal genre, and I think I read about 10 pages and had trouble sticking with it. I need to revisit it..because my queue is insane. : / Love that you are revisiting childhood faves! :) Xo - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
That is such an adorable pic of your daughter!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy sprinkling in some children's literature every now and then. I'm glad to see that you do too.
I have Emma in the Night and Young Jane Young on my TBR. I also read Mary Poppins for Erin's Challenge. We watched the movie Saving Mr. Banks which told the story behind Mary Poppins. It was good!
ReplyDeleteI remember reading A Wrinkle in Time as a kid and just not getting the fantasy parts of it. Maybe if I reread it as an adult I'll finally understand what the heck a tesseract is!
ReplyDelete