(#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.)
It was 98 degrees on Monday. Those temperatures are not unusual around here…IN JULY! But it’s September, Colorado! Get it together! I’m ready for leaves falling from the trees, chilly mornings, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year…what’s yours?
We’re about halfway through on our Goldfinch buddy read (#HWRgoldfinch). We won’t be totally finished by the movie’s premiere on September 13, but there won’t be much more to read…I bet a lot of us will finish it up in anticipation! Please let me know if you’d like to join us (@happiestwhenreading)!
Anyway, on to books! What have you been reading (and loving) this week?
Last Week’s Reads:
*** After the Flood by: Kassandra Montag (William Morrow) – Pub Date: September 3, 2019
This book was unlike anything I’ve read before. And honestly, at first, I was a little worried because I wondered how good a story could be when the world is basically underwater, but this book brought so much more to the table than fishing and survival. There are underlying themes of motherhood, grief, survival, and hope. I flew through this book in a day and was sad when it was over.
Dry by: Augusten Burroughs (Picador) – Pub Date: April 23, 2013
I personally don’t struggle with addiction and I don’t really have anyone super close to me that does, but I always find a raw and honest memoir irresistible. I haven’t previously read any of Burroughs books, but I after reading Dry, I think I’m a fan. His writing sucked me in from the first page and I was appreciative of his honesty. This one tugged at my heartstrings, especially towards the end when he relapses. If you’re a fan of memoir, this is a topnotch read! I am now going to be on the lookout for his latest book, Toil and Trouble, out on October 1!
*** The Doll Factory by: Elizabeth Macneal (Atria) – Pub Date: August 13, 2019
This one is a slllooooowww burn…as in the action is literally in the last 75 pages. But there was something about the atmosphere and the writing that kept me turning the pages. This may be one of the most messed up books I’ve ever read (yes, maybe even worse than Baby Teeth and that one is seriously disturbing).
Currently Reading:
*** Inland by: Téa Obreht (Random House) – Pub Date: August 13, 2019
I have A LOT of books in my currently reading section because I’m not finding anything that’s holding my attention. On that note, this one is proving to be tough. I’m just not really sure I’m enjoying it, and while I really want to DNF it, I’m afraid to because I keep hoping it’ll get better. I’m going a little further, but I’m not hopeful.
Red, White, & Royal Blue by: Casey McQuiston (St. Martin’s Griffin) – Pub Date: May 14, 2019
Red, White, & Royal Blue wasn’t on my September TBR, but my library hold came in and I decided to read it between school pick up, practices, and before bed. I’m barely into it, but I think it’s about to get good. (Crossing my fingers because RomCom’s aren’t always my thing, but this one has had so much great hype, I had to give it a try!)
*** On the Corner of Love and Hate by: Nina Bocci (Gallery) – August 20, 2019
This is waaaaay too much RomCom for me in the same week (especially two RomCom’s with political aspects), but I’m desperately trying to clear some of my galleys. This one is cute enough, but I may decide to abandon it for Red, White, & Royal Blue.
*** The Goldfinch by: Donna Tartt (Little Brown) – Pub Date: October 22, 2013
I’m still plugging along on The Goldfinch for our buddy read (#HWRgoldfinch). If you want to get in on the buddy read, find me on Instagram (@happiestwhenreading) You can also find the discussions we’ve had so far here:, Chapters 1-3, Chapters 4, and Chapters 5-6! Please jump into the conversation!
DNF (aka: Not For Me):
*** The Other’s Gold by: Elizabeth Ames (Viking) – Pub Date: August 27, 2019
As soon as this one started to feel like Normal People (read my review here), I bailed. I don’t do well with books that go absolutely nowhere and have a stream-of-consciousness style of writing. I was bummed about this one because many of my #bookishtwins highly recommended it. Here are some links to their reviews to help you have a more balanced opinion: Sarah’s Book Shelves and Novel Visits (there were others, but I can’t remember from who…)
Call Me By Your Name by: André Aciman (Atlantic Books) – Pub Date: September 21, 2018
Oh boy. I had such high hopes for this one, but it was a struggle. I’ve heard the best things about this one, but it was booooorrring. The writing wasn’t engaging to me and I wanted more of Elio + Oliver – less Elio’s infatuation thoughts. DNF @ 46% (pg 113).
Happiest When Reading 
Such a great list of books! You’ve had a busy week 🙂 Red, white and royal blue is gearing up to be one of my fav reads of the year ❤ What did you think of it?
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