My Week in Books (6/3/19)

(#partner #freebooks: All books noted by asterisks (***) indicate I received the book for free from the publisher, the author, or another promotional company to review. All opinions are my own.)

Last week, I sort of unintentionally created a Summer Reading Guide. It was the happiest accident and I hope you’ll take the time to download and print a copy! I want to follow along with your summer reading and see your thoughts and feelings towards the books I chose. You can also follow the hashtag #HWRsummer2019 on Instagram!

Happy {Summer} Reading, friends!

Last Week’s Reads:

*** Out East: Memoir of a Montauk Summer by: John Glynn (Grand Central Publishing) – Pub Date: May 14, 2019

I hadn’t heard of this one until Sarah mentioned it on one of her podcasts. I love coming-of-age (and coming out) stories, so I moved this one high up on the TBR list.

The first half of the book reminded me of the a tv show I used to watch (not sure of the name) on Bravo or MTV about young New Yorkers that make the trek to the Hamptons every weekend to party it up. Because this is so far removed from any lifestyle I’ve ever know, I was intrigued. But I got a little bored by the endless drinking and hookups scenes…as soon as you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard all you need to hear.

But around the halfway mark, Glynn gets to the heart of his story – not only is he incredibly lonely and full of self-doubt, but he’s starting to realize that he’s gay. His crush is also a roommate in “The Hive” – the home in Montauk that all these people descend on during the summer weekends.

Not sure how his friends or family will react to his coming out, Glynn writes his angst so beautifully. I appreciated his honesty and rawness so much. While his crush couldn’t reciprocate his feelings, I was more interested in how his parents would react to his news. Of course, as demonstrated throughout the story, they were amazingly supportive and I felt so hopeful for the rest of Glynn’s journey through love – whatever that may entail.

The only complaint I have for this book is that I would have liked more of Glynn’s coming out story and way less of his roommates’ partying and hooking up. The beauty of this story lies in Glynn’s narrative and so much of that felt wasted on other people’s stories – Ashley’s daily runs, the daily coffee trips, the room assignments. I wanted to know more about Glynn’s inner self and discovery…that would have made this more of a five-star, memorable read for me!

🎧 With the Fire on High by: Elizabeth Acevedo (HarperTeen) – Pub Date: May 7, 2019

When this one started popping up all over #bookstagram, I immediately fell in love with the cover! 😍 I’m not always crazy about YA, so I waited it out and when it showed up on my Hoopla app, I checked it out…and I’m so glad I did! I loved this book about a teenage mom trying to finish high school and raise her daughter alongside her grandma. The food descriptions had me salivating and also made me wish I understood food combinations so I could make meals like the one described.

This book is brilliantly written. And though it’s a little idealistic at times, I still found myself so connected to the characters and the story. Even as a grown adult, I felt admiration for the way Emoni conducted herself and for her determination to put her daughter first. I haven’t read the author’s previous work, Poet X, but I definitely will now!

Currently Reading/Listening:

*** The Flatshare by: Beth O’Leary (Flatiron) – Pub Date: May 28, 2019

I have to admit that the cover kept me from picking this one up. I’m not generally one for romcom books (think Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine), but a few bookstagrammers recommended it so I gave it a shot…and I’m SO GLAD I DID! It is cuuuuute! 

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by: Elizabeth Gilbert (Riverhead) – Pub Date: September 22, 2015

I feel like y’all know I’m a ginormous fan of EG…but this rereading of Big Magic (a favorite from a few years ago) is not holding up as well the second time around. I may try to give it a few more days, but it may end up in my DNF pile. 🤷🏼‍♀️

*** Stop Doing That Sh*t by: Gary John Bishop (Thorsons) – Pub Date: May 31, 2019

Enjoying this one so far! I’ll have a review next week!

DNF:

*** Places and Names: On War, Revolution, and Returning by: Elliot Ackerman (Penguin Press) – On Shelves: June 11, 2019

I read and loved Waiting for Eden earlier this year (read my review here), so I was excited to see what Ackerman had in store for his latest release. I got to about 45% and decided I’d read enough. It was good and so very different than his novel, but it just really isn’t my type of book. It gives background information into the Syrian war, as well as the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He tells various soldiers’ stories (both American and enemy soldiers). Honestly, it’s a great book and I think it could make a great gift for a dad, husband, or brother who is interested in military and war-type books. 

*** They Called Me Wyatt by: Natasha Tynes (Rare Bird Books) – Publishing contract revoked at this time.

Due to the controversy surrounding Natasha Tyne’s tweet, I have chosen not to read or review this book…at least for now.

Tell me, friends, what’s been your favorite reads lately?