Well, it looks like I can write some words after all. I probably should make this more regular. I feel good when I write even if no one is really reading except a few. You know who you are. I see you. And I thank you.
Anyway, after last month’s marathon 13 books, the pace slowed to my standard 6. Which is fine because at least Goodreads is leaving me alone. And, to be honest, I’m not really even sure I like that app anymore. I’ll keep it because there’s no way I’m redoing my TBR but meh. I’m kind of over the whole Goodreads thing.
Also, is NetGalley being a gigantic asshole for anyone else? I’ve requested several books and feel like they’ve ghosted me. I haven’t gotten a yes OR a no but I see people reading books I asked for months ago and…nothing. Not a word from them. I’m started to feel like I should just return to my old-school way of reading books.
Finally, if you follow me on IG, you know that my old man dog, Barkley, is obsessed with my books (in case you haven’t, I’ve included some pictures in this post). I’m thinking about starting an account for him but I’m not sure. Thoughts?
While you’re thinking about that, have a look at what I read since we last got together:
Florida by Lauren Groff Meh. A fine book of short stories. A couple were excellent but the rest were take them or leave them. I didn’t really like Fates and Furies but wanted to give another one of her books a chance. I don’t think she’s for me and don’t see myself reading another one of her books. I think I found this one from Instagram.
A Terrible Country by Keith Gessen I don’t know how I feel about this book. On the one hand, it was a crash course on Russia and Russian culture in the context of the 2008 financial crisis and a magnificent story but on the other hand, it was a tedious, boring, overwritten plot with terrible, annoying bro culture characters. I guess they’re not mutually exclusive but it doesn’t help me figure out my feelings and whether or not I loved or hated it. Can’t remember where I heard about it.
So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know by Retta Funny, smart, honest, and I felt like I was listening to a her tell stories rather than reading a book. Which is exactly what would have happened had I listened to the audiobook, I guess. I love how she is 100% herself and stays true to that, even in the writing, and regardless of how it makes her look. I want her as my new BFF. My favorite chapters were the ones on body image and her childhood and I want her on all the shows. Found this through her IG.
Sunburn by Laura Lippman I liked this book a lot. It was a mess, but an organized, mind-twisting mess. Lots to keep track but it actually made sense in the context of the plot because…well, I can’t say because then it gives too much away. AND. It takes place in Delaware. Which is where I live and books are infrequently set here. I did struggle with the inaccurate geography but that’s just being nitpicky and doesn’t mean anything to the actual goodness of the book. I also liked the 1995 setting. Making it modern would have ruined some stuff. Learned about this one either through SUYB or a Buzzfeed list.
Vox by Christina Dalcher I loved this maddening, all-to-plausible dystopian novel. I wanted to scream after every page because this shit could actually happen. For real. And in some subcultures, it’s already happening. But the end. Yuck. It was super satisfying but also kind of a predictable cop-out and that made me sad. It didn’t detract from me liking the book, even with the confusing science, but I wanted something different. Something that made a stronger point, I think. Learned about this one through either SUYB or some must-read list.
The Book of Essie by Meghan Maclean Weir I read this book in 24 hours. I could not put it down. I know it’s fiction but given some of the…scandals in the fundamental Christian world, it felt like a ripped-from-the-headlines type book. So well done, so well written, filled with morally flawed characters in terrible situations and she handled some of the religious stuff without being preachy or disrespectful. It was an interesting choice after Vox and I’m not sure that I recommend that, though. Thanks to SUYB for this one.
TL; DR: Florida and A Terrible Country are meh and wouldn’t rush to them at all, if ever. Definitely recommend the other 4. Like, a lot. For different reasons but yeah. Read them.
Currently reading Less by Andrew Sean Greer
Next linkup is October 9th and it’s our FOUR YEAR anniversary and you can bet we have some shit planned so definitely mark that down on your calendars.
For now, remember to visit my co-host, Steph, and some other book nerds joining us and Show Us Your Books!
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I’m not on Instagram so I have o opinion one way or the other, but Barkley is adorable!
Confuzzled Bev recently posted…What I read in August 2018
You’re over goodreads just as I’m actually starting to use it lol. I found it tedious before but now I like it. I haven’t read a bunch of these but adding them to my TBR!
Kay R. recently posted…Reading Lately
The Book of Essie looks interesting. Thanks for the fun link up. I know what you mean about Goodreads. I just use it as a big TBR list and then check off the books that I read.
Ok Sunburn has me really interested! I’m looking into that one now!!!
Erin | Chasing Sweet and Simple recently posted…Books (August 2018)
Jana… I’m with you on the Goodreads thing. And NetGalley emails are now going to my spam file, where they belong! This is my first time at your link party but it won’t be my last. Thanks for hosting.
I want to read the VOX, thanks for putting it on my radar.
xo
Pinksole
I read the first 20 pages or so of Fates and Furies and lost interest. Meh, right?
So I probably wouldn’t try another by her.
I definitely want to read Retta’s book and I have Vox on hold at the library! Love seeing Barkley’s photos – made me realize that I hear about library cats and bookstore cats but not so much about dogs in those places.
I loved Sunburn and Essie.
I was going to do a dog acct but I am Already managing four IG acct los and I don’t think I can.
Dog & book pictures are my favorite. My dogs like to lick books. I discourage that, though, because in our home licking can lead to chewing and I’ve already seen a few coffee table book corners bite the dust (pun intended) from some overzealous book hounds. Hahahaha.
Audrey recently posted…What I Read…
Retta’s book was so good! I really enjoyed her conversational style. Sunburn has peaked my interest!
I can’t WAIT to read Retta’s book, and I already have Book of Essie and Vox on my TBR!
I had never heard of Retta’s book before – but totally sounds up my alley.
I thought I was doing something wrong with NetGalley – I dont any response about the books I request. I know I’m new to it & havent really used it a lot in the past but want to take more advantage of it – & now they wont let me 🙂 haha
Love your furbaby & his love of books too 🙂 even if it is for a good pillow
Rebecca Jo recently posted…Show me your books – September 2018
Wow, FOUR years with this link up is amazing! It’s the best book link up so thanks for hosting! The Book of Essie sounds very interesting!! I’ll be looking into that one.
Gina || On the Daily Express
Thank you for hosting! I look forward to discovering some new authors to read. Enjoy your week!
Shelley
I like Goodreads to keep track of what I’ve read and when and what I want to read. I don’t normally write reviews but I do like to look at books that I’m reading and how they rated with others. I added Sunburn to my to read list and noticed I have a bunch of Lippman books on there!
Nancy @ NY Foodie Family recently posted…August Reads {2018}
It feels weird when I have a month where I read like 12 books and then the next I have like half of that.
Aw, your dog is so cute and I love that he’s obsessed with your books. I try and make my dog pose with books sometimes but she’s not usually about that. She just wants to nap. LOL Thanks for sharing all your reads!!
-Lauren
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Show Us Your Books: Far Far Away + Fatal Throne
Tired of Goodreads… but why? I use it mainly to track what I’ve read and set my yearly goal. Otherwise, I don’t really get too involved. NetGalley tends to pass me up too but I don’t mind simply because I already have so much on my TBR that it works out. I really wanted to read Vox (NG declined me) but I’m sad to hear the ending was less than great. Still plan to read it though!
Michael recently posted…Show Us Your Books – August
Retta’s book sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the recommendation.
Barkley absolutely needs his own account!!!!!!!!! He should join in on the thoughts of the cover too 😉 Sunburn and Being the Shit are being added to my TBR. Maybe Essie too. Also, Netgalley has been an asshole to me and rejected a few of my requests of authors I usually get approved for. RUDE! But then they gifted me the new TJR sooooo they can keep the other ones lol.
I pretty much only use GoodReads to track my books but I don’t really read the reviews–just star ratings from people I know. This year I did do the “reading challenge” but I haven’t done it in the past. Anyway, I really want to read both Vox and The Book of Essie, those are on my TBR now and I hope to get to them soon.
Shea recently posted…In My Library Tote: August Book Reviews and Recommendations
I keep hearing about Florida and going back and forth on it because I don’t read a lot of short stories– but I didn’t connect that it was by the author of Fates & Furies, which also was not my favorite. You just reminded me I want to read Sunburn, I haven’t read a ton of Laura Lippman but I liked what I’ve read. Also, all the Barkley pictures are too cute!
Carly recently posted…Carly Reads Here | Summer 2018
Vox sounds interesting!! I might check that one out.
Your Doggy is so cute!
netgalley has definitely been an asshole to me with some books, i have books i requested months ago. it’s ridiculous. there should be a ‘cancel request’ after you’ve been waiting so long. my friend let me borrow the book of essie so i am hoping to get to it asap – vox sounds super interesting too!
The Book of Essie and Vox both sound like really good and interesting reads that will really make you think. When I read the synopsis on Goodreads, Vox reminded me a lot of The Handmaid’s Tale, in how women’s rights are stripped away. I’m definitely adding those both to my list!
Ashley recently posted…Show Us Your Books- What I Read In August
I’m a fan of Laura Lippman and Sunburn is on my list. Vox was one of the choices for my book club. It didn’t get chosen, but I still want to read it. I also want to read Retta’s book (probably will listen to it because that’s my jam for celeb memoirs). I love Barkley and his books!!
I’ve seen that Retta book pop up a few times now but I have no idea who she is (and clearly not enough interest to Google her). Sunburn and Vox are both on my TBR, though now I’m a little nervous about the confusing science that you mention in Vox. Also, YES to a dog IG! So cute!
She was Donna on Parks and Rec and the female half on the Treat Yo’self meme. She’s awesome.
The science is like the science in the Martian. You can skim it without compromising the plot.
I really liked Sunburn, too!
your doggie book pictures are adorable! 10 out of 10 haha!
lauren @ laurenalforddesign.com recently posted…what I read in august
Vox sounds terrifying – I heard about it on a podcast this week and it sounds so compelling too. Netgalley is doing this weird thing to me where books that are available for request (in Canada AND the US – I’ve heard about it from other people!) are set to “wish for it” for me. UGH. Oh well. I have plenty to read in the meantime 😉 Still annoying though. I don’t think I will ever stop loving Goodreads but I know I don’t use it to its full capacity either.
Heather recently posted…Short Book Reviews September 2018!!! (Show us Your Books!)
The Book of Essie and Vox sound great! I need to break out of my horror/thriller book trend that I’ve been on lately and both of these sound so interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Oh my goodness that Retta book. I entered a Goodreads contest for a free copy in…March I want to say. My husband also entered to give me another chance, but since you can only enter once per address, he used his mother’s address in Michigan. (We are in NJ.) He wins! This book show up in Rural Michigan and his mom is all WTF is this? He asks her to send it. She says she’ll send it the next time she sends us a package. May arrives, the book is released. July comes around and I give up and put it on hold at the library. Last week I am 2nd in line for the book, and we finally it shows up in the mail. That was a LONG way of saying that I’m glad it’s good and it’s next on my list!
Kimberly recently posted…Ollie: selfie
Vox and The Book of Essie are two books I’m really looking forward to reading!
Kasey Holloway recently posted…August Recent Reads
Your doggy is so cute!!
So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know intrigues me!
I want to read Vox and Retta’s book. Glad to hear it was so funny!! XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Awwww Barkley should DEFINITELY have his own bookstagram!! 10/10 would follow 😍😍😍 he’s so sweet!! I feel like Vox has been on a lot of must-read lists lately; I was kind of on the fence about adding it to my TBR, but now that I’m seeing it EVERYWHERE, I’m thinking I might *have* to, just to see what all the fuss is about…