Today would have been Barkley’s 16th birthday and I miss my reading buddy more than I have the words for. But you know what else I miss? Leaving the house. Like, REALLY REALLY miss leaving the house.
We’re god knows how many weeks into this and even though here in Delaware, we’re planning on starting to reopen on June 1, it still feels like it’s forever away. At the same time, it’s getting more and more difficult to remember a time before we lived like this. I mean, I *do* I remember but it feels like a lifetime ago.
Kind of want that lifetime back. For so many reasons, including the option to go to the library and bookstores. Weekly library visits are part of my routine and I’m dying for that part of my normal to resume. It’s not that I have nothing to read, I have plenty, but it’s the option and the ability to go to the library that I’m aching to have back.
Soon enough, I guess.
This past month, I read less than I normally do, only five books, but at least there weren’t any DNFs. So that was nice. I also read one NetGalley book but I requested more so I’m still three years behind in reading what’s on my shelf. I supposed my goal of cleaning up my queue during quarantine is not going to happen.
Oh, well.
The Roxy Letters by Mary Pauline Lowry. I liked the writing and the epistolary nature of the book but Roxy was so fucking insufferable it made the book hard to read. I hated her. SO MUCH. And her evolution wasn’t so much an evolution as the chips falling into place for a horrible person and that was upsetting. Still, it was a relatively quick, pass the time read. Thanks, NetGalley.
The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton by Richard Fifield. This is his follow-up to The Flood Girls, which I loved, and it had some similar themes but was also a completely different book. This one was YA but didn’t feel YA most of the time, and her mom was borderline abusive and the bullying that went on was difficult as well, but at the same time, it felt real and valid. And unlike Roxy, Tiffany’s letters showed depth and real change.
Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris. I waited months for this book and while I don’t know that it was worth waiting four months, I’m glad I read it. And I don’t like historical fiction generally. The writing is solid, the characters feel real and uncontrived, and the plot will keep you wanting to read.
Button Man by Andrew Gross. Another historical fiction book and I fucking loved it. The fact that it’s based on his grandfather’s story makes it even that much more interesting. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before, with a focus on the Jewish mafia, and I love how it doesn’t play into stereotypes of Jews. I loved his writing, I loved the whole story, and I definitely plan to read more of his books.
Three Women by Linda Taddeo. The fuck did I just read? I kept reading because I wanted to know how each woman’s story ended up, but the writing was like she wanted to write porn but was ashamed to put her name on it so put it in the context of nonfiction instead. The graphic – VERY GRAPHIC – descriptions of sex were not necessary in any way. I like how she tapped into the trauma that caused some of their actions and behaviors but the presentation could have been less smutty romance and more reporting.
TL;DR: The Roxy Letters and Three Women are fine but I don’t know that I’d recommend them. Button Man, Sold on a Monday, and The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton are all excellent and you should definitely consider reading them.
Currently reading The Holdout by Graham Moore (and there is a good chance I will finish it midway through today).
Now it’s your turn! Link up and show us your books! And mark your calendars for June 9th for the next one. Don’t forget to visit Steph and some of the other bloggers who joined us.
That is such a lovely photo of your reading buddy. Sorry that today must be a sad day for you.
The Roxy Letters sounds interesting but I know what you mean when a character in a book is just so annoying!
It can make enjoying the story difficult.
I miss the library so much too. Like you I have plenty of books here, but I miss being able to read what I feel like not what I’m stuck with.
Jill K recently posted…May Show Us Your Books
I’ve heard mixed reviews about Three Women also. I’m in the same boat with my NetGalley shelf. It feels like I request 2 for every book I read. There are just too many out there that interest me. Thanks for hosting’
Sarah recently posted…Show Us Your Books – 5/12/20
I’m sorry you’re missing Barkley. I’ve been obsessing lately over our dogs getting older and I don’t know how I’m going to deal.
I just listened to a review of Three Women the other day on What Should I Read Next. They didn’t say THAT. They just had a list of other reasons why they didn’t like it. Interesting.
The last book I waited 4 months for was Crawdads and that was worth it. Would be TOTALLY annoying if the book wasn’t great :/
I miss going places too. Zoe has asked a million times when we can go shopping again. Or see her friends. Weird times. Button Man sounds like a really interesting read, adding it!
LOL I feel seen with your reaction to Three Women, I asked the same question after I finished it. I agree there were things she did well but overall that one was just not for me. The Button Man sounds like one I need to check out!
I’ve found myself getting more annoyed in just the past few days even. And it’s carrying over to being annoyed by book characters. LOL Hope going out again is as glorious as we imagine. I love historical fiction – may check out Button Man. Thanks for sharing!
Becki recently posted…Show Us Your Books – April 2020
Your dog is adorable. I really want to read The Roxy Letters.
Amy recently posted…Books Read in April 2020
We read Button Man for my book group a few months ago. I thought it was ok.
Dara recently posted…Three Things Tuesday – The Way They Are
It’s just so hard not to request more NetGalley books whenever I see an interesting cover or author, even if I have a zillion books here all needing my attention too… but that’s another reason I love linkups like this, to get the inside scoop on what’s worth the time. And good to know on The Roxy Letters – thanks for that!
Anne recently posted…wearing lately: on the bright side
everyone is talking about restaurants and nail salons and this and that and i’m like but the library! i can’t wait for the library to open. my library might start doing curbside pick up soon and i am SO excited.
i did not like three women at all. at all at all at all.
adding the andrew gross book to my list!
kristen recently posted…Books Lately
Oh, Barkley. He always had the most soulful eyes. I want to get back out into the “real” world too but it feels a little scary. Like, I’m wearing a mask and social distancing and you, person standing waaaaaay to close to me, are not. Argh. But I miss going to the library too. They have curbside delivery now, so at least I can still get books, but I like being IN the library too. 😀 Now, onto your books. You had me at Jewish Mafia. Button Man is definitely going on my TBR. Stay safe and sane. 😀
Tanya @ A Mindful Migration recently posted…April Bookshelf: Reading is Good Month
I also didn’t care much for Three Women.
Ugh, Three Women. That book was NOT what I expected and I did not like it. I thought it was supposed to be about women taking charge of their sexuality and that is clearly NOT what it was. Yeesh.
Leslie recently posted…I’m Officially Out of the Reading Slump
Happy Birthday to your little guy – I know it’s rough!
Yay for getting some books read this past month, and no DNF’s. Sorry you didn’t love all of them, but three out of five is pretty good.
-lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Show Us Your Books + Big Birthday Giveaway of Books!
Happy birthday to your buddy. He is surely in doggy heaven, eating cake!
I love Kristina McMorris but I haven’t read that one yet. On my list!
StephTheBookworm recently posted…Odd Jobs Everyone Forgets To Do Around Their Home
I am dying to go to the library. I miss it.
SMD recently posted…Show Us Your Books May 2020
Button Man sounds great. We are missing our weekend trips to the library too – Sheff loves just picking out a book and sitting in the kids room to read it. Hopefully soon!
Here in NC we are doing a phased reopening. It feels like a lot of people are not respecting the recommendations for Phase 1…so we’ll see if/when we actually get to move on.
Button Man sounds intriguing.
It’ll be here before you know it – hang in there!!!
I am so thankful for my libraries Kindle borrows in times like these.
I’ve nearly checked out Three Women from the library more times than I can count, but something always was holding me back. Think I’ll hold off even longer based on your review, lol.
Karly
https://www.whatkarlysaid.com
Karly recently posted…What I Read in April 2020 + Reviews
I was really excited about Three Women, but I’ve heard from many people that it wasn’t that good. I really miss going to the library and taking my daughter to library story time.
I detested Three Women. Liked the idea behind it but it was poorly executed.
Lindsay Latimer recently posted…What I Read in April/May
I totally miss the library!! 🙁 It was part of my weekly routine as well.
Mackenzie recently posted…As The Page Turns: May Edition
I don’t think I’m ever getting approved for a Netgalley book again 😂😩
I was intrigued by Three Women once upon a time, but was concerned it might a little too hard to read (more from a potential violence perspective than sex-on-the-page), but this review makes me second guess every picking it up. Oh well… not like I need more on my TBR anyway!
Megan @ The Hungry Bookworm recently posted…Show Us Your Books – 2020 Reading Recap
We actually stop by the library a few times a weeks and I am missing is so much!! We are supposed to start opening things up slowly here in CT in another couple of weeks and while I’d love to get out more I’m not so sure we will be with all these new protocols in place; seems like the hassle is just not worth it… well, until they open the library anyway! Nothing is keeping me away from there.
Joanne recently posted…How I De-Stress and Recharge
Look at you with the historical fiction! I have another Andrew Gross on my TBR and The Button Man looks good, too. I got The Holdout from BOTM but haven’t read it yet.
Gwen recently posted…Showin’ My Books – May ’20
I totally feel you on wanting to leave the house. Our libraries have been closed since the middle of March. They started doing ‘curbside pickup’ of books but you still can’t return anything or go into the actual building. I definitely miss it as well!
Sold on a Monday sounds similar to When We Were Yours which was interesting!
It is so hard to miss pets. Thinking of you. I didn’t realize Flood Girls had a follow up! That’s interesting. It’s on my shelf, along with approx. 89,999 other books. 🙂 I hope you get to leave the house soon. I’m one of the weirdos who is really content right now. LOL XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Alexandra Consolver recently posted…March & April 2020 Reads // Quarantine Reading (aka LONG POST)
I’m currently reading a book (After We Collided) and the main character’s mother is abusive and a bully like you mentioned in The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton. It’s really sad and I’m grateful for the mother I do have and pray for those that have moms who are abusive in any way! Even if the books are fiction I can’t imagine.
I love historical fiction but I haven’t been reading much of it (or anything…) lately. I’m going to add Button Man to my list, though! It sounds great!
Audrey recently posted…I Was Scared to Become a MOM
What a great photo of your reading buddy. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I really want to read The Roxy Letters.
Amy recently posted…Three On Thursday: Quarantine Edition