Eh, I didn't do so well book-wise this month. I started falling back into "browsing my iPad" instead of reading before bed and I can always tell...and not just because I get through less books. I'm more tired during the day and generally feel more bummed out when I'm reading the Internet instead of reading books. Hopefully I can get back on track in October.
But here's what I did get through...
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese / this took me forever to read. I struggled with it a lot at the beginning and sort of waded my way through the middle. FINALLY, finally at the end I felt it click and I would say that the last 150 pages were worth it. But so many people really recommended this book and I have to admit I was slightly perplexed for a long time as to why. I liked it, for sure, I just don't think I would blanket recommend it (though clearly Amazon reviewers would).
Dirty Chick by Antonia Murphy / this was recommended after I said how much I loved The Dirty Life. It was a fun read (and totally laugh out loud funny at some parts) but while there were many crazy stories it lacked some of the farm detail that I think I was longing for.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion / wow. This was a hard one for me to read. It was painful and beautiful. So very beautiful. I think I was most struck by the simple power of the relationship between Joan and her husband. It BLEEDS off the page. I enjoyed hearing about the little things, like how they would take separate walks around the park but then always time it so they met up for the end. Inspiring and heartbreaking.
I started and stopped Astonish Me about halfway through and couldn't really get into the Rob Lowe memoir (what's wrong with me?). I am currently reading (and enjoying!) Farm City.
What about you?
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And speaking of books! Today on ELISE GETS CRAFTY I have John and Sherry Petersik of Young House Love fame. I have admired these two for a long time and it was a pleasure to chat with them about their new book and how they've changed since getting out of the daily blogging routine. Subscribe or stream here!
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