You know what I love most about June? It’s my birthday month (the actual date was late week)! It also marks the halfway point of the year, giving me time to take stock of my 100% fiction Goodreads goal. I don’t actually care about achieving that goal. In fact, I’ve thought about not even setting one but if I’m being honest, it’s the best way I have to keep track of my books for SUYB.
I’m thinking about doing it by hand for next year. I want to do it mostly because I feel like Goodreads has gotten mean and pushy, and it takes some of the fun out of tracking my books and TBR. We’ll see. I don’t know. I’m quite lazy.
I’ll update you guys next month.
I’ve also set some summer reading goals. I think I’ll actually–gasp–write a post about them rather than make this post longer than already is. Because what I know you really want to hear about it what I read last month.
Oh, quick note. I meant to track where I got book recommendations from and I’ve done a poor job of that this year. I’m going to work on getting better about that.
Unclaimed Baggage by Jen Doll. TOTALLY judged this book by its cover first. It has a squirrel on it. A SQUIRREL. So I liked that. For some reason, though, I did not know it was a YA book but it is and that’s fine but if you’re going to read it, you need to know that fact. It follows the story of three misfits in a small Alabama town and some of the scenarios are way too real. It tackles a lot of issues: racism, homophobia, religion, and sexual assault. Yep, it packs a lot in there so be careful when you’re reading it. It is a cute little story around all the heavy stuff, though.
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett. Someone I follow on Twitter recommended this book to me after I asked for people to tell me a book I absolutely should read. I don’t think I loved it as much as she did, but it is a Very Good Book. It jumps around between characters and time, which is occasionally hard to follow, but it’s a great story about family bonds and tragedies and relationships and what happens when some secrets are exposed.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah. As good as everyone says, and now I love Trevor Noah. You can’t not love him after you read this. If you’re looking for a memoir about his life as a comedian or how he ended up hosting the Daily Show, this is not that book. It’s completely about his growing up poor and, as the title says, a crime in South Africa under and in the aftermath of apartheid. I learned SO MUCH about both him and apartheid and I recommend this book just based on that. It’s incredibly eye-opening.
How to be Alone by Lane Moore. I learned about this book on Twitter somehow. But I loved the title and so I requested it from the library and here we are. The title is a little misleading, unfortunately. The book is actually a collection of essays about her difficult childhood and how that’s affected her relationships and her as a person in general. It’s very sad and heartbreaking–and maddening at times–but it’s a good book. She just did a TED Talk so I’m looking forward to watching that when it’s available.
The Body of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci. This was an audiobook that my daughter selected for our drive to Long Island. I don’t generally enjoy audiobooks, but this one was quite enjoyable. It definitely kept me interested and listening and wanting to know what happened next. It is a bit dated (published around 2000) so some of the language is offensive but if you ignore that part, it’s a well-written, engaging YA mystery. There’s even a sequel that she made me get for her from the library as soon as we got home.
Where All Light Tends to Go by David Joy. I got this from last month’s SUYB (I can’t remember who posted about it because I didn’t write it down) and since I liked the other book by this author I read earlier in the year, I gave it a try. I liked, not loved, it. It was violent and twisted and sad and disturbing, but I didn’t love the writing or the characters. Didn’t love the plot, either, but it was good enough that I wanted to keep reading.
Tried to get to Daring Greatly by Brene Brown but it went back to the library before I had a chance to read it. This is the second time that’s happened. I think I’ll just rewatch her Netflix special and call it a day on that book.
Currently reading: The Invited by Jennifer McMahon.
TL;DR: Cannot recommend Born a Crime enough. The rest are all good but you know what you like so pick and choose from that list.
Now it’s your turn! Link up and show us your books! Don’t forget to visit my co-host, Steph, and some other bloggers on the list. And if you missed this one, don’t fret. We do it the second Tuesday of every month and you can join us on July 9th for the next one.
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[…] and patience and spunk of Ginny Weasley in my blood. As usual, I’m linking up with Steph and Jana for their awesome Show Us Your Books Link-Up. Be sure to visit their sites and see what everyone […]
Born a Crime is on my TBR. I’ve heard it’s really good, although I’m typically not a huge fan of memoirs, I need to make an exception to the rule here. 😀 Awww, I love that your daughter what to immediately pick up the next boo in the series. And I love that she’s a reader too!
Tanya @ A Mindful Migration recently posted…May Bookshelf: One Book Less but Still Reading
Happy belated birthday!
A squirrel on the cover would definitely motivate me to pick up a book, too. I love squirrels!
I’ve been waiting for Trevor Noah’s book forever and I’m still #138 on the library’s list. I might just break down and buy it. Happy birthday month!!
happy birthday for last week! i love the goodreads goal, but you could always set it for like 1 book or 10 books, i’ve seen people do that. something you’ll meet immediately, but that way it still tracks your books. i know you can still ‘track’ the books via your read shelf anyway, but i like seeing them all on the challenge page. anyway. i keep meaning to track the recommendations as well (you can do that on goodreads i think) but i always forget exactly who shared it on SUYB and it’s almost always SUYB lol.
i am glad you liked born a crime, i bought it because it was on sale and had lots of good reviews though i admit i don’t know who he is. i mean, i googled him before i bought it, but that’s all i know. hoping to get to it sometime this year.
I’m already a huge fan of Trevor so I need to check out his book.
xo
Pinksole
Happy Birthday!!!
LOOOOOOVED Born a Crime, also fell for Trevor Noah because yep, how can you not? Basically I agree 100% with everything you said there.
I set a rather attainable goal on GR this year and I’ve been at or above it mostly, so it has backed off in emails and reminders. Maybe set a low goal just to keep it quiet. Haha!
I’m going to have to check out Born A Crime.
Audrey recently posted…What I Read…
Happy belated birthday! And thanks for the info about Born a Crime – I wanted to read it but wasn’t sure I wanted to read another comedian’s memoir or his favorite guests on the show. I’m glad it’s not about that and I’ll be on the hunt for it now.
Happy belated birthday! And thanks for the info about Born a Crime – I wanted to read it but wasn’t sure I wanted to read another comedian’s memoir or his favorite guests on the show. I’m glad it’s not about that and I’ll be on the hunt for it now.
(Also, not sure if anyone else is having difficulties or maybe it’s just me. When I click on Post Comment, it says it’s a duplicate comment and goes back a screen … probably just me.)
Happy Belated birthday! I’ve been wanting to track book recommendation sources too, along with publishing company of the books I like to see if there are any trends in either area. Haven’t quite made that happen yet! Born a Crime is on my TBR so I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Happy Birthday and thanks for the fun link up!
I really want to read commonwealth. I almost did this month since I have a copy on my kindle. Ive seen mixed reviews on it so I suspect many felt as you did
Adding Born a crime to my list for sure.
Also HAPPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!
I’ve seen Trevor Noah live and he’s fantastic, but I still need to read Born a Crime. Happy Belated Birthday!!!
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Show Us Your Books: Very Mini Reviews
I hated Commonwealth. Not for me!
I go on to Goodreads for tracking only – to add a book, say I started reading a book, finished a book, or a one line review if it’s a Netgalley book. The reason I do the start/finish on there is 100% so I can remind myself on this linkup of what I read over the past month. I wonder if there’s something I’m not doing that other people are – how are you interacting with it that makes it mean and pushy? I get a you finished blank email, what’s next, but other than that I think I receive no communication from Goodreads. And that email I delete like most other emails. LOLOL
Love love loved Trevor Noah’s book – was so amazing. I’ve heard good things about Unclaimed Baggage – and will probably get around to that one! Happy belated!
I love the fiction goal. I think I’ve only read fiction this year, just by chance. Maybe one non-fiction?
I had to look, but I read about half of The Commonwealth two years ago. I really liked the beginning but then it just stalled out for me and I think it was due at the library and that was that. But I remember it really pulled me in at the beginning.
oohh I’ve been meaning to read Born A Crime, I’ll have to see what the wait list at our library is on that one. Happy belated birthday!!!
Loved Born a Crime, and learned a lot about apartheid, as well. He and his mom are amazing!
I myself FINALLY got around to Born a Crime in May – had been waiting to get a hold of the audio version, because I just knew it would be even better in his voice, and I think I was right. I also found it really eye-opening about apartheid and his experiences and loved the stories, and extra appreciated hearing him read it to actually hear the cadence of some of the words in African languages, or hear him do all of the different accents. So good!
It has been a while since I read Commonwealth, but I remember having similar feelings. Adding Trevor Noah’s book to my list ASAP. And, happy belated birthday!
Just sayin’,
Karly @ What Karly Said
I really loved Trevor Noah’s book too. I listened to the audiobook and he narrates it himself and it is sooo good and funny and well-done. Definitely eye-opening too, I agree. I’m going to check out some of these others. Hope you had a great birthday! I will never forget yours because it is the same day as my husband’s 🙂
Happy Belated Birthday!!!
OK – I’m curious – why do you think Goodreads is getting pushy? 🙂
All Hail the Geminis!!!!! Happy Belated Birthday!
I want to visit the unclaimed baggage store, I met with the folks who run it at an event a few years back and have been meaning to make a road trip. It’s a bit of the way north in the middle of nowhere from where we are in Birmingham. I’ll have to read the book!
I need to read Born a Crime!! I’m hoping to listen to the audiobook.
I still need to read Trevor Noah’s book – heard such good reviews.
Interested to know why you find Goodreads is getting pushy? I only joined last year so relatively new to it. I like to know what I should watch out for.
Happy Birthday Month! I loved Born a Crime on audio and have a newfound appreciation for Trevor Noah.
Happy birthday! Now I’m intrigued by Unclaimed Baggage after seeing the squirrel on the cover, haha. I wrote about that David Joy book last month! Yes, it was very violent and just overall tough to read in some parts because of that. I thought the overall story was still good regardless.
I love Ann Pachett’s writing. Bel Canto is one of my favorites from YEARS ago. I haven’t gotten around to any of her others yet though. I always want to go to her bookstore when we are in Nashville but miss it because it is a holiday or closed. Next time… I want to read Born A Crime. XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
I have to say, a squirrel on a cover would make me stop and at least look at the book too!
The “you are X books behind your goal” tile on the Goodreads home page used to give me agita but I just flip it off now and move on. I have Ann Patchett books (Commonwealth and This is the Story of a Happy Marriage) on my list, and have literally held them in my hands at the library and I keep putting them back on the shelves.
Happy belated birthday!
I’m totally the same with Brene Brown’s books!! Hahaha, I swear I’ve even owned a copy of one of her books before but somehow I’ve never read them when it’s in my hands??
I also have a hard time with audiobooks because I find myself thinking of other things and before I know it, I’m a few chapters in and I cannot recollect a single thing. LOL