Happy Monday! Ohhh, friends, I had the most relaxing weekend. I haven’t had a weekend like this in ages, and it was so good for my soul. I really need to build at least one of these mostly plan-less weekends into my schedule on a monthly basis. My only goals were to take lots of naps, read lots of books, and snuggle the cats as much as they’d let me. I definitely accomplished that goal! I’m feeling refreshed and ready to tackle this upcoming week.
Let’s talk reading. I finished two books last week, both of which I liked but didn’t leave me gushing. It happens!
Books Finished
She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Ignited a Movement by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey (★★★☆☆) – Earlier this year, I read Ronan Farrow’s account of breaking the Harvey Weinstein scandal and found it incredibly compelling, well-written, and eye-opening. This is the story of two reporters at the New York Times who were uncovering this scandal at the same time as Farrow. It’s heart-wrenching to recognize how Weinstein silenced so many women and destroyed their careers and lives, as well as the number of people who were complicit in his dealings. While I didn’t find this story as compelling (there was a detached tone that made it hard to really sink into the story) and I don’t think the inclusion of the Brett Kavanaugh hearing was needed, it’s an honest look at investigative reporting, the pervasiveness of power, and the courage of women speaking out.
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams (★★★☆☆) – This was a super fun romance that kind of turns the romance genre on its head. It’s about a couple that’s headed for divorce: Thea and Gavin have been married for three years and have toddler twin daughters, and Gavin finds out that she’s been faking the “big O” for the majority of their marriage. He doesn’t have the best response to finding that out and Thea kicks him out. Thankfully, though, there’s the Bromance Book Club to the rescue. Gavin’s group of friends gives him a Regency romance to read to help him become a better partner and get his wife back. It’s such a sweet and funny novel, and I loved the feminist conversations between the men in the book club! So great. That said, I did find myself skimming the chapters that included scenes from the Regency romance that Gavin was reading (snooze) and I wanted more character development from Thea, but overall, a really fun novel that I feel safe recommending to non-romance readers. Pick it up!
What I’m Reading Now
I’m listening to a YA novel on audio right now, Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway, and I’m about halfway through it. The story is more light-hearted than I expected (considering it’s about a boy who is found alive and well ten years after his father kidnapped him…) and the teenagers aren’t super angsty, which is nice.
I’m also flying through Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. I started it on Saturday night and have about 100 pages left. I’ll finish it today or tomorrow and then I’m picking up Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers by Anne Lamott. At just over 100 pages, I’m sure I’ll speed through it!
As far as romances go, I’m currently reading To Have and to Hold by Lauren Layne, one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. It’s delightful so far! I’ll finish it early this week and then I’ll start Shacking Up by Helena Hunting, a new-to-me romance author. Fingers crossed she can be added to my arsenal of romance authors!
What are you reading?
I can’t wait to hear your reaction to the ending of Such a Fun Age. I was gasping out loud and talking to the book! Ha.
I appreciate when the teenagers aren’t super angsty in YA 🙂
The Bromance novel sounds like a fun twist. Did it actually include excerpts from the book he was supposed to be reading? Snooze.
I just started the second Harry Potter book!
I meant to say, your weekend sounds fab. I’d like a day like that each weekend. Kind of unrealistic but I can dream 😉
I have “The Bromance” on my kindle and will read it next. I’ve read some heavier books lately so need a lighter/fun read. Right now I’m reading “The River” which is a thriller that was recommended by Anne Bogel and something that Canada Amber loved. It’s a different kind of thriller as it’s more about man versus nature but it’s been a compelling read. I also have The Romantics by Tara Conklin on hold at the library so will read that after Bromance.
Yay for a restful, relaxing weekend! Those are important! I fully support having a shouldless day or weekend/month! They are glorious!