Comments on: What I’m Reading in June

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 17:54:21 +0000

In reply to susan.

You did- I’m just so slow at getting anything done these days.

The Floyd comment made me want to simultaneously throw up and punch him. You probably already know this, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics has already admitted they made a mistake and the unemployment numbers they released were wrong. Unemployment stands at almost 17%- not something anyone would say is “great”.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 17:49:05 +0000

In reply to susan.

Oh dear, Parakeet didn’t work for me, but it could be my broken brain. I loved Cat’s Pajamas and think I may re-read it.

A Burning is really strong, but depressing as hell. I can’t do another book like that anytime soon.

Our library has just started accepting returns via the book drop. Of course, I promptly returned a book from another library system! I feel like such an idiot. The next phase is you can pick up physical holds curbside, but as for getting to go in, sit down, and relax with People magazine- who knows when that will happen.

By: susan

susan — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 15:19:28 +0000

Hi — I thought I commented on this post? But perhaps it didn’t go through? If not, I just wanted to say that I too hope to get to The Vanishing Half and Parakeet books. I’d also like to read Bertino’s first one “2 a.m. at the Cat’s Pajamas.” She is getting good praise for her writing, so I need to read her sooner rather than later. ps. Last week’s Trump antics …. i thought were the worst yet (though I know I say that about every week) … proposing to use military on the protestors (his Defense Sec had to say no) and invoking Mr. Floyd’s name … saying he would’ve thought it was a “great day.” Whhhaaaa? the guy’s unbalanced, immoral & nuts.

By: susan

susan — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 17:31:03 +0000

Oh nice list for June. I just put out my June Preview post and we have 2 of the same picks : I’m keen to check out Parakeet and The Vanishing Half. I read The Mothers so I know Brit Bennett’s writing … but I need to read Bertino! I just picked up her first one Cat’s Pajamas (glad you liked it) and Parakeet is getting such high praise … so I hope I will like it. I don’t have a copy yet. Is your library even open? I will let you vet A Burning for me … much reading to do this month, enjoy! (meanwhile news distractions continue …. sigh)

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 17:10:09 +0000

In reply to Susie | Novel Visits. I did love Exciting Times and will review it on Monday, but with a huge caveat. It is SLOW. A contemplative novel, mostly inside the head of one young woman. It's a sign of how messed up my reading is that it I was all right with it. Maybe because the subject was so clearly defined- her life in Hong Kong and her relationships. Who knows if I'll be able to pull my thoughts together enough to write about it...

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 17:07:46 +0000

In reply to Lauren O’Brien.

This is the first time I’ve ever gone through this, but at 80% of the way through Parakeet I’m not sure I can finish it. Not because it is bad, but because the main character’s mind is so distracted and anxious, almost with PTSD caused by her life, that I can’t read it. It sounds self-indulgent to say it’s triggering me, but I’m going to have to put it down without knowing what happens. And we’re talking about a wedding, for hell’s sake! Not police brutality. I feel childish even writing this, but it’s affecting me.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 17:04:28 +0000

In reply to Susan.

Oh that makes me sad about the library. we still have no opening date, but their Facebook page has indicated it will be very limited. I think they’re just going to have curbside pick-up of holds. Of course, right now thinking about books feels frivolous when so many people are struggling. I’m really having trouble reading at all.

Big Summer is a good choice! I’m starting The Second Home tomorrow so will let you know what I think.

By: Susie | Novel Visits

Susie | Novel Visits — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 19:57:35 +0000

I have half these books on my June, TBR list and might want to add Exciting Times if you end up loving it. The other two I don’t think would be for me. I DNF’d The Windfall and am sadly not a fan of Kevin Kwan style books. Oh, well! Keeps things interesting.

By: Lauren O'Brien

Lauren O'Brien — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 15:41:28 +0000

I was going to say a big, bold “No” to PARROT until I saw who wrote it. I also loved CAT’S PAJAMAS, so I’ll anxiously await your word on this one.

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 11:54:16 +0000

I feel like my summer reading list is shallow, and light compared to yours but heavy stories aren’t working for me at this moment in time. I have 11 books on request at the moment and I have been reading most of these authors for years.
I just started Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner yesterday so far so good. The Vanishing Half, and The Second Home are both getting a lot of positive reviews, and I have them on my tbr list, so I may read them once I get caught up on my anticipated books.
I told you last week that our library is open, it is but its very different now. You have to wear a mask, can only stay an hour at most, there are shields up between you and the library workers like at the grocery stores. I prefer by far to have my books delivered.