Hello again from Connecticut! After last weekend's evacuation from hurricane/tropical storm Henri, we returned midweek to find things pretty much as we left them. The area received quite a bit of wind and rain but, fortunately, never lost power. We enjoyed our visit with my parents, spent some time with my siblings, and got caught up on the latest central NY happenings. I also finished the book I was reading and read an extended short story.
Recent reading//
We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange
This family story made for a satisfying summer read. I enjoyed the characters, their relationships to one another, the family dynamics, and, of course, the secrets. There was nothing too graphic, heavy, or traumatic. (I can't handle another Paper Palace just yet.) Enjoyable and entertaining, I was comfortable passing this one along to my mother. She's loving it. 
The Sixth Wedding by Elin Hilderbrand
This extended short story (approximately 80 pages) is a sequel to Hilderbrand's novel, 28 Summers. It takes place a couple of years after that 28th summer. Basically it's a check-in with the main characters, or a "where are they now?" follow up. It was fine, but nothing special. I'm being generous with a three-star rating. 
Current reading//
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau
I'm about 20% into this coming-of-age story set in 1970s Baltimore. It's wonderful so far!
Later today I'll pick out my next audiobook. I'm leaning toward nonfiction... possibly The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton. Have you read this one?
On the blog//
Book Brief: The Street by Ann Petry
That's it for my week. How was yours? What are you reading?
The Sunday Salon is hosted by Deb at Readerbuzz.
It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.
I'm glad you were out of harm's way during Henri's pass through your part of the world. And you were able to use that time to visit with family.
ReplyDeleteWe Are the Brennans sounds like a great read for right now. There's so much going on in the world that's troubling that I'm afraid to read anything too depressing.
The Sun Does Shine sounds compelling. I'll be interested in seeing what you think of it, if you get to it next.
Deb - This was the ideal scenario for Henri... loved the extra time with my parents, and no real damage or cleanup when we got back. I left We Are the Brennans with my mother. She called last night and told me she loved it.
DeleteThat's great you could return to Connecticut. I enjoy your photos of walks you take.
ReplyDeleteI put the Brennans book on my library list. Almost done with Twelve Patients.
Tina - I've decided to start The Sun Does Shine on audio, but Twelve Patients is next on my nonfiction list.
DeleteHappy to hear that you had no problems with Henri...and hoping that you aren't on the dirty side of Ida as she blows in to Louisiana this afternoon. I feel like Houston has dodged a bullet a couple of times this summer already...and September is usually a bad month for this part of the Gulf. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteSam - Seems like it was just a few years ago that Houston got hammered, so I'm glad you've been lucky this season. Fingers crossed for September!
DeleteDo you think Mary Jane would make a good book club selection? All the gals in my club grew up in the 1970s so I am wondering if we would enjoy cultural references to our era?
ReplyDeleteAnne - I'm not far enough into Mary Jane to say if it's book club worthy, but I sure am enjoying revisiting the 70s!
DeleteI'm glad you were able to escape the storm and spend some time with family.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Gretchen - The extra time with my parents was such a treat!
DeleteGlad that you are back in CT to finish off summer. September is a great month by the shore when more vacationers are gone home. I'm glad you enjoyed We Are the Brennans (me too) and yes, Mary Jane was excellent. I just clocked on the link for The Sun Does Shine and that sounds like a compelling story as well. I'm adding that to my list. Have a good week and happy that you got to spend some time with parents.
ReplyDeleteDiane - We were here for most of September last year, too, and I loved how quiet it got after Labor Day. A lot of the schools open today or tomorrow, so it may happen even earlier this year. I'm planning to start The Sun Does Shine on my walk today.
DeleteI am so glad you're liking Mary Jane! I thought it was a wonderful read.
ReplyDeleteHelen - I think I smiled all through the first few chapters!
DeleteSo glad you are back "home" again, although I am sure you are enjoying your new home (when there are no storms!).
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, and I am eyeing your new Hilderbrand book.
Laurel-Rain Snow - It was fun to check in again with the characters from 28 Summers.
DeleteSo glad everything worked out with the storm!
ReplyDeleteAngela - It was stressful to evacuate, but it really was wonderful to spend that time with my parents,
DeleteI'm glad you're back in Conn. and things weren't too torn up there. Now hurricane Ida is causing disaster, ugh not good. I'm curious about the Mary Jane novel ... and if it has lots of good '70s music references. I might put my name back on the library list for it. I like coming of age tales.
ReplyDeleteSusan - I'm loving the 70s feel of Mary Jane! Not far enough in to say much more, but it does seem to be quick reading.
DeleteSo glad everything was safe and sound when you returned. I really enjoyed Mary Jane, I have The Brennans but have yet to read it.
ReplyDeleteHere is my link:
https://twogirlsandtheirbookishlife.blogspot.com/2021/08/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-august.html
Tee - I just love the feel of Mary Jane! Really enjoying it so far. My mother finished We Are the Brennans over the weekend and loved it. You might, too.
DeleteI can't help with a nonfiction audiobook. The only one I've read was Obama's A Promised Land which I really enjoyed. I stick to fiction for all my reading choices. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy - My daughter listened to Obama's book and really like it. I'm considering it... but it's SO long!
DeleteI am very pleased to hear you were able to return to your house and found the power hadn't been off, plus doing some good reading. My reading was slowed down by my painful sinuses, but thankfully I was still able to finish off the utterly charming Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery.😊
ReplyDeleteTake care and happy reading in the coming week.🙂
Jessica - Sorry to hear you've been having trouble with our sinuses... hope you found comfort in Anne of Green Gables. Hope this is a better week.
DeleteSo glad you weren't affected by Henry's path! It's awful to see what Ida's doing now to NoLa. Hope you hare having a great start to the week and looking forward to your thoughts on Mary Jane. That's such a great cover.
ReplyDeleteIliana - My heart breaks for NoLa. Tonight they're saying basic power restoration could take weeks! Mary Jane is such an enjoyable read so far.
DeleteI'm glad you were able to return to your lovely spot in CT and that there weren't any problems from the storm. Back to porch sitting, right? :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about We Are the Brennans, but if it's anything like The Most Fun We Ever Had, I'm sold. I've got less than 6 hours remaining on the audio and I'm really enjoying that book. I didn't care for so many of the characters early on, but they've won my heart and I'll be on the lookout for more by Lombardo.
Too bad about the follow-up to 28 Summers. I can probably skip it, right?
Les - Yes, I'm back to porch sitting! Now I'm starting to think about how much I'll miss it when we leave. Already asked about next summer, but the couple wants to stay here themselves... I can certainly understand why!
DeleteThe Most Fun We Ever Had was one one my favorite novels last year, possible even THE favorite. We Are the Brennans is definitely in the same vein, but not quite the same caliber... well worth a read though! I think my mother liked it even more than I did.
You can safely skip the 28 Summers follow-up. But if you're curious and can get it from the library, it's only 80 pages. Pretty much what you would expect...
So glad that there was no damage at your place in CT and that you never lost power. That makes such a mess. I'm adding We Are the Brennans to my TBR. I love family relationship books but am super sensitive right now so I've been kind of avoiding them but that sounds perfect. I hope you are having a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - Were you okay with Ida? We've got a flash flood warning tomorrow and Thursday... lots of rain headed our way. We Are the Brennans might be a perfect choice for you right now!
DeleteSo glad you and your home are safe -- what a scary time. And it's great that you've gotten some great reading done lately. I'm adding titles to my TBR over here...
ReplyDeleteUnruly Reader - It's been quite a summer as far as weather goes, but reading good books is always a comfort.
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