Finally out of the reading slump
not a fun place to be
Hi! Now that spring is springing, have you been sprawled out on a park blanket with a beverage and your latest book? I … have not. An unprecedented reading slump came for me last month, and it was no joke. I am finally crawling out of it and feeling excited about what I’m reading now and what’s up next. Here’s a glimpse into the books that have come in and out of my life since we last talked:
What I’ve read:
This Is A Love Story
Rating: 3/5 (a recap of my rating system)⭐⭐⭐
I liked it, but it didn’t live up to the hype that I had heard from many others. As I type this, I’m having a hard time recalling any specifics about the book — never a good sign. It tells the story of Abe and Jane’s marriage (had to look up her name because, again, I can’t remember), punctuated by their creative and artistic achievements, their complicated relationship with their son, and Jane’s years-long battle with cancer. Maybe it will be a better fit for you!
Deep Cuts
4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I liked this for many reasons: the Berkeley/San Francisco shout outs, throwbacks and new-to-me tidbits about music from the early aughts, and a friendship brimming with romantic potential.
What didn’t work for me
My top rule for reading: if you don’t like it, put it down and move on.
Catalina: I had high hopes for this, but it was a bit too lyrical for my mood at the time — I may revisit it in the future.
How To Sleep At Night: Started this on audio and it was enjoyable enough, but I realized it was going in one ear and out the other each time I listened — not worth it when there are so many other books I’m excited to read.
What I’m reading now
Dream Count: Chimamanda’s writing is gorgeous. The book is moving slowly, so while I remain intrigued, I am supplementing it with a faster paced audiobook. This is my book club’s pick this month, I’ll report back with reviews from the group.
Great Big Beautiful Life: Listening to Emily Henry audiobooks is a summer pastime (yes, it is summer already!). This one feels different from her other books — the romantic build-up isn’t as dramatic, and it’s a “story within a story.” The main characters vie to write the biography of mid-century starlette Margaret Ives, and as their romance heats up, you also learn Margaret’s personal history. A fun 2-for-1.
What’s up next
Confessions: Multigenerational story about women in an Irish family? Say no more. It took months to get off the library waitlist, so it seems like others are into this as well.
The Road to Tender Hearts: Annie Hartnett’s first book Rabbit Cake is in my personal hall of fame, and features one of my favorite narrators. Excited to see what her newest book has in store.
Set Piece: The latest release from 831 Stories! I can’t wait to dig in and to see the author Lana Schwartz give a talk in LA tomorrow.
Talk to you next week - enjoy your park blankets until then!