My Week in Books (9/12/19)

(#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.)

So Colorado is still confused about the kind of weather we’re supposed to be having now that it’s September. But either way, I’m ready for fall – leaves falling, football games (did you see that amazing game between CU and Nebraska!?!? #gobuffs), and Pumpkin Spice Lattes (or, humbly, #PSL). If you’re like me, you don’t really prefer the overly sweet drinks you buy from coffee shops, try this little trick I’m loving lately:

• Put a small amount of pumpkin spice in with your coffee grounds, brew as normal, and enjoy!

A PSL at home without the sweetness or calories! Yum!

We’re over halfway through The Goldfinch buddy read (#HWRgoldfinch).  We won’t be totally finished by the movie’s premiere on Friday (September 13), but there won’t be much more to read…I cannot wait to see the movie adaptation! 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:

*** Inland by: Téa Obreht (Random House) – Pub Date: August 13, 2019

So, so sad to say this book was not my favorite. I was totally interested in the time period and the synopsis, but I found the writing long and slow, tedious and boring. I thought about DNFing it, but I kept thinking it would be a slow burn, eventually turning a corner and coming together. Sadly, for me, it did not.

Red, White, & Royal Blue by: Casey McQuiston (St. Martin’s Griffin) – Pub Date: May 14, 2019

I mean, c’mon…have you heard a negative review about this one? I got sucked into the hype and I’m glad I did…this book is so good! I loved the political angle that included the United State’s First Family as well as the British Royal Family. Through Alex and Henry’s love story, we see the world united IN LOVE and I’M HERE FOR IT! 🇺🇸 ❤️💙🇬🇧 For a genre I always shy away from (#romance), the books in this category are killing it this year! (I also really enjoyed The Flatshare and Waiting For Tom Hanks.)

*** Red at the Bone by: Jacqueline Woodson (Riverhead) – Pub Date: September 17, 2019

I switched between reading this one and listening to it. As Melody’s family prepares for her coming-of-age celebration, they reminisce on the decisions and events that got them to the present day. We hear from Melody’s grandma, grandpa, mother, and father, and through their own voices, we learn a lot more about each of them, individually and collectively. I loved Woodson’s writing and and I loved the individual voices that contributed to the whole picture. It’s a short novel (just over 200 pages), but the amount of ground Woodson covers in those pages is astounding. Add this one to your fall reading list; it’s sure to be a big hit!

Currently Reading:*** 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), and the story is picking back up! I just finished Chapter 10 and can’t wait for the movie to come out this week (September 13). 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, Chapters 5-6, and Chapters 7-9! Please jump into the conversation!

The Most Fun We Ever Had by: Claire Lombardo (Doubleday) – Pub Date: June 25, 2019

Only 30 pages in, but so far I’m here for this dysfunctional family drama. I’ve seen mixed reviews, so I’m really hoping I fall on the love side!

*** The World That We Knew by: Alice Hoffman (Simon & Schuster) – Pub Date: September 24, 2019

I picked this one up thinking I would read it in the school pickup line, but I am hooked. I love how Alice Hoffman always incorporates a bit of magic into her books, and this might be my favorite incorporation yet! Set in WWII, I can’t wait to continue on with this one.

Disappearing Earth by: Julia Phillips (Knopf) – Pub Date: May 14, 2019

This is my pick for my monthly read along (#HWRbooks). I’m not far enough along to form any sort of opinion yet because I have to read the week’s selection right before I host the discussion for it so I don’t forget things. I’ve only heard great things about this book and I’m so excited to finally read it for myself!

 

DNF (aka: Not For Me):

*** On the Corner of Love and Hate by: Nina Bocci (Gallery) – August 20, 2019

I actually haven’t picked this one back up from last week. After reading and enjoying Red, White, & Royal Blue so much (see above), I just couldn’t get into this one. (DNF @ 14%.)

I Like To Watch: Arguing My Way Through the TV Revolution by: Emily Nussbaum (Random House) – Pub Date: June 25, 2019

Honestly, I’m not a huge TV watcher, so I think some of these essays went over my head. The writing is good (I especially loved the essay ‘Confessions of the Human Shield” about the #metoo movement), but I’m not sure I’m getting the full effect. (DNF @ 47%.)