Mondays aren’t usually too happy for most people, but I’m hoping as today is Memorial Day, it means most of you are enjoying a long weekend. We’re being very low key here in Seattle, but that’s one of my favorite ways to go because it means more time for reading.
Normally, I share what I’m reading and want to hear what you’re reading, but this week is a bit different. My current book is below, but today, I want to know what you think I should read next. Somehow the beginning of June has turned into a big week for new releases and I’m stumped as to what my next book should be. Check out my options below.
I don’t have children of my own so I’m always interested to see what’s happening in the literary young adult world. How accurately and timely is the fiction? Especially the books aimed at young girls. Obviously, the author has gone for a very provocative title, but I’m curious to see how this handles the pressures of social media perfection versus the shift away from outdated body and weight standards. I’m hoping it’s well-written and not trite.
Here are the fiction releases I have for the first week in June, along with the various (and deeply profound) reasons why the book interests me. Which, I freely admit often includes judging a book by its cover. I’m a sucker for a cover that catches my eye.
Goodreads synopsis here
I’ve already been told that, despite the wedding premise, this is not cotton candy reading or an updated take on Four Weddings and A Funeral– as in its darker. Which almost has me even more intrigued.
Goodreads synopsis here
Again, the cover because I’m pretty sure I posed for it at some point in the last decade and it makes me laugh. Even closer to home it’s about a 50-year-old woman re-entering the job world—which for me will read like science fiction in that I can’t even imagine it. This is a sequel to Pearson’s Hoping for lots of snarky, intergenerational mishaps mixed with social commentary.
Goodreads synopsis here
I recently read The Mars Room, a serious fictional foray into the lives of women in prison and found it compelling. By its very nature prison is a scary setting so I’m hoping this author combines it wisely with the premise of a psychological thriller. Or it could veer into salacious and exploitative, which would not be good. Not sure…
Goodreads synopsis here
The cover is a bit extreme, but I like that. It hints at a novel that might be the same—in a good way. If I were going on the blurb, I’d say it should be a home run: NYC, glamor, dysfunction, women, friendship, thriller. However, a blogging friend has told me I need to read this, but that I might hate it. Hhmmmmm.
Help a girl out—what do you think I should read? Are you looking forward to any of these? Just as importantly: what are you reading?!
Lauren says
Huh. Well, that Fat Girl title and cover makes me want to scream. My hopes are your same hopes, let us know how that goes. As far as your next read, I was going to vote for the Pearson as it seems like something I might not normally pay any attention to but could be amusing, so your insight would be great. But then I scrolled down to Social Creature, which is totally on my list and I’m dying to know more about. But voting for that would be about ME. So my final vote for your Memorial Day leisure reading is probably the Pearson since it it likely a bit lighter and feel-goody.
I just finished the craziest assignment read I’ve ever had. I’m not even sure what to think about this book or whether/how to write it up. So today I am taking the path of comfort reading and settling in with Ace Atkins’ latest continuation of the Robert Parker Spenser series. Damn, I miss that man, but Ace has done a really good job with a continuation (and I don’t believe in posthumous series continuations). I’m listening to one of the Penderwick books and my ebook is Richard Lange’s The Smack. He’s always great, so that’s also a bit of a sneaky book for me (part of the “Clear my damn TBR stack” challenge).
Hope you have a quiet day.
Catherine says
I know- I didn’t like either, but decided to ignore the provocative nature and give the book a try. So far, it’s good.
You have completely piqued my interest with the words “craziest assignment”. Was it a Shelf Awareness assignment? I also don’t know that series. Is it mystery? Thriller? Isn’t it funny how we all find our niches in those genres? For me it’s Luoise Penny and Elizabeth George. Love their writing.
Susie | Novel Visits says
Well, Social Creature is dark and twisty and you’ll probably want to put it down several times in the first half. Keep going. It will be worth it. I will say you really need to be in the mood for a very weird sort of story.
I’m really curious about We Are Gathered, so I vote for it. You can vet it for me!
Catherine says
Curses, I’m torn between the two. I’ll finish what I’m reading now and see which calls to me. Completely scientific, I know.
lostinliterature108 says
As per usual, I’m not reading anything new.
I did just finish Everything I Never Told You for my TBR challenge. Posted it on the blog but I didn’t come close to really expressing my thoughts. Too much, too much.
I have book club tomorrow night so I’ll get a new reading assignment then. Hoping for A Gentleman in Moscow, but the one whose turn it is to pick is sensitive to the fact that she can’t find any inexpensive copies avaiable. And the library holds are crazy and they’re mostly e-books. I know you loved that one.
And I just downloaded Girl Last Seen in her Thirties. Not sure when I’ll get to it but it appeals to me seeing as how I turn 50 at the end of this year.
Catherine says
That book had so much packed into it, I’m not sure it could be ‘completely’ reviewed. I loved it.
I’ve heard good things about Girl Last Seen. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen reviews from bloggers I know but can’t remember who.
Nicole (Read. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.) says
I vote for Social Creature! I just finished reading it myself and I’m still working out what I think about it – there’s a definite love/hate thing going on with this book.
Catherine says
Too funny, that’s kind of what Sarah at Sarah’s Book Shelves said- she’s not sure about it and needs another opinion. Seems as if it’s between that and We Are Gathered!
The Cue Card says
The Social Creature’s cover looks pretty intense. Now I’m a bit curious about it: go for it. Right now I’m reading A Place for Us which is a domestic debut novel about a muslim American family … hmm we will see
Amy @ Read a Latte says
I haven’t read it yet but Social Creature is high on my list for June so I’m voting on that one. I’m currently reading Priestdaddy, by Patricia Lockwood, and LOVING it. It’s so funny I was laughing out loud on the train while I read this morning, which is RARE for me!
Catherine says
Aren’t laugh out loud books wonderful?! I’m reading one right now- How Hard Can It Be? by Allison Pearson and I am loving it. Of course, now I’m going to add Priestdaddy to my TBR!