Welcome back to August’s edition of Summer Reading. The summer reading link up is over (because summer is over, not because reading is over) but I will continue sharing what I’ve been reading. In fact, beginning next week, I will host a “What I’ve been Reading, Watching, Listening, and Following” series! So if you like to read books, watch shows/movies/videos, listen to podcasts or audio books and follow interesting bloggers or Instagrammers, you should consider linking up the second Friday of each month! Let me know you are interested in the comments and I’ll add you to my email list so I can send you out a reminder the week before. (I sure do need those prods!)
What I read in August:
- A String in the Harp by Nancy Bond. 3 stars. I finished it so that’s saying something but I did NOT love it. I found that the plot dragged a bit and I didn’t identify with the characters. Because the book dragged I didn’t tear through it which affected the number of books I read this month. Not many.
- Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I liked it! 5 stars. I really got into the story and was rooting for the characters. It made me more aware of quadripligics and their struggles. I don’t know if I’ll see the movie but I’m glad I read the book. (Actually I listened to it on audio.)
Technically these are the only book I read in August. However I did start reading four other ones.
What I started reading in August
- The Thirteenth’s Tale by Diane Setterfield. This came so highly recommended by several friends that I just couldn’t WAIT to dive in. Then I came to a screeching halt in the chapter that had a lot of sadism in it. I had to ask said friends if it got better and they urged me to keep going. We’ll see. The sadistic activity is disturbing.
- Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindburgh. I’ve had this book for a while but never got around to reading it. I was looking for a new audio book to replace Me Before You. Of course three came in at once. This is one of them. It is so rich and deep that I can only nibble on it a little at a time.
- Night by Elie Wiesel. I couldn’t just plow through this story. It is a hard story that requires the right frame of mind and the time to devote to it. I have to be able to focus.
- The Real Thing by Ellen McCarthy. I had gotten this book from the library earlier in the summer but ran out of time and had to turn it back in as it had a hold on it. I finally got it back and since yesterday was my silver anniversary, I’m going to enjoy reading about “lessons on love and life from a wedding reporter’s notebook.” I’ll see how many I agree with and if I would add anything!
There was an audio book I started but quickly abandoned.
What I abandoned in August
- Someone by Alice McDermott. It wasn’t the story I didn’t like. I didn’t get very far at all actually. It was the narrator. I could not get over how she read. EVERY sentence ended on an up NOTE? Like she was asking a QUESTION? But it was really a STATEMENT? Like THIS? Yeah. I couldn’t stand it. Has anyone read it? Or read any Alice McDermott? I haven’t and I wonder if it’s worth reading for myself.
Be sure to check out the ladies below to see what they’ve been reading lately and you might just find your next great read! Then come back next week for Read, Watch, Listen, Follow! What have you been reading this last month?
As Anne Bogel says: Happy reading everyone!
Thanks for sharing your list, Sheila! I’m always fascinated by how one person’s favorites can be another person’s LEAST favorites! Even when they have a lot in common! I may scope out The Real Thing.
So true! That’s what we tell SL customers too, right?
I like that you have a list for abandoned…I feel like I didn’t like more books than I did like this summer.
There were quite a few this summer that didn’t thrill me. But I have no qualms with abandoning a book if it ain’t workin’ for me. Too many GOOD books!
I had a slow reading month to. I ‘ve heard the movie was really good actually, but I still haven’t seen. I’m glad you enjoyed the book, I certainly did!
Maybe I’ll watch it when it comes out on Redbox or Netflix. Now I want to read After You. Have you read that?
Chucked at your review of the Alice McDermott book? Glad to see someone else reading The Thirteenth Tale after Michael Ann’s thumbs up review. Going to try to read it, too. I did get Overdrive figured out but it seems my library has a slim selection of audios. I wound up agreeing to a month of Audible through Amazon and got What Alice Forgot and Girl on the Train for free. Now to remember to cancel Audible next month. I think Night is better read in winter. Not my idea of a summer read. But then I do love a Holocaust/WWII book any time of the year.
So have you read any Alice McDermott? Worth the read?
I’ve had the Thirteenth Tale on my bookshelf for years. One of these days I should actually read it. And I’ll join you in your linkup 🙂
Let me know how you like it! It’s growing on me! And yay for joining!
I love hearing what others are reading. Thanks for the book suggestions. I am getting back on track with my evening reads now that Nathan and I are splitting night time baby duty!
Yay for getting reading back in your life! Let me know what you end up reading!
I love seeing what people are reading even though there is absolutely NOTHING on my reading list… I keep thinking (hoping) that one day I’ll have reading time… one day lol
In the meantime, I admire you lovely ladies who can get through so many books!! Props to you
It’s just a season. It will change! ( like seasons do) In the meantime, try an audio book on your commute to work! I use the Overdrive app connected to my library. (FREE!)