Book Club: Favorite Reads of 2019!

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Jenn

OMPBookClub

 

The fiction book club I lead at One More Page Books kicks off the new year by talking about our favorite reads of the previous year.  We call it a book club potluck: instead of food we bring book recommendations! This aren’t necessarily book club picks, but books we’ve read outside of book club that we’ve really enjoyed. Additionally, they don’t have to have been published recently, simply books we’ve read in the last year. This is my favorite meeting of the year; we always come up with quite the eclectic list of books!

Without further ado! The link will take you to a page to purchase it from my favorite indie; they will ship to you!!

Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth by Sarah Smarsh

Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: this was one of my favorite reads as well.  I personally preferred the audiobook.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow: Another favorite of mine! I listened to the audio, which was fantastic.  The only downside is there were so many quotes I would have highlighted; I’m sure I’ll break down and buy the print version as well.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee: This was one of our book club picks. We all loved it; such a phenomenal title!

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni: Another book club pick.  This title has so many discussion worthy topics!

We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter: This one has been on my to-read list for a while. Time to bump it up the list!

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles: Yet another book club pick! This seems to be a favorite of many!

The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes: One of my first reads of this year! This is a good one! Quite different than her other books but most definitely worth the read.

Becoming by Michelle Obama: This one goes without saying. Such a phenomenal read (or listen).

Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube: Chasing Fear and Finding Home in the Great White North by Blair Braverman: If this title doesn’t grab you, I don’t know what will.  This is another I’ve added to my must-read list!

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston: A favorite of this bookstore, and of mine as well. Such a great book!

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe: This one came with a recommendation NOT to listen to the audio. This one was already on my  must-read list so I’m bumping it up a few spots!

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker, PhD: In which I learned that my glass of wine right before bedtime isn’t really helping me sleep. I mean…are they sure!?

The Overstory by Richard Powers: Recommended, but with the caveat that it’s not a book for everyone.

The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan: I just love everything Tan has written. It didn’t surprise me this made the list!

 

Not all of my personal favorites are listed here; you can see a complete listing here.

Posted in Book Club Discussion | 1 Comment

Review: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Jenn

I received this book for free from the publisher (egalley) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review: Such a Fun Age by Kiley ReidSuch a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Published by Penguin on December 31,2019
Genres: Coming of Age, Fiction, Literary, Racial Issues, Women
Pages: 320
Format: eARC
Source: the publisher (egalley)
Goodreads
Alix Chamberlain has made a name for herself by blogging about products she's tried. Early on, she'd write a company asking for something she wants, and they'd sent it to her, no charge.  She quickly learned that she can get anything she wants, just by asking. She grew up in an affluent family and never really had to do without.  She's shocked when Emira, her daughter's babysitter, is confronted by a security guard one night. She'd rushed to the Chamberlain's aid while she was out with her friends, so her attire and her skin color instantly led the guard believe she was up to no good. Everything is caught on camera by a bystander.  Outraged by the incident, Alix is determined to make it up to Emira.

At twenty-five, Emira has no idea what she wants to do with her life.  She's about to age-out of her parent's health insurance. Working as a sitter barely sustains her; daily she's forced to confront her status in life compared to that of her employer.  After the incident, she's well aware of Mrs. Chamberlain's attempts to take her on as her newest project.  Deep down, she knows this isn't the life for her, but what alternatives does she have?

When the video of the incident is released, both women are forced to come to terms with their own realities.  The result of this confrontation will impact one more than the other in this dual "coming of age."

 

In looking for my first book to read of 2020, I found many examples of praise and acclaim for this title.  The premise is certainly timely and I found myself quickly immersed in Emira’s story.  For all of her life, she’s struggled to succeed and to find a true purpose in life.  It’s not ironic that she finds herself working for a women who can literally get anything she wants.

To the Chamberlains, Emira is a project. Their treatment of her is a direct reaction to the incident that caused Emira to be at a corner grocery store with a toddler: a rock being thrown through their front window in reaction to a racist comment made by Mr. Chamberlain, a news anchor. Emira reluctantly agrees, knowing that she doesn’t have many options.  It sickened me to see how Emira was treated, like a wound that could be fixed by applying a few bandages. The end result was ultimately worse than the original incident.  Emira must awaken and embrace her own self worth before she realizes that one shouldn’t sacrifice their own value in order to succeed in a society that is truly based on the survival of the fittest.

Racial issues is just one of the many  issues addressed in this book, and clearly the one that stood out for me the most.  It certainly has a vast array of themes that make this a novel filled to the brim with discussion worthy topics. You better believe it will become one of my book club’s selections when it releases in paperback!  I can’t wait to read more from Reid; she clearly has a fresh voice who needs to be heard!

Posted in General Fiction, Review | Leave a comment

Favorite Books of 2019

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Jenn

It’s been a challenging year, to say the very least. I spent the first few months of the year in bed, suffering from a horrific case of pneumonia.  One would think that would lend to a lot of reading time when, in fact, it did not.

One of my goals of 2020 is learn to manage my time better.  This has come to be a struggle, especially with working two jobs.  Rather, I want to spend more time doing what I enjoy: spending time with my family and truly immersing myself in books.

While this is probably the shortest year in review posts I have done (except for last year; I didn’t do one at all!) I feel it is a rather eclectic list!   I don’t claim that these are the best books of 2019, they are simply my personal favorite.  I’ve linked them to my review (when applicable).

Without further ado (present in no specific order!):

We Met in December by Rosie Curtis
Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson*
Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky
The Remaking by Clay Chapman
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee*
Good Talk by Mira Jacob
Anatomy of A Miracle by Jonathan Miles*
A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

Audiobooks
Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Circe
The Whisper Network

 

 

*book club selections

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Review: Three-Fifths by John Vercher

Posted on December 30, 2019 by Jenn
Review: Three-Fifths by John VercherThree-Fifths by John Vercher
Published by Polis Books on September 10, 2019
Genres: Crime, Fiction, Mystery & Detective, Thrillers, Urban
Pages: 133
Format: Hardcover
Source: personal copy
Goodreads
Twenty-two year old Bobby Saraceno has passed for white his entire life. Growing up, the only glimpse Bobby had of is father's race and culture was through his grandfather's bigoted eyes.  It wasn't until he was an adolescent that he uncovered the truth. Fearing his safety and freedom, he continued to live as a white young man, hiding this secret from everyone, including his childhood best friend Aaron.

Now, Aaron has been released from prison.  They were once quite close; Aaron served as his protector and shield from bullies in school.  The Aaron that returns home from prison is a newly radicalized white supremacist.  The secrets that Bobby kept from Aaron come rushing forward, as he's now forced to confront the secret he's held so close for so long.

Yet on the night of their reunion, Bobby is a witness to Aaron brutally assaulting a young black man. Aaron claims he was doing it to protect Bobby, yet Bobby knows this attack was fueled by racism.  Not only does he have to keep the secret of his mixed race from Aaron, he must too find a way to hide his involvement in the crime.

This is most certainly a one-sitting read.  I read it during a particularly long (15+ hour) car ride. I was immediately drawn to it for personal reasons; my own two boys are biracial. Bobby’s character is a truly sympathetic one; despite the fact that he hid a large portion of his identity from those around him, I sympathized with him based on the world in which he was raised.  To his grandfather, African American boys were trouble, free of any sort of good intentions.  Though on some level his grandfather wanted to protect him from those seemingly destined to do him harm, the life he lived in was certainly more caustic and detrimental than the life he could have led with his father.

I personally felt that readers would benefit more if we were granted a deeper access into Bobby’s childhood and what shaped the young man he became.  What we are granted just skims the surface; I feel there is much more there that could add Bobby’s overall character. While I did experience a sense of connection, it would have been stronger had there been more.

That’s not to say that I didn’t gain anything from reading this book, for I most certainly did. These are the type of books we should be seeing more on bookshelves, stories that, until now, haven’t been granted a voice. This is the sort of book that generates discussions, for race relations in our country during this time were riddled with memories of the Los Angeles riots and the OJ Simpson trial.  Giving these stories voice will only aid in the progression and change that our country so desperately needs.

Posted in Crime Fiction, Review | 1 Comment

2019 #ThankfullyReading Weekend Wrap-Up

Posted on December 1, 2019 by Jenn

ThankfullyReading

 

Another year of Thankfully Reading Weekend has come to an end! While I never get as much reading done as I’d like, I did quite enjoy the time off with my family!

For those of you interested in doing a wrap-up post, I’ve included a link-up below.

Don’t forget, challenges are still up:

Thankfully Reading Weekend Bingo!
What’s the Menu for a Good Book? 
Which Book Are You Most Thankful For?

Small Business Saturday Challenge

Thank you again to all who participated. Get those last few hours of reading in!!


Posted in Thankfully Reading Weekend | 8 Comments

2019 #ThankfullyReading Weekend: Day Four!

Posted on November 30, 2019 by Jenn

 

ThankfullyReading

It’s Day Four of Thankfully Reading Weekend! Can you believe how quickly the time has flown by?

Today, I encourage you to take a small break from reading to participate in Small Business Saturday.  Have a local independent bookstore? Pay them a visit and let them know how much you appreciate them!  As the owner of my own small business, I do appreciate the importance of shopping local!

Though we’re traveling, I’ll still be shopping online from my favorite independent bookstore,  One More Page Books in Arlington, VA!  My sister and I are taking my Mom out today so we may hit up a few local small businesses here as well.

Today’s challenge is easy! Did you visit your local indie today? Share a pic of your purchases!  Include the post with pic or list of books you picked up in the link up  below!

Don’t forget to take part in Deb’s BINGO challenge over at Readerbuzz!  Win a $25 Book Depository gift card!

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2019 #ThankfullyReading Weekend Day Three!

Posted on November 29, 2019 by Jenn

ThankfullyReading

 

Happy Day After Thankgiving! How did everyone do yesterday? Full stomachs, plenty of reading time…sounds like bliss to me! I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a day of reading!

For today’s challenge, I invite you to write about the book you are most thankful for this year. Is it a book written by one of your favorite authors or one you just happened to come upon? Tell us about it!  Include a link to your post below (or if you don’t have a blog, tell us about the book in the comments.


Posted in Thankfully Reading Weekend | 1 Comment

2019 #ThankfullyReading Weekend: Day Two!

Posted on November 28, 2019 by Jenn


Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We’re in Ohio visiting family today so not much reading will happen, at least early on!

For today’s challenge, let’s talk about a “reading menu.” What makes a good menu to you?  What are your favorite genres, favorite books? Any tactics authors use that drives you crazy (like cliffhangers!?).

Feel free to answer in the comments or below! I’ve also added a Mr. Linky for those updating on their blogs


Posted in Thankfully Reading Weekend | 1 Comment

2019 #ThankfullyReading Weekend Begins!

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Jenn

It’s time!!

This is the official kick off post for Thankfully Reading!  Instead of braving the crowds and shopping this weekend, we’re spending our time curled up with a book! Why yes, I do realize it’s only Wednesday but I figure many of us have a long weekend ahead so why not make an extra long weekend of it!?

Feel free to link up your kick-off post below, as well as any update posts you have. Don’t have a blog? Don’t worry! You can keep us updated on your progress in the comments below, on Instagram, Twitter (use #thankfullyreading or make sure you tag me so I can see it!) or Facebook! Haven’t signed up yet to participate? Not to worry! There is still plenty of time!

If you don’t know what to post, here are some ideas. But remember there are no rules; feel free to post as little/as much as you like!

  • How will/did you celebrate Thanksgiving?
  • What’s in your TBR pile for the weekend?
  • How much time do you think you’ll have for reading?
  • What book are you starting out with?
  • Are you reading print, ebooks, or audio? Maybe a bit each?
  • What books will you be talking about during Thanksgiving dinner? Be sure to keep track of any recommendations you receive and share when you have the time.If you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, don’t worry, this is a weekend for everyone throughout the world.
  • Pictures and/or vlogs are a great thing to add to your kick-off posts!

Throughout the weekend, feel free to post about your progress or even get some reviews up. Be sure to come back and link up your posts. Then take a break and check out everyone else’s posts. We’re looking forward to seeing how everyone else is celebrating Thankfully Reading Weekend.

Up for a fun challenge over Thankfully Reading Weekend? Deb over at Readerbuzz is hosting a BINGO challenge!  Win a $25 gift card!

Oh and don’t forget that some of your fellow readers will be on Twitter. You can search for Thankfully Reading Weekend tweets and hook up with others by using the hashtag #thankfullyreading.

On Sunday afternoon, I’ll post another link-up for your wrap-up post. Tell us how your Thankfully Reading Weekend went. You could give mini-reviews of your books, tell us how many books and which books you read, number of pages, number of hours, and so on. This is a rule-free, contest-free event, so you can wrap up the weekend however you’d like.


Posted in Thankfully Reading Weekend | 9 Comments

Save the Date! 2019 #ThankfullyReading Weekend!

Posted on November 5, 2019 by Jenn

ThankfullyReading

 

Wow!! How is it November already!? Thanksgiving is just right around the corner.

I’m pleased to announce that I will once again be hosting Thankfully Reading Weekend, November 27-December 1st! Yes, that’s a really long weekend, but I figure people have time off for the holidays and, therefore, time to read! Want to avoid the crowds & shopping on Black Friday? Plan on spending a nice, quiet holiday at home? Join us!

Just what is this Thankfully Reading Weekend I speak of?  Here are the details:

There are no rules to the weekend, we’re simply hoping to devote a good amount of time to reading, and perhaps meeting some of our reading challenges and goals for the year. We thought it’d be fun if we cheered each other on a bit. If you think you can join in, grab the button  and add your sign up post to the link-up below. If you don’t have a blog, you can sign up the comments or sign up using a link to your Twitter account or Facebook page, or Instagram account!

Want to host a challenge? Email me directly at jennsbookshelf@gmail.com.

We’ll also be checking in on Twitter and Instagram using hashtag #thankfullyreading. Join in for the weekend or for only a single day. No rules, no pressure!

Stay tuned; more details to come!


Posted in Thankfully Reading Weekend | 7 Comments