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 four books 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 DOVETAILS IN TALL GRASS. I’m also reading CHASING FIREFLIES as our book club read this month. Some books that I just finished and will be writing separate review posts for are THE LAST CHANCE LIBRARY and HOW TO KILL YOUR BEST FRIEND. I also loved THE SOCIAL GRACES, ONE TWO THREE, and THE LAST NIGHT IN LONDON and have written separate review posts for each of these books.
THE DUTCH HOUSE
By: Ann Patchett
Narrated by: Tom Hanks
Published: September 24, 2019
Publisher: Harper
Fiction
Format: Audiobook
I have an autographed physical copy of the book that I purchased at Parnassus Books last March, just days before the pandemic shut everything down. Then I found out Tom Hanks read the audio version, so I added it to my holds list on my library’s overdrive. I ended up listening to it rather than reading my physical copy and really loved the narration by Hanks. Since the son narrated the story, it felt right for Hanks to narrate this family saga. If you like family dramas that span a lifetime, then I would recommend this book. I absolutely loved it until I hit Part III. Then I didn’t like the turn of events and how the characters responded, so it turned it into a four-star rather than five-star read for me.
REMEMBER
The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting
By: Lisa Genova
Narrated by: Lisa Genova
Published: March 23, 2021
Publisher: Harmony
Non-Fiction
Format: Audiobook
For all those times that I’ve forgotten what I came into the kitchen for or can’t come up with the person’s name I just met or movie actor that I want to look up to, Lisa Genova has made me realize I’m NOT losing my mind. Thank goodness! Genova explains the process of memory and how to save it and retrieve it, why our memory changes as we get older, and how to help us retain the things we don’t want to forget.
I listened to this on audio read by Genova, but I also have a physical copy to refer back to. Genova’s meticulous research and knowledge is written for the layperson to understand and isn’t overwhelming, and is most definitely reassuring for those of us who may think we are losing our memories. But, she also offers advice and signs to watch for if you think you or someone you love might be in the beginning stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME
By: Laura Dave
Published: May 4, 2021
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Fiction/Mystery
Format: Hardcover
Sometimes when a book is getting a lot of hype, I tend to avoid it. But, our book club chose this one and I am so glad they did. Laura Dave grabbed my attention in the first chapter and I could not put this one down. When Hannah has a note delivered to her by her neighbor’s daughter and all it says is “Protect her.”, she knows the note is from her husband, Owen. She is to protect his teenage daughter, but why and who from? This leads Hannah and Bailey on a search for answers about why Owen left them, why they need protection, and some answers to some long-buried secrets that Owen didn’t want anyone to know. It was such a great story and Reese Witherspoon has already picked up the rights for a movie, which I will definitely be watching.
AMERICAN DAUGHTER
By: Stephanie Thornton Plymale with Elissa Wald
Narrated by: Mozhan Marno
Published: January 12, 2021
Publisher: HarperOne
Non-Fiction/Memoir
Format: Audiobook
If you have read and loved EDUCATED, THE GLASS CASTLE, or THE SOUND OF GRAVEL, this is a story you will like as well. Stephanie Thornton Plymale suffered from severe poverty, drug-addicted parents, physical and sexual abuse, and multiple foster homes during her childhood. As her mom is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Stephanie decides it is time to get some answers about her childhood and why her mom was not the mom she needed her to be. What is revealed will shock Stephanie and change how she views her mom and her life forever. It’s a story of redemption and forgiveness that will amaze you. I listened on audio and found the narration compelling and easy to listen to.
COME ON IN
15 Stories about Immigration and Finding Home
By: Adi Alsaid, Varsha Bajaj, Maria E. Andreu, Sharon Morse, Misa Sugiura, Nafiza Azad, Maurene Goo, Sona Charaipotra, Yamile Saied Méndez, Zoraida Córdova, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Sara Farizan, Isabel Quintero, Justine Larbalestier, Lilliam Rivera
Narrated by: Amielynn Abellera, Jonathan Todd Ross, Katherine Littrell, Leila Buck, Maria Liatis, Sneha Mathan
Published: October 13, 2020
Publisher: Inkyard Press
YA Fiction/Short Stories
Format: Audiobook
This short story collection, written for teens shares various stories of teens that have immigrated or need to. These stories come from all parts of the world and have their own authors and narration. I enjoyed the cross-generation stories, those who struggle with transitioning to America, and those who needed the reminder that home is wherever your family is. The narration was well-done.
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 Adi Alsaid, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Amielynn Abellera, Ann Patchett, audiobook, Book Review, Elissa Wald, fiction, immigration, Isabel Quintero, Jonathan Todd, Justine Larbalestier, Katherine Littrell, Laura Dave, Leila Buck, Lilliam Rivera, Lisa Genova, Maria E. Andreu, Maria Liatis, Maurene Goo, memoir, Misa Sugiura, Mozhan Marno, mystery, Nafiza Azad, non-fiction, Quick Lit, Sara Farizan, Sharon Morse, Sneha Mathan, Sona Charaipotra, Stephanie Thornton Plymale, Tom Hanks, Varsha Bajaj, YA, Yamile Saied Méndez, Zoraida Córdova
I’m glad that you also enjoyed “The Last Thing He Told Me”. I’ve had a few misses lately with some of Reese’s backlist Book Club picks but that was a success! I will have to check out “Come On In” – I’ve been searching for a new ya short story collection to read.