I read very little in April and spent even less time blogging. The books I did manage to read are quickly fading from memory and gathering my thoughts has become a race against time. This week's Top Ten Tuesday prompt, "One-Word Reviews for the Last Ten Books I Read", inspired me to take a micro approach, too.
by R.C. Sherriff, narrated by Jilly Bond
Reading this book was like spending time relaxing by the sea... leisurely pace, lovely descriptions, and very little action. Originally published in 1931, it was exactly the right book at the right time for me. However, it put my mother to sleep.
Reader, know thyself!
by Patric Richardson, narrated by the author
A book about laundry?? Yes, but there's more. I also loved listening to the author talk about his southern family, his love of textiles, and the notion that caring for loved ones' clothing is an act of love. Richardson also offers some excellent laundry tips. I plan to try several, but need to buy a hard copy for reference. 
by Anna Quindlen, narrated by the author
If Anna Quindlen writes it, I will read it. Or in this case, listen. Here Anna talks about how important it is, especially in times like these, to "stop and record what we are thinking and feeling." She cites examples from Anne Frank and WPA slave narratives to the Freedom Writers. History is our story.. those who write it, own it. 
by Natasha Brown, narrated by Pippa Bennett-Warner
One word review: interior
This very short (2 hour) audio consists of the inner musings about work, life, success, class, racism, and sexism of a Black British woman as she prepares for an extravagant garden party at the country home of her boyfriend's parents. It's been described as Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway meets Claudia Rankine's Citizen. I think the audio production added to my overall experience. 
Have you read any of these? What did you think?
You may not have read a ton of books in April, but what you read looks really good. I actually like doing laundry so can appreciate that book!
ReplyDeleteHelen - Laundry is one chore I enjoy, too. Just loved Richardson's approach!
DeleteThe Fortnight in September is going on my list. Is that a greyhound bookend I spied on your shelf?
ReplyDeleteTina - Like I said, I really enjoyed The Fortnight in September but my mother was SO bored... choose the right time to read it. Yes, that's one of my greyhound bookends and I think of Zelda every time I look at it! I still want to get another dog, but my husband thinks it'll be too hard with traveling back and forth to CT. Sigh.
DeleteI have a copy of The Fortnight in September and plan to read it during the 20 Books of Summer challenge. I love the cover art! Like Helen, I enjoy doing laundry, so I'll keep an eye out for that book at my library. The other two are on my radar and I hope to get to them later this year. We'll see!
ReplyDeleteLes - The cover of Fortnight in September definitely influenced my decision to purchase the book! Funny how different my reaction was compared to my mothers. Laundry is actually my favorite household chore, so I was the perfect audience for this book. I'll purchase a print copy, but may wait for the paperback.
DeleteJust finished The Absolutist - wow!! Thanks again for the recommendation.
Vicki - Hope you enjoy them. Most are pretty short, too!
ReplyDeleteI've started doing mini reviews too as the whole long response approach was weighing me down, rather than helping me keep track of my reading!
ReplyDeleteI have Assembly on my TBR pile - it sounds rather delicious.
Brona - I feel the same way about long reviews these days. They haven't been working for me for a while and I much prefer this approach. Assembly was a welcome change of pace and the audio production was excellent. I hope you enjoy it, too.
DeleteAnd I will chime in my agreement, too.
DeleteI loved Fortnight in September. It was one of the best books I read in 2020.
ReplyDeleteAileen - I knew I was going to love Fortnight in September and kept saving it until the right reading mood came along... it was excellent!
DeleteI haven't read any of these but I definitely want to read The Fortnight in September. It sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - The Fortnight in September was just lovely... almost like going on a vacation myself! You're in for a treat.
DeleteYou inspired me to read Write for Your Life, and I also want to find Laundry Love.
ReplyDeleteDeb - Write for Your Life is very short and inspiring. Laundry Love was unlike anything I've listened to... and a great reference!
DeleteI agree the audio of Assembly is quite fetching & smart even though it's quite short. I will read whatever Natasha Brown puts out next. I'm curious about the Anna Quindlen book on writing. It sounds like it inspires quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteSusan - I will also read whatever Natasha Brown writes next... she's very talented. And you can never go wrong with Anna Quindlen!
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