My Week in Books (8/14/19)

(#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.)

My kids started school today and the only thing I’m happy about is the fact that we’re back onto a routine. In May, I’m most excited about throwing routine out the window, but after three months, I crave some consistency around our days. Both of my kiddos are in middle school this year, so it’s definitely bittersweet.

Anyway, on to books! What have you been reading (and loving) this week?

Last Week’s Reads:

📖 I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations by: Sarah Steward Holland & Beth A. Silvers (Thomas Nelson) – Pub Date: February 5, 2019

This book is important – especially considering our current political climate. The hosts of @pantsuitpolitics do a wonderful job of demonstrating what grace means and how we can all extend that same grace to others in our lives that we don’t necessarily see eye to eye with.

📖 Patsy by: Nicole Y. Dennis-Benn (Liveright) – Pub Date: June 4, 2019

I’m hosting a #patsybuddyread for Patsy (along with Jenna Bush Hagar – hey, girl, hey! – and I had every intention of only reading the sections for each week…but I could not put this one down. At times I hated Patsy and at other times my heart completely broke for this woman who’s just trying her hardest and doing the best she can. There’s a TON of stuff to dissect in this book and I’m looking forward to our discussions throughout the week. If you’d like to join, shoot me a message and I’ll get you added on Instagram (@happiestwhenreading).

📖 Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by: Jose Antonio Vargas (Dey Street Books) – Pub Date: September 18, 2018

I can’t think of a better follow-up book to Patsy. Vargas was brought to America as a small child. When he went to the local DMV to get his driver’s permit, he found out his papers were fake and that he was, in fact, not a US citizen like he always thought he was. Vargas went on to become an incredible journalist and this book gives detailed insight into America’s problematic immigration system. This read is timely given the situation on the US/Mexico border and I think all Americans (especially those in politics) need to read this book!

📖 *** Becoming Superman: My Journey from Poverty to Hollywood by: J. Michael Straczynski (Harper Voyager) – Pub Date: July 23, 2019

I always love a memoir that shows grit and resilience in the face of the most horrible adverse circumstances. Straczynski rose from an extremely abusive – physically, emotionally, and mentally – home and went on to be a major player in Hollywood movies, television, and comics. Though it got a little bogged down in his writing career (I wanted more of his childhood stories which include murder, Nazi collaborators, lying, and abuse), it was incredibly sad story, but I was happy to see him rise above his childhood circumstances.

Currently Reading:*** The Goldfinch by: Donna Tartt (Little Brown) – Pub Date: October 22, 2013

I’m also hosting a seven-week #buddyread for The Goldfinch (#HWRgoldfinch). Again, find me on Instagram (@happiestwhenreading) if you’d like to join along. This is a reread for me and I’m allowing myself the time to savor it. Only three chapters in, I am entranced by Tartt’s writing, specifically her writing on grief. She captured the roller coaster of emotions so well and I think I’ll have to return to these chapters over and over again. Speaking of her writing, Tartt is seriously talented. Her attention to detail is unprecedented and I can’t wait to continue with the story!

🎧📖 *** Confessions of Frannie Langton by: Sara Collins (Harper) – Pub Date: May 21, 2019

I haven’t listened to even one second of this since last week. I have the audio and I also picked up the hardback from my local library, so hopefully I’ll be able to dive into it more this week!

DNF (aka: Not For Me):

📖 Gift From the Sea by: Anne Morrow Lindbergh (Pantheon) – Pub Date: 1955

Listen, a book doesn’t get published over sixty years ago and have staying power if it ins’t good…but it’s just not for me. Sure, there are some great lessons, but it’s just a little too over the top for me. I DNF’d it around 50%, and I’m not sorry about it! (This would make a great gift for a girlfriend though!)