book report / 2021 faves.

Just as I have for the past few years, I set a goal at the beginning of 2021 to read 52 books—not to be competitive, but because I enjoy reading and want to spend more time reading than scrolling. I know that reading approximately one book a week is doable for me, so that's what I aim for. 

I ended up reading 55 books. Here are my favourites, the ones I gave a 5 star rating: 

A Promised Land by Barack Obama / Happily listened to all 29 hours (at 1.5x speed) and am eagerly awaiting the second volume.

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo / Highly recommend if you love long family sagas. When I wasn't reading it, I wanted to be. The writing was exquisite; I wanted to highlight so many passages. 

They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School by Bev Sellars / I recommend this to anyone, but especially my fellow Canadians. I learned a lot and kept thinking, 'Why wasn't I taught about any of this in school?'

Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart / Heartbreaking and beautifully written. When I finished reading it in March, I wrote, "I know I'll be thinking about this book and Shuggie for a long time." I was right. 

The Push by Ashley Audrain / I'd heard it was intense and it was. So intense. I couldn't stop reading. I had no idea what would happen and felt like I was holding my breath the whole time. I think it's in part because I'm a mom; I wonder if people without kids would have the same reaction. I recommend it, but with a warning for moms, especially new moms or moms with young kids.

The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying by Nina Riggs / This had been on my to-read list for years but I didn't read it because I thought it would make me too sad. And it did make me sad, but it was really beautiful too. Worth the good long cry I had at the end.

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai / Set during the AIDS epidemic and thirty years later, this made me feel so much. I was so sad and angry and was reminded how imperfect and lovable everyone is. I still think about the characters months later. 

How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7 by Joanna Faber & Julie King / I read the first few chapters a long time ago and just the strategies I learned from them were so helpful with my kids. I finally finished the book last year and added more strategies to my "toolbox." I'd recommend this for any one who takes care of young kids; I wish that I had read it when I was a preschool teacher. I like that the book is divided into sections, so you could pick and choose which parts you really want to read, plus there are summaries at the end of each part. 

It Had to Be You by Georgia Clark / Loved it from the very first page! An ensemble of characters, all connected, all trying to figure their (love) lives out.

Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk / Loved, loved, loved. I loved the characters, the plot, the setting. The writing was beautiful. It gave me a lot to think about. (It's a middle grade novel, but I loved it just as much, if not more, as the adult novels I read last year.)

We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride & Jo Piazza / A perfect book for the times we are living in. It's written from alternating viewpoints of two best friends—one a white woman who is the wife of a police officer who has shot an unarmed Black teenager and the other a Black woman who is the lead reporter covering the resulting story. I cried more than once and think maybe reading this could be a way for people with different points of view to begin to understand each other.

What were your favourite books you read in 2021?

P.S. My fave books in 2020 and more book reports.

P.P.S. If you want more frequent updates about what I'm reading this year, you can follow me on Goodreads or Instagram.

book report / january and february.

Every year I set a reading goal of 52 books. So far this year, I've read six books, which sounded pretty good until I realized I had read fourteen(!) by this time last year. I think this is a sign that I need to put my phone down and pick up a book...

Here are super short reviews of the books I've read so far: 

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel / It took me awhile to get into it and I kept wondering why so many people loved it. Now that I've finished it, woah. Intense, well-written, thriller-esque, and I thought about it for awhile afterwards.

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory / It was light and fun, but not my fave in the series.

*A Promised Land by Barack Obama / Happily listened to all 29 hours (at 1.5x speed) and am eagerly awaiting the second volume.

*The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo / I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a while. When I wasn't reading it, I wanted to be. The writing was exquisite; I wanted to highlight so many passages. Highly recommend if you love long family sagas.

*They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School by Bev Sellars / I recommend this to anyone, but especially my fellow Canadians. I learned a lot and kept thinking, 'Why wasn't I taught about any of this in school?' 

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite / I liked the premise but was left wanting more—more twists, more character development, and a more detailed plot.

Do you have any recommendations for me?

P.S. More book reports.

P.P.S. If you want more frequent updates about what I'm reading, I share every time I finish a book in my Instagram stories.

book report / 2020 faves.

I read 60 books in 2020 (the most books I've read in years), which I was pleasantly surprised by because I remember periods where I did not feel like reading and really struggled to concentrate. I guess a global pandemic will do that to you.

Anyway, here are my fave books from last year (all of the ones I gave 5 stars on Goodreads): 

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb / One of my fave memoirs of the many I've read! Interesting and felt like a breath of fresh air. Made me want to see a therapist. I listened and the narration was excellent too.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett / I absolutely loved this sprawling story about a house and a family spanning decades. I had never listened to a novel before, but kept seeing rave reviews of this one narrated by Tom Hanks, so I figured if I was ever going to, this would be a good one to try. I loved it! I found myself going for walks just so I could listen to more.

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson / An important, heartbreaking book. I saw a NYT review that said it "will make you upset and it will make you hopeful"—that's true. (If you're interested, there's a young adult version too.)

The Dirty Life: On Farming, Food, and Love by Kristin Kimball / I thoroughly enjoyed this—so much so that I volunteered to do bedtime with Mabel on nights when it wasn't my turn so I could have more time to listen. Before listening, I wouldn't have said I was interested in farming (but I'm always interested in learning how other people live their lives), and now I'm 50% "I want to be a farmer!" and 50% "I could never be a farmer!" A truly fascinating memoir and the narration was perfect. (I listened to the sequel as well last year and enjoyed it almost as much.)

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett / Loved, loved, loved. It was beautifully written; I found myself highlighting so many sentences. And it had plot points I wasn't expecting which is always a plus for someone like me who is good at predicting what will happen.

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson / Some books should be required reading for everyone; this is one of them.

Know My Name by Chanel Miller / A beautifully written book that shouldn't have needed to be written, but should most definitely be read. (I recommend listening to it as it is read by Chanel.)

28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand / One of my fave Elin novels to date! It made me smile, it made me angry, and it made me cry.

What Kind of Woman by Kate Baer / Beautiful and relatable. I'll be anxiously awaiting Kate's next book of poems. 

What were your fave books of 2020?

P.S. My fave books in 2019 and more book reports.

P.P.S. If you want more frequent updates about what I'm reading this year, you can follow me on Goodreads or Instagram.

march book report.

I read seven books in March; here are my really quick takes on them.

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson / An important, heartbreaking book. I saw a NYT review that said it "will make you upset and it will make you hopeful"—that's true. (If you're interested, there's a young adult version too!)

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood / I didn't like the main character and felt the plot was lacking. Only finished because I was reading it for a book club.

Open Book by Jessica Simpson / I listened to this after seeing a lot of hype. It was fascinating to learn about Simpson's life, but there were cringey moments—celebrity extravagance, some of the anecdotes, the occasional cheesy self-help-type lines (and I like self-help books!).

Don't Overthink It by Anne Bogel / I don't feel like I learned anything new, but it's nice to have it all in one resource. The author's personal anecdotes were a nice touch. I got the audiobook for free when I pre-ordered the physical copy. I'm looking forward to paging through the physical copy.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce / I was more interested in Harold's backstory (and that of Maureen and Queenie) than his pilgrimage and the people he met. I liked it but not enough to read the sequel.

Inside Out by Demi Moore / I love a celebrity memoir and this was a good one.

Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey / Predictable, light, and cheesy—exactly what's needed at a time like this. If you like rom-coms, you might like this.

What have you read lately?

january & february book report.

I set a goal for 2020 to read 52 books and I read 14 (total) in January and February. Here are quick reviews; I've starred my faves:

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris / Listened to this one and I highly recommend that. I liked some of the stories more than others, and found myself literally laughing out loud a couple times and gasping at at least one part.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith / I once wrote on my blog, before having read the novel, "I think I'd like Francie." I did like Francie! And her whole family, too. What a delightful novel.

*Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb / One of my fave memoirs of the many I've read! Interesting and felt like a breath of fresh air. Makes me want to see a therapist. I listened and the narration was excellent.

*The Dutch House by Ann Patchett / I absolutely loved this sprawling story about a house and a family spanning decades. I've never listened to a novel before, but kept seeing rave reviews of this one narrated by Tom Hanks, so I figured if I was ever going to, this would be a good one to try. I loved it! I found myself going for walks just so I could listen to more.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang / It had so much potential (and so much hype) but I thought the plot and the characters lacked depth. I probably shouldn't have finished it but I'm not good at quitting books.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine / Even though I predicted what would ultimately happen about halfway through, I still enjoyed it and as I read, I wondered what the characters would do next.

So Here’s the Thing… by Alyssa Mastromonaco / I was super disappointed with this, especially after loving her first book (Who Thought This Was A Good Idea?). Some anecdotes were recycled from the first book, many I didn't care about (like the most-played songs on her iPod or what's on her nightstand), and some felt like they will soon be outdated (like mentions of Trump).

I'm Just a Person by Tig Notaro / I'm not a Tig Notaro fan (only because I don't think I've ever heard/seen her perform), but I stumbled upon her memoir and I like learning about people's lives, so I listened. I liked it, didn't love it.

*Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes / Loved it! A breath of fresh air. Loved the characters, the dialogue, the setting, and the details. Especially perfect for any other North American East Coasters.

Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You by Lin-Manuel Miranda / Loved Miranda's pep talks when I read them on Twitter and love them in the book. The illustrations are fantastic!

*Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid / Please read this so we can talk about it! I loved Briar and the relationship she and Emira had. This novel felt complicated, in the way that life can be. I want to say more, but don't want to spoil anything.

To Have and to Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma by Molly Millwood / I wish that I had read this before having kids. Then again, I probably wouldn't have really understood or appreciated it as much as I do now that I'm living it. A lot of points the author made left me feeling validated, and I was excited to talk to my husband and a friend about things I learned. I liked but didn't love the book because I felt like I was listening to a textbook.

Dear Mother: Poems on the Hot Mess of Motherhood by Bunmi Laditan / A treasure for moms. A few of the poems really resonated with me, and I think that will be the case whenever I pick it up again. Would make a good gift.

Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield / Fairytale meets mystery. I was slow to get into it, but once I was in, I was hooked. (I read it because it was a Girl Next Door Podcast book club pick.)

What have you read and loved lately?

P.S. I share reviews on my Instagram stories whenever I finish a book. I also save them in my highlights; here's 2019 & 2020.

P.P.S. More "book reports."

book report / 2019 faves.

I read 55 books in 2019 and these were my seven faves:

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens / I don't know what to say except that this lives up to all the hype. I had a tiny issue with one small part of the plot, but overall, loved it. Couldn't put it down!

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid / I wouldn't have chosen this book based on the description but I decided to read it because I kept seeing rave reviews. Well, here's another rave review! I loved the format, the themes, the characters. It's hard to remember Daisy Jones & The Six aren't a real band!

Beartown by Fredrik Backman / At first glance, this book seems to be all about hockey—the team, the players, the club, the culture—but it's about so much more than that, too. I really, really liked it. I fell in love with the characters and felt invested in the town. I was so glad when I realized this was the first in a series.

Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year by Anne Lamott / I loved this! Probably in large part because my son is seven months old and my daughter is two years old and so much of what Anne wrote resonated with me. If you're a mom, I think you will like this. You might also like this even if you're not a mom because Anne's writing is so good. (I listened to this one and the narration was great.)

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane / This book was a journey in the best way possible. I felt like I had been holding my breath the entire time I was reading it and when I finished, I could breathe again. The writing, wow. I wish I had highlighted so many things, but honestly, I would have highlighted A LOT. If you like complicated characters and books about family, read this. I want to read it again.

Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House by Alyssa Mastromonaco / I really liked this and before I was even halfway done, had already recommended it to a friend. Part memoir, part advice, you should read this if you're interested in the White House, Obama, politics, or succeeding in your career/life. I can't wait to read Mastromonaco's newest book.

Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan / A love letter not only to the author's mother, but to all mothers. This was a fantastic memoir. I think I would have liked it even before becoming a mom, but now that I am one, I loved it. When Kelly began telling about her nannying job, I thought, 'Where is she going with this?' It was perfect. I laughed and I teared up multiple times. (P.S. I listened to it and loved the way Kelly did her mother's voice.)

What were your fave reads in 2019?

P.S. If you want to follow along, I keep track of my reading (books I've read and books I want to read) on Goodreads and I also share a mini-review on my Instagram stories each time I finish a book.

book report / recent faves.

I haven't shared a book report since July's and I've read 33 books since then. I don't really think you need to read about all of those, especially since there were a few I didn't really enjoy, so I decided I'd share some of my favourites. (If you do want to see a list of all the books I read, including the duds, you can visit my Goodreads account.)

The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict / I read this quickly and found it fascinating to learn about Mileva Marić, Albert Einstein's first wife. Of course, this novel is fiction, but it was so interesting and led me down a Wikipedia wormhole after I finished. It reminded me of The Paris Wife by Paula McLain.

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead / I found myself reading this late into the night when I should have been sleeping which says something, especially as a mom to a baby who wakes up multiple times each night. The underground railroad as a literal railroad is an intriguing concept and I wish I was back in my university or high school English classes to discuss it and the characters.

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay / I'd seen this recommended by several people online and decided to read it because I trust those people's recommendations. I didn't think I'd have anything in common with the author (although that's one of the main reasons I read memoirs, is to learn about people who are different than me), but as I listened (I usually use Audible to listen to non-fiction books), I found myself thinking that we had similar ways of thinking about some things. I'd recommend this to every woman I know (and men, too, if they're willing to read it). It's about more than food; as people, we can be hungry for so many things.

The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand / This is one of my fave Elin Hilderbrand novels that I've read and I've read most of them. I think what made it extra interesting was that it was set in Nantucket AND Martha's Vineyard and the story mainly centred on identical twin sisters. It was a fun read, as all of her novels are, and perfect for the coming summer!

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie / This is one of my fave YA novels I've read recently. It made me laugh, but it also made me feel sad, and I ended up reflecting on my own prejudiced thoughts (it's hard to admit that) I have towards Native Americans. I think everyone should read this, but it would be especially great for anyone who has a reservation in their community and anyone who wants a starting point to reflect and discuss stereotypes, history, and causation.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman / At first glance, this book seems to be all about hockey—the team, the players, the club, the culture—but it's about so much more than that, too. I really, really liked it. I fell in love with the characters and felt invested in the town. I was so glad when I realized this is the first in a series; I can't wait for the next to be translated. I'll be adding the rest of Backman's books to my to-read list. (Trigger warning: The plot includes rape.)

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple / Such a fun read! Told from the daughter's point of view and through a compilation of emails, faxes, and other documents, it was interesting—in the best way possible! Can't wait to read Semple's other novels.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio / This should be required reading for everyone (especially middle schoolers) because 1) it contains lessons everyone should learn and 2) it's a fantastic story. I don't always love young adult novels now that I'm an old(er) adult, but I loved this.

Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman / I loved this book! I only wish I had read it while I was still pregnant with Mabel or at least before she was 4 months so we could have done "le pause" with her (oh well, next baby ;) Seriously though, it has some great tips, funny anecdotes, and I didn't feel "preached at" or "lectured to." I listened to it on audiobook and I think that added something to my enjoyment with the reader's French accents and kid voices.

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood / Woah. Intense and beautiful and everything I thought I had definite opinions on are a little upside down after reading this. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because of one part of the plot but overall, excellent book.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas / Fantastic book and should be considered a "must read" for young adults and "old" adults. It definitely didn't feel like a 400+ page book; I zoomed through it.

11/22/63 by Stephen King / History and time travel made for a fascinating story! I like King's writing style too; I found it to be straightforward but captivating. It took me awhile to finish because it's long, but I looked forward to jumping back into the book every chance I got.

What have you been reading lately?

P.S. More book reports here.

july book report.

Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham / I was still thinking about this book days after I finished it. While I was reading it, I had a long conversation with Tony about it—the characters and the events—and I found myself starting to say things like "back then," but would catch myself because the truth is, not much has changed about the way Black people are treated, and this book does a good job illustrating that fact. I'm pretty sure it's meant to be a Young Adult novel, but I'd recommend it to anyone. And if you do have a young adult in your life, share this book with them and then have a conversation about it. Heck, if you don't have a young adult in your life, share this book with someone and have a conversation about it.

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware / This was a bit hard for me to get into because it reminded me of The Girl on the Train at the beginning, but I kept reading and got sucked into the story; I had to find out what happened! Not the best mystery/thriller novel I've read, and I had a hard time keeping all of the minor characters straight, but a good story in the end.

Night Road by Kristin Hannah / Not one of my favourite Kristin Hannah novels, but I enjoyed reading it. It made me think back to when I was a senior in high school, the parties I went to, and the parenting choices my mom made. And of course, as a mom now myself, it made me think of the choices Tony and I will have to make as Mabel grows older.

It's Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too) by Nora McInerny Purmort / I loved this book! It surprised me, because I thought it would be mostly about Nora's husband's death and how she dealt with it, and it was, but it was so much more than that. The Goodreads description describes it perfectly: "A love letter to life, in all of its messy glory, and what it’s like to still be kickin', It’s Okay to Laugh is like a long chat with a close friend over a cup of coffee (or chardonnay)." I felt like Nora was giving me a pep talk for life. One of my favourite quotes from the book: "It's harder than it looks, for everyone. If you ask me how I am, I'll tell you reflexively that I'm okay and it's true for the most part. And when you tell me the same thing, I'll know that it's mostly true for you too, because you're working hard to be that way, not because it's easy."

The Leavers by Lisa Ko / I did not love this one and while I did hover between a 2 or 3 star review, I think that's only because I live in China so found some details interesting. Then again, if you don't live in China, you might find it interesting. The whole book felt slow, especially the first half, but the second half was better.

Paper Towns by John Green / Chose this as a lighter read after a couple of heavier reads. It was okay; I think if I was a teenager (the intended audience), I would have liked it more. It's been awhile since I've been in high school (10 years to be exact), but the dialogue and plot felt relatable to high school-me.

What have you read lately?

P.S. More book reports here.

june book report.

Only 3 books this month, none of which I listened to, and only one about caring for a baby. The reason for more reading and less listening is probably because I spend a good chunk of time each day breastfeeding and that's when I've been doing all of my reading.

A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline / I hovered between giving this a 4 or 5 star rating on Goodreads, but because there's no 4.5 star option, I decided to round up. I REALLY liked this book. And the best part is, I'm not sure I would have chosen it on my own, but The Girl Next Door Podcast picked it for a book club episode and I'm so glad they did. I learned about the surprisingly fascinating life of Christina Olson, a bit about the famed artist Andrew Wyeth, and now I'm yearning for a simpler life. If you're not sure if this is a book you'd like, I assure you, you probably will. And now I want to read Orphan Train by the same author.

Before the Fall by Noah Hawley /  I enjoyed this—enough that I read it in a week while home with a newborn ;) It's not a mystery or a thriller really, but the story is told from the point of view of all the characters leading up to the crash and you're trying to figure out why/how the plane crashed. I'm usually able to predict endings, but I didn't with this one, so I'd recommend it.

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg / A fellow mama lent me this book and said it was her bible. I read the entire thing and found the advice offered made sense. Some of it went against everything else I had read though, particularly the parts about breastfeeding. (Only 3 weeks into being a mom and I've learned that everyone has a different way of doing things; you have to find what works for you!) One thing that stood out was that Hogg advises against feeding on demand, but that is exactly what I had been told to do for Mabel, by La Leche League, websites recommended by other moms, and most notably by her pediatrician. But! Later in the book, Hogg says that you SHOULD feed underweight and premature babies on demand. The section I found the most helpful was on sleep. We've only had a couple nights to put this into practice, and I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but we have seen a slight improvement in Mabel's sleep! Anyway, I could go on and on about this book and baby advice in general, but I'll wrap up with this: You might find this book helpful, but just remember, do what works for you, even if that means cherry picking advice and practices from different sources!

What have you read and loved—or hated—lately?

may book report.

I guess May was a month of mostly non-fiction for me, which makes sense because I usually listen to non-fiction books and actually read fiction, and May was busy what with work and getting ready for a baby (lucky we got things ready since Mabel came 2 and a half weeks early!), so I obviously had less time for reading but more time for listening. (Holy, run-on sentence.)

Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West / I listened to this from Audible and it's read by West. I always love when a book is read by the author; I think it adds another layer to the experience. I enjoyed this collection of essays, ranging from fat-shaming to rape jokes to internet trolls. I've seen some criticism that West is just another white woman adding her voice to feminism, but I don't think that discounts her writing or the book's merit. It's on us to seek and hear diverse voices.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi / I'd wanted to read this for awhile but had been hesitating because I didn't know if I could handle it seeing as how I was pregnant and a little more emotional than usual. I'm so glad I finally listened to it. It was beautifully written and I found it made me reflective, but not overly sad (until the epilogue written by Paul's wife, Lucy Kalanithi; I couldn't listen in the morning while getting ready for work or I knew I'd be a weepy mess in front of my students). Being a surgeon and a patient, and combining a love for science and literature, Paul offers a unique perspective of life and death.

The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck by Sarah Knight / A quick, refreshing read. (Actually, I listened to it.) A lot of the examples given didn't apply to me, but I did like the reminders to stop caring what other people think of you and that it's possible to "not give a f*ck" without being an a**shole. Since listening, I've found myself thinking, 'nope, this is not worth any f*cks' about things in my life and I think it's helped me to let things go and focus more on what's actually important. (Note: Obviously this book—especially the audio version—isn't for you if you have a problem with profanity.)

This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel / I don't know what to say other than I LOVED this book. As a teacher, as a mom-to-be, as a human. If you are any of the above, you should read it. There wasn't a lot of action, but the plot was still interesting and I can't decide which I loved more, the characters or the writing.

What have you read and loved (or not loved) lately?

april book report.

I read 7 books in April (if you count listening to an audiobook and a book I started in January)! I think it's partly because I haven't been watching any TV really, and partly because I'm subconsciously trying to read as much as possible before baby girl comes. Here's what I read and what I thought:

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch / I'd seen this reviewed and recommended by many people online and most of them said something along the lines of, "Even if you don't like science fiction, you will love this book!" They were right. I was hooked right away and had such a hard time putting it down each night to go to sleep. I want everyone to read it so we can talk about it.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak / I tried reading this a long time ago and just couldn't get into the writing style. After hearing nothing but good things over the years, I decided to try again and I'm so glad I did. I fell in love with all of the characters—Liesel, Papa, Rudy, Max, and even Death. I laughed and I cried. I laughed and cried some more. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah / I listened to this through Audible and it was narrated by the author. So glad that I listened to this one! (I listen to most non-fiction books.) The stories he told were funny, heartbreaking, and eye-opening and hearing them told by Noah himself made them that much better I think. He used different voices for different people; his voice for himself as a child—hilarious! One morning as I was listening, my husband asked me, "Is this fiction or non-fiction?" Turns out, he had been listening too and couldn't believe when I said that it was a memoir!

Here's to Us by Elin Hilderbrand / I'm always a fan of Hilderbrand's novels. This one was fun, although sad at times, and well-written. Loved the premise, the characters, and the way the story developed. I hope there's a sequel someday; I want to know more about everyone!

Expecting Better by Emily Oster / Loved this book because it felt like a no-nonsense, fresh perspective on pregnancy and all the advice people (professionals and not) love to give. I'm sure I'll reference this as I make decisions for the remainder of my pregnancy and the birth, and I'll definitely keep it so I can flip through it again next time. (The only reason that it took me so long to get through it was because I was reading other books at the same time and only picked this up once in awhile.)

Wreckage by Emily Bleeker / About a plane crash and being stranded on an island. Kind of interesting, but also predictable. Quick read. (If you don't mind reading about plane crashes, I'd recommend In the Unlikely Event. I've also heard great things about Before the Fall; I have it on hold through the library.)

Lord of the Flies by William Golding / Somehow I made it through my entire school career without reading this classic. I knew the premise and always understood pop culture references to it, but thought it was time I read it. I didn't love it, didn't even really like it that much, and was left wondering, 'Am I missing something?'

Have you read any of these? What did you think? What have you read and loved lately?

P.S. My last book report was from July, but I've read a lot since then (25 books in 2017 so far!). You can see my star ratings on Goodreads, if you're interested. And more book reports here.

july book report.

The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips / I couldn't put this book down. It's written from the point of view of a young black teenage girl, living in Georgia in 1958. She has 9 brothers and sisters and her mom is abusive. It was incredibly detailed, sometimes painfully so, and when Tony told me, "It's only a book," I was quick to remind him that racism and lynching and abuse really did happen and still does happen. A powerful and worthwhile read. I wish that I had someone to discuss it with, so please read it and let me know!

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella / I've read all of Sophie Kinsella's novels and there hasn't been one I didn't like yet, so I was excited to read this YA story about a teenager with an anxiety disorder. It was a cute story and while I thought the climax and the end was a bit abrupt, I'd recommend it, especially if you're a Kinsella fan.

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain / This was a fantastic book! In fact, I gave it its own post here.  (I also really liked The Paris Wife so I've added her first novel, A Ticket to Ride, to my to-read list.)

The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure / A story about an unsympathetic architect that ends up building hiding spaces for Jews. I've read a lot of WWII books lately, and while this one had potential, I thought it was just okay. I think mostly because the writing just wasn't very good. (WWII novels I would highly recommend: All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Secrets of a Charmed Life.)

Girl at War by Sara Nović / Set in Croatia during the War of Independence and ten years later in New York, this novel is told mainly from the point of view of a ten-year-old Croatian girl. It's haunting and sad, and really well written. I read it almost three weeks ago and I still think of it almost every day. I knew nothing about the Yugoslavian wars but after reading this and talking to a friend from Serbia, I'm eager to learn more.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert / I listened to this one, as I do most non-fiction lately, and it was good. Gilbert had some good gems of advice re: creativity and writing. I loved that she's both "the creative process is magical" and also "you've gotta do the work." Inspiring. (If you're into podcasts, The Girl Next Door has a book club episode about Big Magic. Fun!)

The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson / Turns out I'm a big Jandy Nelson fan and I'm sad that she only has two novels published. This is her first, and it's about a seventeen-year-old girl whose older sister dies suddenly and she's left to figure things out. It's a coming of age/love story. Highly recommend.

Will I Ever Be Good Enough? by Karyl McBride / Another non-fiction book, but this one I actually read. It was recommended to me by a friend, whose therapist had recommended it to her. (Hooray for not being alone in having rocky relationships with our mothers?) Although I don't think my mom and I are an exact fit for the scenarios in this book, I still found it valuable. I loved that the author emphasized not blaming anyone, recognizing the problem/pattern, and healing. It gave me a better understanding of some things, and hopefully will help me to have at least a slightly better relationship with my mom, a better mindset, and to not repeat the same pattern with my future kiddos.

So, that's what I read in the month of July. I love summer vacation! Since I'm going back to work next week, I have a feeling my reading will slow way down, but I'm always happy to have recommendations. What have you read lately and loved?

highlights from Circling the Sun.

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain was such a great story. I devoured it! And there were a few sections that really got me. I didn't think to highlight all of them, but here are the ones I did:

"People interest me so much. They're such wonderful puzzles. Think of it. Half the time we've no idea what we're doing, but we live anyway."

---

"I've never travelled," I told her.

"Oh, you absolutely should," she insisted, "if only so that you can come home and really see it for what it is. That's my favourite part."

---

"Honestly, I couldn't even say. To care less, maybe. She was away for so long, I didn't imagine she could still do harm, but now..." I let my voice trail off. 

"My father died when I was young. We all thought it was rather fortunate at first. It simplified all sorts of things. But over time... well. Let's just say I've developed a theory that only the vanished truly leave their mark. And I still don't feel I've sorted it out. Maybe we never do survive our families."

P.S. My monthly "book reports."

june book report

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb / Malala's story is fascinating and inspiring. It took me longer than usual to read, but I'm chalking that up to it being the last month of school, plus I usually take longer to read non-fiction than fiction. Of course, I already knew the basic facts about Malala, but reading her words, learning about Pakistan and her life before being shot, was so interesting.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown / This is the second book by Brené that I've listened to (have I mentioned I love audiobooks?). I know I'm an odd man out, but I haven't loved them. A lot of material was covered in this book and there were some gems of insight and advice though. Maybe I should try actually reading the next one, instead of listening to it?

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight / I don't remember where I heard about this novel, but I think it must have been from someone whose taste in books I trust, because this isn't usually the kind of story I go for. It's young adult/adult fiction/thriller/mystery and it's really well written, so I think almost anyone would like it. I think part of why I liked it so much is because I didn't predict the ending, which I'm usually able to do.

Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner / I've read a lot of good books lately, but this one was the first in a long time that I couldn't put down. I read it in about a day! It's set during WWII, about two sisters living in London, their evacuation, and the Blitz. I don't know what else to tell you other than you should read it! I've already added Meissner's other novels to my to-read list.

What have you read lately?

(Art print by Evie Seo)

may book report.

It's one week into June, so it's about time I share what I read in May, right? But really, give me a break; I'm a teacher and it's June. One and a half more weeks and I really hope I'll be back to blogging regularly. Hooray, summer vacation!

Here's what I read last month:

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson / This was a book club pick. I'd never heard of Jandy Nelson, but oh man, am I glad I know about her now. This book was magical. I really and truly loved it. It's told from the points of view of two twins, a boy and a girl, and is about so much. Relationships (romantic, friendship, family), art, sexuality, coming of age; I could go on. If you like books by John Green or Rainbow Rowell, I think you'll like this.

After You by Jojo Moyes / This is the sequel to Me Before You, so make sure you read that first. I won't say much here because I don't want to give any spoilers, but I enjoyed this, just not quite as much as the first book.

Shopaholic on Honeymoon by Sophie Kinsella / If you're a Becky Bloomwood fan, then this (very) short story is worth downloading because it's free. But don't feel guilty if you skip it.

Home Invasion by Joy Fielding / Another short story, but I wouldn't recommend downloading this one, even if it was free (which it's not). I thought it was boring and predictable. I would recommend the author's novels though, especially Charley's Web and Now You See Her.

I'm currently reading I Am Malala and finding it fascinating and inspiring. What are you reading and loving?

P.S. More book reports and free audiobooks for the summer!

april book report.

I didn't read as many books as last month, but I'm pretty happy that I managed to read three. #thankgodforaudiobooks

She's Not There by Joy Fielding / This was a book club pick. When I suggested it, I told my friends that I've read most of Joy Fielding's books and some of them are amazing-oh-my-goodness-what's-gonna-happen and some of them are just okay. This one was just okay. At our next meeting, I told them not to give up on her books though, and suggested Charley's Web.

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg / Another book club pick! We actually just chose it last week, but because I listened to this one, I got through it quickly. It helped that it was a really good book. It's so full of practical advice and personal examples; I loved it. Can't wait to discuss it at the next book club meeting.

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee / It breaks my heart to say this, but I really didn't like it. I gave it only one star on Goodreads :( I loved To Kill a Mockingbird, so I was really looking forward to this, but it was a disappointment. It just didn't make sense to me—the plot or the characters. I read the whole thing because I hate not finishing a book and I kept hoping it would get better. It didn't. Nothing happens! Summary: Read TKAM, skip GSAW.

What have you read and loved lately? I'm always looking for suggestions!

P.S. More book reports.

spring book report.

I managed to read 5 books during the past month AND it's still the school year. That's practically a miracle! (Okay, I listened to 2 of them, but they still count!)

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes / I listened to this as an audiobook and I'm so glad I did! I loved hearing Shonda's voice rather than reading it, especially for the parts of the book that were speeches she had written and delivered at events. She offered some great gems of wisdom and I had a lot of fun discussing them at my book club.

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant / Excellent read! I wanted to read this quickly because it was so good, but I also didn't want it to end because it was so good! If you're a woman, friend, mother, daughter, interested in history, or just love a good novel, you should read this.

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown / Another audiobook. It took me a while to get into this. I kept going though, because I've heard nothing but high praise for Brené Brown's work. I think most of what I didn't like was the narrator's voice. There were some valuable insights here, and I especially enjoyed the parts that spoke specifically about relationships and workplaces. I almost think every leader should have to read this.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah / The best book I've read in a long time! (I was tempted to write that in all caps.) I spent an entire Saturday in bed reading this and cried through the last third of it. It's so good! I've read a lot of books set during WWII, and this is one of my favourites. If you're only going to read one book from this post, it should be this one, hands down.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee / I read this in high school, probably like most of you. I remember liking it then, especially compared to many of the other books I read in school, but I've been meaning to re-read it for a few years now. I finally borrowed it from my school's library and I raced through it. This book definitely stands the test of time. I'd recommend reading it, whether it'll be your first time or your second (or your third).

Go Set a Watchman and The Tao of Pooh are up next for me.

Have you read any of these? What have you read and loved recently?

winter book report.

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith / I didn't figure out any major plot points until they were revealed, which is a win for this book, since I'm usually able to guess. (I'm a really hard person to surprise.) I liked the book—the first in a series—enough that I'm excited to read the next two. I do wish we had learned more about the main characters, but maybe that will come later? (P.S. You know Robert Galbraith is J.K. Rowling, right?)

Wild by Cheryl Strayed / Now this was a story! I listened to it on audiobook (downloaded through my NB library, yay!) and although it had a slow beginning, I was hooked. I'd listen for a couple hours at a time. I don't think I've heard anything but positive reviews of this memoir, and for good reason. I think part of why I loved it so much is because I'm the same age now as Cheryl was when she hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, and I kept trying to imagine myself doing what she did. Inspiring is an understatement.  

The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty / This was a fun, lighthearted read after the other two (although it does involve a stalker). I read it fairly quickly, and I'd recommend it if you're looking for a sweet, quirky story.

Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff / I heard nothing but rave reviews for this novel, and while I did like it, I didn't love it. I think it just felt really long to me, although I liked the characters and the writing was excellent. For example, the description of how the main male character smelled: "Clean as camphor at his neck and belly, like electrified pennies at the armpit, like chlorine at the groin." It's worth reading for the writing alone.

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman / Meh. It was okay. I liked it enough to keep reading, but mostly because I wanted to know what would happen to everyone in the end. I mean, it's a big deal, keeping someone else's baby and passing it off on your own (not a spoiler; it says so in the description), but the story just felt kind of flat to me.

I'm currently listening to Shonda Rhimes' Year of Yes and reading Anita Diamant's The Boston Girl.

What have you read and loved lately?

book report.

Since my last book report, I finished 7 books, 5 of which I read while on vacation in Bali, where the setting was usually some variation of this:

Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe / I actually listening to this as an audiobook from OverDrive, borrowed through my New Brunswick library account. This is the first time in years that I've listened to an audiobook and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Especially since it was read by Rob Lowe. It was wonderful to hear his story in his voice. It was so interesting to hear about his childhood and personal life and journey to being an actor, how he met other soon-to-be-famous actors, behind the scenes things from The Outsiders and The West Wing, and how he felt about the "Brat Pack."

Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand / This is a sequel to Winter Street, which I read last year and then re-read to make sure I was fully familiar with the characters. This series (I'm pretty sure there's a third coming next winter) is perfect to read around the holiday season. I found myself rooting for each of the characters and having sympathy for some I didn't think I would from the first novel. I feel like I know them.

Ape House by Sara Gruen / This is the third book I've read by Sara Gruen, after reading At the Water's Edge this fall and the super-popular Water for Elephants a few years ago. I practically slapped myself on the forehead thinking, Duh! Why didn't you check to see if she wrote more books the last few years? I highly recommend each of these three novels. They're each about completely different things, but all well-written and intriguing stories.

Serena by Ron Rash / I've had this one on my to-read list for quite awhile; I think I saw it recommended on a website or in a magazine a few years ago. The potential for a good story was there: Newlyweds in the North Carolina mountains, running a timber business in the 1920s, Serena not being the "typical" woman or wife of that time. I liked it, but didn't love it, although there was some suspense that kept me reading to the end.

The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand / Another one I liked but didn't love. I've read most of Hilderbrand's novels and this wasn't one of my faves. A good beach or summer read though.

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling / I was expecting a lot from this, probably because of who it's by. Obviously I knew it would be nothing like Harry Potter, but I thought it would be a story that I'd be super into. I wasn't. At least, not until almost the end of the novel. I probably shouldn't have kept reading when after 100 pages I still wasn't enjoying it, but in the end, it did make me think and made me cry, and when Tony reminded me that it's just a book, I told him, "But these kinds of things really happen! There are really towns and people like this!"

Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner / I've read all of this author's books and I think this is one of my favourites! It's a love story through the years and I sped through it! It didn't just focus on the characters as a couple though, but told their stories separately also, which I found really fascinating. One child grows up upper-middle class with a heart condition and the other grows up poor, but wants to be a world-class athlete. I think Weiner did a good job showing us that people are human, and we all make mistakes, don't know what we want, or fumble trying to get what we want.

I'm sure my reading will slow down now that I'm back to work, but I'm really hoping to do more reading and less social media-ing. I read 42 books in 2015, which is pretty good, but 2016 is a new year and I have plenty of books on my shelves and my Kobo!

What have you read recently and would recommend to me?

fall book report.

I know it feels like winter, but technically it's still fall, so I'm just gonna leave the title of this post alone. Here are the books I've read since my last book report:

The Wednesday Daughters by Meg Waite Clayton / I didn't like this book as much as I liked the first in the series, The Wednesday Sisters. I don't know if it's only because I was reading this in the middle of wedding/honeymoon/name change fun, but I found it confusing and hard to get into. I finished it though, because I was happy to have an "update" on where the characters were.

Nantucket Nights by Elin Hilderbrand / It's about a trio of women who are best friends and for 20 years, have performed a summer ritual of swimming at midnight on Labour Day weekend. Only this time, one of them disappears. I read this quickly, engrossed in the story, wondering: Did she disappear on purpose? Drown? What? I enjoyed it, but when I got to the end, all I could think, is that it?

In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume / So... I bought this book without knowing what it was about just because I like Judy Blume... and I started reading it during my flight back to Beijing... and it turns out it's about plane crashes... perfect. I kept reading it anyway, but I did have to put it away when we experienced turbulence and when we were landing because, well, it was just too much. Obviously, the book is not just about plane crashes, but the crashes are what the story is centered around, how the crashes affect different people in the town and on the flights. I really, really liked it and would highly recommend it. Just maybe not when you're flying ;)

The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan / This was the first book I read in its entirety since summer vacation ended and I loved it from beginning to end. Chick lit? Sure. But it was a heck of a good story. My fingers are crossed for a sequel.

Windfallen by Jojo Moyes / (This book was also released under the title Foreign Fruit.) A slow start and an abrupt ending, but the middle more than made up for both. I was hooked and read it every time I was home and had a spare moment. I thoroughly enjoy Moyes' novels—especially those that are set in the past and present day.

At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen / I read this book in about 2 days (really, a matter of hours once you take into consideration work, cooking, sleeping, etc.), mostly because it was an e-book I borrowed from the library and it was going to expire in 40 hours. I had a hard time deciding whether to give it 4 or 5 stars on Goodreads, because while it wasn't amazing, I really really liked it. Sara Gruen is a master storyteller. This book had everything—love, war, monsters, friendship, history, travel—and it was all weaved together artfully.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr / At first I thought it felt kind of choppy, as it frequently switched perspectives. After awhile, I got used to it and got very into the story. It's a WWII story, but feels so different from other stories set then. I thought it was really interesting that one of the main characters is a German boy and we learn how he became a Nazi. This one lives up to all the hype, for sure.

On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah / Married woman scorned, reunited with someone from her past... Not a new storyline, but Hannah's a good writer so I enjoyed it. Definitely prefer her newer novels though.

I also just reread Elin Hilderbrand's Winter Street and am currently reading the sequel, Winter Stroll—perfect for Christmas. And! I've discovered the magic of audiobooks! I'm listening to Rob Lowe's Stories I Only Tell My Friends, borrowed from the New Brunswick Public Library system, of course.