As my part of my Learn goals for 2016, I’m reading a variety of styles and genres of books in the attempt to discover new ideas and expand my horizons. My goal is to read at least 25 this year, of which I’m keeping track on Goodreads. Are you over there? Let’s connect!
Feeling nauseous for most of the month led itself to a lot of reading on the couch. It was a good distraction from the yuck and helped me stay awake when all I really wanted to do was snooze! Not too many notes on each this month – I’ll do better in June.
The Distant Hours by Kate Morton
Even at over 500 pages, this book was a page turner! A haunting mystery with lots of intersecting story lines. I enjoyed it.
Running: A Love Story by Jen A. Miller
Not exactly the book I thought it would be, but I blew through it in two days anyway. Lots of pain and poor relationship choices had me cringing for the author, but I definitely could relate to and appreciated her love for running. It also had me considering a full marathon someday.
When I Found You by Catherine Ryan Hyde
This one was part of our book club picks for May. I felt like it moved slowly, but now I’m thinking that it may have felt that way coming off my previous two reads. Just okay for me.
My Year of Running Dangerously: A Dad, a Daughter, and a Ridiculous Plan by Tom Foreman
I LOVED this book. Obviously, I’m living vicariously through other runners since pregnancy has put me on the sidelines again. I’m missing a half marathon in July and these running memoirs both help and put a little salt in the wound. Anyway, my own father influenced me to start running and this book brought all those feelings back again. I loved the play by play of training and racing…as I’m sure only runners can understand. I’m SO excited to get back out there after this baby’s born and maybe go for the full marathon someday too.
Bakhita: From Slave to Saint by Roberto Italo Zanini
I had read about 75% of this a few months ago and for whatever reason, set it down unfinished. Knocked out those last few pages and now feel like I have a special new saint in my corner. Her story is beautiful.
Bloodroot by Amy Greene
A new genre for me this year: Appalachian fiction. While it started slowly, I really enjoyed the writing, even if the plot involved a lot of poverty and family violence. Haunting.
The Martian by Andy Weir
This book was recommended from all over, so I thought I would give it a try. At first, I thought it was WAY too nerdy and science class for me…I definitely kept telling Mark, “THIS is what everyone’s raving about?!” But by the end, I could see the appeal. Hoping we can rent the movie next.
