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I’m pretty sure I’ve said this every month since January, but this has not been a good month year for reading. It’s not for a lack of trying, but especially in August, I’ve been so tired and distracted and if I’m still long enough to read a few pages — I fall asleep! I didn’t work as many days in the office this month, so I only tackled one audiobook (spoiler alert: it was a great one!). I read Anne’s book as a part of her launch team and I’ve already shared that with you once, and I also picked up a parenting book because I haven’t read a single one this entire pregnancy. It was kind of a weird pairing this month, but it is what it is, right? I’m sure that Rachel has many good books to share with you today and I’m hoping that all the midnight nursing sessions in September will mean I have much to report back on next month, because WE’RE HAVING A BABY TOMORROW. What in the world?!
35. SOMETHING IN THE WATER by Catherine Steadman
★★★★☆ | Thriller (audiobook)
Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events.
This one was unexpected! I hadn’t heard much about it, but had two different people recommend it within a couple of days. It wasn’t super predictable, but I did have my suspicions about a few characters. It was well paced, well told, and I loved hearing the author read her own words. If you’re looking for a great thriller than won’t leave you disappointed in the final chapter, this is the one.
36. I’D RATHER BE READING by Anne Bogel
★★★★☆ | Non-Fiction
This is the perfect literary companion for everyone who feels that way. In this collection of charming and relatable reflections on the reading life, beloved blogger and author Anne Bogel leads readers to remember the book that first hooked them, the place where they first fell in love with reading, and all of the moments afterward that helped make them the reader they are today. Known as a reading taste-maker through her popular podcast What Should I Read Next?, Bogel invites book lovers into a community of like-minded people to discover new ways to approach literature, learn fascinating new things about books and publishing, and reflect on the role reading plays in their lives.
I received an advance copy of this book as a part of the launch team and shared a post, all about my favorites parts, last week. Head here to read my full review!
37. BABY LED WEANING by Gil Rapley
★★★★★ | Non-Fiction
Baby-Led Weaning explodes the myth that babies need to be spoon-fed and shows why self-feeding from the start of the weaning process is the healthiest way for your child to develop. With baby-led weaning (BLW, for short), you can skip purées and make the transition to solid food by following your baby’s cues.
I realize I could have waited to read this sometime later in the year, but I was fascinated about the concept of BLW and wanted to make sure I didn’t do anything to ruin the process before we ever got started. This book was fascinating and I can’t wait to see the difference it (hopefully) makes in the eating habits of this baby. The science behind the concept of waiting to introduce solids was so interesting and even though book is filled with technical and practical information, it’s a quick read and not one you’ll tire of. I can’t wait to report back on this topic next spring.
BOOKS I ABANDONED IN AUGUST
SO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT RACE
by Ijeoma Oluo
In So You Want to Talk About Race, Editor at Large of The Establishment Ijeoma Oluo offers a contemporary, accessible take on the racial landscape in America, addressing head-on such issues as privilege, police brutality, intersectionality, micro-aggressions, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the “N” word. Perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between people of color and white Americans struggling with race complexities, Oluo answers the questions readers don’t dare ask, and explains the concepts that continue to elude everyday Americans.
This book gets rave — 5 Star — reviews across the board, so I think it was a case of right book, wrong time. I did love the content, but the delivery is sterile and less passionate than other books on the topic, and I had a hard time getting into it.While I love Oluo’s voice, it is very static and I found it hard to stay focused while listening. I’ll admit, I’m not hard distract at the moment, which is why I think I should probably just revisit this one later.
You know I didn’t set any numerical reading goals for this year, but I still plan to track my numbers, much like I did in 2017.
Total number of books in August: three
Number of fiction books in August: one
Number of nonfiction books in August: two
Number of Audible books in August: one
Books abandoned in August: one
Total number of books this year: thirty-seven
Favorite book of 2018: The Book of Essie
Rachel and I are so excited for you to join us this month, for the fifth edition of the Book by Book Link Party! The first week of each month, we’ll share our reading recap from the previous month, along with a linky widget where you can share your own post(s). The widget will be open for the entire month, so feel free to add as many posts as you’d like until the next round begins. Share your reviews, reading roundup posts, gift guides for readers, or anything else book related. Share with your friends and tag us on Instagram — let’s grow another link up together this year.
Want bonus points for reading something outside of your comfort zone? Here is a list of Collaboreads-style reading prompts, just for you!
