I’ve determined that March 2020 can go straight to you-know-where. This month has been scary and full of fear and anxiety and exhausting. I’m hoping, by some miracle, we turn a corner in April and life can resume in a more “normal” capacity.
I keep reminding myself of the sacrifices generations before us have had to make. They’ve gone off to war, stood in lines with food ration stamps, and had to flee their actual homes. I’m grateful that hasn’t been our reality…cooping up at home with the comforts of electricity, shelter, food, and water doesn’t seem so bad when it’s put in perspective.
And BOOKS! I have a plethora of those so this downtime has been a great time to grab some books off my shelves and READ!
Speaking of books…
🎧 If you’re looking for a way to support your favorite independent bookstore, Libro.fm is making it easy. They’re the only audiobook company that directly supports the indie bookstore of your choice. If you’re a member, consider downloading a few audiobooks to lend some support their way (you can even gift audiobooks and subscriptions!). If you’re not a member yet, follow this link and use my promo code (HAPPIEST) to get 3 audiobooks for the price of one ($14.99)!
Before moving onto some #minibookreviews, here are some links to my recent posts, in case you missed them:
- Libro.fm: #SHOPBOOKSTORESNOW
- My Week in Books {3/18/20}
- It’s St. Patty’s Day: Irish Authors To Read
- Libro.fm’s Bookstore Link – Allowing you to easily buy physical books from your favorite indie bookstore!
What have you been reading (and loving) this week?
Last Week’s Reads:
📖 The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by: Josie Silver 🐦
When Lydia Bird’s fiancé dies, she is thrown into a grief she’s never known and one that changes her life forever. As she deals with that grief, she also realizes she’s able to visit Freddie if she takes a sleeping pill. As she navigates the real world while also visiting Freddie in an alternate universe, Lydia transforms into a different, stronger person.
If you’ve been here long, you know I love a good book about grief. This book hit all the marks for me and I truly loved reading it. It did start off a bit slow, but as the story came together, I couldn’t put it down. I loved Lydia and Jonah Jones…and I thought the depiction of grief from the spouse and friend perspectives were realistic and sympathetic. The message of hope at the end was perfect.
Thanks to the recommendation from Sara (@fictionmatters), I picked this one up and I am so happy I did!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Ballantine Books | Pub Date: March 3, 2020 | 369 Pages | Hardcover | Purchase via Bookstore Link
📖 Untamed by: Glennon Doyle 🧡
I LOVED this one – same as all of Doyle’s other books. I read it in a day! Doyle writes pain in a way that heals, and she gives women permission to embrace themselves. Her heart is gold and I appreciate her approach to life. I wish there were more people like her in the world…though her reach is far, so I hope people continue to be inspired by her!
My only complaints: some of the information felt repetitive – either regurgitated blog posts or stuff I’ve hear elsewhere before. I have to keep in mind that not everyone may have heard it, so maybe it’s best that it was included. But there were times where I felt like she ran out of new topics so she circled back to some old stuff. Also, there were a few places where Doyle kind of came off as pretentious and that really bugged me. I know she’s accomplished a lot and she’s worked hard to come into her own, but the persona that I equate her with is above tooting her own horn. And, hello! I preordered your book in November! I don’t need a reminder of what a badass you are!
Either way, those complaints don’t detract from the book. Glennon Doyle is amazing and I loved this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 |The Dial Press | Pub Date: March 10, 2020 | 352 Pages | Hardcover | Purchase via Bookstore Link
📖 Ninth House (Alex Stern, #1) by: Leigh Bardugo
Don’t let my ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 stars deter you – I really, really enjoyed this book, but I know it’s not going to be for everyone. It’s got every single trigger you can imagine and it’s a huge commitment. Not only is it 450 pages, but it’s intense and you have to pay attention. The characters, landmarks, and details are all necessary as you try to navigate two separate mysteries. It’s other-wordly too, so unfamiliar territory may turn some readers off.
Having said that, if you get through the first 100 pages, the story really takes off in an intriguing and complex way. Bardugo’s world building is incredible and the lure of secret societies among the elite students of Yale is fascinating. I was satisfied with the whole story, but I’m not sure I’m enamored enough to pick up the second book when it comes out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 | Flatiron Books | Pub Date: October 8, 2019 | 459 Pages | Hardcover | Purchase via Bookstore Link
Currently Reading:
📖 *** The Long Flight Home by: Alan Hlad
This is my first box from Once Upon a Book Club and I am so excited! The Long Flight Home is WWII fiction – one of my favorite genres! – so I’m hoping the gifts along the way only make it that much more memorable!
From the Once Upon a Book Club website: “A unique reading experience! Each month you’ll receive a book (can be paperback or hardcover) to read, a 5″ x 7” quote print, along with 3-5 corresponding gifts to match a quote/item mentioned in the book. Each individually wrapped with a page number. Readers, open the gifts as they finish the corresponding page. The experience is unforgettable! It makes the reader feel as if the book is truly coming to life!
You’ll also find book club discussion questions in each monthly box. Each question will have a date next to it. Log onto our Instagram page on that date to discuss the book with other members of the Book Club community!”
If this sounds like a reading experience you’d like to try for yourself, use promo code HAPPIESTWHENREADING10 to get 10% off your box (regular price: $34.99)!
Kensington Publishing Corp. | Pub Date: June 25, 2019 | 304 Pages | Purchase via Bookstore Link
Happiest When Reading 
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