Do you love the new SUYB logo? I do, and we have the supremely talented Tanya to thank for it (you’ll see the rest of her handiwork in a day or two).
For those who are new, that’s me and Steph circa 1997, classily drinking what appears to be Boone’s Farms. We went to college together and have basically been friends ever since. It’s actually pretty cool.
But you’re here for the books so let’s talk books instead walking down memory lane. I had a pretty decent reading month and by that I mean I read some fucking fantastic books that you too need to read. I’m actually quite impressed with me as I read TWO from my NetGalley queue and some new releases as well (and finished my Goodreads goal!). I plan to dig into the bowels of my TBR over the winter so let’s enjoy the new books while we can.
As always, don’t forget to visit Steph and some of the other bloggers joining us. And we’ll be doing two in December. One is our regularly scheduled SUYB on December 12 and our annual Show Us Your Favorite Books of the Year on December 26. Please don’t feel obligated to join us for both; we know it’s a lot.
So, in no particular order, here’s my books from the last month. All reviews, as always, are copied directly from Litsy but I don’t recommend following me over there because I use it just for record keeping and not at all for what they intended.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Simply put, this book is fucking amazing and I’m jealous of anyone reading it for the first time. Her writing is gorgeous in its simplicity and emotion. She handles sensitive issues in a non-preachy way and the plot unfolds like a mystery which it sort of is but also not and the storytelling is phenomenal and you legit can’t figure out where it’s going until it gets there. Easily one of the best books I’ve read this year and my shitty review doesn’t do it justice.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera. Reading this book in the middle of fresh grief wasn’t the smartest choice but the heartache mixed with optimism and a twist on carpe diem made it time well spent. It’s not easy, reading about dying teenagers, but it’s not supposed to be easy. There is so much tragedy and loss in the story that it hurts, physically, but there’s so much love, too. The sci-fi elements didn’t do it for me (they annoyed me, in fact) but you can suspend belief within the context of the bigger plot and message.
Caroline by Sarah Miller. This book is written in the same tedious manner as the Little House books with numerous pages devoted to the most mundane details but not nearly as engaging. The book felt split in 2, with the first half being one long, continuous story and the second half as Kansas vignettes. But reading the Ingalls’ story from Ma’s perspective made me understand why she was such an asshole, and the sympathy for her is real and not simply because of Pa’s selfishness and stupidity (although that is a big part of it).
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green. It’s no secret around here that I have a major crush on John Green. So maybe take that with a grain of salt when reading my review but seriously, this book is spectacular. It’s probably one of the best, most accurate, honest, and carefully written books about mental health I’ve read. He touches on all aspects of it, from what it’s like living with OCD and anxiety to loving someone who deals with it. Aza didn’t need to be a teenager to make the story relevant but I’m happy for all the kids like her who have now have someone representing them in a book. Some of the typical YA parts irked me (but I’m 40 so really, that’s expected) and the plot is kind of a mess but I 100% recommend this book.
Artemis by Andy Weir. I love his writing. It’s smart, sarcastic, and quick. He knows how to construct a hell of an engaging plot and excellent characters and I enjoyed how this one was a thriller with a western feel but in space and the main character was a badass woman. But something fell flat. The breaking of the 4th wall was unnecessary, he tried too hard with the sarcasm at times, and dude, we get it. You’re smart with science. Stop shoving it down our throats. Still, it was a quick, entertaining read even if it did have elements of blah. It’s going to make a great movie (we all know it’s bound to happen). ARC from NetGalley.
The Art of Hiding by Amanda Prowse. Meh. This book was a fine way to pass the time on a plane in in a waiting room. The characters felt underdeveloped and parts of the plot felt rushed and tropey but I liked the premise of Nina learning to care for herself and her boys after the unexpected death of her husband (a plot point that needed way more attention). There’s actually a ton of really good financial lessons tucked into the book so that was a nice surprise. ARC from NetGalley.
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne. This book gave me the biggest book hangover I have ever had. I genuinely don’t even know how to review it. It was big, beautifully written, story of a gay Irishman born to a teen mom, adopted by people who didn’t really like him, and who struggled his whole life to accept himself and find happiness. It’s friendship and love and tragedy and family and gay rights told over 70 years. It made me so angry and sad at times but filled with hope and smiles at others. If you’re going to read it, be prepared for the commitment.
The Financial Diaries by Jonathan Murdoch and Rachel Schneider. To be honest, this is not a book I expect most people to enjoy. I received it after completing an event at FinCon called FinX, (sponsored by the Center for Financial Services Innovation) where I spent the afternoon conducting financial transactions as an unbanked person. It was incredibly eye opening, but also completely in line with what I find interesting. The book focuses on how people manage their money but rather than reading like actual diaries or an ethnography, it was absolutely 100% a sociological study with TONS of academic research highlighted. It’s a well done book but for me, it wasn’t what I was looking for right now. Had I read it in college or grad school, I probably would have loved it, though.
Currently reading Ghettoside by Jill Leovy with Lincoln in the Bardo and X up next.
Now it’s your turn! Show us your books! Nonbloggers, leave a comment with what you’ve read recently that you’d recommend (or one that’s a hard pass)
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I LOVE the new logo! And I even more love that you guys have been friends for so long.
Confuzzled Bev recently posted…The books I read in October 2017
Little Fires is on my TBR. I’ve heard such great things about it. I’ve been putting off reading it because of my book funk. I worry it will affect my enjoyment of the book. Artemis is the one book I did end up reading and I felt the same way. A good, entertaining read but not quite as strong as The Martian. This may shock you but I have never read a John Green book. Many are on my TBR but none have been read. I don’t know why that makes me feel guilty. 😀 I’m glad you like logo and can’t wait to do the rest of the install!
Tanya @ A Mindful Migration recently posted…October Bookshelf: The OMG I Only Read 1 Book Month!
Loved Little Fires so much.
I was reading an iffy book. Turtles arrived yesterday. I think You know what I’m going to do.
Yes! Just finished Little Fires Everywhere a couple of days ago and you describe my feelings exactly. I’ve got the new John Green up next on my shelf – I’ve been seeing a lot of good reviews, so I’m looking forward to that. And I was wondering if the new Andy Weir would turn out as you describe…
How are you liking Lincoln in the Bardo?
I’ve been on the wait list for the Ng book foreverrrrr.
I’m on the waiting list at the library for Little Fires Everywhere. I’ve never read anything written by John Green, but I’ve been seeing this one everywhere so I might have to give it a try. My sister bought it and she comes home for Thanksgiving Break next week so I will have to borrow it.
I think I’m going to read Turtles All the Way Down at some point. I liked a couple of his other books and I am interested in the mental health aspect in this one. I really liked Artemis – not up to par with the Martian but I agree that it will make an exciting movie and I like his writing a lot. 100% agree with your thoughts on Little Fires Everywhere. Have you read her first book? I am dying to get to it soon but not sure if it will live up to my expectations now. LOVE the new button with you and Steph on a book. So cool.
The two books I’ve read from Ng & Silvera already were amazing so this just fuels the fire to get my hands on these.
TATWD….loved, loved, loved. Big JG/Vlogbrothers in general fan here!
Boyne sounds crazy intense but so appealing.
Love love the new logo. Andy Weir is a great writer (i respected his writing even if I didnt love the Martian) and I cant wait to read Artemis!
I am on the wait list for Turtles, and I’m looking forward to it. I’m trying to not put too much expectation on it!!
I have a different Celest Ng book on my to read list, will add this one too.
Little Fires sounds like a must-read. I’ve been curious about the new John Green, so thanks for th review! Definitely adding it to my TBR list.
Artemis sounds interesting. I’ll be adding that to my TBR list. (Thanks!)
Little Fires Everywhere is already on it because I’ve yet to hear one bad review. Glad you liked it!
Audrey recently posted…What I Read… vol. 11
I have the art of hiding on my Netgalley shelf and need to get to it. Excited to read Turtles and Celest NG.
Ooh, so many of these are on my list. I’m number 75 million in the holds queue for Little Fires… so maybe I’ll get to it before 2019?? I also want to read Artemis but admit that I fear a let down because I know it won’t be as good as The Martian. I had John Boyne’s book on my list too but had forgotten where I heard about it/why I wanted to read it. Thanks for the reminder–I think this sounds like such a great winter read!
love the new button! go tanya! so good to hear about little fires everywhere, i haven’t read any of her books but i got that one from BOTM so i’ll be getting to it soon hopefully. such a bummer about Artemis, i mean, how can anything compare to The Martian, but still. Turtles is on my TBR. He’s an amazing writer!
I LOVE John Green – I saw him on his tour last month and it was amazing. So yes, I have his newest book but I need to find time to read it. I’m sure I’ll love it though – I like all his books. I also own and need to read They Both Die at the End. But again, love Adam and all his books, so I’m sure I’ll love it. I’m glad you liked these two. 🙂
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Show Us Your Books + Cozy Night In Gift Guide
I’m on the wait list at the library for Little Fires Everywhere and I can’t wait to read it! Although I might have to wait a little while longer since I’m #40 something on the list!
Thanks for helping me with my comment problems! I had so much to say, so I freaked out for a second – ha! Sorry about that…
Anyway, we read lots of similar ones this month. Little Fires, Turtles and They Both Die – solid month! I also didn’t read The Heart’s Invisible Furies this time, but read it over the summer and loved it. Glad you did too 🙂 I’m so on the fence about Artemis (LOVED The Martian), but your review makes it seem worthwhile. Sounds like a decent, quick read.
As always, thanks for hosting!
Megan recently posted…Show Us Your Books – November 2017
I’m in the last few chapters of Turtles all the way down & am loving how he’s representing the mental state of Aza. I so get her in SOOOO many aspects. He’s really nailed that part of her anxiety & OCD side.
I saw John Green said he thought Little Fires Everywhere was one of the best books of 2018 – got that on my must read list.
Love the new logo. So cute!!!!
Ohhh Jana get ready for Lincoln in the Bardo!! I wasn’t sure at first but I really thought it morphed into a masterpiece. Little Fires is up next for me. Can’t Wait. Pam 🙂
I already have Little Fires Everywhere on my to read list and just added Turtles All the Way Down. I’ve found Green to be hit or miss for me but I’m interested in the topic of this book. I’m on the fence with Artemis but think I’ll probably pass. I was surprised with how much I enjoyed The Martian but think I”ll have too high expectations.
Little Fires and Turtles are both in queue after I finish my book club books, I wish I had more time to read! Thanks for the reviews!
Love that you guys have been friends for so long & love the new button! You might have convinced me to finally add Little Fires Everywhere to my list! It will probably be a while before I get to The Heart’s Invisible Furies, but from what I’ve heard about it I think it’s something I’ll really love.
Carly recently posted…Carly Reads Here | November
Little Fires Everywhere is towards the top of my TBR. I expect to get to it over Thanksgiving. I’m looking forward to it!
Enjoy Lincoln in the Bardo! I am another one who is eleventy-billionth in line for a Little Fires Everywhere copy. I keep dancing around Turtles All the Way Down but someone close to me has OCD and I’m not sure if I’m able to read about it yet.
Kimberly recently posted…Show us your books: November 2017
Love the new logo!!
Your review of Invisible Furies reminds me of John Irving. Did this book have a similar style?
Have heard such amazing things about Turtles all The Way Down – I’m excited to read it. Adding the Hearts Invisible Furies ASAP – it sounds amazing.
So many books I need to read! Little Fire Everywhere sounds so interesting.
While I didn’t love Little Fires quite as much, I do have to agree the author has a way with words and had some very poignant sentiments. Totally loved her comparison of watching your child to going to Narnia. Spot on!
Love the new logo 🙂 sounds like I NEED to read Little Fires!
love the new logo and am totally jealous of yall’s friendship! definitely adding little fires everywhere to my TBR.
I loved Little Fires Everywhere (shout out to Steph for being awesome and sending it to me when she was done because I was #64 at the library!). Love the new SUYB logo and your fancy schmancy new blog design!
Artemis on getting close to the top of my TBR netgalley list and your review sums up what I’ve been thinking. I know its going to be good, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t live up to The Martian. Glad to hear it was at least a decent read!
Alison – Puppies & Pretties recently posted…Maroon Moto Jacket
When my dad passed away, I remember reading a book where the main characters dad had passed away, and the grief was so difficult to deal with because it was so relate-able! It’s crazy how books can do that to us!
Love the new blog look, glad you had a great reading month. I’ve been busy busy trying to finally get through these SUYB posts. 😛 I want to read both Little House (series) and Caroline, bummer that it was inconsistent for you. XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
I loved Little Fires and Turtles, and They Both Die is on hold. I got Artemis from NetGalley too and for some reason never felt like starting it.