Another Monday, a new week and a new start to my reading. I’m not going to get all pessimistic, but my April reading has been less than stellar so far. Lots of reading, but not a lot of things that I loved so much I couldn’t wait to share them. Backlist, previously released books, continue to be my best reading. Having said that, I’m heading off into two very different reading directions this week.
The Witchfinder’s Sister by Beth Underdown: I’d love to say that I have some fabulous formula for finding the best books to read, but it’s not true. Sometimes, as in the case of this book, it’s as superficial as the cover and the subject. I don’t read a lot of paranormal fiction, but the subject of witches (or at least man’s perception of certain types of women as witches) always catches my eye.
A Line Made by Walking by Sara Baume: From England in the 1600s I’m heading north to modern day Ireland with novel. It may be about a twenty-something woman, but something about the premise of finding the balance between being and doing makes me hopeful for prose that resonates.
In non-fiction I have two options for this week:
My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem: Do I really need a reason for this book right now? I want and need to hear from this strong woman who has done so much for so many of us. This also marks my return to audio books, which, embarrassingly I had not figured out to how to use from my library until now!
The Way She Wears It by Dallas Shaw: It may seem a bit odd to be listening to one of the world’s greatest feminists and reading a book about appearance and style, but I’ve never had a problem reconciling feminism with an interest in fashion and style. Plus, since leaving the world of business clothes behind I’ve floundered with my sense of style and am looking for some help in moving beyond sweats and jeans.
How about you? What are you reading/listening to/watching this Monday?
Sarah's Book Shelves says
April 17, 2017 at 4:22 amNonfiction?! I’m choking on my breakfast – haha! I bet Gloria Steinem’s book will be great!
Catherine says
April 17, 2017 at 9:09 amAnd it will only take me 3 months to get through!
Tara says
April 17, 2017 at 12:43 pmI listened to the audiobook version of Steinem’s latest; I loved it. She shares some stories that I don’t believe she’s shared in the past; sounds very reflective, as she has had time to gain more perspective on her life over the years, but not too serious or melancholy.
Susie | Novel Visits says
April 17, 2017 at 4:46 pmI’m with you on nonfiction. They’re few and far between for me and I try to be very selective with them.
A Line Made by Walking does sound interesting, but I have this really weird thing about books set in Ireland. I generally try to avoid them and I’m not even sure why. I think it’s because so many I’ve read have been really depressing. Crazy, right? (And I’m a quarter Irish!)
Catherine says
April 18, 2017 at 3:13 pmI think the Irish have cornered the market on sad! I do enjoy Irish fiction, but when i think of the titles, they’re all sad. I guess you have to be in the mood for introspection!
Kerry says
April 17, 2017 at 7:09 pmI loved the Sara Baume novel. Fully admit that it came to me at exactly the moment I needed it, so I may be a touch biased, but it was really lovely. Can’t wait to hear what you think of it! And the others 😉
Catherine says
April 18, 2017 at 3:12 pmI can see how it would be that kind of book. It’s so atmospheric. I’m on the fence, but am not even halfway through so we’ll see!
Lindsay says
April 19, 2017 at 12:57 am“The Witchfinder’s Sister” caught my eye when I came across it a couple months back — I’m a sucker for anything set in historical England! I hope you end up enjoying it.
I really like non-fiction whenever I actually get around to reading it. I have probably 200 non-fiction books on my Goodreads to-read list but I so rarely manage to choose one of those over a novel. I did just put “Stranger in the Woods” on hold at the library, though, so I’ll definitely be reading one soon!
Hope your reading month looks up. I haven’t had a very good reading YEAR — not one single 5-star book yet!
Catherine says
April 19, 2017 at 9:07 amI’m the same way- it’s been a mediocre year for new releases. Most of my 5 star books have been backlist!
And yes, to the non-fiction! I keep adding it to my TBR, but when push comes to shove I almost always choose a novel.
susan says
April 22, 2017 at 6:40 amI hope you enjoy getting back into audios. I find them enjoyable and I get them from the library too. I’m reading The Women in the Castle now — will read your review after I finish it. I’m enjoying the storytelling so far.