Reading Lately #4

Lately I've been going through a reading phase.  This usually happens when I'm taking the bus a lot, because it's the best way to pass time (or at least feels more productive to me than watching Netflix).  It seems like I'll go through one of these phases, add a bunch of library books to my Overdrive queue, then have them all become available at the same time, with only 2 weeks to get them read.  Does that happen to anyone else?

So, today I wanted to share what I've been reading lately!  With so many books on my list (and being kind of a slow reader), I've adopted a system of only reading books that I like through the first chapter.  If it's not catching my attention, I move on to the next one on my list.  With that being said, you'll notice that I mostly only have good things to say about all of the books.  If you're looking for good summer reads, I would highly recommend all of these (except maybe Deliverance...a bit dark). 

Deliverance - James Dickey

This was one of the books on the Times Best Novels list, and I honestly didn't know much about it.  Funny enough, right after I finished, I started seeing lots of references to the novel.  This was a pretty easy read, with a few graphic and intense scenes.  It kind of scares me away from ever wanting to go on a kayaking trip though!  

Flat Broke with Two Goats - Jennifer McGaha

One of my favorite genres to read is autobiographies, and this one is always in the "most popular" section of my library's Overdrive.  Without knowing anything about it, I just checked it out and jumped right in.  The story follows a husband and wife who lost everything because of some bad financial decisions, and end up living in a cabin in the woods and pick up two goats (among various other farm animals).  The book is a very easy read with lots of interesting stories, and I love how the author sprinkles in recipes at the end of each chapter to tie together what she just talked about.

Almost Missed You - Jessica Strawser

I actually wanted to read this last year, after reading about it on Modern Mrs. Darcy's 2017 Summer Reading Guide.  The premise drew me in right away- a seemingly perfect couple go on a vacation, where the husband ends up kidnapping their child and the wife has no idea what secrets he's hiding.  The story jumps around timelines and narrators, but it's really easy to follow (thanks to a relatively short list of characters).  While the ending isn't jaw-dropping and the novel doesn't have too many twists, it's an easy read and fun book.

The Selection - Kiera Cass

I found out about this book from the podcast by Young House Love, and when it was described as the Royal Wedding meets The Bachelor I had to check it out.  The story follows a society years in the future after America becomes a new land with royalty and a new caste system.  The royal family puts a call out for young women to enter "The Selection" to get the chance to marry the prince.  We follow a feisty main character who is caught in a love triangle.  Since this is a series, we are left with a major cliff hanger at the end, and I'm eager anticipating my turn with the book!

Born a Crime - Trevor Noah

Another great autobiography!  This one follows comedian Trevor Noah's childhood living in South Africa during apartheid.  Since his mom was black and his dad was white (which was illegal), he was-as the title suggests-born a crime.  The stories he tells are both horrifying and hilarious at the same time, and he takes on such an intense subject matter in a light-hearted way.  This is SUCH a great read, and I highly suggest it.  Plus- the book is being made in to a movie, and Trevor is working on a second book!

You - Caroline Kepnes

Honestly, this book is REALLY creepy and made me feel uncomfortable pretty much the entire time.  We follow Joe, who meets an aspiring writer at the book store where he works.  What starts out as a simple Google of her name turns into stalking and there are deadly consequences.  The book has so many insane moments that made me question encounters that I've had in my life, but I still couldn't put it down.  Apparently the book is now being turned into a movie, which I think would be interesting to see how some of the narrative details can translate to screen.

What should I read next?
What is your favorite genre?