I had a rough week because it seems that my Lyme disease is back (third time's a charm?) on top of my chronic immune disorder, so I had severe knee pain all week and all of my "normal" symptoms were badly flared up, including just feeling totally wiped out. Not a very productive week for me. I have a whole new appreciation for people who live with chronic pain every day. I saw my Lyme specialist on Friday and have started treatment, so I am hoping to start feeling better soon.
Meanwhile, as always, books bring me comfort and escape! Here's what we've been reading this week:
- I finished Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel, one of this spring's hottest new releases. All the rave reviews were right on target - it's SO good!! It's a novel about the discovery of a giant metal hand in the ground and the investigation that follows to figure out what it is and where it came from. Highly recommended, even if you think you don't like sci fi!!
- Now I am reading this month's choice for my library's discussion group, A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. I rarely have time to squeeze in the library's book group (I belong to 3 other book groups!), but this book was on my TBR shelf and it fits in perfectly with my RIP XI Challenge for this spooky season. A wealthy, successful man in the early 1900's in rural Wisconsin places an ad looking for "a reliable wife." Catherine, the woman that answers and is chosen, says in her letters that she is a "simple, honest woman," but she is anything but. We know from the start that she plans to poison and kill her new husband but not why or who she really is. It's good so far and full of surprises, with a very dark and creepy tone perfect for this month!
- On audio, I am listening to The Hunt by Megan Shepherd, a teen/YA novel and sequel to The Cage, which I enjoyed. This series takes place in another world, where a group of teens from Earth are being held captive. Gripping suspense and intriguing concepts here!
- My husband, Ken, finished The Key to Rebecca by Ken Follett, a very old paperback we had here at the house (I was surprised he'd never read it before!). It's a classic spy thriller - Follett is an excellent writer. He loved it.
- Last night, Ken started one of the new books I gave him for his birthday last week, Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, author of the books that were made into the Wayward Pines TV series. In this intriguing novel, a man is knocked out and abducted and wakes up with a completely different life - different wife, no kids, everything changed. Sounds great, doesn't it? I definitely want to read this one, too (those are the best kind of gifts to give!).
- Last I heard, Jamie, 22, was reading book 3 in the Scott Lynch series Gentleman Bastards, The Republic of Thieves, which he bought this summer. He loves this series (so does my husband) and says it is about con men in Medieval times.
Teen/YA Review: Drag Teen by Jeffrey Self, a warm, funny road trip story about 3 friends
Fiction Review: The Summer Guest by Alison Anderson, an immersive story within a story about Chekhov's summer at a guest house in Ukraine - captivating
What Makes Me Happy - The Happiness Tag
Saturday Snapshot: Janes Island - Eastern Shore of Maryland - kayaking & gorgeous sunsets
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.
Sorry to hear that you have Lyme disease--I have a colleague and friend at work who suffers from it, and it has truly changed his life. I do hope the new treatment works for you.
ReplyDeleteYou convinced me and a copy of The Key to Rebecca is in the mail to me--looking forward to it!
Glad to hear you liked Sleeping Giants--it's an interesting premise.
Hope you have a good week, and happy reading.
3rd time for the Lyme! I think my immune disorder makes it even harder to get rid of completely, though Lyme is complicated on its own. Thanks, Jane.
DeleteHope you enjoy the Follett novel! He's always been one of my favorite authors - this one is classic spy thriller.
I hope you feel better soon. So sorry to hear about your Lyme disease flare up.
ReplyDeleteA Reliable Wife sounds kind of awesome. I might have to check it out.
I finished it last night, Akilah - lots of twists and turns!
DeleteI hope you are feeling better soon. I liked The Hunt too and am eager for another book in the series. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying it, Kathy - glued to my iPod today!
DeleteYay for Sleeping Giants! The story was interesting and I loved that the author found a pretty unique way to tell it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better soon, Sue!
Wasn't it great?? Can't wait to hear where she takes the story in book 2! I loved the ending!
DeleteI really want to read Dark Matter also and possibly have it as my Book Club read.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the chronic disease, it sucks when you just never know when it may return. Feel better soon.
Thanks, Marce - yes, you get used to unpredictability after a while but it's still no fun!
DeleteDark Matter sounds sooo good! My husband says it's already taken some weird turns.
Sorry to hear you are experiencing flare ups, and that this week is a little more comfortable for you this week. All your books sound like some good reading if a little creepy!
ReplyDeleteha ha - yes, I like to read for the season this time of year, Kathryn! I used to read almost exclusively mysteries & thrillers so it is fun to get back to them a bit.
DeleteI'm so sorry you aren't feeling well; I'll be thinking about you!
ReplyDeleteThe Cage sounds so interesting! Adding it to my TBR.
Happy reading this week :)
The series is really good so far, Kellee - I think you'd like it!
DeleteI have had A Reliable Wife for so long and haven't read it! And Dark Matter sounds great! I do hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteSame here, Julie - my mom lent it to me & it sat on my shelf for years!
DeleteSorry to hear of your flare-up :( I live with chronic pain and when I have a flare-up I usually disappear from the blogosphere for a bit.
ReplyDeleteI read Dark Matter-- quirky and different, but really good! I never read Wayward Pines but watched the tv show. The Republic of Thieves is one I've been considering off and on since reading about it earlier this year.
Feel better and have a good week ahead.
Sorry to hear you live with chronic pain, Rita. Just these few weeks with severe knee pain have been rough! But I understand about chronic illness flares, for sure.
DeleteWe haven't read Wayward Pines yet either but love the TV show! My son LOVES that series with Republic of Thieves & so does my husband!