Monday, August 11, 2014

It's Monday . . . What Are You Reading?

Good morning! I'm posting again on the weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. Hope everyone is finding lots of time for reading great books in these last few weeks of summer. I am reading a lot . . . but falling somewhat behind in my reviews! I think it's partly because it is summer and my kids are around; I'm hoping that it will be easier to sit down and write reviews once school starts in September and I have a little more time to sit and think in a quiet house. For my fellow bloggers, do you ever feel yourself falling behind in reviews? How do you keep yourself on track with this aspect of your blog?

Last week on the blog, I posted reviews of these books:

Michelle Lovric's The True and Splendid History of the Harristown Sisters is historical fiction set in 19th century Ireland about seven sisters who escape from poverty and rise to stardom because of their extraordinarily long hair. You can read my review of Lovric's new book, which will be published in the U.S. on August 12, right here. I also posted my review of Hannah's Kent's impressive debut novel from 2013, Burial Rites. It's a raw and powerful novel about a woman who has been charged with a brutal murder in the stark landscape of northern Iceland in the early part of the 19th century. You can read my review here.

I also posted my list of Top Ten Books I'd Give to Readers Who Have Never Read Literary Historical Fiction on the Broke and the Bookish's Top Ten Tuesday. Take a look--anything you would add?

Here is what I have been reading in the past week:

We Are Not Ourselves by Matthew Thomas is another debut novel, about a family who must weather a terrible change in circumstances. It's set for publication on August 19; I'll post a review sometime in the coming week.

What's up next for me? For a little fun and escapism, I thought I'd take a listen to this book:

I may need something a little lighter--although still engaging--after Burial Rites and We Are Not Ourselves, so Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies may be just the ticket. It's certainly getting a lot of buzz out there.

And to read? Well, I don't know . . . got anything good to suggest for me? I'll be heading out on vacation later this week, so I need to make sure I have my Kindle loaded for the trip. I do need to read Helen Oyeyemi's Boy, Snow, Bird before the end of the summer in order to complete all of the books that were on my Summer TBR List, so maybe I should start that soon.

Happy August Reading to all!

15 comments:

  1. I'm often at least a few reviews behind, I read faster than I can write :)

    Keep on reading!

    Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out

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    1. Yes, I read much faster than I can write, too -- I suppose most of us do! Thanks for stopping by.

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  2. I try to write a review as soon as I complete a book in order to have my first impressions down. I enjoyed your review of Burial Rites. I've read many positive comments about that book. I enjoy Historical Fiction. Have a great week and appreciate your recommendations.

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    1. I'm getting to the point that I think I better jot down some thoughts about each book when I finish it . . . that way, if I am not writing the review right away, at least I can set down my impressions before I forget them! Yes, Burial Rites is a great read, even thought it's pretty dark and bleak as far as the subject matter.

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  3. I don't fall behind on reviews because I write my thoughts directly after finishing a book and before I start a new one. I'm afraid that I will forget what I think and want to say if I start something else. I schedule my blog posts so I have reviews finished that won't show up until late September. Come see my week. Happy reading!

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    1. That's interesting--you schedule your posts. That's not something I have done yet! Maybe I should consider that . It's true that getting behind can make you forget what you wanted to say about a book!

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  4. A great list of books. I'm reading a Liane Moriarty book at the moment; What Alice Forgot.

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    1. I really enjoyed that one . . . Light, but still very interesting!

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  5. Looking forward to your review of We Are Not Ourselves. I've read so many good things.

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    1. Just don't read too much about it ahead of time, if you're planning to read it! I'm annoyed at all the reviews that spoil the "darkness" the family goes through. Grr.

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  6. So many good books here! Can't wait to hear what you think of We Are Not Ourselves... and I'm #2 on the list for Big Little Lies, so hope to get it soon.

    I'm behind on reviews, too, and am thinking about setting aside a day to get caught up - kind of like my own personal review-a-thon. All I need to do is find a free day ;-)

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    1. Ha--a self-imposed review-a-thon! I think I need to schedule one!

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  7. When I get behind in reviews, I make myself a big pot of coffee and stack the books next to me. I drink a cup of coffee and I start writing. I write and write and write. I press on until I've reviewed everything. I edit a bit, post everywhere, and promise myself to never get behind again. Until the next time!

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    1. Sounds like college! Yes, the cup of coffee is crucial for me if I have a lot to do.... More like a POT of coffee, in fact!

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  8. I am so behind on reviews too! I think I may have to stop myself from starting another book so I can catch up on a few of them.

    I hope you enjoy your books this week!

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