So I had this big goal of writing 10 things in the first quarter of 2020. I have not. However, I did write something for work that went viral in my weird cheer mom world, so that’s pretty cool. But you know what I have been able to do?
Read all the books. Granted, I gave myself a target of 20 knowing I should hit it (I need to sometimes not set myself up to fail) and as of this writing, I’m reading book 22. And there’s still more than half of March left. Yay for me!
If we’re friends on Goodreads, please disregard the number because it’s not fully accurate. I’ve yet to account for all the books in the Forward collection being their own and I’m still halfway through Broke. I had to table it. We’ll discuss why next month when I’ve had a chance to finish it.
But we’re here to talk about the books I did read this past month and while there were only five, they were a hell of a five. I’d rather have read five marvelous books than ten average ones so I’m okay with my lower-than-average number.
Nothing More Dangerous by Allen Eskens. Fun fact: I always spell his name wrong. Another fun fact: this is yet another home run for Allen Eskens. His books are so well done and interesting and this one, although it took place in the 70s, could have easily taken place now. It’s hard to read at times, more for the racism than the violence, but it was alternatingly sad and heartbreaking and a solid mystery.
Whatever It Takes by Paul Cleave. Probably my favorite thriller writer, I’d been putting off reading this one since I bought it last November. Why? Because it’s the last book of his I had not read and now I have to wait for more. Which makes me sad. However, this book did not make me sad at all. It started off a little slow and had me thinking it sounded a lot like one of his earlier books and then it took a HUGE turn that I was not expecting. So that was nice. It was the right combination of violence and mystery and everything I love about his books.
Long Bright River by Liz Moore. Read this book as soon as you can. Buy it, get it from the library, steal it from your friend who owns it. Just get your hands on it. Trust me. I can’t imagine this NOT being one of my favorite books of the year.
Atomic Habits by James Clear. As someone who’s not hugely into self-help books but reads them just in case and also because for ones that are this popular, I like to see what the hype is about (except Rachel Hollis. Zero interest in her), I found myself liking this one so much I bought it to reread at some point. I think what I liked most was that it wasn’t so much a “the only way to form new habits is to wake up at 5 am” but rather an “if you want to change things, you can and do it in a way that makes sense for you”-type book. Yes, he has a formula and yes, he really thinks you should follow it, but it’s more about changing your environment and your systems than hustling harder or waking up at a stupid early time as a cure-all for why you can’t make it to the gym or why you can’t write more. Do recommend if you’re interested in fixing some bad habits or learning how to develop better ones.
The Chain by Adrian McKinty. This book is wildly fucked up and a wild ride that you will probably find yourself devouring in a few days. I finished it in two. It, like Whatever It Takes, took a turn I didn’t see coming even if I sort of figured out one of the big mysteries in the book. Did not matter.
TL; DR: All of these books should go on your TBR, even if you don’t like violence and murder. Well, maybe you should pass on that if it’s not your thing. But if it is, read them all.
Currently reading: This Is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving Where You Live by Melody Warnick. We’ll discuss why I chose this one next month.
Now it’s your turn. Link up and show us your books! Don’t forget to stop by and say hi to my co-host Steph (who is also celebrating her birthday month this month) and some of the other readers joining up. And mark your calendars for April 14 for the next one. It’s five weeks from now so extra reading time!
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Atomic habits sounds interesting.
I enjoy reading thrillers that keep me guessing and have lots of twists and turns. Lately I seem to be predicting alot of the plot after a few chapters in most books I read!
I’m still number 53 on the holds list for Long Bright River, although I might give up and buy myself a copy for spring break car reading.
I totally agree with you about 5 great books being better than 10 good ones.
Jill K recently posted…March Show Us Your Books
read nothing more dangerous a few months ago and totally agree with you.
xo
Pinksole
I’ve had This Is Where You Belong on my to-read list for FOREVER, so I’m very curious to hear what you think! And I have been telling everyone to read Long Bright River. Definitely my top pick of the 19 I’ve read so far this year.
Anne recently posted…five things Friday: beauty buys edition
I had to return Long Bright River to the library before I got a chance to read it. Have to put it on hold again. I’ve never read anything by Cleave, but I think I should, as I do love mystery/thrillers.
I’m waiting for Long Bright River, I am excited to read it when it finally gets to me. I also enjoyed Atomic Habits, it was helpful and practical and I liked his point of view. I like self help/personal growth, but too often I’ll read one and think, “well that was good advice, but this guy is kind of an a-hole.” That was not the case with this one.
Shea recently posted…{reading} fiction and non-fiction recommendations
Hmm, Atomic Habits sounds interesting. Big fan of The Armchair Expert podcast, and they just did a show with a behavioral researcher who did a book called Tiny Habits that sounds like a similar theory.
Long Bright River is my Book Club’s pick for next month. I’m glad to hear that you liked it. Thanks so much for hosting this fabulous link-up. I have found so many bloggers to follow and books to read. Enjoy your week.
Katie Clooney recently posted…Reading, Watching, & Listening
I loved The Chain. I have a weird worry that Long Bright River won’t live up to its hype.
Dara recently posted…10 Questions About Spring
OK – if you say so – I’m on the hunt to steal a book 🙂 LOL
But really, Long Bright River just went to the top of the list
I really want to read The Chain, so I’m glad to see you would recommend. I’ve heard about Atomic Habits, so that’s another one that has me curious. I don’t mind certain “self-help” type of books.
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Show Us Your Books: Sadie, The Infinite Noise, and More!
I have to get back on the Allen Eskens train. I’ve only read one.
YES Long Bright River. Everyone. Hurry.
I spell Allen Eskens’ name wrong as well! I always have to check it two or three times to make sure I did indeed spell it right 🙂
Mackenzie recently posted…As The Page Turns: March Edition
I’ve had This Is Where You Belong.. on my list for a long time. I’ll be interested to hear what you think. I recently finished a thriller (which is rare for me) and I don’t know what I thought of it. LOL XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Alexandra Consolver recently posted…February 2020 Reads // Sequels, Lame Non-Fiction, and Romance Series
I’ve never read a Paul Cleave book but that premise sounds so interesting. I also like the sound of Long Bright River.
Confuzzled Bev recently posted…What I read in February 2020: part 2
I have Long Bright River on hold at the library, so it’ll probably be August before I get it. Ha! Can’t wait, though. I’ve heard great things.
Karly
https://www.whatkarlysaid.com
Karly recently posted…What I Read in February 2020 + Reviews
I am with you on Long Bright River. Just thought it was such a great story and so well written. Have been recommending it ever since.
I love Allen Eskens and I’m so behind on his first series. Ack. I also adore him because he is a fellow Minnesotan too. 😀 I’ve only read one Paul Cleave and he is so good but dark and that darkness can stick with you (or at least it did with me). I want to read all his books but have to make sure that I have lighter books to surround him. 😀 Atomic Habits really appeals to me because while I do read self-help, it can be exhausting when they are so rigid. You’ve intrigued me with Long Bright River and I’m adding it to my TBR.
Tanya @ A Mindful Migration recently posted…February Bookshelf: In the Second Month of 2020, I Read Two Books because I Like Symmetry
I have Long Bright River on my list after seeing it going around last month. Hope to get it soon!
Thanks so much for hosting! Adding Nothing More Dangerous to my reading list.
Joanne recently posted…10 Q & A’s About Spring
I loved Nothing More Dangerous! I had no expectations going in but I thought it was so well done.
I think I’m the only person in the world who DNF’ed Long Bright River. I might pick it back up- I was listening it to on audio and it was bringing me so down- so I might try it in print.
Tina recently posted…What I Read in February 2020 + Reviews
I’m really glad you enjoyed the books you read in February and I hope you love the ones you read in March! 🙂
Amy D. recently posted…Books Read in February 2020
I can’t stop talking about Long Bright River. I also have zero interest in Rachel Hollis.
I’ve heard Atomic Habits recommended a lot but I’ve never sat down and read it. I need to, I’m always interested in that stuff.
Stephanie recently posted…Three on Thursday
Oops – I forgot to wish Steph a happy birthday month 🙂 Great job on your cheer article. I’ve got two in competitive baton now, and many of your points apply there too. Most of the adults I talk to are other twirling moms. Have a great month!
Becki recently posted…Show Us Your Books – March 2020
Congratulations on the viral cheerleading piece! That’s awesome!
I need to prioritize my very very little free time better, lol. Maddie does give me alone moments but I swear I’m still in the wash bottles or squeeze in a shower phase. Then again, I could be reading right now… lol.
Audrey recently posted…The American Reality
Hi. Remember me? I’ve come here to see when the next SUYB link-up is because, I mean, I’m at home now. I can’t think of anything better to pull me out of blogging hibernation than Show Us Your Books. Wonder if my blog or my blog email still works……..