August 2020 Reading Discussion

[Hannah]

Robin P wrote: "Hannah, A Gentleman in Moscow is a tough book for right now because the hero is confined for years. Even though he is in a pretty nice place, just like most of us, it gets boring. I..."

I think you're right. I need a little more escapism than usual in my reading right now. Though I also agree with you about the manic pixie dream child trope, which ties in more generally to a problem I think I'm having with it, which is just that it's a little too transparently "charming" and "quirky." I don't think that's inherently a bad thing, but it wasn't what I was expecting - I was expecting it to be more of a deep character study where you feel all wrapped up in the emotions of Count Rostov. But at least in the first half of the book, he's too clever and charming to reveal very many emotions at all.

[Robin P, Orbicular Mod]

Oh, that’s what it’s called. I know about the manic pixie dream girl in a romance but didn’t think of it with an actual child. And for a lot of the book, when people outside are fighting wars and starving, their big concern is not having the best wine.

I preferred this author’s other book, Rules of Civility.

[Sarah]

Hi everyone! I haven't been on Goodreads since sometime around March, because my anxiety has been in overload and I haven't been able to read a thing. Finally, though, I think my brain is settling down and letting me get back to reading. I just finished Daisy Jones & The Six, half on audio and half on Kindle, in about three days, so that's definitely progress.

How's the challenge going for everyone? Even though I only have 18 books for the challenge done so far, I could definitely still finish if my brain lets me go back to the reading pace I had going last year. Fingers crossed!

[Hannah]

Robin P wrote: "Oh, that’s what it’s called. I know about the manic pixie dream girl in a romance but didn’t think of it with an actual child. And for a lot of the book, when people outside are fighting wars and s..."

I made up the phrase "manic pixie dream child," ha, but I think that it fits. Good to know that you liked Rules of Civility - that one's on my TBR and I'll keep it on there!

[Robin P, Orbicular Mod]

Sarah wrote: "Hi everyone! I haven't been on Goodreads since sometime around March, because my anxiety has been in overload and I haven't been able to read a thing. Finally, though, I think my brain is settling ..."

Sarah, you are not the only one! I am in several groups on GR and multiple people in all of them are dealing with anxiety and/or depression. In a way, there would be something wrong with us if we weren't! (I don't really know you because I joined the group in later January, but I know this is a great group and very engaged. And I commend you for sharing what is going on with you.)

Feel free to read what you want and not worry about goals. I haven't read it yet, but it seems like Daisy Jones was a good choice, more of a podcast/interview style. Even if you had some longer, heavier book in mind, it is perfectly ok to read shorter books, YA/kids' books, your favorite genre or author, etc. I tend toward the anxious and audiobooks from favorite series help me get out of my own head.

[Rachel]

I just finished Searching for Sylvie Lee last night, and I'm a bit disappointed. I absolutely loved the last book that I read by this author and I assumed I would love this one too. Unfortunately, there was one plot point that I just really didn't like and had hoped it would be a minor thing, or maybe I was even reading a little too far into it. Instead, it turned out to be a huge focus of the story!

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

So there are TWO hurricanes coming and both look like they will be hitting near us (Marco to the west of us and Laura coming right up our path).

I need to stock up on books! (And probably bottled water and alcohol lol)

[Lin]

Emily wrote: "So there are TWO hurricanes coming and both look like they will be hitting near us (Marco to the west of us and Laura coming right up our path).

I need to stock up on books! (And probably bottled ..."

That was my Saturday chore list 😀
I made sure that my ebooks and audios were downloaded . My husband was charging the portable chargers. I can deal with no electricity, but can’t handle my iPad dying. (And of course, went grocery shopping for the water and wine.)

Stay safe everyone!

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Linda, where are you? I'll be keeping you in mind this week!

I spent a lot of time yesterday prepping the house, so today will be a soaking-up-the-electricity day lol. I do want to finish reading my book club book, If Beale Street Could Talk, in hopes that we are able to have virtual book club tomorrow night. Luckily it's a short book so I should be able to plow through.

[Sherri]

I have finished 3 books since my last check in.
The Bromance Book Club (Bromance Book Club #1) by Lyssa Kay Adams. I got sucked into this series & immediately checked out Undercover Bromance (Bromance Book Club #2). I liked that one too. I’m saving book 3 for a little bit.
The last book I finished was Confessions of a Bookseller byShaun Bythell. I really liked this book too. I will finish one more book before the end of August.

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

I am now currently reading 5 books because I knew The Poisonwood Bible and If Beale Street Could Talk would sustain me through the hurricane. So I started Gods of Jade and Shadow, which is super captivating and simply written -- exactly what I need right now.

[Bana AZ]

I had a really bad read-a-thon hangover and finished nothing for August. I read a few pages of lots of different books though... Dipping in and out of 10 books with no commitment. xD

[Emily, Conterminous Mod]

Ana, at one point last week, I had five books going, which is NOT my norm lol. I was the same as you... couldn't commit to finishing a book through. In the last week, though, I managed to start and finish a quick book that captivated me (Gods of Jade and Shadow), and now I feel like I can make the final push on The Poisonwood Bible and If Beale Street Could Talk today so I can count them for August.

[Sherri]

I finished 3 books before the end of August. Confessions of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell. I liked it. Undercover Bromance #2 by Lyssa Kay Adams. I like that series too. A Better Man (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #15) by Louise Penny. My favorite series.