I’ve been in a bit of an overwhelming book situation lately. In addition to the usual book club reads, I’ve had more-than-usual ARC obligations and a towering pile of library books to make my way through before their due dates. I haven’t read any more than usual -- even though I really need to. I’m hoping some upcoming vacation days and my participation in the Thanksgiving Readathon will help me catch up!
Here’s a look at what I read over the last month and the three books I’m working on right now.
Last Month’s Edition & What My Ratings Mean
4-Star Reads ⭐⭐⭐⭐
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing - I thought Hank Green’s first novel was entertaining, fast-paced and even a little thought provoking. If you liked Sleeping Giants or The Martian, you might like this one. recipe + review
3-Star Reads ⭐⭐⭐
The Book of M (3.5) - This was the last in a trio of post-apocalyptic / dystopian novels I read this month, and it also happened to be my favorite. It fell a little short of my high hopes, but I still thought the concept was intriguing. Shepherd’s writing was beautiful. recipe + review
Good Morning, Midnight - For a post-apocalyptic novel, this one moved pretty slowly. We don’t know what left our two main characters stranded in the Arctic and space, but that doesn’t necessarily take away from the story. I enjoyed the writing, and I was surprised by the ending. recipe + review
*Our Life in the Forest - This dystopian novel was translated from French. It’s a short, quick read. It describes a terrifying universe where people have spare parts, which are stored in the bodies of clones. I found it thought-provoking and liked the experimental style. recipe + review
**Peas, Carrots and an Aston Martin - Hannah Lynn’s second novel is the first in a series, and I was lucky enough to close out her blog tour this time. This charming novel is a quick, light read about personal transformation and is somewhat akin to A Man Called Ove (though the main character here is much younger). recipe + review
Circe - I read this as part of the Literary Feast Reading Challenge; October was “blind date with a book” month. I let my friend Deanna choose for me and this is what she recommended. I struggled a bit trying to keep all of the gods straight but ultimately liked the story. Madeline Miller offers a new feminist perspective on classic myths, turning Circe into a good witch. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, this is definitely for you!
Currently Reading
The Alice Network - We read this for my November book club that met last week, and though I tried to finish it on time, I showed up with 100 pages left to go. Despite knowing some spoilers, I’m still looking forward to finishing it… after I catch up on some of my other book obligations.
A Spark of Light - I have been looking forward to this Jodi Picoult novel all year and was anxious to start it once my hold came in at the library. Alas, I had to set it aside to read an ARC, but this will be the first thing I pick up once that’s done!
***Family Trust - This is the aforementioned ARC, which I have to review soon as part of a book tour over on Literary Quicksand. (Stop by Tuesday to check it out!) I probably shouldn’t have put it off this long… Thankfully, it seems to be going quickly and so far, so good!
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Linkup Guidelines:
This linkup happens the second Tuesday of every month. The next is Tuesday, December 11, 2018.
1. Please visit and comment with both of your hosts, Jana & Steph
2. Please display the button or link back to me and the linkup hosts on your blog post
3. Please visit a few other blogs who've linked up and get some book talk going!
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*I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
**I received a free digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
***I received a free copy of this book from the TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
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Allison @ My Novel Life says
Our Life in the Forest sounds pretty cool. It sounds kind of like this weird show I just finished watching on Netflix, Altered Carbon. I felt like I needed someone to discuss Good Morning, Midnight with when I finished it, but I didn't know anyone who had read it! I hate to publish any spoilers, but is Iris real? She's not real, right? It was super slow, but I liked it.
Megan says
I haven't heard of that show, but I'll have to check it out! I do think Our Life in the Forest would make an interesting show/series.
I'll email you my thoughts on Iris!
Jackie B @ Death by Tsundoku says
I've heard such great things about the Book of M, but I am not reading it yet as I am a bit nervous of the hype. It looks like the hype affected you, too! I've heard mixed reviews about Circe if only because of the huge cast of characters! I was considering listening to the audiobook, but I'm a bit anxious that I won't be able to follow along this way.
I must admit: Prior to reading this post, I never considered even picking up Hank Green's An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. Why? No idea. I just assumed it was a contemporary novel, like his brother's work. But this sounds more science fiction? Sign me up! I love both Sleeping Giants and The Martian.
Yay! I'm so glad you're coming back to participate in the #ThanksgivingReadathon ! I am also using this time to catch up on my reading. I am SO BEHIND. Oops. Here's hoping those 5 days help us both get a stronger grip on our TBR. 🙂
Confuzzled Bev says
The cover of Our Life in the Forest is so pretty! Somehow the description of the plot makes me think of Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.
Megan says
It definitely has Never Let Me Go vibes. I think I mentioned that in my longer review, but it has been drawing a lot of comparisons to that one.
Kay says
Really interesting reads. Added a few to my list. The Picoult you're currently reading is also on my list!
ShootingStarsMag says
I'm glad you really liked Hank's novel. I still need to read it, but hopefully it will happen soon.
-Lauren
Always Brittany says
AART was pretty good. Pretty sure he has said there will be a sequel, so looking forward to that. Adding Circe to my TBR!
Monica says
The ALice Network remains my favorite read of 2018!
Megan says
Our book club really loved it! Definitely a successful pick.
SMD says
I've been seeing Hank's book around. I might check it out!
kristen says
i'm glad you liked Circe! I own it but haven't gotten to it yet. she has another one i've heard is really good and related, and someone told me to read that first. one day lol. can't wait for your thoughts on a spark of light, i did not love it.
Megan says
Yes, I've also heard I should check out Song of Achilles (I'm pretty sure that's the one you're talking about...). I'm definitely adding it to my TBR.
Sorry to hear that about Spark of Light! So far, so good for me, but I'm only about 15% in.
Nancy @ NY Foodie Family says
I haven't heard of most of these books. The Alice Network is on my to read list and I'm currently reading A Spark of Light. I love Jodi Picoult!
Jana @ Jana Says says
NetGalley ignored my request for A Spark of Light so I'm currently waiting for that and Hank's book from the library.
Heather says
I've been hearing about that Hank Green book everywhere lately (the girls on the Currently Reading podcast talked about it last week and compelled me to add it to my library holds) - looking forward to reading it! I know what you mean about ARCs vs. library holds vs. what I wanted to read in 2018 and it's almost over....ahh! Too many books, too little time! 😉
Carly says
I love your reviews and just added a few of these to my TBR! I haven't read much this year or kept up on new books, so it's nice to hear about some new ones!