Monday, November 14, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Monday morning - new week, fresh start. I am ready! Last week was very difficult for me. I added yet another medical diagnosis to my laundry list of chronic illnesses, and this one has been very painful lately. Bottom line is that my feet hurt so much I haven't been able to wear shoes or socks in almost two weeks, which has left me more housebound than usual and occasionally venturing out in 40-degree weather in flip-flops! I am feeling better emotionally this morning, but last week really did me in. I am ready for a fresh start...and our upcoming trip to Florida, when I am hoping that the warm weather will put this condition back into remission again!

As always, books are comforting when life gets rough. Here's what we've all been reading this past week:
  • I finished When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, the best-selling memoir that everyone's been raving about. I rarely read a book the same year it's released, but I treated myself to this one when we were in our favorite little bookstore at the beach last month. It's a memoir written by a young doctor who knows he is dying of cancer, and it was incredibly moving and completely engrossing. I sobbed through the last chapter.
  • Now, I am reading a new review book, The News from the End of the World by Emily Jeanne Miller (due for release in February 2017) a family drama set on Cape Cod. This one is full of secrets and lies and is quite compelling so far. 
  • On audio, I am listening to a teen/YA novel called Vivian Apple At the End of the World by Katie Coyle. It's about a teen girl whose parents disappear in a supposed "Rapture" event and the panic that ensues in the world, as Vivian searches for answers. It was one of my free downloads from SYNC - if you didn't participate in the program last year, sign up now for reminders for next summer - dozens of free audio books! I am a little freaked out that I am currently reading TWO books with "the end of the world" in their titles!
  • My husband, Ken, finished Subject 375 by Nikki Owen, a thriller that I gave him for his birthday last month. It's narrated by a woman with Asperger's who has been accused of murder - sounds like an intriguing story! He said it was confusing at times due to the unique perspective of the narrator, but all the loose ends came together in the end.
  • Now, Ken is starting my recent review book, The River of Kings by Taylor Brown (due out in March), because I enjoyed it very much. It's a novel that uniquely combines adventure (a kayaking trip), modern family drama, suspense, and historical fiction. I hope he likes it as much as I did!
  • Jamie, 22, is reading The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. This is Book 1 in the renowned Wheel of Time sci fi series. He and I have both heard great things about this series, so he is thrilled to finally read it!
 Last week's blog posts:
Movie Monday: Eye in the Sky, an emotionally powerful story about the consequences of modern warfare

Nonfiction Review: Nathaniel's Nutmeg by Giles Milton - a fascinating but sometimes dry history of the spice trade

Snapshot Saturday: Fall Colors

Summary of Books Read in October

Weekend Cooking: 3 Butternut Squash Recipes

What are you and your family reading this week?    

What Are You Reading Monday is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, so head over and check out her blog and join the Monday fun! You can also participate in a kid/teen/YA version hosted by Unleashing Readers.

15 comments:

  1. I'm sorry to hear about your health troubles. I hope warmer weather helps.

    (BTW, my dad retired from Monsanto at Chocolate Bayou. Maybe your husband knew him...Dennis Ashley. He was in accounting.)

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  2. I download the SYNC titles every week and have for a few years now. I don't think I've managed to listen to any of them yet. It is hard to fit in audiobooks when you have a 5 minute commute. When I'm home I prefer reading on my own; audiobooks take too long. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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    1. ha ha - mine kept sitting in my files, too, Kathy! I get a lot of review books as audios, so I always put those first. I listen while I walk, cook, do dishes, laundry, etc. so I get through a lot of books on audio! It's a wonderful way to get to more books :)

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  3. I hope you feel better, Sue!

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    1. Thanks, Lindsey! A bit better so far this week & managing just fine wearing flip-flops out of the house! (thankfully, it's still about 60 here most days).

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  4. Oh that new health problem sounds terrible, don't you have enough to put up with without that too. That memoir sounds really emotional and tough.

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    1. Thanks, Kathryn. The memoir was emotional but well worth reading. The author was very philosophical - always thinking about life & death even before he got sick, so it was a very thoughtful & interesting book.

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  5. Anonymous2:36 PM

    I cried at the end of the Kalanithi too. So unbearably sad.

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    1. Yes, absolutely...but it's a beautiful book, too.

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear about your medical issues. My mom had something where she couldn't wear shoes either for a while and it was hard. I hope things improve soon!

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    1. Luckily, it has been 60 here still most days, so flip-flops are working for now :)

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  7. Hugs!!! Sending you some virtual good vibes as you go through this. Keep on reading :-)

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    1. THanks, Tanya! Good books always help :)

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  8. I'm looking forward to When Breath Becomes Air... off to Goodreads!

    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. It was wonderful - very thoughtful & emotional. Hope you enjoy it! Keep the tissues near by...

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