Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Show Us Your Books: May 2017


As predicted, I am in a kickass reading period right now because I was just in a meh one. I'm riding the written word wave right into Memorial Day, brahs.

Anyone else's Goodreads fucking with them? It's not bringing my read books up in order unless I go in and put a date I've finished. I never used to have to do that.

Happy birthday to my stepdad today! 
 

Linkup Guidelines:
This link up happens the second Tuesday of every month. The next is  Tuesday, June 13, 2017 
1. Please visit and comment with both of your hosts, Jana & me
2. Please display the button (need it? let me know) or link back to us on your blog post
2. Please visit a few other blogs who've linked up and get some book talk going!

Here's what I've read from the last linkup.

Engrossing Reads


Into the Water by Paula Hawkins - Poor Paula. I'm sure everyone will compare this to The Girl on the Train since she actually wrote that and everyone is STILL comparing anything with a twist to that book, regardless of who wrote it. I liked that book, but I liked this one better. I can already hear people pooh poohing this one and that will annoy me. It's well written. I didn't go into it expecting something clever as fuck to top TGOTT and I came out with a reading experience I really enjoyed. I liked how the story unfolded. Book of the Month hardback, own

The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley by Hannah Tinti - Loved this book and the characters, flaws and all. It was rough around the edges and tender in the middle like I love and I didn't want it to end. Free e-copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy - Does anyone write vulnerable men like Pat Conroy? No. No one does. It's been a while since I read a Conroy novel, and sinking into his pretty prose and glory of the South was like sitting under a whirring fan on a wide porch with a deliciously cold glass of sweet tea on a hot summer's day. Own, second hand paperback

Among the Wicked (Kate Burkholder #8) by Linda Castillo - I plucked this off the shelf in the library and didn't know it was #8 in a series. I like to start with #1, you know. That didn't stop me from racing through this. I absolutely love Kate Burkholder. She's strong, smart, and awesome. I'll be reading the rest of them. Library hardcover

Pray for Silence (Kate Burkholder #2) by Linda Castillo - See? I told you I'd be reading the rest of them. And I wanted to get back to it so badly that I couldn't wait for #1 in the series to come in at the library. Boom. I will still read it when it does though. I love this series. Library hardcover

Passed the Time Just Fine

Not a Sound by Heather Gudenkauf - There were a lot of WTF are you doing, lead character, seriously moments but I could not put this book down, which is what I've come to expect from Gudenkauf. She did not disappoint. Really interesting to read from a deaf narrator's perspective also - that is not a spoiler, it's in the book description. But my favorite character was the dog. Free e-copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew J. Sullivan - This reminded me of something I've read, but I'm not sure what. I didn't expect it to be so heavy, but I liked it. It was quirky and dark without being too dark. The quirkiness and little spots of humor kept it from topping over on itself. 
I loved the characters and wish they were all a little deeper, but it was a nice little story regardless. 
Free e-copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gather the Daughters by Jennie Melamed - Cults: one of my favorite subjects. As a bonus, a main focus was the role of women in a patriarchal society. This book was gripping and f'd up and I really enjoyed the read. All cults have their secrets but this one is really, really fucked. Free e-copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Brat Pack America: Visiting Cult Movies of the '80s by Kevin Smokler - Nonfiction in the hizzy. I was raised on 80s movies, they're still my favorite hands down, and I have a fascination with them. Not enough of a fascination to hang on every word of this, but Smokler breaks it down nicely for people like me - he groups movies together and tells you which ones he'll be discussing in that section so if you're like me you can skim and immerse, skim and immerse. I learned a few things I didn't know that I thought were neat and thought more about place and how it impacts a story. library paperback

This Place Holds No Fear by Monika Held - This is my first WWII book since Lilac Girls in March of last year. I do not consume WWII books one after the other because frankly my soul can't carry the weight of them. This was a translation, and I don't typically fare well with them, but I liked this. It focused on survivors of Auschwitz and how they go on. I plucked it off the shelf at the library based on its title and it turned out well. library hardback

Not Worth It

Every Last Lie by Mary Kubica - I think this is my second Mary Kubica and for the second time I was impatient throughout. Something about her pacing does not do it for me. There were also 99 threads in this book and I am still not sure if any of them were important. Free e-copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Memory Box by Eva Lesko Natiello - The main character drove me utterly insane. I liked the twist but not enough to be like go ahead, annoy yourself for 95% of the book. It was pretty clever though. Amazon Kindle e-book

Did Not Finish



What are you reading?






49 comments:

  1. Oooh, a new Kate Burkholder book. I love that series!

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  2. I want to read Twelve Lives soon. Honestly, I've given up on Mary Kubica. The pace of her books is way too slow for me.

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  3. I had the 12 Lives of Samuel Hawley but had to return unread. I just ran out of time and maybe read a few too many thrillers that I was getting a little paranoid. Now I have to go back on the wait list. Oh well. It sounds like it is worth it! I'm adding the Kate Burkholder series to my TBR. I love finding a good series! I'm on the hold list for Into the Water. I've seen some mixed reviews so I'm glad to see you enjoyed it. I'm going to go in with an open mind!

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  4. Can you believe I still have not gotten to Brat Pack America yet? It's in my pile for next month. I am proud of you for reading nonfiction, though!

    Samuel Hawley was so good. SO GOOD. I'm looking forward to Into the Water. I feel like Paula Hawkins has Gillian Flynn syndrome. Like, her other books are better but will always be compared to the one really popular book.

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  5. I want to read Into the Water and Twelve Lives. I've never heard of Linda Castillo, so I'm checking her books out. Gather the Daughters sounds so messed up - I think I might like it.

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  6. That Kate Burkholder series sounds great. I'll add the first one to my TBR ;) I have the 12 Lives of Samuel Hawley on my holds list at the library and same with Into the Water - I'm glad to hear they were both good!!! I know what you mean about WWII books. I binged on them a bit too much last year and I just tried to give one a go again this month and couldn't do it.

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  7. I hate getting a book & finding out its part of a series. Glad you could read #8 & still enjoy it though.

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  8. I hate when people shit on a book just because they compare to another of the authors. People do that to Moyes all the time too. I will be adding that one and that series to my list!! Twelve Lived is already on it so glad you had a racing review too!

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  9. I'll have to pick up the Paula Hawkins book! That's too bad about the Mary Kubica book - that's an author thats really hit or miss for me.

    Sarah
    Midwest Darling

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  10. I really want to read the new Paula Hawkins book! I feel bad for her too since it seems like everybody compared The Girl On The Train to Gone Girl, so people weren't happy with that book, and like you said everybody will probably compare her new book to The Girl On The Train. I still want to read it though!

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  11. I had that issue with Goodreads with one book and didn't realize it until like 3 weeks later and was all flustered because I couldn't remember exactly when I finished the book, even though that obviously doesn't even matter, haha. I'm so excited to read Into the Water, and love what you said about everyone comparing everything to Girl on the Train- so annoying.

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  12. So glad that you liked Into the Water! I look forward to reading it. That 80s movie book sounds right up my alley, too. Thanks for all the great suggestions!

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  13. I've got Into the Water on my list, and I'm excited to get to it! That series sounds great, and I'll be adding that too! Thanks for the recs!

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  14. I didn't love the first Kubica I read so I likely won't read any others. Kate Burkholder sounds interesting as a series. I love a good series.
    Into the Water is unfolding nicely...I'm about 70% done. There's so many characters!

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  15. Your description of ideal books being rough on the edges and tender in the middle is the exact opposite for me, haha. I prefer my books to start slow-ish and sweet, get a little rough in the middle, and end on a good note. Ha.

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  16. Love Conroy- but don't think I've heard of that one!

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  17. I'm so excited for Into the Water! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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  18. My friend just finished Into the Water and said it was great. I'm looking forward to reading it. Glad to hear that you liked it.

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  19. I love Pat Conroy, and I somehow missed Lords of Discipline! Added to my TBR!

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  20. Anything described as satisfying sweet tea is probably something I need to read!

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  21. I'm already on the waitlist for Paula Hawkins newest book.
    I also get irritated when people compare to other books - things CAN be different and still be good, you know.

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  22. ugh yes! glad it's not only me, but get it together goodreads! i am unnaturally obsessed with having my goodreads organised, and when it doesn't play nice or do what its supposed to, i get super cranky.
    adding that Kate Burkholder series to my list. i think i've read one Mary Kubica book and yeah her pacing was super weird.

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  23. Can't wait to read Into the Water!! I just finished The Handmaid's Tale -_-

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  24. Right now I'm reading Uneasy Spirits: A Victorian San Francisco Mystery, by M. Louisa Locke. Different. Seances, mediums, fakers, etc. Not making me stay too focused on it, but ok.
    Finished A Dog's Purpose, by W. Bruce Cameron. Loved it, as it came along right after I lost my Grace. Couldn't see the movie because of reports og animal abuse so I read the book. The book is always better anyway.
    Also finished Kill the Father, by Sandrone Dazieri. I don't usually read mysteries. It was a little dark, but held my interest. Finished Why Me?, by Sarah Burleton. The main character was a whiner. I don't care for whiners. The book was ok. Sadly, an autobiography.

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  25. I'm curious about Into the Water. I'm glad that you liked it. I read Girl on the Train last year and it really wasn't that great to me - I thought it was too obvious, and I don't normally correctly guess mysteries. Maybe this one will be a better fit!

    -Lauren

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  26. Good to know about Into The Water. I should get that on my library list now since I'm sure the wait list is miles long. Can't wait for summer reading.

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  27. I really enjoyed Girl on the Train so I think I will try Into the Water. I've never read any Pat Conroy...any good place to start? Pam :)

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  28. Lords of discipline is going on the list. Very diverse reads this month, thanks for sharing!

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  29. That Hannah Tinti book sounds awesome.

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  30. I really enjoy Heather Gudenkauf! I haven't checked her out recently and need to. Can't wait to check out some of your other suggestions!

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  31. I'm currently reading Into the Water and not a fan! LOL! I'll have my review next month, I just put Not A Sound on my to read list. Sounds like my type of read.

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  32. I haven't heard of 12 Lives, but I'm going to have to add it to my Goodreads list! I didn't really like TGOTT, so I'm lukewarm about reading Into the Water. I'll give it a shot, though.

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  33. I really want to read Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore, I saw it on the last round of Show Us Your Books and putting that other Paula Hawkins on my list! Glad to hear it was good!

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  34. i put into the water on hold but i'm 135th place in line :(

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  35. Wow you crushed some books lately. Adding Into the Water to my wishlist. I enjoyed Girl on the Train.

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  36. I've been in a reading funk, and am hoping to finish a book I've been working on forever while traveling next week. I enjoyed Girl on the Train (just not the ending), so I should give Into the Water a shot <3

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  37. On the waitlist for the new paula book and I can't wait to read it!! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  38. jana recommended samuel hawley, too. i guess i should get on that.

    i love that title: midnight at the bright ideas bookstore. thanks for calling it to my attention.

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  39. You and Kathy were on the same page about the 12 Lives book. I moved it up the list at the library. I can't wait!

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  40. I'm looking forward to the new Paula Hawkins after hearing similar things. And I was curious about that Twelve Lives book just from the cover/title. Going to have to check into it further!

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  41. My goodreads is doing the same thing. I STILL have not read Girl on the Train. It's on my shelf so maybe this month or next. I want to read her new one too. I seriously do not read enough thrillers. Which I say, every single month. I also want to read Samuel Hawley. XO - Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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  42. I'm still so far back on the list for Into the Water. I might have to audible that one. Brat Pack America was definitely a good book to skim. Or just keep as a reference book. It was very dry to me.

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  43. I'm a sucker for stories set in libraries or bookstores. Might need to pick up Midnight...

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  44. Into the Water and 12 Lives are on my list! I hope I enjoy them as much as you did!

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  45. I've been eyeing "Into the Water" for a bit now.. I might just have to give it a read!

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    Replies
    1. Here is my post! http://www.ashley-ziegler.com/show-us-books-may-17/

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  46. Hi Steph - where can I get the button for this linkup? I'd like to participate this month for the first time :)
    - Megan from The Hungry Bookworm

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