As I continue on my reading journey with the goal to reach 70 books read this year, it’s time to share my reading journey through the month of February. There were 2 books that I did not finish this month but I made a valiant effort. Interestingly, both are bookclub books.
Let Them
This is a bit of a departure for me in my reading journey. It’s a personal growth type of book. I’m reading it with a friend who I have monthly FaceTime chats with. You can click on the link to read the description of the book but in essence the theory is to just let people do things as they want to and don’t try to change or even guide their decision. Initially, when I started listening to the book, I was a bit skeptical. It seems obvious that you should let people make their own choices. However, as the author delves more deeply into why it’s so tricky sometimes to do this, I started to really appreciate the complexity of this theory. Mel Robbins is a really dynamic speaker so listening to her is almost like being in session with her.
Hamnet
This is the first book that I did not finish. I should have known when it’s tag line is “a novel of the plague” that I was going to have trouble with it! This is the story of Hamnet who is the son of William Shakespeare who died at age 11 during the plague. The book would have been much more interesting had it been about his wife, Agnes, who is really the star of the book in many ways. I understand that this book has been made into a film that is coming out later this year. I’m not opposed to seeing the film if only to see if it’s much better than the book.
The Little Old Lady Who Struck Lucky Again
This is the 2nd book of 4 in this League of Pensioner series. I read book 1 last month and absolutely loved it. This 2nd book does not disappoint and I look forward to getting to book 3. I wanted to immediately download book 3 but I had to get to my bookclub books which were 12 hours to listen to and the other was 10 hours. So I knew that I could not waste time.
These pensioners are delightful and their capers are hysterical. If you need some fun, light reading, I highly recommend this series.
Black Girls Must Die Exhausted
I’ve heard about this book but didn’t realize it was a trilogy. This is a modern book about life in Los Angeles in current times but is really about relationships from work, to family to friends. It’s also about how the past can inform and impact the present. I do plan on reading the other 2 books in this series.
One Hundred Years of Solitude
This is the other book that I did not finish and I was not alone. When my bookclub met, it was revealed that none in attendance were able to finish the book either by reading or listening! Our hostess did reveal that she watched the series on Netflix and found it much easier to understand the happenings. I listened to the book and had trouble keeping up with many of the characters having the same names. This book is considered a classic and is always on “the best books everyone should read” lists. Honestly, I’m not sure why.
The Last Letter
This book is heartbreaking, tear jerking, inspirational and a heart toucher. The two main characters in this story have a ton of personal life stuff that they are attempting to work they’re way through while also dealing with current life issues that make things harder. At this point, I’m very much looking forward to getting back to my pensioners!
Reading Journey-Goal=70 books
January: 6
February: 5
March: 6
Total Read: 17
Left to Read: 53
In case you didn’t notice, last month I made a mistake in my math. The Left to Read should have been 59!
Happy Reading and please share any books you’d recommend in the comments!
