What's on my bedside table
I don't think I'll ever give up on paper books. Ever. Even when I'm lying in bed on my side, holding the book open in front of me, blocking out the glaring light of my bedside lamp, with a cramp in my arm. I just love having my books. Of course, in recent years, I've learned to give away the books that I don't love and plan to re-read, only hoarding the the select few that make me really happy. And I'm pretty sure a few of them on my nightstand right now will be sticking around awhile. Hint: It's not the potty training masterpiece.
I tend to read almost every night before bed, so I go through books pretty darn fast. I can't afford to keep up with my habit, hence the re-reading of my own books all the time. And when they are finished, I pile them back on my nightstand until they reach their fate: Goodwill or my bookshelf. Wanna know where these are going?
The Fault in Our Stars
John bought me this one for my birthday and I just loved it. It's about teens, who just so happen to have cancer. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it was just so so good. If you haven't, you should read it. Verdict? Obviously this one's staying. I can't wait to crack it open again in a few months.Mom, Inc.: The Essential Guide to Running a Successful Business Close to Home
This was on my birthday wishlist and two people actually bought it for me. I don't know though, I'm part way through it, and a lot of it seems like common sense for anyone who's been on the internet scene for awhile. Hopefully there's some useful info that I just haven't gotten to yet. Also, it's a little boring. Verdict? UndecidedThis Is How: Proven Aid in Overcoming Shyness, Molestation, Fatness, Spinsterhood, Grief, Disease, Lushery, Decrepitude & More. For Young and Old Alike.
Now I am a huge fan of Augusten Burroughs so John automatically knew to buy this for me. It's different from his normal wacked-out memoirs though, this is an actual self-help book. So while it's sort of entertaining, a lot of it doesn't apply to me and I'm not interested. Again, I'm half-way through it but it's not the type of book to really pick up in the middle so I don't have high hopes. Verdict? Probably keep just because it's Augusten.The Night Circus
Ohhhh dudes, you have got to read this book. It was the first book in awhile to make me excited to finish my day and get into bed so I could read it again. It's a fantastical story with so many descriptive details, you really feel like you're under one of those striped circus tents. I really didn't want it to end. Verdict? She's a keeper.The Everything Potty Training Book: Professional, Reassuring Advice to Help You and Your Child Through This Challenging Time (Everything Series)
I picked this up at goodwill for 50 cents just to get some sort of grasp on the subject. A subject that I fear but is being thrust upon me. Gabe isn't ready yet but he's showing signs of being interested (screaming PEE while smacking his junk might be one of them) so I suppose a good parent would be prepared. I'm attempting to be that parent. The parent that hasn't read any child-rearing books since this kid popped out almost two years ago. Verdict? I'm sure it will go back to Goodwill as soon as I'm done.So I'm clearly in the middle of a bunch of so-so books. Do you have any recommendations that will make me extremely happy? And aren't about potties?
22 comments:
The Night Circus is totally on my list. So glad to get your reviews. I used it read a lot at work on deals and lunch. I'm strangely looking forward to that again.
I was just going to buy the Night Circus and then settled on a Nicholas Sparks book because it was cheaper and I knew it would be a light easy read. (I've been reading Kennedy family bios- heavy and a bit depressing)... will have to get that next!
Re: potty training. The book we got tells us that Colin is nowhere near ready. Although today, I feel we made progress- instead of denying his grunts and groans were him pooping, he gladly admitted it today. So that's something. Can. Not. Wait. NOT.
Omg! I totally just bought the Night Circus! I can't wait to read it. Right now I'm reading this book called 18. It's a bit of a self help book, but it's seriously amazing. It's about helping you get shit done. If actually put to use, the advice is amazing. Plus, it's a great read.
I just added The Fault in Our Stars to my list, thank you! Can't wait to pick it up.
I have two recommendations that I've been giving to everyone this summer. But, warning - the stories are intense and a bit dark. The author, Chevy Stevens, weaves some serious drama. Both books had me captivated, absolutely could not put them down. They are Still Missing and Never Knowing. Read the summaries on Amazon before you purchase, if at all, to see if they're your speed.
I've also read these this summer:
The Last Child - John Heart (also dark, twisty and a page turner)
Night Road - Kristin Hannah (very good, sad.)
Home Again - Kristin Hannah (far fetched but entertaining enough for the train).
Happy Reading!
@Kim Strangely? Uninterrupted reading time is a precious commodity! I'd be looking forward to it too.
@Kate Are Kennedy bios required reading up there? Because, well, yikes.
@Michael You're gonna love it! And good call, I always need help getting shit done.
@Kristen Thanks bud! I've never red Kristin Hannah but I see her books at Targ, which makes me happy because that's the only place I go.
I loved the Night Circus. I was sad that it wasn't real, because I would totally go. Mostly for the food, but also for the fortune telling.
I haven't read anything awesome lately. The last book I really truly enjoyed was Sarah's Key, semi-depressing, but just a great story.
If you like Augusten Burroughs, you might also like David Sedaris. I rarely laugh out loud when I read, but he gets me every time!
I was a little nervous that you weren't going to keep The Night Circus. Seriously I just finished it the other day and already want to read it again. It's definitely in my top 10.
Can you say movie please?
I'm like you in that I read the same books over and over. I'm too cheap to buy books, I buy a lot at garage sales and thrift stores. I don't know if you like history, there is a memoir called 'coming of age in mississippi' about a civil rights worker that I was assigned to read in college. I've probably read it 10 times.
My kid tells me he has to poop, grabs his ass, but if he goes near the toilet, he cries, so we're headed that way too. They say when they wake up dry, it's time and my kid wakes up to a diaper heavier than a damn brick
Perfect timing on this post cause I'm looking for something to read. I read the first 3 Game of Thrones books last year and have been trying to read #4 but I can't get into it. I think I need a book in general to get back into reading first.
Are you on GoodReads? I like following people on there to find book recs.
The Art of Racing in the Rain is a good book too - I read that a few years ago.
I totally second David Sedaris. I think I have 'When You are Engulfed in Flames' if you want to borrow it.
Other then that... I'm still trying to find the time to get through the Hunger Games. I'm like a tween when it comes to reading.
I am stunned that you actually have that much time to read! I can only manage 3 pages of Real Simple each night before I'm asleep.
BTW - I LOVE Gabe's potty "announcement"! Too funny!
Have you checked out GoodReads.com? It's a great place to track what you read and what you thought of each book, as well as connect with friends and see their ratings and reviews of books. Another feature I love is that you can make a list of books you want to remember to read. It doesn't take much time - unless you want to write long descriptions - so it's perfect for busy moms. Check it out. Look me up under Diana Diller if you sign up.
Ok, first- "screaming PEE while smacking his junk"? Best.
I want to read The Fault in Our Stars since everyone says it's so good, but I also don't need something else to make me cry.
I agree with everyone else, GoodReads is fun.
I really don't read as much as I used to, which is sad. But I did just finish 'Going In Circles' by Pamela Ribon, who I love love. And um. I guess I read Tina Fey & The Bloggess' books before that.
I used to read during my commute to and from work, but now I just sleep through my bus stops instead.
I just finished The Art of Racing in the Rain which was a good (and a little sad) read. I have not heard of the Night Circus but am now intrigued!
Has anyone heard of paperbackswap.com? It is a great way to recycle your old books and get used books in return. It's awesome! I am with you Shannon, I love having the actual book in my hand. I just don't think I would like an e-reader as much. I know it has its advantages but I just love real books. Plus, it's kinda annoying now that I can't borrow books from friends as often as they are buying theirs all on e-readers.
@Lauren I know, I wanted to go that freakin circus so bad! And David Sedaris is definitely in my top 5 faves. John took me to see him at the Keswixk two years ago and he was just perfect.
@Theresa Yes! That book would make for an incredible movie.
@Mollie I'm not usually a history reader but civil rights stuff is pretty darn interesting so I'd definitely read it. And my mom says the same thing about p-training, when he's dry in the morning you'll know he can hold it. Gabe's the same as Charlie though, bursting at the seams when he wakes up.
@Leigh I think I'd heard of GoodReads but never checked it out. After all the recommendations, I probably belong there. Thanks!!
@LB Sedaris is one of my all time faves, I have all of his stuff! But thanks :) Finish those Hunger Games, they're so good! I get wrapped up in all of those tweeny books too, no worries. I'm pretty sure The Fault in Our Stars is a YA novel anyway...
@Shannon I have trouble falling asleep so I need a good 15 - 30 minutes of reading to knock me out! And yeah, the announcement is cute...at home.
@Diana I will totally check it out, sounds right up my alley! Thanks :)
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. it's a suspense/crime novel. If you're interested in that sort of stuff. :)
@Meghan Aw man, it's a good cry though. Like the kind where you're laughing then boom, shit is sad then ok, we're laughing again. I think it's worth it. I'm gonna go google the Pam chick and see what she's all about. And Tina Fey has a permanent place on my bookshelf.
@Lori Alrighty, 2nd rec for the Art of Racing in the Rain, I clearly need to pick it up. And yes, I totally used to use paperbackswap! But I did it when I was working and would mail all my books for free ;) But I got tired of waiting on the books I wanted, I found it easier to pay 12 bucks a pop at Target, ya know? It's a good idea in theory though!
@Rose I like a little bit of everything and you're the 2nd or 3rd person to mention that one recently so I'll give it a whirl. Thanks lady!
I'm gonna have to check out this Night Circus book - thanks for the recommendation! If you liked the Hunger Games at all, I've been reading a ton of books in that same genre. I really enjoyed the two books that are out in the Divergent series (3rd book out this fall & the Maze Runner series (though, by the 3rd book, it starts to get incredibly repetitious).
Not in the dystopian genre, I read and really liked These Things Hidden (Heather Gudenkauf), Before I Go To Sleep (SJ Watson) & Lucky by Alice Sebold
@SarahB It's funny, I liked the Hunger Games a lot but once I was done, I was like, eh so done with the genre. Weird. I think I just need to see what the hype is about! Thanks for the other suggestions, I will totally check them out. I'd read Alice Sebold before but not that one so I'll probably like it!
I just picked up Night Circus, too; it sounds like such a different story. I read Fault in My Stars a couple of months ago and was ugly crying by the end; it was such an amazing read!
I've been on a love story kick this summer, and reading a lot of things that are all across the board, from super beachy love (Jane Green and Marian Keyes) to dark and grim. Lots of hits and misses.
I really enjoyed Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, as well as This Charming Man by Marian Keyes (a beach read with some grit). Both I was rushing to get back to at night (I read every night as well).
And I just reviewed my uber-nerdy book list (I keep track of all the books I read on a spreadsheet, I'm awesome), and some faves over the last few years were Stephen King's 11.22.63 and The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver.
For non-fiction, I LOVED The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, and Columbine by Dave Cullen. The latter will keep you up at night, but I found it incredibly fascinating.
Happy reading!
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