It’s another edition of Show Us Your Books! This last month has been a pretty busy one, so you’ll see that my book list is much shorter than the first time I did it, which also really included about a month and a half (from beginning of May until mid-June) since I sort of arbitrarily chose a start date.
What have I been up to that’s been delaying my book-devouring, you ask? Well, obviously last week was the Fourth of July, which in Michigan means almost everyone goes up north, me included. Scott and I spent a handful of days camping (sort of) outside of my family’s cabin and enjoying all the things that come with lake life, which included some reading in a hammock but mostly hanging out and catching up with family. But before that long weekend, on the First Day of Summer, Scott and I got married (yay - I’m a Mrs. now!) and then celebrated with a trip to Mackinac Island, which is also up north, but farther.
All exciting things! But let’s get to the books...
Linkup Guidelines:
This linkup happens the second Tuesday of every month. The next is Tuesday, August 8, 2017.
1. Please visit and comment with both of your hosts, Jana & Steph
2. Please display the button or link back to me and the linkup hosts on your blog post
3. Please visit a few other blogs who've linked up and get some book talk going!
Engrossing Reads (sort of…)
This time, sadly, I didn’t have any standout amazing reads. All of these may have suffered a bit from high expectations, and for me, were almost 4-stars but not quite.
The Sisters Chase - I’m happy I picked this as my Book of the Month selection for June. It was a quick read with a twist I didn’t see coming. Plus, it’s all about a big sister who does everything for her younger sister, and I can always get behind that. (Review coming Saturday!)
Beartown - Hockey hockey everywhere. I didn’t really get into this book until about 40% in, which is why it didn’t get outstanding marks for me. The character building was definitely needed and paid off in the end, but it didn’t stick with me the way Backman’s other books did.
This Is How It Always Is - This novel seemed like a fictionalized version of Becoming Nicole, which I talked about in my June edition of Show Us Your Books. I’m not sure if that colored how I felt about it at all, but I think it may have. It’s still a very important read, and I would recommend it.
Passed the Time Just Fine
Jane in Austin - I haven’t read Sense and Sensibility (I know, I can hardly believe it myself), but I liked this modern adaptation. It was about tea, which I love, and I finally get to make ice cream, so I couldn’t be more excited.
Not Worth It
None this month!
Did Not Finish
The Country of Ice Cream Star - Guys, it didn’t work out with this one. I ended up getting 15% in and literally couldn’t take it anymore. I decided to stop torturing myself. This reminds me why I don’t buy books before I read them.
Currently Reading
Cloud Atlas - Phew, I’m almost done with this one! At about 500 pages, with a new location, time period and main character every chapter, it’s been a marathon. There are definitely parts of this book I’ve enjoyed and parts I’ve enjoyed less, but I’ll hold all judgments until I finish.
Until next month!
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Cloud Atlas has always been really daunting for me! I'm picking up The Sisters Chase at the library tonight - it just came in on hold 🙂 Loved This is How it Always is and Beartown!!!
Cloud Atlas was daunting! I finally finished it. Interesting style... I didn't dislike it, but I didn't love it. I have to sort out some of my feelings before my post on it, but hopefully I'm a bit more coherent about it then. 😛
Enjoy The Sisters Chase! Anxious to hear what you thought.
Beartown is on my TBR because everyone seemed to be recommending it last month. I'm not a big hockey fan so I'm a little nervous. I find when I have high expectations for a book that too often I'm left a little wanting too. I'm never sure if it's because the book didn't actually live up to those expectations or if my expectations were just too high in the first place. 😀
I used to really love hockey, so that didn't deter me, but yeah - it's definitely hockey-centric, though main plot is more about the characters. The hockeytown is just the world they live in, which takes some explanation. It was good, just not my favorite Backman.
I probably should temper some of my expectations, haha! They get me every time.
I have The Sisters Chase to read - I picked that as my book this month too.
This is How it Always Is is on my list.
You won't be disappointed in either one 🙂
You won't be disappointed in either one, though they're both very different. Interested to hear what you think!
Congrats on your marriage!
I've had The County of Ice Cream Star on my TBR for quite a while but haven't gotten around to it. I feel like it might be time to let it go.
Thanks for linking up with us!
Yes! Let it go! I think I had it on my "Currently Reading" in my last link up and one of my commenters said the same thing. I struggled with it so hard. Thanks, Jana! 🙂
Jane of Austin sounds like such a cute read! I live in Texas so of course the idea of it being set in Texas really appeals to me too, and the fact that it's a Jane Austen classic in a modern twist appeals to me too!
It is cute! And the fact that you're a Texan makes it all the better! You should give it a try 🙂
I'm sorry you didn't have any WOW reads, but This Is How it Always Is sounds intriguing.
-Lauren
It is intriguing. Definitely worth a read! A similar book I read a few years ago that I loved was called The Golden Boy by Abigail Tarttelin, if you would want to check that out.
Thanks for stopping by, Lauren! 🙂
Jane in Austin sounds like my cup of tea 🙂 I loved Beartown SO much, but I haven't read his other books. I am curious to know what you think of Cloud Atlas, I think my husband read it, or he read most of it and then gave up, not sure. I've seen the movie of course, but don't remember it very well lol
Cloud Atlas wasn't my favorite - probably partially because it was so long, but I certainly admired the style. It was uniquely written. Still trying to process my thoughts before the blog post on it though... 🙂 I haven't seen the movie, and I actually heard it's one of the rare movies that's hard to understand without the book, so now that I've read it, I'll have to check it out!
If you liked Beartown, you should try his other ones! I LOVE LOVE LOVE My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry (my post here with a delicious and easy cookie recipe as a bonus). It's my favorite of his.
Hope you'll stop by again soon! - Megan