Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the street…
Well, not so much in my neighborhood but is a good time to read more books. Which is better than dancing anyway.
Before I get into what I read last month, did anyone else get a kind of shamey email from Goodreads about their book challenge? Because I did and I really didn’t need the reinforcement that I’m behind. It made me feel a little terrible. That kind of pressure is very unnecessary.
Anyway, here’s what I read last month. Somehow it included 4 NetGalley books. Interesting.
The Chateau by Paul Goldberg. Big fat DNF. I hated this book and I felt terrible because it was an ARC from NetGalley but what are you going to do? I wanted to keep reading because he insults trump A LOT but it wasn’t enough to keep me around.
The Suffering Tree by Elle Cosimano. If you are triggered by self-harm, do not read this book or proceed with caution. This is a very good, well-researched supernatural-ish YA thriller. I found myself vested in the characters and what happened in both the past and present but some parts felt rushed and incomplete -specifically the end- but I like her writing and her books are kind of their own genre which is cool. Not the best book but I do recommend. NetGalley ARC read very late.
Not a Crime to be Poor by Peter Edelman. If you want a meticulously researched, dry, statistics-driven, anecdotal book explaining why and how it is expensive and criminal to poor, you will love this book. This is perfect for a classroom setting but as a read for someone who is non-academically interested in this topic, both policy-wise and sociologically, I was hoping for something a little more…human. He discusses success stories and how they can be replicated but it’s all business. If you would like to discuss this topic, though, please let me know. Found this one in a bookstore and got it from the library.
Unbury Carol by Josh Malerman. This isn’t necessarily a bad book. Some might even love it. For me, though, it was all over the place, couldn’t decide what it wanted to be. A western? Thriller? Sci-fi? And why was the end more like chick lit? I don’t mind multiple layers but this was a messy, tedious read that didn’t work in some places. Others were great. I would have read a whole book about Smoke or Carol’s mother. He’s not a terrible writer but he’s not for me.I did like it better than Bird Box, though. NetGalley ARC.
Fair Shot by Chris Hughes. Another nonfiction. This book is to guaranteed basic income what Hillbilly Elegy is to understanding 45’s voter base. Well-researched, well-written, but so full of privilege and arrogance that it’s hard to take it seriously as a policy book. It’s a memoir that heavily relies on personal experience to make him “relatable” and explain why he feels and believes the way he does but, save for a few chapters, minimally addresses it. I really didn’t want to hear from him anymore how he has Facebook money (he’s one of the co-founders) and he comes across as kind of a dick. He has some good ideas, though. So there’s that. Bookstore find, requested from library.
The Rules of Half by Jenna Patrick. This is a sad, touching, mildly optimistic book about family, tragedy, secrets, mental illness, small town prejudices and what happens when they all intersect. It’s a well-written book, takes care and honesty when discussing mental illness, and the characters are sympathetic and strong. But it felt like there were plot holes and details that were built up and then left out or glossed over and that was annoying. Good book, though. NetGalley ARC.
TL;DR: Nothing this month was outstanding but The Suffering Tree and Rules of Half were my favorite.
Currently reading Free Fire and Off the Clock.
Don’t forget to visit Steph and some of the other bloggers joining us. Next one is on August 14.
And now it’s your turn! Link up and Show Us Your Books!
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[…] Linking up with Show Us Your Books, hosted by Stephanie & Jana. […]
I actually don’t think I received a shamey email from Goodreads (or maybe it just didn’t go to my primary folder?), but I’m sure I’ll get one eventually. I think it said I was 9 books behind schedule the last time I checked. Haha.
The Suffering Tree sounds interesting, though I don’t always love supernatural elements in books. I’ll probably look into it more.
I’ve been wondering about Josh Malerman’s other books. The crazy all over the place genres kind of made me think of a book I read a couple of years ago that I really liked, so maybe this would work for me. I loved Bird Box (clearly more than you did!), and I’m interested to see how his other books compare.
Oh, The Suffering Tree sounds good!
Next link up is the day after my birthday. LOL.
Confuzzled Bev recently posted…The books I read in June 2018
You have me looking into Not a crime to be Poor. Sounds kind of interesting! I’m also looking into The Rules of Half because it sounds like something I would like reading!
The rule of half sounds good, saving it I have to many books ready to be read right now lol.
xo
Pinksole
Totally got the shamey email from Goodreads. Haha. Bummer about it being a bit of a so so month.
The suffering tree sounds good though I’m not usually a supernatural book type person or YA person. But this doesn’t sound typical YA. I may give it a go!
You read an eclectic bunch of books this month. I enjoy how you read a variety of non-fiction, whereas I tend to stick with my comfort self-help books. The Rules of Half sounds like my kind of read.
Nancy @ NY Foodie Family recently posted…June Reads 2018
The Rules of Half sounds like it has some potential. Bummer that you didn’t have any that stood out as spectacular this month!
I delete all goodreads emails unless it says giveaway in the title and depending on the book, sometimes even then.
You remembered to put where they’re from!
OMG I can’t believe that about Goodreads…that is completely ridiculous considering that reading is an enjoyable HOBBY for most people. I would be super annoyed.
The Rules of Half sounds good – adding that to my list.
Yay for tackling the Netgalley shelf! I have neglected mine the last month or so…oops. Maybe they should send me a shamey email <– not motivating at all.
Heather recently posted…Recent Reads
Yep – got that rude email from Goodreads too. I mean, if someone takes the time to even use Goodreads AND set a goal, don’t they realize that the person is actually a reader and that life might get in the way occasionally? Again … rude. I still get emails from Netgalley about requesting books but I had to stop. I was getting the books (or the rejection emails) but I have too many books going on right now.
Anyway … I have Unbury Carol on my nightstand now but haven’t started it. Actually, I think it’s already been buried by one or two other books. 🙂
Oh bummer that none were really outstanding this month. That really tends to slow my roll with reading!
This is an interesting and diverse mix of books.
I checked and I haven’t received an email from Goodreads or if I have, I can’t find it. Last time I looked, I was 5 books behind schedule. If Goodreads does, I’m going to blog about it and publicly tell them to bite me. I’m a grown ass woman and I’ll read whatever I want and at whatever speed I want.
Lol to shame email from Goodreads. Pretty sure I told the one in my inbox to F off. Anyway, the last one you mention sounds interesting enough. Will look into it for sure.
I really loved Bird Box but I’ve heard mostly “negative” things about Unbury Carol so I’m not sure it would be a good fit for me. I did really like The Suffering Tree though!
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Show Us Your Books: The Year of Cozy
I actually manged to read a few Netgalley books this month too, and I was so proud! I’m adding The Suffering Tree to my list. I always have a soft spot in my heart for YA books, especially when they have a supernatural flare to them.
Ashley recently posted…Show Us Your Books- What I Read In June
HAHA – I got that email too – but actually this is the first year I’m ahead of my goal (by 9 books – WHAT?) so I actually felt happy to get the email this time. Usually i’m like SHOVE IT GOODREADS when it reminds me I’m behind 🙂
Rebecca Jo recently posted…Show Me Your Books – July 2018
unbury carol was a complete mess. i’m glad you liked it more than bird box, even if i liked bird box more. womp. i’ll be hesitant to read more from him after this. how rude of goodreads to shame you!
Yup, I got that same email so I went in and lowered my goal. Right on track now, Goodreads!
Thank you for your honest reviews (and trigger warnings). I find them so important!
Hahaha, I mostly ignore the GR emails. I do *kind of* pay attention to the count/goal reminder on the homepage, though… Sigh. Lol
Your books sound kind of sad this month. I wish I could get more invested in finance books (pun intended), but they never hold my interest. (I think I just made a double pun.)
Audrey recently posted…What I Read…
So I feel super awkward confessing this but I did not read a single book in June. I intended to but … life. It was a weird month for me. Anyway, I have an ARC of Unbury Carol to read too. I back-burnered (it’s a word, I swear! In my world at least.) it because no one seemed to like it. 😀 Maybe I’ll get to it, maybe I will use the DNF button Netgalley so conveniently added.
Tanya @ A Mindful Migration recently posted…Onion Rings with Spicy Jalapeno Bacon Dip
LOL oh no on the goodreads email! I have NEVER finished before December, but I’ve been reading a crazy ton this year and somehow have already surpassed mine. Goodness. I am intrigued by the Suffering Tree. Xo – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
I’m reading Unbury Carol for a reading challenge soon so I’m interested to see what I think about it after seeing your review!
Look at all your Netgalley reads!!! I managed to knock one off my shelf this month. I really need to get better about that. The Rules of Half sounds like an interesting read.
The Rules of Half sounds interesting!
I’m actually doing decently on my GR goal…but it is a little odd how much they email about it!
I received the Goodreads email and I’m seriously thinking of not doing the challenge next year because:
1) Last year I missed and felt badly because I hate to lose.
2) This year I feel like I’m choosing shorter books so I can win, because I hate to lose.
I have a NetGalley read I need to get to.
Kimberly recently posted…Show us your books: July 2018
Not A Crime to Be Poor sounds interesting, it reminds me of Evicted by Matthew Desmond. I work with people who are receiving cash assistance and it really blows me away that their poverty is turned into a crime in so man ways… for example, if a single mom gets a parking ticket for $20, she has to pay it within 15 days, or it goes up to $50. If that is not paid, a warrant is issued out for her arrest. For a single mom who lives on cash assistance, it can be extremely challenging to find and extra $20 to pay a parking ticket. The system is created to punish people for their poverty, and it’s disgusting and embarrassing for a country like the USA.
Is Off the Clock, Laura Vanderkam’s new one?
Yes I got a stupid email from Goodreads . i was annoyed that I was being pressured or at least that’s what I felt. Reading is supposed to be fun and calming for me. Not a crime to be poor looks interesting,i will have to look at the library for that one.
I didnt get a shame email from goodreads, but probably because my challenge is something like 20 books for the year 😉 I dont need any more shame! haha!
Lauren recently posted…what I read in june
The Rules of Half sounds interesting, that one stands out as one I’d like to try. Not a Crime to Be Poor does sound like a subject I’d find interesting, but I think I’ll skip this particular book about it. I don’t do well with the more dry side of non-fiction.
Shea recently posted…In My Library Tote: June Book Reviews and Recommendations
The Rules of Half sounds interesting! I have definitely found some real winners from NetGalley, but I have also found some that I just had a heck of a time getting through. I always feel bad giving low ratings, but I would feel even worse not giving an honest review. Thanks for sharing!
Haha, I don’t set goals on GR for that very reason ! I get enough shamey emails! Not a Crime to be Poor sounds right up my alley – definitely adding that!
Wow, I’ve never gotten a shamey email from them- that’s terrible! I set my goal low this year just so I knew I would reach it. Curious to hear your thoughts on Off The Clock when you’re done. That one sounds like it could really be helpful in my life right now!
I don’t have an account with Goodreads for some reason, but the shamey email you got kinda makes me not want to! Sorry you didn’t love any of the books you read last month. Thanks for hosting and sharing your reads!
Your description of Unbury Carol is perfect. It doesn’t seem to know what type of book it is.
Alison Puppies and Pretties recently posted…Reading Lately: June 2018 Edition
Sad that the crime to be poor book wasn’t better! That’s a topic that makes me rage-y. (Perfect example – last year I didn’t have the $30 to renew my car tags, so I got a $250 ticket. How does that protect or serve people?) The guaranteed basic income is something I’d totally read a book about, but I don’t think I could deal with all of the privilege. (Gabby Dunn talked about it on a recent podcast episode, but it’s not something I know a lot about yet!)