Monday, January 06, 2014

It's Monday 1/6! What Are You Reading?


Finally, a quiet Monday morning to myself! As much as I enjoyed the holiday season, I am also happy to be starting a new year and getting back to my normal daily routine. I am planning to review my 2013 goals today and set new goals for 2014. And, in the bookish world, I will post my Best of 2013 lists this week and decide which challenges to sign up for in 2014. So, let me know if you know of any good reading challenges!

Between holidays, travel, and snow days, the whole family was still off school/work most of last week, so we still had plenty of reading time:
  • I finished Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris, a gift from my husband last Christmas, and posted a review. It is hilarious though also sometimes a bit gruesome and shocking. If you enjoy satire, it's a fun little book.
  • I also finished Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, a YA historical novel and a Christmas gift from my husband this year! It was excellent, just like everyone had said, and kept me occupied all the way to Oklahoma and back last week.
  • I am still listening to The Real Boy by Anne Ursu on audio, though not making much progress with the whole family at home every day. It's good so far.
  • I just started The House Girl by Tara Conklin, another historical novel and my neighborhood book group's pick for January.
  • My husband, Ken, finished Wool by Hugh Howley (a Christmas gift from me) and loved it. Now my son and I both want to read it.
  • Ken is now reading another Christmas gift from me, Never Go Back, the latest Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child.
  • Jamie, 19, finished Project Cain by Geoffrey Girard. He didn't like the format at first but said it got better. I plan to read this one, too.
  • Jamie is now reading The Outstretched Shadow by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory, Book One in The Obsidian Trilogy, another fantasy series (his favorite kind of book!).
I managed to catch up on some blog posts last week while I was in Oklahoma:
First Book of the Year post

Review of Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris

Review of Rotters by Daniel Kraus, a teen/YA award-winning audio book

Weekend Cooking post, including my recipes for Hoppin' John and Gumbo.

Review of Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am, a teen/YA novel.

What Are You Reading Monday is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, with a kid/teen version hosted by Unleashing Readers.

What are you and your family reading this week? 

6 comments:

  1. New year, new awesome books!
    Happy Reading <3
    Here's our IMWAYR
    Doris @ OABR

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  2. Always good reading for you Sue!

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  3. Sandra Martin5:21 PM

    I have just read a very unusual,captivating,amazing and at times shocking first novel called "The People in the Trees" by Hanya Yanagihara. She also happens to be the editor at large of Conde Nast Traveler.
    I have always loved anthropology so this was at once a must read selection. it is a new book.....2013.
    Let me begin by saying this is a difficult read as some the book is written in novel form and some in very small but lengthy footnotes. As with anything truly wonderful to read, it is worth the perseverance and patience to get so you cant put the book down.
    Also,this book is not for everyone. it brings up some rather horrific moral relativism.
    It is the story as old as literature itself of finding a civilization unknown to anyone. It is a mystery. It is a story of a scientist who goes on a trip which will change not only his life but the lives of a "lost" civilization forever. It is a story of relationships and our very own demons. It is so beautifully written that the descriptions of the island,its people and its flora and fauna will make you feel that you are actually there. I could smell the forests and fruits. I could feel the heat and humidity.
    So much more I could say but I will end by saying I will never forget this book and I am very sad that I have finished it. I look forward to Hanya's next book.

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  4. Wow, Mom, that sounds amazing! I can't wait to read it myself.

    Thanks for taking the time to write about it!

    Sue

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  5. I hope you're enjoying your week. I read Code Name Verity last year for book club and liked it. But I don't think I ever reviewed it...

    I loved Wool. I'm glad to hear Ken did too.

    I need to get my best of 2013 list up! Have a good week!

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  6. Me. too, Julie! I am way behind. Today was supposed to be writing day...but alas I spent the day in a doctor's waiting room and driving my son all over town instead :)

    I guess it will have to wait one more day...

    Sue

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