First thing, that is not my nightstand just a stock photograph but I would love to have these vintage books. Take a look at the fore edge of the red one. I love paper marbling. And, of course a coffee next to the books? I need to show this to my husband and see if he’ll have this ready for me every morning. Haha…
Anyway, happy October friends. I hope your month has started off with some amazing reads. In my last post I wrapped up my September reads and while I may not have read a lot, I actually do have several books going on so I thought I’d share about those in this post.
First, is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. I picked this one up for Banned Book week last week. Did you know that this book the book landed in the eighth spot on the American Library Association’s top ten challenged and banned books list. The story is about a teenager who witnesses the police shooting of her best friend at the hands of police. In late 2017, it was banned by school officials in Katy, Texas, where it was challenged for “inappropriate language.†Oh Texas…. Anyway, I’m more than half way through so more thoughts on this one later.
Another book I’m reading is Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce. This novel is set during WWII and Emmy Lake is desperate to get into reporting. She’d love to be a wartime reporter and thinks she’s found a chance to do so but her great opportunity turns out to be sorting for mail for Mrs. Bird, who responds to letters from readers. Despite that this is a novel set in wartime, there is a lot of lightness to it and it’s really charming and feels like a comfort read.
I’m also listening to Dear Child by Romy Hausmann. A thriller about a woman who was held captive in a shack with two children. When she finally escapes she thinks life may get back to normal but it’s very hard to go back to being the carefree young woman she was. It’s taken me a while to get through this one mainly because I only listen to books when I commute to work and as I’m still mainly working from home, I don’t spend a lot of time on the road. I’ve just had to renew this audiobook for the third time!
Two other books I’m dipping into are Devotions by Mary Oliver. I don’t need to tell you how much I love this. I can see that even when I finish this it will probably be a book I go to time and again. The other read is World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathill. Reading these two together are actually a wonderful complement as they both are books about the magic of nature.
I’m about to start a new book for R.I.P. but I’d like to finish one of these others first. It’s kind of hard not to start my next read especially when I’ve already selected it. We’ll see if I can hold off.
Anyway, let me know if you’ve read any of these or if you think you’ll add one to your reading list.
I’ve read Dear Mrs. Bird and I agree that it is charming. Loved it. A sequel is now out, but I’m waiting until after R.I.P. reading (i.e. November or December) to request it at the library. Might even read Dear Mrs. Bird again. Have a good week!
Curious about Dear Child on audio. How is the narrator? She also has a new one out I think? Dear Mrs Bird sounds good as well.
I really enjoyed Dear Mrs. Bird. Are you liking Dear Child? I think I might want to read that one.
Happy October right back atcha! Angie Thomas banned for language use? Riiiiight. That’s what they objected to. Totally believable. Heheh
It’s crazy banning books, go Angie Thomas! I liked Dear Mrs Bird even though at times I wished there was a bit more to the story … but it did capture enough. If there’s a sequel, I might read that too. Have a great week!
Dear Mrs Bird was a great read to me and I’m glad to hear there’ll be a sequel. Will definitely keep a look out for it. Hope you’ve a great week, Iliana!
As I mentioned in a previous comment to you about The Hate U Give, I did think the profanity was a bit much (and I have a terrible mouth!), but certainly no reason to ban it (or any book).
I read Dear Mrs. Bird a couple of years ago and didn’t care for it too much. If you like, you can read my review here. I was probably a bit harsh.
I have several of Mary Oliver’s books, but not Devotions. Maybe I’ll get a copy for my birthday or Christmas. 🙂
Kay – I saw the hardbound copy of the sequel and it is so pretty. I’m really enjoying it so I’ll probably have to add the sequel to my wishlist!
Diane – I think the audio is quite good, especially as the author has to give voice to quite a few characters of different ages. And, it’s believable. I also like that she does sound like she has a slight accent which given that the book is set in Munich makes sense.
Lark – I am surprised how much I’m enjoying it given that I’ve had a lot of breaks between reading (listening) to it. I feel like I’ve easily gotten into the story. I’m close to the end and of course now there’s some major stuff happening so I can’t wait to find out the truth!
Buriedinprint – I know, right? Ridiculous. I’m always curious about people banning books, do they even read them or just want them banned because of what they’ve heard the book is about. Not that, that makes it any better.
Susan – I know, I have no tolerance for that. My parents allowed me to choose my books and I’m so ever grateful for that. I think I know hat you mean about the book. I like the characters a lot but it is a bit light when it comes to the fact that it is set in wartime!
Melody – I’m getting close to the end of it and so curious what she’s going to do when she’s found out by Mrs. Bird! Haha.. Definitely curious what a sequel would be about.
Lesley in OR – You know, I don’t think I’ve noticed the language much and I totally understand if parents are concerned but talk to your kids and not ban the book! Like they don’t hear that kind of stuff at school or sometimes family members! I will definitely read your review once I’m done with it. There is one thing that is kind of bugging me but so far it’s meeting that need for a comfort read. And, yes, you must add the Mary Oliver book to your birthday or Christmas wishlist 🙂
I am a huge fan of Mary Oliver and of poetry in general. World of Wonders was a lovely book of luminous essays, I thought.