I just finished The Women by Kristin Hannah and LOVED it. Best book I've read in a while. I also finished The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner, which I didn't love. I finished Slow Productivity by Cal Newport. It was good but felt like it could have been an article, not an entire book.
I just started Big Swiss by Jen Beagin, which has been highly recommended to me. We'll see!
Great thoughts- thank you! I haven’t read The Women yet, but it sounds great. I also liked Slow Productivity, but it could have been shorter, agreed. Let us know what you think of Big Swiss!
Air conditioner—crazy, right?! Our German house has AC, so it’s cranked up full blast all the time. And ice, lots of ice—we always keep a stash at home. Fans are my go-to at work since there’s no AC there (I have one under my desk and it’s a life-saver!). I even cut my hair, but honestly, that hasn’t made much of a difference!
I just started “The Court That Bleeds Gold”. It’s okay so far, but I’m holding out hope because it has potential. Up next is probably Roshani Chokshi’s “The Bronzed Beasts”. It’s the third book in her Gilded Wolves series, which is written so beautifully. Her worlds are magical and ethereal—exactly what I’ve been craving lately. She’s one of my favorites as fast as writing style goes.
Oooh- these sound really good- keep us posted. The whole fan thing in Germany is hilarious- I know so many Germans who are convinced any draft will kill them, even in a heatwave. Ah, the many differences, right? Keeps things exciting.
Right!? They’ll trek out into the freezing cold woods in the dead of winter, but come summer, they’re all worried about the AC?! 🤯 I will say they always have the right gear for every situation, though. They are PREPARED.
I re-read a favourite Barbara Trapido book called Temples of Delight last week. It's a gorgeous, funny and poignant story about two friends who meet as schoolgirls and it has a wonderful, underplayed romance which is one of the most convincing I've ever read. Can't recommend it enough: a laugh-out-loud then end up crying book! I just wish Barbara Trapido wrote more books. I love funny-but-thoughtful novels in the summer and another favourite is We Are All Made of Glue by Marina Lewycka: hilarious and very moving.
These are great, Kathy! It’s true- I get so attached to writers and always wish there was more to read, even knowing what hard work it is to finish a book.
That‘s a great one! I love Philippa Gregory— she was on the Secret Library and we had a great conversation about writing historical women characters.(even if the sound wasn’t great because it was relatively spontaneous and I had to borrow a mic from a friend 🤣)
I just started Up the Down Escalator: Medicine, Motherhood, and Multiple Sclerosis by Lisa Doggett. Earlier this month I was staying up late for Margot's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe - an unplanned pregnancy, a new career on OnlyFans, a wrestling manager father, a Dyson, Arby's. Definitely recommend.
I'm about 2/3rds through Dark Tide, which I'm finding thoughtful and well-written, but full disclosure, I do know the author, Edna Cowell Martin. Edna and I have worked together for about 15 yrs, but with this book she finally revealed a secret to the world-- that serial-killer Ted Bundy was her cousin. True crime is not my "thing," but because I know Edna and Don (her husband) so well, and because so much of this story takes place here in my back yard (Seattle), I've been drawn in. You could live a lifetime and not meet a more high-quality individual than Edna, which is what makes her story even more fascinating.
Just finished Bride by Ali Hazelwood, which was a fun time. I've been enjoying the Riley Thorne series by Lucy Score as well. I'm in my fluffy romance era ahaha
I use spring water in a spray can. Like Evian spray most. Refreshing but also good for your skin.
Also reading Backman’s The Winners (3rd installment of the Beartown trilogy) which takes place in Scandinavia and is all about ice hockey so nice and cool!
I just started Up the Down Escalator: Medicine, Motherhood, and Multiple Sclerosis by Lisa Doggett. Earlier this month I was staying up late for Margot's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe - an unplanned pregnancy, a new career on OnlyFans, a wrestling manager father, a Dyson, Arby's. Definitely recommend.
I so envy your need for a cozy blanket, I can’t even tell you. It was 33C (91 F) here yesterday in the land of no AC. ROUGH GOING. I keep getting drawn in by the Blue Sisters cover… glad to know it’s a good one for the cooler weather. Nothing like a glued-to-your-seat read. I live for those, and Liane Moriarty is great with suspense. Enjoy!
I just finished The Women by Kristin Hannah and LOVED it. Best book I've read in a while. I also finished The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner, which I didn't love. I finished Slow Productivity by Cal Newport. It was good but felt like it could have been an article, not an entire book.
I just started Big Swiss by Jen Beagin, which has been highly recommended to me. We'll see!
Great thoughts- thank you! I haven’t read The Women yet, but it sounds great. I also liked Slow Productivity, but it could have been shorter, agreed. Let us know what you think of Big Swiss!
Air conditioner—crazy, right?! Our German house has AC, so it’s cranked up full blast all the time. And ice, lots of ice—we always keep a stash at home. Fans are my go-to at work since there’s no AC there (I have one under my desk and it’s a life-saver!). I even cut my hair, but honestly, that hasn’t made much of a difference!
I just started “The Court That Bleeds Gold”. It’s okay so far, but I’m holding out hope because it has potential. Up next is probably Roshani Chokshi’s “The Bronzed Beasts”. It’s the third book in her Gilded Wolves series, which is written so beautifully. Her worlds are magical and ethereal—exactly what I’ve been craving lately. She’s one of my favorites as fast as writing style goes.
Oooh- these sound really good- keep us posted. The whole fan thing in Germany is hilarious- I know so many Germans who are convinced any draft will kill them, even in a heatwave. Ah, the many differences, right? Keeps things exciting.
Right!? They’ll trek out into the freezing cold woods in the dead of winter, but come summer, they’re all worried about the AC?! 🤯 I will say they always have the right gear for every situation, though. They are PREPARED.
Agreed! The technical clothing is always on point.
I am now going to use “technical clothing” as often as I can.
🤣🤣🤣 Please do! (It sounds really legit, right?)
I re-read a favourite Barbara Trapido book called Temples of Delight last week. It's a gorgeous, funny and poignant story about two friends who meet as schoolgirls and it has a wonderful, underplayed romance which is one of the most convincing I've ever read. Can't recommend it enough: a laugh-out-loud then end up crying book! I just wish Barbara Trapido wrote more books. I love funny-but-thoughtful novels in the summer and another favourite is We Are All Made of Glue by Marina Lewycka: hilarious and very moving.
These are great, Kathy! It’s true- I get so attached to writers and always wish there was more to read, even knowing what hard work it is to finish a book.
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. Fun historical romance.
That‘s a great one! I love Philippa Gregory— she was on the Secret Library and we had a great conversation about writing historical women characters.(even if the sound wasn’t great because it was relatively spontaneous and I had to borrow a mic from a friend 🤣)
https://www.book-alchemy.com/p/158-writing-women-in-history-philippa-da6?r=m4847&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Oh very cool!!!
I was quite starstruck to be honest, but managed to keep it together to interview her 🤣
I just started Up the Down Escalator: Medicine, Motherhood, and Multiple Sclerosis by Lisa Doggett. Earlier this month I was staying up late for Margot's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe - an unplanned pregnancy, a new career on OnlyFans, a wrestling manager father, a Dyson, Arby's. Definitely recommend.
Oooh. That definitely sounds like a gripper. Thanks so much for sharing!
I'm about 2/3rds through Dark Tide, which I'm finding thoughtful and well-written, but full disclosure, I do know the author, Edna Cowell Martin. Edna and I have worked together for about 15 yrs, but with this book she finally revealed a secret to the world-- that serial-killer Ted Bundy was her cousin. True crime is not my "thing," but because I know Edna and Don (her husband) so well, and because so much of this story takes place here in my back yard (Seattle), I've been drawn in. You could live a lifetime and not meet a more high-quality individual than Edna, which is what makes her story even more fascinating.
Oooh- that sounds gripping!!!
Northwoods by Amy Pease. And a bunch of duds I wouldnt recommend—it’s been kind of a dud reading season.
Oh no! Dud reading stretches are so brutal. Glad you found something you like finally. 💗
The Haunting of Maddy Clare
Thank you!
Just finished Bride by Ali Hazelwood, which was a fun time. I've been enjoying the Riley Thorne series by Lucy Score as well. I'm in my fluffy romance era ahaha
I‘ve been curious about Bride… good to know you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed it but it is definitely a “shifter romance.” So, be prepared for vampyre/werewolf stuff ahahaha. Plot was solid in my opinion.
I can work with that. 👍🏻
I am reading The Wedding People and enjoying it immensely!
Excellent! Thanks for sharing a juicy read 💗
I use spring water in a spray can. Like Evian spray most. Refreshing but also good for your skin.
Also reading Backman’s The Winners (3rd installment of the Beartown trilogy) which takes place in Scandinavia and is all about ice hockey so nice and cool!
Ooh- I forgot about that Evian spray- good tip. I need to catch up on the Backman trilogy- excellent rec! 😍
I just started Up the Down Escalator: Medicine, Motherhood, and Multiple Sclerosis by Lisa Doggett. Earlier this month I was staying up late for Margot's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe - an unplanned pregnancy, a new career on OnlyFans, a wrestling manager father, a Dyson, Arby's. Definitely recommend.
I so envy your need for a cozy blanket, I can’t even tell you. It was 33C (91 F) here yesterday in the land of no AC. ROUGH GOING. I keep getting drawn in by the Blue Sisters cover… glad to know it’s a good one for the cooler weather. Nothing like a glued-to-your-seat read. I live for those, and Liane Moriarty is great with suspense. Enjoy!