Never did I ever think we’d have a quarantined edition of Show Us Your Books yet here we are. I hope you’re all doing okay, and most importantly, taking care of your mental health in whatever form that takes. For some, it’s binge-watching Netflix, for others it’s obsessively baking, and for others, it’s trying to keep as normal of a schedule as possible.
And none of it is wrong.
I fall somewhere in that latter category. I’m still able to work full-time since I did that remotely before this all started and I’m so grateful to still have work not only for the paycheck but because having a full workday keeps me sane. My weekdays are predictable and mostly unchanged except for monitoring the child’s distance learning which, if I’m being honest, is a giant shit show. But that’s a separate post.
I’m also attempting to still exercise because that’s a huge priority for my mental health and getting outside for a walk whenever the weather permits helps me sleep, too. Which is nice.
And I’m also able to read. A lot of people are struggling with that right now and that’s fine. It’s hard to concentrate when everything is so uncertain and weird and inconsistent and messy. So don’t be too hard on yourself if concentrating on a book is too difficult. Just do whatever you need to in order to get through each day.
That said, and trust when I say I have more to say on that topic and I feel a long overdue rant on the horizon, I read a fair amount of books since the last time we all got together and fortunately for me, almost all of them were really good. One was outstanding. One was terrible and a big fat DNF.
This is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick. If The Happiness Project took place in a town instead of Gretchen Rubin’s house, it would be this book. It had some good advice and interesting things to think about but most of it is common sense stuff. There’s some stuff it doesn’t touch on, like what if you’re a liberal feminist living in a predominantly conservative, traditional town, and I get that but glossing over it doesn’t help much, either. Overall, it’s a decent read.
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson. This was one of the last books I was able to get before my library closed for quarantine and I’m so glad I got it. I loved it. It was exactly what I needed, even if it feels like I read it 4 million years ago. I know he has some more books and I plan to check them out. I need someone to fill the Paul Cleave void.
The Dilemma by B.A. Paris. NetGalley ARC. I’m a huge fan of her books; I’ve yet to read one I don’t like. This one was a little different from her usual domestic thrillers but I thought it was creative and done really well. Even if you didn’t like her last one, consider giving her another try.
What You Wish For by Katherine Center. Another NetGalley ARC. Katherine Center and Abbi Waxman are pretty much the only two “chick lit” writers I will consistently read. I enjoy their books a lot, and I flew threw this one in a day. It was sadder than some of her usual writing, and the domestic violence storyline was a little too casual, but it was a solid book.
The Choke by Sofie Laguna. The writing in this book is fantastic and the plot is also fantastic. It’s hard to read at times, mostly due to the subject matter (if rape, child abuse and neglect, and teen pregnancy upset you, do not read this book), but you could see little glimpses of optimism and beauty in this heartwrenching story.T
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. The mystical/supernatural elements of the Underground Railroad reminded me of Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad but that’s where the similarities ended (except the fact that it’s narrated by slaves). This book is something else. It’s slow and tedious at times but absolutely worth it. It’s painful to read, but sometimes we need to read the hard topics, especially when they really happened.
When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neal. Read this book. It is magnificent. And that’s all I have to say about that.
Stay by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Yet another NetGalley book. That’s three since our last link-up. WHO AM I? Anyway, I think her writing is phenomenal and this book focuses on mental health and suicide and the impact we can have on someone without realizing it and it’s so many important themes all rolled into one. I did not love the ending/epilogue but that’s okay.
The Topeka School by Ben Lerner. I waiting almost four months for this book. Not worth it. You know those books that you read and you know you’re supposed to get something from it but it winds up making you feel stupid instead? That’s this book. What it did do is make me realize I’d rather read a book with a mediocre writing and good plot than one with smart, literary writing that goes nowhere.
How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell. DNF. Couldn’t do it. Found it tedious and absolutely rambling and pointless. We don’t link to DNFs around here but feel free to check it out for yourself. I might have hated it but you might like it more.
TL; DR: When We Believed in Mermaids is a must-read, How to Do Nothing is a hard pass and all the ones in between were in no way a waste of my time and I’m glad I read them, too, except for The Topeka School which is probably not as bad as I think it is but is definitely not for me.
Currently reading: The Roxy Letters by Mary Pauline Lowry. Another NetGalley. Trying hard to work through the whole list.
So that’s all I read. Now it’s your turn! Link up below and let us know what you read, and remember to visit my co-host Steph and some other bloggers joining us today. Also, mark your calendars (if you have one still because time has ceased to exist) for May 12 for the next linkup. Don’t forget that there’s a readathon this weekend and you can follow along on Instagram.
Look at me, jumping back in to the SUYB game on the month you’ve read The Choke. It’s like we planned it.
I don’t remember adding When We Believed in Mermaids, but I went to goodreads, and it was already on my “to read” list. So, guess I need to do that as soon as a library opens.
Erin Gray recently posted…I’ll show you my books, you show me yours 2020 v.1
My reading has definitely changed, but the quantity is slowly getting back to normal. I’m doing a lot of re-reads and classics though. I miss my library!
I have big plans to use my coffee break this afternoon to read through all of these links. Thanks for this!
Jill K recently posted…Show Us Your Books April 2020
I am reading less because my boyfriend is home and that means the TV is constantly on distracting me!
I want to read When We Believed in Mermaids.
Confuzzled Bev recently posted…What I read in March 2020
I read When We Believed in Mermaids and loved it. I have Stay and What You Wish For in my TBR list.
I’ve been reading more as a distraction from obsessing over checking the news/social media, but now that I’m trying to read non-fiction I’m struggling a bit. I’m pretty sure I have multiple BA Paris books on my TBR, but I’ve never got to them for some reason. Just added When We Believed in Mermaids.
Carly recently posted…Reading Roundup 2 | 2020
When We Believed in Mermaids was good. So was The Dilemma, which I also read this past month.
I haven’t read Eight Perfect Murders but Peter Swanson is almost always a win for me. Reliable page-turners for sure!
Kristin recently posted…March Books 2020
I read three Netgalley books this month too! I loved What You Wish For, and I have The Dilemma as well. I keep meaning to read it, but then something else comes in and I am like ohhh that one! I want to read When We Believe in Mermaids. I dont think my library has it, sounds like a good one to order for a treat! Dont get me started on homeschooling. Its a shit show over here too, and we dont have any real work to do. I cant even imagine!
Nadine recently posted…Books
Loved 8 perfect murders and what you wish for is on my TBR.
so true about none of it being wrong – i see people beating themselves up because they aren’t being productive or reading or baking or whatever. honestly, i’m just trying to stay sane over here. i’m with you on exercise/getting outside for a walk. yesterday was the first real cold day we had after a string of beautiful days and i didn’t go for my walk and i didn’t sleep well. so. glad you liked the katherine center book – have you read the lost husband? the movie was super cute. i agree on the domestic violence storyline though, it was definitely a bit odd and glossed over. YAY to mermaids!!!! so good! the water dancer sounds super interesting.
I’ve been working on NetGalley books too. I really enjoyed What You Wish For although my favorite is still How To Walk Away.
Dara recently posted…The List of Things That Will Not Change Blog Tour – Review and Giveaway
Have heard so many good things about Mermaids – the library hasn’t picked it up yet, so I may just have to go on ahead and buy it. Shocker, but I started the Topeka book as well, but I DNF’d it – I just couldn’t get into it. Hooray for another BA Paris book!
I feel like my reading mojo has come back, but it’s still not 100%, but that’s okay. I’m glad you’ve been able to read a lot and mostly enjoyed them. I really want to check out Eight Perfect Murders!
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Show Us Your Books: April 2020
Water Dancer has been on my list for awhile but I think I need to wait til after the pandemic has subsided a bit for my own mental health. Eight Perfect Murders going on my list…
sara recently posted…show us your books! march reads (quarantine edition)
I have the BA Paris and Katherine Center to read from Netgalley.
Pissed that I never got the Peter Swanson before the libraries closed. I’ll get it from somewhere even though I should wait because I have PLENTY to read
Loved Mermaids and Stay.
The water Dancer was hard but great
I’ve read all the books by B.A Paris except for The Dilemma – definitely on my TBR list and after Lockdown I want to get it.
I definitely missed the March linkup because I didn’t know what day was what anymore. I’ve been stalking the library for the day they get a copy of We Were Mermaids, I think I might break down and buy that one, because everyone raves about it.
I felt several types of way about The Water Dancer, but I remember feeling disappointed in the ending?
Kasey recently posted…What I Read In February & March
I started reading Netgalley books this month, something that I usually NEVER do and ended up reading that Katherine Center book. I’ve become a big fan of hers too. I really enjoyed The Happiness Project and added This Is Where You Belong to my to read list. I have been wanting to read When We Believed in Mermaids. Everyone who’s read it has enjoyed it.
When We Believed in Mermaids was one of my favorite books last year! It was amazing.
Adding when we believed in mermaids to my list! I heard a lot about it last year but didnt get a chance to read it. Your review sold me.
I just finished Eight Perfect Murders the other night, and it was my least favorite Swanson book so far! BUT I’m not a huge fan of mysteries, so I feel like if you love them then you’ll probably enjoy the book and all its references more than I did. So excited to read What You Wish For and Mermaids has been on my TBR for a while. Need to get to it!
Hope you’re staying well!
Karly
https://www.whatkarlysaid.com
Karly recently posted…What I Read in March 2020 + Reviews
I am currently reading When We Believed in Mermaids. I know that you and Steph both recommend it. Water Dancer is another one I was thinking about reading…heard mixed reviews. Lastly, Catherine Ryan Hyde is getting alot of buzz. I have a few of hers. Where would you start? Thanks. Pam 🙂
Pam recently posted…March Reads 2020 (and April so far….)
I’ll have to add When We Believed in Mermaids to my TBR list. I have hope again that the quarantine will help me whittle down the list a little bit 😉 Take care of you and yours!
Becki recently posted…Show Us Your Books – April 2020
It’s funny because I’ve really struggled to read but when I do – it helps so much. But just getting that point where I sit down to read is tough. Peter Swanson is definitely going on my TBR. I’m not familiar with that title. I know that some of his other books are already on my TBR. 😀 When We Were Mermaids is also already on my TBR. It seems universally beloved so I’m anxious to read it. My library is closed but you can still check out books. You just have to schedule a pick-up, then they have your books all set in a plastic bag for you to grab. No touching! 😀 But it’s nice because I can still get books. Like you, I’m still working and it’s a mixed blessing. I’m so grateful for the schedule (sanity-bringer, like you said) and the paycheck but I have to deal with the public and this is Trump territory so they don’t want face masks. Some don’t even really believe it’s a “thing”. And I have vulnerable people in my life and really have to resist the urge to slap people sometimes. Stay safe!
Tanya @ A Mindful Migration recently posted…March Bookshelf: “WTF is Happening” Reading
I’m cracking up because we both loved When We Believed in Mermaids but you said very little about it and I couldn’t shut up about it! Adding The Dilemma and Eight Perfect Murders for sure.
Gwen recently posted…Showin’ My Books – April ’20
I’m finding I’m all over the place… I am definitely cooking/baking and hiking more but trying to keep our routine fairly normal. I’ve been homeschooling for years and while we miss our friends and meeting up with them a few times a week it’s a minor inconvenience. My husband is still working outside the home so our days feel normal but I can’t shake the knowledge that it’s not. I sometimes have trouble reading or just focusing on any task but have been reading up a storm on those days and times I do feel more at peace. I’ve been dying to read When We Believed in Mermaids (and I’m pretty sure I placed it on hold at our library before they closed). Mostly I’m just trying to read up all those books I’ve been accumulating on my Kindle for ages and ages.
Joanne recently posted…All Caught Up With My Scrapbooking!
Eight Perfect Murders, The Topeka School, and What You Wish For are on my TBR list at the library right now- I’ve had to switch over to e-books which has a much longer wait time right now :(. I’ve actually found that I am reading A LOT more since quarantine started. Other than work, I guess I really don’t have much else to do so I’ve been flying through books lately.
I’m finding that I’m actually reading A LOT more since being stuck at home the last month. Other than work, I guess I don’t really have much else to do so I’ve been flying through books. I have Eight Perfect Murders, The Topeka School, and What You Wish For on my TBR list– I’ve had to switch to e-books since the library shut down and the wait time is much longer! 🙁
Megan recently posted…maggie moo
I’ve also been trying to keep my schedule as normal as possible, even though it looks nothing like my life pre-quarantine. I still work all day, although with constant interruption from my kids, and I am still reading. Books are my solace so I’m thankful to be able to do that, even if it’s just a little bit before I go to bed. I hadn’t heard of Mermaids, but now I’m going to have to go look that one up!
Shea recently posted…reading round-up {quarantine style}
I’ve been doing a lot of YA lately as an escape but have been craving a good mystery/page turner as another form of escape. Maybe I need to check out Eight Perfect Murders! And I’m impressed with all of the NetGalley progress 🙂
Anne recently posted…re-wearing lately: leggings repeat
Yay, a read-a-thon! Sounds like just the thing for me. Glad to hear you liked the new Katherine Center and BA Paris- both are auto-reads for me.
I just bought When We Were Mermaids a couple of days ago and I’m so excited to see that you have read it and loved it!! Now I can’t wait to read it!! I love how varied your book tastes are, so am saving this post down!! Thanks for hosting 🙂
I like that you mentioned mental health because even though I have dealt with depression/anxiety for a long time, I didn’t think it would truly affect me any more than it already has and I’m having to be more aware of myself during this time!!
Eight Perfect Murders intrigues me and I may have added it to my TBR list!! Thanks for the suggestion!
Ashley Z. recently posted…First Church at Home
I want to read that Katherine Center book and The Roxy Letters. What is Netgalley?
I hear myself saying that I want to do all those things that I couldn’t do before because I was not working from home, but am finding very little motivation to actually do them. I’m also trying to get through Netgalley reads, even ones from *years* ago, and physical books. YA, chic-lit, and domestic thrillers are my go-to these days. The world is too heavy as it is for me right now- I need light,… or mystery. Curious to hear your thoughts on The Roxy Letters.
Dani recently posted…COVID Confessions
Eight Perfect Murders sounds pretty interesting but that’s not typically my genre of choice. I love the literary aspect, though. I’m definitely in the not-reading camp right now. There’s no normalcy for me to cling to because life with a 4 month old changes day to day and I’m a control freak so I try to make sense of that. I’m finally starting to just chill a bit… so hopefully that means more reading.
Audrey recently posted…Quarantine Eats