This month conveniently ends on a weekend, giving me time to wrap up some books and pick up a few I started and haven’t finished. I blame my book squirreling on my cozy tea nook. I’ll share a few peeks into the space below.
What I finished reading
The Stationery Shop was one of my favorite reads this month. Thank you to Gallery Books (publisher) for the free book. A book that just took me by both hands and pulled me in and didn’t let go. A story of first love, broken hearts against the backdrop of political unrest, social norms and expectations, and the ripple effect it has on so many people. The Stationery Shop was full of moments that surprised me but on the end, well, I really enjoyed this book.
My Àntonia was a lovely book, one I had to take in small doses to immerse myself, to better imagine the beauty of the landscape. The simplicity of life, the hardworking determination of immigrants, the ridiculous smug attitudes of native people toward them. Antonia is a memorable young woman I admire for her industriousness and perseverance.
The Wayward Bus was my 10th book by John Steinbeck. How to summarize this one, a group of unlikely people on a bus to San Juan. I think I put this book down too long because when I picked it back up, I kept stopping to remind myself of who the characters were. I’m sure after a discussion with the group of buddy readers will help me process my thoughts and feelings.
White Like Her: My Family’s Story of Race and Racial Passing was my nonfiction book for the month about racial passing.
The Tradegy of Brady Sims – In the pages of this novella, we learn about a man named Brady Sims. Moments after the trial and sentencing of his son, outside of the courthouse, Brady walks up and shoots his son dead. Talk about an opening. Ernest J. Gaines method of story telling was masterful.
What I’m reading
If You Want to Make God Laugh is one I started a few weeks ago and can’t put down now that I’ve finished up some of my other books.
Poor Zodwa has experienced so much hardship that I just keep hoping things will get better soon. Ruth has decided to adopt a baby and her sister Delilah, is dealing with her own personal tragedy as well.
Steep of the week
I won a summer giveaway of a blind tea tasting box from Story of my Tea and steeped #tea6003. I loved taking my time to try to identify what’s in the tea. If I scan the QR code I can find out what the tea is and what’s in there. I think I have an idea but am excited about the experience.
☕️The Cup: TBD | 🌱Tea Type: TBD | 📩 From: Story of My Tea
June Reads
Here’s how this month aligns with my reading goals: 5 classics, 2 nonfiction, 2 historical fiction, 2 fiction, 1 mystery. Novellas are my new favorite so maybe I’ll start tracking them since I’m still lacking in my poetry reading. I think I might make that a seasonal project for the winter.
July Reads
Me and my mind maps! Here’s what’s lined up for July along with details on upcoming buddy reads here
Weekend Shenanigans
I went to the Bodies Exhibition with some friends and was once again, completely fascinated with the marvels of the human body. Real human specimens are used to get an up close and very visual view of human anatomy. The various systems, organs, nerves, muscles and nerves in our body.
Also a visit to Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream shop meant treating myself to this delicious Chocolate Toasted Coconut ice cream.
Just looking at this picture makes me want to go back for more.
In the nook: I’m working on the final touches before sharing the space. Until then, I wanted to share this small part of the space I’ve named the French Press Vignette.
I’m also making some packages to gift some tea to giveaway to friends. All tea needs a happy home.
I’ve read a couple of short stories by Willa Cather in anthologies and loved them, so I’ve been meaning to pick up one of her full length novels for a while. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one!
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I’ll have to try some of her short stories then! I have O Pioneers by Cather as well. I’d be curious to see what you think about My Antonia.
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I owned a copy of My Àntonia and totally planned on reading it until I realized it was the second book in a trilogy, so I stuck it in the little free library. I wasn’t looking for a series at the moment, and that is the kind of book I can get at the library later if I change my mind.
Did you know that you have a unique way of phrasing things? I absolutely love it. That a book pulled you in by both hands — I’ve never heard that before.
Okay, I absolutely need to know what happens in that Gaines novella and am going to get it from the library in August. I’M HOOKED.
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I noticed the same thing about Cather but the person who recommended her assured me the books don’t have do be read in order so I decided to read it. I don’t do too well with series books (except The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, still catching up) so I understand.
I’m rethinking the way I talk about books including my reviews. I’m learning more about this process all the time.
You might not enjoy the Gaines book as much as I did but I don’t want to ruin it for you. We can talk about it in August instead for Our African-American Reads pick if you do?
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That’s a good idea! I do like Gaines’s work — I’ve read it before and enjoy the slow burn style he has. Why do you think I won’t like the novella?
Also, how are you re-thinking your reviews? What do you want to change? I think all of us make adjustments, and if it’s a big one we’ll write a post about what we’re changing and why. If it’s small adjustments here and there, just keep on adjusting and everyone acclimates.
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I think you mentioned something in one of your recent reviews about hitting children so I thought it might turn you off from the story!
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Ahhhh, yes. Violence does bother me, but I still read it if the novel is making a point and not being gratuitous. Thanks for looking out for me ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
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I read My Antonia in high school and loved it. Such a moving story. It’s on my list to reread.
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This was my first time reading it.
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I think it’s one I need to read again when I can just sit and immerse myself in it. I do plan to read O Pioneers!
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The Tradegy of Brady Sims does sound very intriguing! Will add it to my list!
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