September 2021 Show Us Your Books
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August was a really good reading month. It helped that I had a week off, and that my family likes to listen to audiobooks in the car.
The other thing that helped? Both of my kids went back to in person school 5 days a week. They went two days each (not the same two days) for about 3 months last year, but now they’re both back at the same time. I have so many mixed feelings about this whole thing, but am also feeling pieces of my brain shift back together that haven’t been fully functional since March 2020. Fingers crossed they stay safe, and they have a semi-normal year. Luckily we live in a city that embraces vaccinations, mask wearing, and social distancing. That’s not a silver bullet I know, but it does make me feel a little less guilty about being happy about completing thoughts, reading on the train, and being able to finish a cup of coffee before it gets cold. Let’s just say I can’t wait to read the book about how caregivers (mostly women) were abandoned and forced to figure things out on their own during the pandemic.
Anyway, back to August reading.
Five Stars
Ramona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary - These books are just wonderful, and the perfect length for audiobooking in the car. Somehow this is the first time my whole family has listened to one together and we all loved it. These are read by Stockard Channing aka Mrs. Bartlett from West Wing.
Four Stars
Chasing The Thrill by Daniel Barbarisi - Right book at the right time- I picked a book about a modern day treasure hunt that took place in some of the same areas we drove through on our trip last month. It would have been good anyway, but that was the icing on the cake. My 13 year old, my husband, and I all recommend this.
The Arsonists' City by Hala Alyan - This was a good family drama set at various times in Syria, Lebanon, and America. It would have been great if not for all the backstory.
Already Toast by Kate Washington - I thought this book was excellent. It was brutally honest and relatable. A really important read. (See rant above. This isn’t quite what I was looking for, but it was close.)
Long Bright River by Liz Moore - An tale of the opioid crisis with elements of a mystery and thriller thrown in. This book was fabulous.
Three Stars
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth - Even though I kind of knew what was going on in this twisty book I was excited to keep reading to see just how it would happen.
Girls With Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman - A dark but entertaining book about college admissions from the point of view of parents with kids in an elite Washington high school. I read this for a work book club, and we had plenty to discuss!
The Last Time I Saw Paris by Lynn Sheene - Another World War Two book, not that there’s anything wrong with that. I never connected with the main character, but I liked the story.
This post is linked to Show Us Your Books and Quick Lit.
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