2020: Week 4 Reading Roundup

Sunday.19.January – Saturday.25.January

A sub-par reading week

FINISHED READING: 2

In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri

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I listened to this on audiobook. It has both the English and Italian versions. Lahiri details her urge to learn italian and how she relates to the different languages she already knows. While I found parts of the book enlightening and relatable, I wasn’t completely captivated. {3*}

The General in His Labyrinth by Gabriel García Márquez

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The story is a somewhat romanticized account of General Simón Bolívar’s last months of life. I found the writing disjointed. The reminiscences are mixed in with the “present” which left me confused. There’s a lot about his, ahem, prowess. (AKA how many different girls he slept with and in which towns). Gag. I had to power through this read. {2.75*}

CURRENTLY READING: 1

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

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My audiobook loan finally came through! I am a little over 3 hours into it and oh, my. So much injustice and lack of humanity. 

UPCOMING READ:

I have 6 options from my physical TBR to consider. 

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini (The one I’m leaning towards)

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Never Grow Up by Jackie Chan

Becoming by Michelle Obama

La casa de los espíritus by Isabel Allende

PUBLISHED POST(S):

My take on American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins can be found HERE

IN OTHER NEWS:

Anyone else watching Sanditon on PBS?? I am so loving it!!

Oh, and Anne With an “E” on Netflix! I know, I’m late. I didn’t like the show when it first came out but I’ve spent the past week binging the last 2 seasons. It grew on me! So sad it was canceled… 

HAPPY BLOGGING EVERYONE! 😀

2020: Week 1 Reading Roundup

Sunday.29.December.2019 – Saturday.4.January.2020 

The first week of 2020 is over and I’ve managed to read 3 amazing books, making progress on my personal AOC challenge.

FINISHED READING: 3

Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert’s Story by Debbie Tung

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This is a wonderful little book. It made me feel so completely understood. It features a college-aged Debbie making her way through college and feeling a bit like an outsider. The comics are lovely and really capture the introvert life {5*}

Book Love by Debbie Tung

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Another Debbie Tung comic! This one resonated with my bookish life. The comics are once again lovely, but there is a certain something lacking in this book. There was no “aha” moment. So while I really did like this book, I am not head over heels in love with it. Still enjoyable though {4*}

Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller

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If there is one book that should be required reading this year, this is it. Everyone needs to experience this book. Chanel Miller is Emily Doe, the Stanford rape victim. Her story is harrowing. I cried through pretty much the whole audiobook (that she narrates!). Her writing is thoughtful and eloquent. I was heartbroken, angry, empowered. As a fellow gaucho alum, I may be a little biased. But seriously, I cannot recommend this book enough. Read it, read it, read it. {5*}

CURRENTLY READING: 2

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu

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An ARC I received through BookishFirst. As soon as I saw Marie Lu’s name, I knew I had to have it. The cover is stunning. And the story is so good!! Ahh, my heart is happy.

We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy by Ta-Nehisi Coates

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I’m only half an hour into this audiobook and I am already enjoying it. It is just so incredibly relevant. 

UPCOMING READ: 

Um, I’m not sure! I’m not that far into my current reads so who knows what book I’ll be in the mood to read after.

PUBLISHED POST(S): 1

The one where I make my blogging return: New Year, New Bookish Resolutions

HAPPY BLOGGING EVERYONE! 😀

Ayesha At Last by Uzma Jalaluddin

A lovely, romantic tale featuring horrid first impressions, a Bollywood-style wedding, and so much more! 

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DESCRIPTION:

A modern-day Muslim Pride and Prejudice for a new generation of love.

Ayesha Shamsi has a lot going on. Her dreams of being a poet have been set aside for a teaching job so she can pay off her debts to her wealthy uncle. She lives with her boisterous Muslim family and is always being reminded that her flighty younger cousin, Hafsa, is close to rejecting her one hundredth marriage proposal. Though Ayesha is lonely, she doesn’t want an arranged marriage. Then she meets Khalid who is just as smart and handsome as he is conservative and judgmental. She is irritatingly attracted to someone who looks down on her choices and dresses like he belongs in the seventh century.

Ayesha is torn between how she feels about the straightforward Khalid and the unsettling new gossip she hears about his family. Looking into the rumors, she finds she has to deal with not only what she discovers about Khalid, but also the truth she realizes about herself. 

     – Goodreads

Genre(s): Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Retelling

Publisher: Berkley Books

Expected Publication Date: June.4.2019

*Thank you First to Read for providing an ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own and based solely on the book*

REVIEW:

 As far as Pride and Prejudice retellings go, this is a fairly decent one. If you’re familiar with the original, then its easy to see the parallels between the two. Which isn’t a bad thing. It was entertaining trying to figure out how the big plot points of the original would unfold. Besides, there were moments where I was so completely engrossed, that I forgot it was a retelling! 

What I particularly liked was the dual viewpoint. We see what Ayesha is up to, how she feels, we understand her. We also get Khalid’s view! So his horrible first proposal? Completely makes sense because we’ve come to see how and why he acts the way he does. 

A big part of this story weaves religion (Islam) into the narrative. Both Ayesha and Khalid are devout Muslims, which is crucial to the way they interact with one another. I really liked how that was explored. 

The overall tone of the story is pretty upbeat and light-hearted. But there are moments where things got really real. It is a modern-day retelling so prejudice towards Muslims does appear. The way it was handled is important. Especially as hatred spreads through our society like wildfire. 

One thing I did not like? Lydia’s (okay, that’s not her name in this book, but I am not spoiling the story by telling you who she is) happily ever after. Ugh! Why?? She’s so annoying!

RATING: 3.5/5 stars

RECOMMEND? Yes! This is such a refreshing take on a classic tale. Plus, that cover! Googly heart eyes forever ❤

2019: Week 21 Reading Roundup

Sunday.May.19 – Saturday.May.25

AKA: Honor a veteran and remember the sacrifice of those no longer with us ❤

FINISHED READING: 5

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

​A quick audiobook listen. Written in verse, the book is an incredibly relatable story of Xiomara, a teen girl in New York. The hype is real! [5*]

Travels With Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck

​Steinbeck and his dog, Charley, embarked on a cross-country trip across America. It’s beautifully perceptive. [3.5*]

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer (read by Philip Franklin)

​A cautionary tale. At least, that’s the way I choose to interpret it. A young man wanders off to the Alaskan wild. Months later his emaciated body is found by a hunter. What happened, and why did he leave everything behind? [3.5*]

Native Son by Richard Wright

​Societal critique with overt Communist ideals. It’s graphic and harrowing. This book is a lot. [3.5*]

In at the Deep End by Kate Davies

​Sexually explicit, but oh so good haha! [RTC]

CURRENTLY READING: 1

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz

Currently 42% through the audiobook. It’s, um, interesting. 

UPCOMING READ: 1

I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan

I need a horror book in my life right now haha

BOOK HAUL: 1

Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

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Won this in a Goodreads Giveaway! I waited almost 2 months for this book to arrive. Can’t wait to finally read it! 

PUBLISHED POST(S): 1

Let’s Get Personal: Mental Health Month

HAPPY BLOGGING EVERYONE! 😀

2019: Week 20 Reading Roundup

Sunday.May.12 – Saturday.May.18

AKA: The week I saw a coyote roaming my neighborhood which pretty much took 10 years off my life because why is it so far away from the mountains???

FINISHED READING: 3

Truly Devious (#1) by Maureen Johnson

​I so enjoyed this book! The mystery is well-plotted and interesting. A true crime obsessed teenage girl is accepted to a prestigious academy with an old, unsolved murder mystery. The cliffhanger though!!! [4*]

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

​Not for me. The basic message is your thoughts control the universe and the universe will give you whatever you want (no work/effort on your part necessary) *major eye roll* [2*] 

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell (read by Josephine Bailey)

​I listened to the audiobook and was thoroughly impressed by the narration. Each character had their own distinct voice. The story itself is dramatic. Think fairytale, evil stepmother and rebellious stepsister and all. BTW there is no ending! Gaskell passed away before the novel was completed 😥 [4.25*]

CURRENTLY READING: 2

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

My current audiobook. Loving the narration and the story! About 32% through the book.

Travels With Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck has quickly become one of my favorite authors. There’s just something about his writing that really gets to me. It’s simple but deep. Currently about 68% through this novel.

UPCOMING READ: 

Um, idk… probably the ARC below…?

BOOK HAUL: 1

In at the Deep End by Kate Davies

​I won an ARC of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway!! I’m really lucky when it comes to winning books haha

PUBLISHED POST(S): 1

My review of The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning can be found HERE

IN OTHER NEWS:

Ahhhhhh!! There is a Nancy Drew television adaptation coming this fall!! OMG!! I am equal parts excited and nervous!! 

HAPPY BLOGGING EVERYONE! 😀

The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning

A heartbreaking dual-narrative story set in WWII Shanghai and modern-day Australia about survival, family, and love.

​DESCRIPTION:

Kirsty Manning makes her US debut with this gripping historical novel that tells the little-known story of Jewish refugees who fled to Shanghai during WWII.

1939: Two young girls meet in Shanghai, also known as the “Paris of the East”. Beautiful local Li and Jewish refugee Romy form a fierce friendship, but the deepening shadows of World War II fall over the women as they slip between the city’s glamorous French Concession district and the teeming streets of the Shanghai Ghetto. Yet soon the realities of war prove to be too much for these close friends as they are torn apart.

2016: Fleeing London with a broken heart, Alexandra returns to Australia to be with her grandparents, Romy and Wilhelm. Her grandfather is dying, and over the coming weeks Romy and Wilhelm begin to reveal the family mysteries they have kept secret for more than half a century. As fragments of her mother’s history finally become clear, Alexandra struggles with what she learns while more is also revealed about her grandmother’s own past in Shanghai.

After Wilhelm dies, Alexandra flies to Shanghai, determined to trace her grandparents’ past. Peeling back the layers of their hidden lives, she is forced to question what she knows about her family—and herself. 

The Song of the Jade Lily is a lush, provocative, and beautiful story of friendship, motherhood, the price of love, and the power of hardship and courage that can shape us all.

     – Goodreads

Genre(s): Historical Fiction

Publisher: William Morrow

Expected Publication Date: May.14.2019

*Thank you William Morrow for providing an ARC through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own and based solely on the book*

REVIEW:

I absolutely loved this book. Books that teach me something new, stick with me for quite a long time. And this one, taught me a lot. 

So what exactly did this book teach me? History! The focus of this book is on Jewish refugees in Shanghai. Those who escaped Hitler’s regime during WWII. It’s incredibly eye-opening. An aspect of the war I had never considered was revealed to me.

The story itself is told through two timelines. There is the WWII narrative where we see one young girl (Romy) and her family scraping a life together in Shanghai after experiencing such horror in Europe. Then there is the modern-day narrative (set in 2016), where we learn what happened to the young girl and her family. 

It’s a tearjerker, this book. It’s one bad thing after another. But there are instances of love and so much strength and resilience. Which is what made me fall for this book. That through it all, people were still fighting, and resisting. Empowering. 

RATING: 4.5/5 stars

RECOMMEND: YES!! Most definitely! It’s not your typical WWII novel, in that it doesn’t focus on the European theater.

2019: Week 19 Reading Roundup

Sunday.May.5 – Saturday.May.11

AKA: the week of shiny new ARC’s + HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!! ❤

FINISHED READING: 3

Farewell, My Lovely (Philip Marlowe #2) by Raymond Chandler

​A good mystery but Philip Marlowe’s characterization felt off for some reason. Plus, the ending was neatly tied up. [3.5*]

Trump and Me by Mark Singer 

​A short and funny book about one journalist’s experience with whatshisface [3*]

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 

​SO DAMN GOOD!!! It was unexpectedly funny. Very insightful. Perfection. My favorite parts were the blog posts (they were real thinkers!) [4.5*]

CURRENTLY READING: 2

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

My current audiobook. Really enjoying it. About 42% through.

Truly Devious (#1) by Maureen Johnson

I’ve been wanting to read this YA mystery for a while now. Barely started it so I don’t really know how I feel about it yet.

UPCOMING READ:

Idk!

BOOK HAUL: 2

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Twenty-one Truths About Love by Matthew Dicks

An ARC I won through a Goodreads giveaway! 😀

The Virtue of Sin by Shannon Schuren 

An ARC I received from BookishFirst! I actually used my points to claim a copy of this book 😀

PUBLISHED POST(S): 1

My review of How It Feels to Float by Helena Fox can be found HERE

HAPPY BLOGGING EVERYONE!! 😀

How It Feels to Float by Helena Fox

A haunting story of one young woman’s struggle to stay sane. A perfect read for Mental Health Month!

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DESCRIPTION:

Biz knows how to float. She has her people, her posse, her mom and the twins. She has Grace. And she has her dad, who tells her about the little kid she was, who loves her so hard, and who shouldn’t be here but is. So Biz doesn’t tell anyone anything. Not about her dark, runaway thoughts, not about kissing Grace or noticing Jasper, the new boy. And she doesn’t tell anyone about her dad. Because her dad died when she was six. And Biz knows how to float, right there on the surface–normal okay regular fine.

But after what happens on the beach–first in the ocean, and then in the sand–the tethers that hold Biz steady come undone. Dad disappears, and with him, all comfort. It might be easier, better, sweeter to float all the way away? Or maybe stay a little longer, find her father, bring him back to her. Or maybe–maybe maybe maybe–there’s a third way Biz just can’t see yet. 

Debut author Helena Fox tells a story about love and grief, about inter-generational mental illness, and how living with it is both a bridge to someone loved and lost and, also, a chasm. She explores the hard and beautiful places loss can take us, and honors those who hold us tightly when the current wants to tug us out to sea.
     – Goodreads

Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Mental Health

Publisher: Penguin Teen

Expected Publication Date: May.7.2019

*Thank you BookishFirst for providing an ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own and based solely on the book*

REVIEW:

This is a great book. The story, set in Australia, is so relevant and relatable. Biz can’t control her thoughts. At times, they get the better of her. As her mental health begins to unravel, we get a firsthand look at how she experiences the world. 

What I really liked about this story was how accurate the portrayal of mental illness is. Biz’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, are authentic. And you just don’t read about it, you feel it. The writing mimics the unwinding of Biz’s thoughts. This style has triggered me before and I was worried that this book would do the same. Thankfully, it didn’t. So I was able to enjoy this read somewhat at ease. But it just goes to show how incredibly well-written, and lyrical this novel is. 

The book delves into aspects of inter-generational mental illness. It does this in a subtle way. As the reader only becomes aware of it as Biz begins to learn about it herself. And it’s something that Biz struggles with. We see the effects of it throughout the novel.

In a nutshell, this an emotional journey. It is a book about loss and grief, first love, family/support. And a story that leaves you with many questions. As a reader, I was left wondering whether Biz’s experiences were real or imagined. Once again reinforcing the idea, that mental illness isn’t as clear-cut as it seems.

A beautiful book. 

RATING: 4/5 stars

RECOMMEND? YES! Especially if you enjoyed Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman! (The writing styles are similar).

2019: Week 18 Reading Roundup

 Sunday.April.28 – Saturday.May.4

AKA: Another good reading week!

FINISHED READING: 5

Save the Date by Morgan Matson

​Love Morgan Matson!!! Her books are just so feel-good reads. In this story, we have Charlie, the youngest of 5 trying to get her older sister’s wedding back on track after disaster after disaster threaten to ruin the day. Family dysfunction and family love take center stage in this book. It’s unbelievably hectic, and wild and I enjoyed every second of it (even if Charlie did annoy me sometimes). [4*]

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie (read by Jim Dale)

​A beautiful and magical tale. One of my absolute favorites. Loved the audiobook! [5*]

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

​A coming-of-age story told through various short stories/vignettes. It’s a beautifully written, quick read. Esperanza (the MC) reminded me of a young me. [4*]

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson

​OMG!! This book is so damn HILARIOUS!! The stories are ridiculous, and Lawson’s recounting is the best thing ever. I really enjoyed everything she had to say about mental illness. Recommend the audiobook!! [5*]

The Wrong Mother (Spilling CID #3) by Sophie Hannah

​Do not read this as a standalone! You’ll just be as confused as I was. I had no idea it was part of a series. So while I was trying to solve the main mystery, I was also trying to figure out what was going on between all these detectives. The mystery itself is actually really well done. I was a little shocked by the denouement (in a good way). [3.5*]

CURRENTLY READING: 2

Farewell, My Lovely (Philip Marlowe #2) by Raymond Chandler

My goal is to read the whole Philip Marlowe series. I’m about a quarter of the way through this read and while I am enjoying it, it feels a bit… different from The Big Sleep. 

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Okay, I barely started this book last night so I’m not that far into it yet. But first impression: the MC runs a blog!!! #relatable haha

UPCOMING READ: 1

Audiobook! Which one? Idk. Nothing is really calling to me right now…

IN OTHER NEWS: 

Today is Cinco de Mayo. So if you want to go and get drunk? Go ahead! Just don’t use this “holiday” as an excuse (especially if it has absolutely nothing to do with your culture i.e. non-Mexican). Seriously. Don’t wear fake mustaches. Don’t wear a sombrero. It’s just plain wrong. Stop appropriating a historical event that has nothing to do with you. For the record, I’m Latina, not Mexican. So I will not be celebrating the Battle of Puebla. Because again, I am not Mexican. And if you’re not either, then you know what NOT to do. 

HAPPY BLOGGING EVERYONE! 😀

2019: Week 17 Reading Roundup

Sunday.April.21 – Saturday.April.27

AKA: The week I rushed to the doctor and got a booster shot because I work with tiny little humans and I refuse to die from a 19th-century disease like some Dickens peasant…

FINISHED READING: 3

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

​Three different storylines intertwine, all relating in some way, to the husband’s secret. The secret itself a doozy, and one we find out early on in the book. The main focus is on the consequences of actions taken (or not taken) by the characters. An easy, fast-paced read. I really liked the epilogue! (A lot of… what if…) [3*]

Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter (narrated by Mariska Hargitay and Lin-Manuel Miranda)

​Best book ever! Everything you ever wanted to know about the musical Hamilton is in this fabulous book. Costume choices, lighting, picking the performers, etc. I am #obsessed. FYI Lin-Manuel narrates the last part about the libretto lyrics, this is where the physical book would have been a better option [4.5*]

The Song of the Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning

​RTC!! Eventually…

CURRENTLY READING: 2

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie (narrated by Jim Dale)

My second read, first time audio listen. Loving it!! Should be finishing it up before the month ends 🙂

Save the Date by Morgan Matson

Morgan Matson does it again! I am really enjoying this read!! About 73% through the book. Should be wrapping it up by tonight.

UPCOMING READ: 1

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
I have this audiobook all set and ready to go as soon as I finish Peter Pan.

Well that wraps up another week in reading! Also, this is me right now:

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HAPPY BLOGGING EVERYONE! 😀