I love to read (and that includes listening). I am flabbergasted by people who don’t enjoy reading or listening to books. For me, reading takes you to worlds unknown, real or imagined and can access all of your emotions. Reading is a mental exercise but I also see it as fun and not a chore.
I read every chance I get. Because I drive a lot for my job, I tend to do most of my listening in the car, however, I’ve also been known to listen while cleaning, crafting and doing projects at home. I haven’t quite cracked the fun code of listening to books while exercising. I tend to actually read books while I’m eating! As I’ve said in the past, I listen to one book while I read another book. Usually, because I’m using 2 different senses, I don’t get them confused. I also like to listen to a thriller while I read something lighter. That doesn’t always happen though. These are the books I read during the month of August. Let the fun begin!
The Women
This was a very popular book and I was on the waiting list for about 2 months. When it became available, I snapped it up. I have read many other books by Kristin Hannah and I loved them all. When I’ve liked books by an author, I’m always a bit reluctant to read the new one for fear that I will not enjoy it. Well, my fears were unfounded. I loved this one just as much her previous works. Hannah’s books usually have a female protagonist which this one does as well. It takes place during the Vietnam War which makes for a really interesting story. Vietnam was a hated war and those who participated were not treated well upon their return. It’s more recent history than some of the other books. I highly recommend it.
The Housemaid
This book and author were very hyped this year. I’ve read older books by her and enjoyed most of them. They are formulaic always with twists and turns and a huge twist at the end of the books. However, the stories and the plots have been very intriguing and kept me interested. This book is the first in a 3 part series. I plan to read the 2nd book at some point in the future.
I absolutely understand why these books are so popular. I have read, Never Lie, The Teacher, The Inmate, The Co-Worker and The Locked Door. I’ve enjoyed all except for The Co-Worker. The book followed the same formula but the story was not nearly as engaging as her other books.
The Girl Who Was Taken
Sometimes, I hear about an author while reading another blog or a story online. This is how I heard about this author. I have since read a couple of more books by this author and I will likely read more in the future. One of the things I like about his books is that different characters show up in other books or a minor character in one book becomes the main character in another book. It makes me feel connected to the story. If you can’t tell by the title, this book falls in the psychological thriller category.
Long Time Gone
Again, I liked the book above so much that I immediately read another by this author. Another psychological thriller that involves a character from the above book. A fascinating story about a woman who submits her DNA to a 23 and Me type registry and finds out that she’s been missing for over 30 years. And the adventure begins!
Finding Me
If you know me, then you know that I am generally not a fan of non-fiction or memoirs. This one, however, is the exception. Viola Davis narrates her own story and she is good. She keeps you interested and engaged and makes you laugh and cry. Her narration is so good that sometimes you laugh at the the saddest stories. It’s not rude because she doesn’t tell her story as a victim. Her life was simply what it was. Definitely a person who has gone through some therapy! I read this book for one of my book clubs and I highly recommend it. I listened to it and loved it but I understand that those who read it loved it as much as I did.
Reading Journey: Goals is 65 books
August: 5 books read, 39 total books read; 26 left to read
Let me know if you’ve read any books on my list and what you thought. If you have any suggestions for must read books, please list them in the comments. Remember, reading is fun and good for your mental well being.
