The scene// It's just after noon - a little later than usual for my Sunday post, but it's an absolutely gorgeous summer morning and my husband and I just got back from a 4 mile walk. It's so nice to have him join me, but that does mean no audiobook time ;-) Before the walk, we enjoyed coffee and the newspapers.
Reading// What a week! I can't tell you the last time I finished three books in a single week. They were all fairly short, but still a banner week for me.
This week I need to spend a day working on reviews. There were already several that needed attention, but now I'm feeling a little desperate.
Listening// I'm still enthralled with Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink. Just over six hours to go, so I will definitely finish this week. Let me tell you, this is one disturbing book!
On the blog//
- a Tuesday Intro post featuring Dept. of Speculation
- my summer reading list
- my thoughts on The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress by Ariel Lawhon
Up next// I'll start a new book this afternoon, but am not quite sure what it will be. I want to choose a title from my summer reading list, but my mother is encouraging me to read Joshilyn Jackson's latest, Someone Else's Love Story. We'll see...
Other stuff// Have you seen all the photos tagged #100happy days on instagram? (read about it here) I decided to take the challenge. The photo you see at the top of this post was taken this morning and is my day 7 entry. I really like focusing on something happy each day... and it's much easier in the summer!
What are you up to today?
This post will link to It's Monday, What are you Reading? hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.
LOVE the 100 Happy Days ideas.... although I am a bit late to join the group, I think I might try it on my own.
ReplyDeleteApparently I need to add The Vacationers to the pile :) I look forward to reading your reviews.
Steppingstonesblogs - I didn't sign up officially anywhere either... think I'm a little late to the party, too. Still, I love the concept. The Vacationers was excellent - family dysfunction in an idyllic setting ,plus funny and insightful.
DeleteI really like that 100 happy days thing. Being at home every day with vampire teenagers require me to really try hard to find happy. Haha! And I would very much encourage you to read JJ this afternoon. That is just a really special book, as all of them are. Of course audio is the way to go, but you can't go wrong with her with print either. I find that I really love my morning walks with my husband, despite the lack of earbuds in my ears!
ReplyDeleteSandy - I feel like if I start JJ now, my summer reading list will be derailed before it even begins... sigh. Maybe I'll listen instead.
DeleteI love the idea of the 100 happy days! I'll definitely have to give it a try. I've been worried about the Dept of Speculation. Definitely sounds like it may be a library book vs a buy book for me. I'm in line for the Vacationers at the library and can't wait to get it! Have a week!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I highly recommend borrowing Dept. of Speculation from the library... especially if, like me, you are wary of anything even vaguely experimental. Are you on instagram? Let me know if you decide to do #100happy day.
DeleteLove your picture of the newspapers and coffee - how civilised! I keep reading about the Emma Straub - I must give it a go.
ReplyDeleteVintage Reading - You really must read The Vacationers. Not much actually happens, but it is very witty and insightful... and I love the exotic setting.
DeleteGlad you are enjoying your beginning of summer weekend! I went food shopping this morning before it got too hot, so I am about to grab the newspaper and plop on the couch with my feet up. Enjoy your week, and hope you have another 3 book week!
ReplyDeleteRita - I may never have another 3 book week, but can always hope ;-)
DeleteI feel like kicking myself for not picking up The Vacationers! Isn't #100happydays such a nice thing?! I like looking for the positive in my day. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteVasilly - You were the one that inspired me to join - the picture of your kids running into the ocean touched my heart! Thank you :)
DeleteSounds like a great way to start a Sunday. Hope the rest of the day was as nice. The Vacationers sounds great, and the cover looks so summery. I saw it at the bookstore in the new releases just yesterday. Glad to hear it was a good one!
ReplyDeleteGreg - The rest of Sunday was just as good as the beginning. If you like family dysfunction in an idyllic setting, The Vacationers is your book;-)
DeleteI've been hearing good things about The Vacationers,. I really enjoyed Someone Else's Love Story, mom knows best!
ReplyDeleteKeep calm and read on!
Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out
Shelleyrae - I'll have to let my mom know you said so ;-)
DeleteI started 100 happy days too -- inspired by all of you. Yes, about the walk: love it when Mr. BFR joins me, but I also miss my audiobook time. And,yes, I prefer Quindlen's nonfiction too. Looking forward to the Vactioners.
ReplyDeleteBeth F - My husband usually runs, but will join me on an "off" day... but he often jokes that I walk faster than he runs!
DeleteI have my eye on the Vacationers! And I must try Quindlen's nonfiction. I did enjoy her novel ...
ReplyDeleteHarvee - Lots of Candles,Plenty of Cake is an all-time favorite. It would be a great place to start with Quindlen's nonfiction!
DeleteGreat Happy photo! I loved Someone Else's Love Story. I'm glad you enjoyed The Vacationers. I am curious about that book. Have a great summer!
ReplyDeletePat - You and my mother are ganging up on me ;-)
DeleteI love your Strand mug! :) Your morning sounds like a great way to begin the day.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read The Vacationers! I am glad to hear it was so good! :)
Quixotic Magpie - I got my mug while visiting my daughter in NYC... have to make regular trips to Strand books!
DeleteYou had a fantastic reading week and a nice way to start the summer. The Vacationers is on my short list--I have a copy sitting under my living room coffee table, which I got at BEA a few weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the week ahead and thanks for visiting my blog.
Catherine - Hope you can get to The Vacationers soon. This si the perfect time of year to read it!
DeleteLove the photo at the top of your post. It sets the scene perfectly!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to getting The Vacationers...so many wonderful things I've heard. And Still Life with Bread Crumbs was another favorite of mine.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Laurel-Rain Snow - Thanks! I really like the #100happydays challenge... it helps me stay positive throughout the day.
DeleteI downloaded Vacationers but haven't started it yet ... Interested to read your review!
ReplyDeleteLeila - The Vacationers is really a character-driven novel... not much actually happens, but I loved it. Will work on reviews this week :)
DeletePhotos and I are currently at odds! I brought my camera to an event last night only to find out the batteries were dead; used my phone instead and then my phone wouldn't email them to me. Some days I really hate technology. Come see my busy week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy Martin - I've practically given up on my ancient camera and use my phone almost all the time now... mostly because it's always with me ;-)
DeleteChoppy seems to be the word describing Dept of Speculation. Sounds like I will need to read The Vacationers. Do read Someone Else's Love Story, Jackson writes great books.
ReplyDeleteNise' - I guess I prefer a more traditional kind of narrative. I think Dept. of Speculation is extremely well-writen, but not my style.
DeleteI prefer Quinlan's non-fiction as well. The Vacationers has caught my eye, but my shelf is so full. (Like that's every going to change.)
ReplyDeleteMidlife Roadtripper - Quindlen's Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake is an all-time favorite! If you like family dysfunction in an idyllic setting, The Vacationers is not to be missed.
DeleteOkay, I am definitely reading The Vacationers.
ReplyDeleteAnd, ooo, ooo, ooo...Someone Else's Love Story is amazing!
Carrie - I really loved The Vacationers and will tell my mom that Someone Else's Love Story got another vote ;-)
DeleteCarrie - I just loved The Vacationers, and will tell my mom Someone Else's Love Story got another vote!
DeleteI didn't think Dept of Spec was choppy but I half listened and half read it, so maybe that made a difference.
ReplyDeleteTi - I'm going to head over to audible and listen to a sample of Dept. of Speculation... I'm wondering if I would have done better with the audio.
DeleteLove the 100 Happy Days idea - heard about it a month ago and meant to do it but never did. I really should just get on and do it! :)
ReplyDeleteO - I hope you decide to join in!
DeleteYay for a great reading week! The Vacationers sounds perfect to kick-off summer.
ReplyDeleteDiana - This week is a little slower so far, but I finally got a bunch of reviews written. The Vacationers is excellent!
Delete