Books in Progress: What I’ve Been Reading Lately – August 2020

It’s August, it’s still hot, and my kids still haven’t gone back to school. I’m fine, totally fine. That’s an update on me, what’s up with you?

In terms of reading, I truly am fine. Between physical library books, e-library books, and review copies I’ve had plenty to keep me busy. Plus, don’t we all have at least a medium sized shelf of books that we bought and haven’t read yet? But that’s another topic for another day.

As I’ve continued through the Harry Potter books I’m reminded again what a good thing it is to be absorbed in a series. It really eliminates decision fatigue, because you know exactly what you will be picking up after you finish a book – the next one in the series. Of course, if the series starts to lose your attention then you should totally ditch it. But if you are enjoying every word then it’s so nice to just move on to the next one in line.

Other than Harry Potter, I’ve been reading a mix of fiction and nonfiction, though pretty heavy on the fiction. Novels are my jam. I have to be intentional about making sure I’m reading some nonfiction or I will just get lost in stories for days. Don’t send help.

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Just Finished:

The Dutch House

I’m so confused by the fact that I enjoyed this book. Everyone said I would, which is why I read it even though it was described as “character driven” (which is totally accurate, and usually not my thing; I’m a plot driven gal by and large). Even though not a whole lot really happened, I still wanted to keep reading and see where the characters ended up. This is my first Ann Patchett book and I see why everyone raves about her now.

The Lazy Genius Way

The link to my full review in which I sing this book’s praises can be found here, but suffice it to say that I really love The Lazy Genius Way, Kendra Adachi, and everything she does. She’s so real and fun and practical.

Stay With Me

On the surface, this book is about a young Nigerian woman whose husband takes a second wife. But really it’s about love, betrayal, loss, mental illness, family dysfunction, cultural traditions, and so much more. I couldn’t stop reading this book and my heart broke for Yejide again and again as the hits just kept coming. I will say that the ending was hopeful, and you come to realize that things are not always what they seem as the intentions behind some of the characters actions are revealed. Very good story!

Olivia Twist

I love a good retelling and this book gives you a new twist (see what I did there?) on an old classic. In this story, Oliver is a girl posing as a boy, and the Artful Dodger is on to her. But when a common enemy forces them to work together, they realize there is more than just camaraderie between them. This one is lots of fun!

The Other Wes Moore

Is it just me, or has this book been everywhere? I finally decided to listen to it on audio (it’s pretty short, only about 6 hours) and I really enjoyed it. The idea that two boys with the same name and very similar backgrounds would diverge so far from each other as adults is fascinating, and hearing the author’s account of both of their childhoods opened me up to a whole different world than I’ve ever known.

In Progress:

A Life Once Dreamed

This book is about spinster school teacher Agnes whose carefully built life is totally disrupted when the boy she dumped and left without an explanation is hired as the new town doctor. James is determined to find out why Aggie walked away six years ago, but Aggie is resolved to keep her secret. I’m at about 35% so far, and I really want to know why Aggie left when she clearly still loves James.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Five books down, two to go. What I’m hoping for in this book: that Ron and Hermione will get together and that Harry will start to trust Snape. Other than that I have no expectations because I didn’t even read the description. I just got it from the library because it was the next book in the series.

Cry of the Raven

Speaking of the next book in a series, Cry of the Raven is the third installment of the Ravenwood Saga. This is a fantasy story set in a world with seven Great Houses who each possess their own gifts, such as wisdom, healing, or the ability to manipulate water. Lady Selene Ravenwood can walk in people’s dreams, and the previous two books have followed her journey to understanding that she doesn’t have to use her gift in the nefarious, selfish ways her mother did. Instead, she is choosing to use her gifts for good as the houses join together and battle to protect their land from the invading Empire. I’ve been doing these books on audio, and they are so engaging. If you look at the star rating on Amazon you’ll know I’m not the only one who likes them.

Up Next:

The Farm

The description of this book gives off some strong Handmaid’s Tale vibes. It’s about a compound that houses women who have agreed to carry children for other people, and they are well cared for — unless they want to leave. That’s all I know, and it sounds sinister and dystopian in the best possible way.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

This is the last one, you guys! I’m sure everyone is getting tired of hearing me talk about Harry Potter, but rest assured it will be over soon. Probably by the first week of September, at the latest (these books are long, so I’m budgeting several weeks to get finished). I’m sure I’ll include my thoughts about the how the series ends in my next monthly books post, and I’m considering doing a post about my experience reading these books for the first time as a 30 year old adult? Feel free to leave your vote on that below so I know if anyone actually cares about that besides me.

The Toll

This turned out to be a very series-heavy post. The Toll is also the last book in a series, the Arc of the Scythe Trilogy, which has gotten a lot of buzz in the YA world. You can read the description of the first book here to get an idea of if this series is for you, but a few keys words to help you decide if you are interested are dystopian, technology, and big brother. I would say this is a read-alike to The Hunger Games in the sense that young adults are tasked with killing people.

Alright, folks, that’s my list for August. As always, I want to hear what you are reading too! Never let it be said that I turned down an opportunity to add to my TBR.

For more great books to read, check Anne Bogel’s quick lit post and all the linked comments at the bottom of the page!