Monday, July 06, 2015

It's Monday 7/6! What Are You Reading?





Another busy week gone by! Whatever happened to the lazy days of summer? My dad is back in the hospital, so that has continued to be stressful - I hate being so far away. We had a quiet 4th of July weekend with a nice cookout dinner with my son, his friend, and my father-in-law, but then my husband and I were too worn out to go to the fireworks! I haven't had much energy this past week (just the ups and downs of my chronic illness), so I'm trying to take it easy.


We've read some great books this week, though:
  • I am still reading One Thousand White Women: the Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus, a historic novel I have been wanting to read for years - and that has been sitting on my bookshelf for years! This is my third Big Book of the Summer. I am totally engrossed in this unique novel about white women going to live with the Cheyenne tribe in 1875 - and outraged at the way our government treated the native Americans. I can't believe I waited so long to read this remarkable book!
  • I have been listening to Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai, a middle-grade audio book about a third-generation Vietnamese-American girl who is an all-American Southern California girl. She accompanies her grandmother on a trip to visit her home village in Vietnam and experiences some serious culture shock! It is excellent so far.
  • My husband, Ken, finished A Simple Plan by Scott Smith, one of the books I gave him for Father's Day. It was recommended by Michael on Books on the Nightstand, my favorite podcast. The Chicago Tribune said, "Like watching a train wreck. There is nothing to be done, but it is impossible to turn away," and my husband said that is a very apt description!
  • Ken is now reading Seeker by Jack McDevitt, another book I gave him for Father's Day, a science fiction novel by a multiple Nebula Award nominee.
  • Jamie, 20, is reading Winterbirth, book one in The Godless World series by Brian Ruckley, a fantasy series of the type that he loves.
Lots of posts last week, trying to catch up a bit:
Top Ten Books Read So Far in 2015

2015 Audiobook Challenge 2nd Quarter Update

Review of Nest by Esther Ehrlich, a middle-grade novel I listened to on audio

Review of Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline, a historical novel

Saturday Snapshot, with photos of sky and shadows

What are you and your family reading this week?    

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

There are still 2 full months left of summer, so you still have plenty of time to join the Big Book Summer Challenge and join the fun! You only need to read 1 book (though you can read more if you want) longer than 400 pages to participate. And this year, for the first time, there'll be a Big Book Giveaway at the end of the summer for participants!



14 comments:

  1. You and your family are reading a lot of great books. Lots of variety. One Thousand White Women does sound interesting. Have a great week, happy reading!

    Michelle @ Michelle's Minions

    My It's Monday! post

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    1. Thanks, Michelle - I am really enjoying One Thousand White Women. Enjoy your books this week!

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  2. Happy 4th! Summers can be exhausting, but they are also for relaxing, so make sure you do! :)
    Listen is a good audiobook? That is one I'd love to read and I need a new audio book :)

    Happy reading this week!

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    1. Listen, Slowly is excellent so far, Kellee - I think you'd really like it. And this is one to definitely listen on audio.

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  3. Just finished Orphan Train. I enjoyed it.

    Lisa
    LisaTeachR'sClassroom

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    1. Me, too, Lisa! Glad you liked it, too.

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  4. We also didn't make it to the fireworks. I am wishing your dad comfort in this time.

    I keep meaning to get Orphan Train. I will have to see if the library has it!

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    1. Thanks, Ricki - my dad officially started hospice yesterday, just after I wrote this post. Though I've known this was coming for months, it is still devastating. Thanks for the kind thoughts.

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  5. Isn't it lovely to get a chance to read those books that have been sitting around on our shelves for ages? One Thousand White Women sounds like a fascinating read. Listen Slowly is on my list of books.

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    1. Both are excellent so far, Cherlee - Listen, Slowly is definitely one to listen to on audio if you can - brings the accents, Vietnamese language, etc. to life!

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  6. I just borrowed Listen Slowly from our library and really looking forward to reading it very soon. :)

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    1. Hope you enjoy it, Myra - it is excellent on audio so far.

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  7. Hi Sue! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! A Simple Plan sounds interesting...I will have to check that out! So sorry to hear about your dad...I will keep him in my prayers! As you know, I am reading Station Eleven and I recently finished The List of my Desires which was quite good. The boys are reading (well I am reading to them) Dragons Love Tacos over and over and over!
    Oh, and I went to college at SUNY Plattsburgh. :)

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    1. Ah, Plattsburgh! A friend of mine lives there now. And I was a member of a SUNY sorority, Alpha Kappa Phi (Ago), because Clarkson didn't have its own sororities at the time so ours all had members from SUNY Potsdam & Clarkson. Thanks for stopping by!

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