Modern Mrs. Darcy publishes QuickLit on the 15th of every month to share what she’s been reading. I thought that would be a good reminder for me to do the same, but until this month, I hadn’t been happy enough with what I’d been reading (or remembered in time) to write a post! It just so happens, though, that “what I’ve been reading lately” is worth sharing this month. And I’m happy to link up with her post!
Admittedly, a couple of the books are relatable to quarantine. . . . I tend toward books that match my emotional state.
Recently Finished
This book was long. But I kept being surprised by the narrator making me laugh out loud! The protagonist is a Former Person in Russia who, rather than being condemned to death is sentenced to life-long house arrest in the Metropol hotel. I did find it somewhat difficult to keep track of the characters, since this book spanned a few decades of the main character’s life. However, this has been one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read in quite some time. I’m not even sure why, exactly. Something about the author’s style and class in writing it.
*There is one sex scene, and a couple of in-bed-but-only-conversation scenes. I skimmed the one and wasn’t too bothered by the others. And I’m pretty intolerant of sex scenes in books in general. So. Hope that helps anyone like-minded.
It’s been on my I-should-read-this list forever. I finally decided to read it after suggesting it to a student. It was . . . different . . . than I expected. At least, some parts were. There were the expected “life in hiding” entries. But what surprised me more (though I suppose it shouldn’t have) were the thoughts she shared as she processed becoming a teenager and going through puberty. Publishers have more recently added the journal entries where she talks about sex. Except for one entry, it was all pretty tame and what you’d hear in sex ed. She wants to be a writer, though, and make a difference in the world . . . little did she know her diary would be read by millions the world over! She sounds like a “typical teenager” in some respects. But in others, she speaks beyond her years with insight and poise and her own style. I can see why it’s well-read.
Leaving the quarantine-related books . . . or are we? This book is all about attitude and how it affects work, life, relationships, success . . . hmm . . . must be a reason my discipleship group leader/pastora chose this book for our group in the middle of quarantine.
It’s good. But it’s not a feel-good book. More like a kick in the seat of your pants book. Which we all need sometimes.
*I read the Spanish translation with my small group. But of course, it exists in English too.
I would reread this book. And probably will, eventually. It has so many insights into life and death. I highlighted lots of it. And appreciated the emotional depth and sincerity, as well as the pragmatic approach with which he discussed cancer, the brain, relationships, and philosophy. Pretty amazing all those things are packed into such a short book. I highly, highly recommend this book. But be warned: not for those who are wanting to escape the world. This one plants you fully in it and might bring you to tears.
Oh my gosh, y’all. Why are the kids’ books usually some of the best??
Recommended to me by one of my fifth graders, this was her pick after reading nothing but Harry Potter this year. I don’t think the books are anything alike, seeing as how this is very much an historical fiction book. Nonetheless, it’s . . . amazing. Set the year after the Little Rock Nine, this book tells the not-as-well-known story about how the high schools shut down to prevent integration – for an entire school year – and two girls’ efforts to stand up for what is right. It’s a beautiful story, though not without its share of pain.
(It’s not too bad, though. But it is realistic, ya know?)
I gobbled this book up in a day or two.
Currently Reading
I’ve been trying all year to find a mystery book that I like and can stomach in order to fulfill my category of “outside your genre comfort zone”. I’m all about the emotions and the real life stuff – but not about the violence. And let’s be real: most mysteries have some kind of violence/kidnapping/murder in them.
This one is actually no different. But I’m almost halfway through and, for whatever reason, I’ve been able to handle it – and even enjoy it. In fact, it didn’t have too much explicit violence til I got to chapter 31ish. I’m listening to the audio version on Libby and it kinda just feels like I’m listening to an episode of Bones or NCIS. (Where I unashamedly cover my eyes for any part that involves gunfire or shows wounded/dead bodies.)
We’ll see if I can finish it!
Another one that has been on my to-read list for quite some time. I actually started reading this some time in the last year, but didn’t finish. This time time when I started reading, it seems like it’s a better time for this book – for whatever reason.
It reminds me of my grandma – in the very best way. The author’s style and tongue-in-cheek comments about how adults don’t understand children just sounds like something she would enjoy. After all, she loved Winnie the Pooh.
Have you read anything good lately? I’d love to hear what. I’m always looking for other book ideas.
Happy Reading!
Always Grace 
These are definitely some great reads! When Breath Becomes Air was hard to read at times but so, so good. The Little Prince is a classic favorite too 🙂
I agree; When Breath Becomes Air definitely isn’t a light read, but it’s worth it.
If you haven’t already, David Baldacci’s Memory Man series (Redemption is in that series) is fabulous from the beginning. It starts with Memory Man and gives you a great look where the main characters are coming from. I have heard such great things about The Lions of Little Rock I’m buying it! Thanks for your reviews!
I haven’t read the whole series, because I’m not good at much real-life suspense. But I really liked Redemption and have been curious to find out more about Amos Decker’s character and those around him. Thanks for the suggestion.
And YES! The Lions of Little Rock is so good, that I will buy a paper copy as soon as it makes sense for me to do so! My mom read it in only a day or two – and liked it a lot too – and she usually takes awhile to get through books.