I think I am going to change the name of this series to "what I read, listened to and watched" this month... are you interested in the podcasts, shows, movies, etc that I am consuming in addition to books? The reason why I ask is because I got majorly hooked on a podcast/show and also I tried audio books on Audible and from my library (with CloudLibrary) for the first time! So it's more like a media round up than a book round up... thoughts?
So tell me... have you ever "read" a book on audio? I was really hesitant to try it because I love the feel of a book in my hand and the meditative state of reading. You really can't multi-task and read. It's one of the few things left in life that when you are doing it, you are only doing THAT. You know? But lately I've been a little bored with podcasts and I spend a lot of time in the car, going for walks, folding laundry or working where I like a little background noise. I like listening to music, but that can get old too... so enter audio books. I first tried a book I've already read and loved and have been wanting to re-read. I never find the time to re-read books since my to-be-read list is so long - so I thought this was a perfect way to dip my toes in. Then I was hooked. Next up I listened to an AMAZING memoir. Memoir is great on audio because usually (at least in this case) the author spoke the words and it felt like it truly gave me a deep connection to her and her story.
So my experience with audiobooks has been baby steps... I will say I tried a novel too, but the narrators voice really bothered me so I quit. Which is my concern - I love reading novels so much I'm worried I will be disappointed in just listening to it. Also I have found that I have a terrible time deciding which book to do on audio - especially now that I know that some narrators do a better job than others. Do you have any audiobook suggestions for me? I would love to hear!
Let's look at the books I read/listened to this month...
A Sky Painted Gold... This is a delightful YA read that takes place on the Cornish coast in England. With a cast of extremely wealthy characters and a large estate set against a simple Cornish town, this book is definitely Gatsby inspired. This book definitely made me want to re-read The Great Gatsby. I love reading YA from time to time for a fun and quick read. This is the perfect little story to get caught up with on vacation. Also, if you are a sucker for good cover art - this book is gorgeous!
Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder and One Man's Fight for Justice... My neighbor dropped this off for me to read with a high recommendation. It's not the genre I usually go for but I was definitely intrigued. This non-fiction Russian Financial thriller reads like a novel with plenty of twists and unbelievable plot twists. I ended up just devouring this book in just a few days. It proves my obsession with reading about Russia. Other favorite books that take place in Russia: I Was Anastasia and A Gentleman in Moscow and of course the formidable Anna Karenina.
The Alchemist (listened on Audible)... I had read this book a few years ago and kept meaning to read it again. So when I wanted to try listening to audiobooks I thought this would be a good place to start. This book is such a classic tale of self discovery... it's full of rich allegory and is a great story with both shallow and deep story lines. I enjoyed it on audio... I also recommend picking up a copy to have on hand and just read from time to time.
The Last Romantics... I have mixed feelings on this book. I feel like it's gotten lots of buzz lately so I requested it at the library. This book reminded me of another book I've read but I can't decide which one - maybe The Immortalists? This novel is a family saga following four siblings as they go from living a "normal" life to dealing with their father's death, their mother's deep depression and then their beloved brothers death. I don't read a lot of contemporary fiction because it often leaves me feeling a little hopeless - and I think that is why I didn't totally love this story. The characters in this book are true and honest and I loved the arch of the story - but in the end it just felt so sad. I did however very much enjoy this author's first book The House Girl. I highly recommend that!
Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity and Love (listened on Audible)... I loved EVERY MINUTE of this book and days after finishing it I am still so sad it's over. I highly recommend listening to it on audio if you are an audio person. The author narrates the story and it's quite moving in her voice. When Dani Shapiro randomly takes a mail-away DNA test that reveals that her ancestry is NOTHING of what she thought it was she goes on a search for the true identity of her father. This a moving memoir on family, sense of belonging and family secrets. It's just so beautiful.
America's First Daughter (read on Kindle)... Historical fiction is my favorite genre to read with out question and a lot of the genre ends up being WWII history, so I love when I happened upon a really great American historical fiction. I really enjoyed this book that was mostly taken from the history books with a little bit of fiction woven in as well. The story follows the life of Thomas Jefferson's eldest daughter Martha (or Patsy for short) as she is raised during America's most pivotal time in history. After the death of her mother she essentially becomes her father's right hand "woman" as the "first daughter." The story line of family, loyalty, love and sacrifice is both beautiful and tragic and an interesting look into the rise of America.
Salt to the Sea (read on Kindle)... Just when I think I've read everything there is to read about WWII another gem pops up like this one. And I swear I say that with EVERY WWII book I read. I just keep digging deeper and deeper and finding more gold. This book tells the story of several strangers brought together through the sailing of the Willhelm Gustloff ship. The ship was made to hold 1500 passengers and ended up packed with over 10,000 souls to evacuate refugees from the war. Shortly after sailing it was hit by Russian submarines and sunk. Of course the book is sad and tragic like so many in the WWII genre - but also, so beautiful. Also this book is told from multiple perspectives in short chapters making it an absolute page turner.
Daisy Jones and the Six (read on Kindle)... Okay, big warning here: I NEVER GIVE BAD REVIEWS, but I am going to today. I have 100% LOVED everything that Taylor Jenkins Reid as written. Seriously, if you haven't read her books yet... go! However, this book was horrible. It's written interview style like one really long, very boring, fake Rolling Stones Magazine-esque article. The reason I am even giving this book a bad review (usually I wouldn't even mention it) is because it's getting so much hype. This book is literally being raved about everywhere and I just DON'T get it. I read the first 1/3 of the book, skimmed the 2/3 and then quit. The characters were boring and predictable and there was zero plot development. Again, if you want fun, contemporary fiction read ANY other books by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I've loved everything else I've read from her.
What I listened to/watched this month...
I'm obsessed with ALL things Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes. Anyone else? I devoured the podcast The Drop Out and then the HBO special The Inventor. Now I can't wait to read the book Bad Blood. It's like a train wreck that I can't look away from. Is anyone else this obsessed with the entire thing too?
In addition to that I am obsessed with the new record by Hozier, Wasteland, Baby! It's not often that an album comes along that I can't stop listening to over and over again. Have you heard it? Thoughts?
So that's what I read/watched/listened to this month!
I'm just starting The Paragon Hotel and I will report back on it next month. I'm also STILL on the waitlist for The Gown at the library - which I might just breakdown and buy for Kindle. I also just picked up a very random smattering of books from the library - so we will see which of those work!
