What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? Please share! We’d love to know.
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I finished up a re-read of Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung in preparation for her visit next week. Enjoyed it even more the second time around. I then hopped to A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar, which I’m still processing. I need to write it up for a review but it’s one of those novels that’s so complex I don’t know where to start. Sometimes, too, I find I want to do justice to a book so badly that it becomes difficult to write up, and that’s where I’m at with this one. It’s a lot easier to review flawed books!
I scored an advance copy of Chung’s second novel, due out in May: The Young Will Remember. That’s what I’m reading at the moment. Its protagonist is a young Chinese-American woman who has gone overseas to report on the Korean War, but who gets stranded behind enemy lines. So far I think it’s at least as good as the author’s first book.
After that…? I bought a copy of Majumdar’s first novel, A Burning, and I’d hoped to read that one before I need to turn the review in next week but I’m not sure I’ll have time. I need to get to This Here is Love by Princess Joy L. Perry soon, so that may be next. Depends.
In audiobook format, I’m down to the last two hours of The Cider House Rules, so should finish that up this week. Next will probably be King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby. I’ve owned it for a while, and I love the author’s work. (Thanks for the inspiration @Vicki_F!)
I just started Forgotten Book Club by Kate Storey so I’ll be ready for the discussion over it. Hopefully, it’s a quick read (feels like it) so I can get to The Heart-Shaped Tin by Bee Wilson and get it reviewed in a somewhat timely fashion.
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I just finished THIS IS THE ONLY KINGDOM by Jaquira Diaz—a dark generational story of working class Puerto Ricans struggling to hold their family together despite all odds.Now I’m starting the new Three Pines novel by Louise Penny: THE BLACK WOLF.
On audio I’ve just finished A GOOD LIFE by Virginie Grimaldi and I’m moving on to THE ISLAND OF LAST THINGS by Emma Sloley (this is another Texas Book Festival author).
Others commented on The Slip, which I finished yesterday. Some of the content is graphic between characters yet essential to their development and interaction. I usually prefer a storyline that flows with all the characters; however, this book shifts the focus on different people. The author left threads connecting the people, which became tighter as the story neared its end. I liked the book.
My next read is The Girl with Ice in Her Veins, which follows the character Lisbeth Salander and her niece, Svala. The original stories were written by Stieg Larsson who passed away. Other authors have continued writing the series with the permission of Larsson’s family or rep.
There sure are a lot of terrific books to be read!!
174 pages left of BoleynTraitor, received in the mail today Haven’t Killed in Years and picked up at my library The Black Wolf so I am set for the weekend!
I just finished Good Hair Days by Grace Helena Walz - it was very good but very emotional.
Check it out.
Im just finishing up A Resistance of Witches 
by Morgan Ryan and Shelley’s Frankenstein 
today. Will start The Reformatory 
by Tananarive Due and The possession of Alba Díaz 
by Isabel Cañas tonight. Last week I read the Buffalo 
Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones (wow 
wow wow it was superb, I think his best so far!!) and The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare which I had never read. I’m still in my “scary era” 
ur 
s. 
Now it’s a challenge to think of the appropriate emoji expression for the book I’m reading - The Girl with Ice in Her Veins. 
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I think you nailed it!
@Jo_S, did the Buffalo Hunter Hunter have a lot of buffalo slaughter in it? I’ve been tempted to pick that one up but was concerned about the subject matter.
Yes there is but the highlighted slaughters are of the people. This is indigenous horror writing as reclamation showing the horrors of loss and surviving colonialism. It is a deep, thoughtful and a profound work of indigenous horror writing in my humble opinion but if you do not care for horror writing maybe not your cup of tea.
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Currently reading Queen of Mayhem by Dane Huckelbridge. It’s about Belle Starr, a famous outlaw of the Old West. It’s my favorite time period to read, fiction or nonfiction, but I’m really having trouble getting into this book. I just started listening to The Nazi and the Psychiatrist: Hermann Göring, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, and a Fatal Meeting of Minds at the End of WWII by Jack El-Hai. The movie coming out November 7, Nuremberg, starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malik is based on it.
I hope I didn’t lead you astray, Kim! I finished King of Ashes a couple days ago. As much as I liked Cosby’s earlier books (Razorblade Tears, Blacktop Wasteland) I was disappointed in this one and I’m trying to sort out why. I’d love to know what you think and we’ll have to exchange thoughts once you’ve finished it.
I am reading “King: A Life” by Jonathan Eig, a vast book that is worth it! Last week’s “Invisible Child” was one of the best literary experiences I have had it a while!
Kim, Daughters of Shandong was a favorite read of mine this year. Glad you got even more from reading it a second time. I can’t wait to read her new book. Glad you are enjoying it.
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This Here is Love and King of Ashes were both 5 star reads for me. Hope you enjoy reading them, Kim. You’ve been reading and will be reading some outstanding books.
I just finished Hazelthorn, a gothic horror novel, by C.G. Drews and thought it was magnificent. It’s strange but hauntingly beautiful. I love when I find a new author.
I’m reading Haven’t Killed in Years, by Amy K. Green, and I’m enjoying it so far.
I am starting the audiobook, The Emperor of Gladness, and looking forward to it.
Jo_S, The Reformatory was a book that hit me to my core and at times I just had to put it down. Having said that—it is still a favorite read of mine. Hope you enjoy.
I do want to read the Buffalo Hunter Hunter. Glad you really enjoyed it.
Kim I agree with you on Majumdar’s new book, it’s so profound and deep. I have had it on my mind for days and cannot stop thinking about it. I quit enjoyed the Burning and was excited to read the new book.I was not disappointed!