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.