I’m sharing books that I choose for my own reading enjoyment in my monthly Quick Lit posts. Not books for review, but because I’ve been wanting to read them or they caught my attention. Most of them have been talked about ad nauseam or have been on my to-read list for a long time so they don’t really need a full review. But, I’d still like to give them some space here on the blog, so instead, I’m offering mini-reviews of the books that won’t get full-page space here.
I’ll be linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy and her monthly Quick Lit link-up. Be sure to head over to see others share their Quick Lit posts.
This month’s books include two fiction books that were both on audio. That is the best way for me to read books for my own enjoyment. Plus, I like to always have an audiobook going, so I pretty much just let my library holds dictate which one I will listen to next.
My current new read is ONE TWO THREE by Laurie Frankel and I’m loving it. I’m also still reading SISTER CITY, WHISPER OF THE LOTUS, ATOMIC HABITS, and LAUNDRY LOVE. The audiobook I’m listening to is THE DUTCH HOUSE. It finally came in on my library holds. I’m choosing to listen even though I have a physical copy because it’s read by Tom Hanks.
TELL THE WOLVES I’M HOME
By: Carol Rifka Brunt
Narrated by: Amy Rubinate
Published: June 19, 2012
Publisher: Dial Press
Fiction
This fictional novel set in the ’80s is narrated by 14-year-old June Elbus. Her uncle, Finn, has recently died from AIDS and she isn’t sure how she will ever recover. Then a secret acquaintance from Finn’s life appears in June’s life and she begins to see his life and hears in a whole new light. This was our book club choice and we all enjoyed it. I didn’t know anything about the novel and probably never would have read it if it wasn’t for book club. The novel set in an NYC suburb and in the city was fun and I had to keep reminding myself this was set before cell phones and in a much different world view around homosexuality. I was surprised that this was the author’s debut novel and hasn’t published one since. I have listened to this narrator before in EVERY LAST WORD and struggled with her voice then and this one was also not a great narration for me.
THE SECRET LIVES OF CHURCH LADIES
By: Deesha Philyaw
Narrated by: Janina Edwards
Published: September 1, 2021
Publisher: West Virginia University Press
This short story collection is perfect for a quick read. At under 200 pages, you can read all the stories at once or a story at a time. I listened to this one on audio during a drive back and forth to my parents which was perfect for the four-hour listen. The stories all feature Southern African American women and what happens behind closed doors, in their minds, or between the sheets…if you get my drift. My favorite stories were “Peach Cobbler” and “Snowfall”. Since we are talking about their secret lives, be aware that there are affairs, sexual content, and LGBTQ situations. I wasn’t prepared for the open door content, but I tried to appreciate the stories beyond the explicit scenes. Since everyone has their own barometer for content, just keep it in mind. But, the writing was phenomenal and I was engaged in each of the stories…even if I did blush a bit at times. I thought the narrator was fabulous and would choose a book read by her again.
What good things have you been reading? I’ve also read books that I reviewed for publishers. Check them out, HERE.
You can see all my other Quick Lit posts by clicking, HERE.
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Posted Under 80s, AIDS, Amy Rubinate, audiobook, Carol Rifka Brunt, Deesha Philyaw, fiction, Janina Edwards, Quick Lit, short stories