At one time, I swore I’d never jump on the e-reader train, but then came a lot of sitting in car lines, at gymnastics classes and soccer practices, and suddenly I was converted. I bought a Kindle Paperwhite (and a cute pouch to carry in my purse), which has also made reading in bed at night a nicer experience. (No impatient sighs from a certain someone waiting for me to turn off the light…)
If there’s a downside, it’s only that I’ve become a little addicted to the Kindle daily deals on Amazon. It’s way too easy to buy a $1.99 book for “later”. I guess I’ll never run out of things to read. . .
So, here’s most of what I’ve read lately:
Hope Heals by Katherine & Jay Wolf—I’m listing this one first because it was my favorite of the books I’ve read in the last few months. I would never have thought that a (true) story about a 26-year-old stroke victim would leave me feeling more excited about life, but it did. The book details a young married couple’s life after the tragedy and how their faith got them though. It really makes you think about the way you view small everyday tasks and what blessings the things we often grumble about actually are.
image via Hope Heals blog
PS—This would make for excellent discussion if you’re looking for a book club read. In fact, I’m hosting some neighbors next month to talk about this one.
Nutshell by Ian McEwan—I read Atonement by the same author and thought it was a little weird. I read this one and thought the same thing, but it was short and strangely compelling. It’s written from the point of view of an unborn baby and details the very dysfunctional relationship between his parents. I thought it was quirky, sometimes funny, and I would actually recommend it for a quick read.
The Children by Ann Leary—I love a good dysfunctional family book, as I’ve mentioned before. This one was about the fallout between the adult children once the father dies. There’s one character I liked in particular—the 29-year-old single, childless sister who has a hugely successful “mommy blog” (complete with big-brand sponsors!), featuring her entirely made up family…. (Makes you wonder. Ha!)
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner—This book came highly recommended by one of my favorite podcasters (and several of her guests) so I could not wait to read it. In fact, I saved it for our trip to Jamaica back in November. And, I hate to say this, but I was so disappointed. I’m okay with there being no huge plot line (spoiler alert: there’s not; it follows the friendship of two couples over several decades), but I kept waiting for this go to somewhere, and it just didn’t for me. I’m curious to hear how you felt about it if you’ve read this. . .
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith—Wait, why have I not read this before now?? The story follows the life of Francie as she grows up in Brooklyn and deals with the struggles of being poor and family relationships . It takes you through her childhood and into early adulthood and I rooted for her all the way. No huge plot here, either, but I loved this one.
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp—I read this one for a book club dinner during the Christmas season. I should start by saying that this is the first Ann Voskamp book I’ve read, and it did take me a little bit to get going with her writing style. She is very descriptive and deep, and I’m more of a cut-to-the-chase kind of girl which is probably why I didn’t connect right away. I did think the message was excellent. God’s little gifts are all around us—but we have to look. (She started a journal in which she wrote down 1000 things she was grateful for; love the idea!) I’m sure many of you have already read this—what did you think?
The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams—I like this author but will admit I liked the other book I read by her better (A Certain Age). In both of the books, there was a mystery to figure out but in this one, it bounced back and forth between the lives of two women (one in 1964 and one in 1912). The younger woman receives a mysterious suitcase and the rest of the book is spent detailing how the present is connects to the past.
You’ll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein—This is a memoir by a comedy writer, each chapter tackling a different subject pertaining to womanhood. There were some laugh-out-loud parts in this book (specifically the chapter on undergarments and poodles vs. wolves), but there was some not so great stuff that I could’ve lived without…. (In other words, “I wouldn’t gift this book to my mom.” Isn’t that always the true test??)
Lazaretto by Diane McKinney-Whetstone—I thought this was such an interesting story. It takes place in post-Civil War Philadelphia and deals a lot with the racial dynamics of that time. It has some pretty intense details that take place at the country’s first quarantine hospital. (I won’t tell you more than that.) I really enjoyed this book but for the life of me, can’t figure out what happened at the end. If you’ve read it, somebody please explain it. . .
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi—I’d put off reading this true story because I figured it would be a downer, and well, it kind of was. You’ve probably heard about this very popular book about a 36-year-old neurosurgeon who develops lung cancer and dies before he completed his manuscript. It’s an interesting look at how someone chooses to spend his last days, when you know for certain your time is very limited here on earth. The epilogue, written by his wife, was my favorite part and made me tear up. I also found the details about his medical school days and years as a young doctor especially interesting.
So, what’s good that you’ve read lately?
.You find more of book review posts here.
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I think we approach books quite similarly! Almost always, my thoughts are precisely along the lines of yours when I’ve already read the books you review (I.e. one thousand gifts. I wanted to adore it so badly! And I love and respect a.v. so much, but I can’t get in synch with her style unless I’m in a very particular mood.)
Speaking of books you wouldn’t gift to your mother – have you read Tina Fey’s bosssypants? Its been out a long while. I am only admitting it bc the internet is anonymous. ;-) there are some VERY crude portions, and politically charged portions, HOWEVER, it has some gut-splitting hilarious hilarious portions that are so worth the read! (Lucky for me, I’m good at blocking out specifics of crude and only remembering the good.). The chapter on photoshoots is my fave!
Well, I don’t know how anonymous the internet is for me :) But yes, I have read Tina Fey’s book a while ago. Like you, I can’t remember a lot of the specifics but thought it was pretty funny.
I just got a mint condition first edition I Married Adventure by Osa Johnson for my 40th bday (gift to myself). I will admit that I originally bought it for looks (its gorgeous!), but the vintage book store included a little info sheet on Osa Johnson and her life and now I can’t wait to dive in. I am judging this book by its cover and I think the story will be just as gorgeous. Will let you know…
I have been thinking about Hope Heals but was worried it would be tragic. Glad to hear its not. I’ll give that one a try.
I also read Chasing Slow recently. I know there is a lot of chatter about it. I really enjoyed her. I felt like we were sitting having coffee and she was just telling me about her journey and the struggle we all face to Sloooow Doooown and the sacrifices that come with that choice…
I haven’t read either of those, but now I’m curious about Chasing Slow. Sometimes, I don’t love those kinds of books but maybe I’ll give that one a try.
I also LOVED “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” and since it’s a classic, wondered why I hadn’t heard of or read it before. I recommend it all the time now. The last book I read was “The Magnolia Story” by Chip and Joanna Gaines. It was a nice, easy read. Happy Friday! :)
Haven’t read the Gaines’ book yet but have heard good things.
We share a similar taste in books! I’ve read two of the books you mention, am in the midst of another one and waiting to read a fourth. Hope Heals was not a new story for me as I follow Katherine & Jay’s blog, but it told so much more of their story and made me appreciate them even more! Like you, it took me awhile to get into the swing of 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp as she write far more poetical than I think! :) But, she relays an important message throughout the book and re-affirmed my intention to be much more aware of the things to be grateful for in this life. I am currently in the midst of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and having seen part of the original black and white movie, I was concerned the book would feel ‘gray’ as well. I have been pleasantly surprised – like you, I am rooting for Francie because she is a always hopeful! When Breath Becomes Air is on my shelf waiting to be read and I will be honest, I keep choosing others before it when I need a new book because I don’t want a sad book at that moment. But, I know there is value in reading it and I’m glad to read your review.
I really like your book posts, Emily! Thanks for sharing – you have led me to new authors more than once!
I recently started following the Wolfs on IG. Just love their little family and I don’t even know them. :)
I just finished Liane Moriarty’s The Chaperone for book club and I liked it–interesting story covering the span of a woman’s life. Also recently finished Hausfrau (hated it!!) and The Midwife of Hope River (loved it!) Thanks for your recommendations!
I recently read Truly, Madly, Guilty and to be honest, it kind of turned me off of her books for a while. Did you like that one?
Two different authors — Laura Moriarty wrote the Chaperone (it took me a second to figure that out — such similar names!). I couldn’t get into Truly, Madly, Guilty, but I LOVED Big Little Lies. I’d definitely recommend giving it a try!
Oh, whoops! You’re so right. Maybe I should give Laura a chance ;)
I get my kindle books mostly from the library now! Free and plentiful. I keep my waitlist full and I almost always have a book (or 3!) to read! You can turn off the wireless to keep them longer than 3 weeks :) The 1.99 books are also addicting!!! Oh, and Commonwealth is a good disfunctional family story!
Thanks for the tip. My library uses OverDrive and I’ve gotten a few books that way. And, I LOVED Commonwealth.
Nutshell is part of the Hogwart Shakespeare Project, his take on Hamlet I believe. Plays retold by modern authors.
If you like Margaret Atwood, you might like Hag-Seed, her take on The Tempest.
Interesting–I didn’t even realize that about Nutshell. Probably good I read that one. Not sure I’m up for Shakespeare at this season of my life. ;)
Thanks for the book recommendations. A few I have read, and a few I haven’t. I’m intrigued by the first one about the stroke victim. I put it on my must read list. I don’t think Ann Leary’s last one was as good as her first. Have a great weekend!
I so enjoyed When Breath Becomes Air. Makes us so appreciate all that He gives us every day. One book that I would recommend to everyone is the JD Vance one called Hillbilly Elegy. Excellent read, based on his life and escape from poverty. But he’s funny, kind and honest as to the cultural ways of “his people”. You’d enjoy it, I’m sure.
Yes–that’s also on my to-read list!
I’m so glad you felt that way about Crossing to Safety. It was recommended to me as well and I didn’t even bother finishing it (and usually I insist on finishing books) because I could not get excited about it. Thanks for the list, I always look forward to the recommendations!
I love your reviews ~ I carve out so little time to read for fun (non~work reading) and predominately read non fiction. But i keep a list of books I hope to read from reviews like yours! One day!! My daughter went to a huge conference/praise event called Passion 2017 at the Georgia Dome ( where our football team plays) with thousands of other young adults. The Wolfs were there and spoke. She was so moved she texted me while they were on to please order the book from Amazon. I was watching their stream, I had followed their blog for a while and loved their “message” to the young people there. It’s an amazing story. I’m glad it made your list!
I saw on IG that they were there. Would’ve loved to have heard them.
I read Hillbilly Elegy and have been thinking about it for days. But too many f-words for me to recommend to my mom. I did recommend it to my brother. I’m rereading some old favorites this year — have you read Cold Sassy Tree or Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand?
I have Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand sitting on my nightstand, yet to be read.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Perfect for book club! This is a story about finding joy in the midst of difficult and uncertain circumstances and it’s the BEST fiction I’ve read in a very long time! I’m an avid Kindle reader but actually read the hard copy. I’m so glad I did because I’m flipping back to all the dogearred pages to soak in the charming writing and beautiful moments of this book. It’s long but you’ll savor it. Also, all you design aficionados will enjoy the Count’s eye for things of beauty!
I’m listening to _Hidden Figures_ right now, and it’s impressive. Sometimes a bit dry, but always impressive. My top rec at the moment for any mother of girls is _Untangled_ by Lisa Damour. Wish, wish, wish I’d ready it earlier, but still glad I found it (my daughter is 16). I also sailed right through all of blogger Sophie Hudson’s books, and they were fun. Not heavy, but not stupid silly either. My very favorite books are Louise Penney’s Gamache books, but I’m stuck waiting on her next one. Those are wonderful.
Have several people rave about the Louise Penney books. Maybe I’ll try one… Do you think I should start at the beginning of the series?
I would (I think _Still Life_ is first), but that’s probably just my not-so-latent OCD tendencies coming out. They are written so that you’re not lost if you don’t start with the first. But I think you get to know her characters better if you do, and her characters are my favorite part. And if you ever do audio books, Ralph Cosham, who narrated the Gamache books until his untimely death in 2014, is the best narrator I’ve ever heard. Any other narrator pales in comparison, I’m sad to say! Also see “The Last Promise” on (of all places) the AARP website. Very moving essay by Louise Penny about caring for her husband (he just died last year after years with dementia). Much more than you asked for here-but obviously I’m a fan. Sometimes it just seems there aren’t that many books that are engrossing but not trashy, suspenseful but not gory, etc. The Gamache books fit that bill for me!
Great–thanks!
Hey Emily, check and see if your local library checks out e books through overdrive. I haven’t purchased a book in years because I just check them out and they go straight to my kindle. It’s all current books too. Sometimes there is a waiting list but when you have several on request. You always have a book you are reading.
I listen to the podcast “What should I read next” for book suggestions
I didn’t think I’d like a Kindle until my husband got me one and now I’m hooked! I tried reading a regular book but found that having to hold the book with 2 hands was a bit cumbersome! Did you know you can read the Kindle and snack at the same time? Like you I was addicted to Amazon’s daily deals and have quite a few books waiting to be read. But now I check to see if my library has them and just add to my wish list. I just finished Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri — it’s a collection of short stories and won the Pulitzer prize. I have also enjoyed her novels.
I just finished Mindy Kaling’s audiobook What About Me and I LOVED it. I laughed, I cried, I fawned over her wit and likability. My preferred method of reading lately is digital audiobooks from the library. Free and easy, I don’t even have to actually go to the library!
PS I’ve been wanting to read When Breath Becomes Air ever since I read about that family on A Cup of Jo, but I need to know just how sad it will make me??
My mom gave me her old nook, so I’ve started reading books on it; it’s an adjustment from turning paper pages.
I read “Wonder” by RJ Palacio in one day. Great read about the strength of character in difficult circumstances.
I’ll refrain from listing the only other book I’ve read this year–a parenting book. My goal is to read over 30 books this year, not counting children’s books :)
Well, now you have me curious. Although I try to stay as far away as possible from parenting “by the book.” ;) My oldest read Wonder and really like it. Maybe I should give it a try. Have heard good things.
I just finished Lauren Graham’s Talking Just as Fast as I Can (after binging Gilmore Girls over the holidays!). It’s a quick and easy but interesting and fun read. She’s a clever writer as well as talented actress.
Regarding Ann Voskamp’s 1000 Gifts, this is one that I read several years ago and found that it requires savoring. I had two other books I was reading at the time, because I needed a break from her prose. But it’s also one that I have gone back to a few times — not in its entirety, but for certain parts.
Thanks for sharing — I’ve bookmarked several of these for my TBR list!
xo Heidi
Definitely not a fast read–and fast reading is all I do… Maybe that was the problem! :)
So funny, I always thought I preferred real books, too, until I got my paperwhite. Love it! If you liked The Children, I thought The Good House was even better. Love, love Ann Leary. I always want to like Ian McEwan, but the couple I’ve read have been wierd. Maybe I’ll try this one. We read When Breath Becomes Air for a book club and thought about it for days. Really, really sad, but the writing was so beautiful. What he said to his infant daughter will stick with me always.
I’ve read (or tried) to read 3-4 real bummers in a row (don’t you hate that?!) so I’m glad to have this list!
I’m putting The Good House on my list now. Thanks!
Love book posts!!! My recent favorites:
Small Great Things by Picoult
It Ends With Us by Hoover
Thanks for sharing!
I’m on the library wait list for Small Great Things. Yay!
Yay, Hope Heals!
I read every single night. As a mother of two little ones, it’s the best way for me to unwind quickly for an early bedtime. I just have to say thank you! Every time I finish a book, I come to your blog to pick out what to download next on my kindle. Your recommendations never disappoint!
Great recommendations. I read One Thousand Gifts and had to adjust to her writing style too but have since grown to love her gifted words and read her blog all the time. The Broken Way, Voskamp’s latest book, is beautiful. When Breath Becomes Air was beautiful and heartwrenching.
I recently heard Katherine and Jay Wolf speak at an event recently. It was extremely moving. I need to read the book!
What a wonderful selection of books! I like When Breath Becomes Air and also listened to Being Mortal which was eye opening. I couldn’t get into You’ll Grow Out of It and also didn’t like Furiously Happy which alot of people loved. I have read some Beatriz Williams but haven’t read A Certain Age or The Secret Life of Violet Grant. I enjoy reading her books in the summer. Pam :)
So many great books! I LOVED A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and thought the same thing (how I have I not read this until now?). I agree with your comment about One Thousand Gifts. I love her main points about gratitude but her poetic writing is sometimes hard to get into.
I just realized you do these book posts. You’re awesome; I love them. I love to read but generally have a hard time with…all new books that come out because of the super explicit content that seems to be run of the mill these days. (I am a grown woman and I have three children but I just don’t dig it.) Anyway, I am lazy about researching before I go to the library and once I’m there, I’m like–two seconds to choose my book and out. I’m going to look up some of these that I haven’t read, since I have read many on your lists and have a lot of the same preferences—BUT Crossing to Safety is my FAVORITE book. It is suuuper boring, I know, but I can’t get over their summer idyll and Charity’s family’s personalities. I just think about them a lot. :)
I love that you think the book is super boring but it’s still your favorite :)