Catching Up

Friday, July 29, 2016

Even though I haven't been posting I've been reading! Finding time to read with a newborn at home is tricky, but it's possible. Audiobooks have definitely helped! I can also sometimes read on my lunch break or when my peanut is nursing.

This year I've reread some old favorites and tried out a few new series. I read The Lunar Chronicles and the Raven Cycle and while both are fun reads, I didn't love either. The Nest, Americanah, and My Brilliant Friend all fall into the average category for me as well. Below I list the ones that really blew my socks off over the past six months. 

What have you all been reading that you loved?

My favorites so far this year: 
Relish: This graphic novel is Lucy Knisley's love letter to food and cooking. I love the artwork and her style of sweet reminiscing.

The View from the Cheap Seats: A collection of nonfiction essays, introductions, etc. from one of my favorite authors. This did not disappoint! I love the way Gaiman thinks and reading his work is always a treat. 

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall: A Bronte novel that's an odd mix between her sisters' Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. It's dark and wonderful!

Alexander Hamilton: Sometimes a real story is so much better than fiction! 

When Breath Becomes Air: One of the most visceral and honest meditations on death that I've ever read. The author, a doctor in his 30s, receives a terminal diagnosis and wrote a heartbreaking book on his reflections before the end of his life. 

Kitchens of the Great Midwest: One woman's journey from infancy to becoming a famous chef is told in a unique way. We see her story through the eyes of the people she meets, a teenage crush, a parent, etc. The descriptions of food are mouthwatering! 

Nobody's Fool / Everybody's Fool: Classic Richard Russo, a story set in a small town full of quiet people living desperate lives. He somehow infuses his work with humor even when the subject matter doesn't seem funny on the surface.

The Name of the Wind / The Wise Man's Fear: Oh my gosh I loved these books! They were so good they got their own post. 

11 comments:

Ti said...

We read Wildfell Hall for book club. It was a good book to discuss. I loved Kitchens of the Great Midwest. I also felt like the story was plausible which made me happy at the end.

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

Ti - I would love to discuss that one with a group! I thought Kitchens was plausible too. The characters felt very realistic.

Brona said...

I have The Name of the Wind on my radar. Your raves get me excited!
Glad motherhood seems to working so well for you - you found very content.

Kailana said...

I have read The Name of the Wind twice, but STILL have not read The Wise Man's Fear. Do you have the novella? I can't remember the title at the moment, but that is supposed to be good, too. It would just be nice if book 3 was released and then maybe I would finally get to book 2. lol

Julie @ Smiling Shelves said...

I've discovered the wonder of audiobooks with a little baby, too. I've read more audiobooks so far this year than in the past four years combined. Glad you've been able to get some reading in and have discovered some awesome books. :)

JoAnn said...

I loved both The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and When Breath Becomes Air! Nobody's Fool is my favorite audiobook so far this year and am currently listening to Everybody's Fool... want to keep that momentum going!

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

Brona - I had it one my TBR for so long!

Kailana - I did read the novella! It's called The Slow Regard of Silent Things. It's good, but I missed Kvothe.

Julie - It's a lifesaver! I've always been a big audiobook fan, but they are essential with a little one.

JoAnn - We are reading the same great books!

Bybee said...

I so want to read Kitchens!

Still sighing about Alexander Hamilton. Best biography ever.

Wildfell Hall is on my TBR. But first, I must climb over the obstacle that is Villette.

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

Susan - I didn't love Villette. I'll definitely be interested to hear your thoughts!

Unruly Reader said...

You've been reading up a storm! I've had Relish on my radar for a while. Your words just added it to my TBR. Thanks!

Melissa (Avid Reader) said...

Unruly Reader - Enioy! If you love food then you'll love it!