One of my resolutions for 2020 was to “read” one book a month. I put read in quotation marks because ever since I had my son, uninterrupted reading time is nearly impossible! So I’ve been taking advantage of my 45 minute commute to and from work to listen to audiobooks. I know it doesn’t have the same impact as digesting words right off a page, but for this busy mom, it’s been a lifeline to a pastime I love dearly! But even with the convenience of audiobooks, I wasn’t making reading a priority in my life, so that’s where my resolution to read one (1) book a month came to fruition. I’m happy to report that not only did I meet my goal for this month, I surpassed it! I read not one, but four books – each one better than the last. Keeping reading below for my thoughts on each:
- Where the Forest Meets the Stars: This was the first book I listened to this year and the perfect way to ease into my reading spree. Part fantasy, part murder-mystery, part romance and a whole lot of heart. It has a little bit of everything to keep thing interesting. It’s not a life changing read by any means, but it was a good “fluff” read to start off the year. A good book to read/ listen to when traveling.
- Before We Were Yours: Although this was another fiction, this story was based on true events automatically giving it a little more context and substance than my first novel. The story, based on the Tennessee Children’s Home / Georgia Tann child trafficking scandal, was a truly heartbreaking read. As someone that knew nothing about these events prior to picking up this book, it truly came as a shock to read about the many horrors the victims endured . This book did an excellent job of weaving facts into this work of fiction, which kept me invested the entire time.
- Dear Girls: After the sad stories, I needed something fun and light to read and this book was just the ticket. The audiobook was narrated by stand up comedian, Ali Wong, herself, which made it all the more enjoyable. You might know the author from her Netflix standup specials where she was 7 months pregnant during filming and this “letter” written to her girls is an awesome followup to those specials. The stories about her Asian American upbringing, as well as many adventures in her road to becoming a wife, mother and stand up comedian are often crude and explicit, but also seriously laugh out loud funny. The book is very well written, smart and full of valuable life lessons! I do, however, recommend you keep you AirPods on for this one!
- Educated: This memoir is getting all sorts of acclaim and accolades and it’s easy to see why. This is the kind of “life changing” read that really leaves you wanting more when it’s over. It reminded me of “Before We Were Yours”, but the fact that this particular story actually happened, makes it even more powerful. After I finished the story, I immediately Googled a few of the author’s interview, which solidified my admiration for her and her remarkable story of triumph. This is a must read!
What books do you recommend I check out next month?