June 9, 2017

Books I Read in May

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May was a big month for me in the book world. I got a new library card. Now, this may be insignificant to you but prior to a few weeks ago, I had the exact. same. card. I’ve had since I was 5. It had my first cursive signature on the back with my maiden name (obviously), I had the number memorized, we were in a long term relationship Richardson Public Library and I. Even when I went off to college and then moved back to Dallas but 20 minutes away, I only went back to see RPL.

But horror of horrors. My card expired. I went to renew and alas, they wouldn’t let me because my permanent address is no longer in Richardson, nor has it been for the past 3 years but whatever.

So they sent me to a Dallas Public Library *GASP*. Where there are multiple convenient locations. WHAT? And your books automatically renew 100 times (unless someone requests it) WAIT NO OVERDUE BOOKS? and you can return your books to any location. I’M STILL NOT SURE HOW THAT WORKS!

So, while I still love my RPL, I’m getting used to the convenient DPL app and the fact I can request any item and get it within a few days at my closest location (it may be a little bit amazing…). Therefore, my reading is off the charts and I’m so excited to share what I’ve read and what I thought about it with you!

ps. If you buy through any of my links, I get a teeny bit of money to start stocking up on diapers and boring stuff like that, just so you know. 😉

A Touch of Stardust – Kate Alcott 3/5

I wanted to love this book more than I actually did. It takes place on the set of Gone With the Wind and is loosely based on fact. It was well written but it just didn’t capture me the way I expected it to for a book written during such a glamorous time. The main character Julie, who has just moved to Hollywood from Indiana, is much too passive for me. Despite the fact that the entire subplot has to do with her life, she simply reacts and that’s hard for me to read. It’s a great “before bed” read and it took me a long time to finish. But an overall okay light read.

First Women – Kate Anderson Brower 4/5
I am totally enthralled with life in the White House. Completely obsessed. I find it absolutely fascinating and I couldn’t wait to read this book. Forewarning – it is LONG. I think it took me half of April to get through most of it and then I finished in early May. As opposed to The Residence written by a former Chief of Staff, this book is written by a 3rd party so the writing reads more like a collaboration of research. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed hearing the stories of First Ladies and their relationships with one another and in the limelight. Truly a great read, but I’m biased because I love anything on the subject.

Talking as Fast as I can – Lauren Graham 5/5

Oh, what a treat. I love a good memoir! This is a book I can imagine is delightful in audiobook form but I read a physical copy, in one day. The cover has tanning oil handprints on it and I have the tan lines to prove what a delightful afternoon I spent reading this book. I adore Lauren Graham but knew nothing about her or her personal life before this book. She is beyond relatable and an excellent storyteller. I feel as though I could sit and have coffee with her and we could actually get along despite the fact I am not an actress. I don’t want to give anything away but it’s really a great book!

The Nest – Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney 4/5

I’ve had this book on my to-read list for over a year and I finally got my hands on it! (Thank you, library!) And let me tell you, it is NOTHING like I thought it would be! It’s the story of the Plumb siblings, their father set up a trust fund for them that they refer to as “The Nest” and it’s to be given to them when the youngest turns 40, which is right around the corner. But one of the brother’s gets into some trouble and The Nest is drained to bail him out. The story becomes about much more than money and they siblings stories weave together beautifully to show redemption. I really enjoyed it!

Your Perfect Life – Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke 4/5
This book reads like a really good rom-com. It’s chick-lit but not in a brainless way. It’s Freaky Friday but with two best friends with very different lives. They’ve grown up together and grown apart in their lifestyles, but when they switch, they begin to wonder what makes their own lives so amazing and what are they willing to do to get it back? Really great and not at all cheesy!

The Bookshop on the Corner – Jenny Colgan 3.5/5
While the book itself was wonderful, I think my favorite part was the introduction where the author gives detailed tips on how to read in any location. Even the best way to read in the bathtub. SO right from the start, I knew she was my people and I would love her work. This is the story of a girl whose life begins to hit rock bottom, so she tentatively follows her gut and opens a bookshop in a van. It’s sweet and it’s really and of course, she falls in love. Really a delightful read and I can’t wait to dive into others by this author!