84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

I saw this book discussed on a Modern Mrs. Darcy post as a book about books, one of my favorite subgenres. I picked it up now to attempt to fill my number row for my Alphabet Reading Challenge (it’s a new category Mr. Curiosity created this year). Sadly, it was much too quick a read for me (I read it in an afternoon) to feel good about counting. I’ll have to find another number book.

Published: 1970

Genre: nonfiction correspondence

Length: 97 pages

Setting: New York City and London, 1949-1969

Summary: Short version: Correspondence about books and life

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What I Will Be Reading #40: Not from The Modern Mrs. Darcy

I’ve been reading down my TBR list fairly quickly, which means I get to add new books to my list. Isn’t that how it works? Just to show that I can do get book recommendations from a variety of sources, none of these come from Modern Mrs. Darcy. Seriously, if you haven’t checked out her blog or podcast, you totally should. She’s a great source for a variety of books.

Let’s start with a recommendation from a friend – I was talking books with another homeschooling mom, and she recommended anything by Elly Griffiths. The Ruth Galloway series is about an archeologist who solves mysteries. I’m not huge into mysteries, but I do like a strong female protagonist and I like scientists. I’m willing to try it. The first book in the series is The Crossing Places.

The next addition is Barbara Kingsolver’s newest book – Unsheltered. I will read it without knowing anything about it, just because it’s by Kingsolver. But, if you need more information, the book is about two families who live in the same house, a century apart. We read about the troubles the families have. As a bonus, it will give me a U in my alphabet reading challenge.

Then, I’ll finish with two nonfiction books. First, I found a book on breast cancer called Flat: Reclaiming My Body from Breast Cancer by Catherine Guthrie from a Last Word on Nothing post. Having been diagnosed with breast cancer, I’m always interested in how other people have dealt with the diagnosis. Guthrie was also diagnosed before age 40, so she has a similar experience to me. Finally, a homeschooling book to finish things off. I’d like to read The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life Julie Bogart. I saw this on a Simple Homeschool post about new books. Bogart shares her experiences graduating five homeschooled kids. My kids are into middle school and high school, and I like to read success stories for reinforcement.

And those are the books I’m adding to my reading list. Anything else I should add?

If you’re interested in purchasing the book, you can click on the cover image or title to follow an Amazon affiliate link to the book and thanks for supporting my blog!

 

What I Will Be Reading #39: The Modern Mrs. Darcy Additions

I’ve been working hard at reducing my TBR list, which means it’s time to add some new books to it. Today, I’m going to put together all the books that have caught my eye (or ear) either reading the Modern Mrs. Darcy or listening to What Should I Read Next, her podcast.

For my Q author this year, Anne Bogel gave me a new option. Instead of reading Amanda Quick, I’m going to switch things up and read something by Anna Quindlen. Anne Bogel mentioned Quindlen on episode 151 of What Should I Read Next.

Beartown is another book I’m adding from the podcast. Anne has mentioned it multiple times. I’m adding it because it’s about playing hockey in a small town. I play hockey in an adult beer league, but I’m not sure I’ve read a book about hockey. This book sounds interesting enough to fill that gap.

The latest episode I listened two have me two books. The The Bookshop on the Corner, by Jenny Colgan because it’s a book about books, one of my favorite subgenre. The second book is Secondborn, by Amy A. Bartol. This is the first book in a series based around the premise that the first-born child gets everything. The second born child goes into service for the government. This book is told from the point of view of the second child.

Finally, a book from the website. It’s another book about books, but this time it’s a nonfiction book. The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell is all about a Scottish bookseller who lives in Wigtown, selling books to anyone who stops by.

And those are my new books this week. Anything else I should add to my reading list?

If you’re interested in purchasing the book, you can click on the cover image or title to follow an Amazon affiliate link to the book and thanks for supporting my blog!

The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton

This was my book club’s choice for March.

Subtitle: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row

Published: 2018

Genre: nonfiction memoir

Length: 272 pages

Setting: mostly Death Row in Alabama

Summary: Short version: One man’s experience as an innocent man on Alabama’s Death Row

The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair

I heard an interview with the author on the podcast 99% Invisible. I found the interview so fascinating, I had to go and get the book right away. Even Miss Adventure was interested.

Published: 2016

Genre: nonfiction art/history

Length: 281 pages of text, 320 pages total

Summary: Short version: The sources and uses of different colors and shades of colors

How to Raise a Wild Child by Scott D. Sampson

I the book reviewed on a GeekDad post back in 2015 and just finally got around to reading it.

Subtitle: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature

Published: 2015

Genre: nonfiction child development

Length: 293 pages of text, 327 pages total

Summary: Short version: Check out the subtitle

The Midwife by Jennifer Worth

I had watched the show Call the Midwife before I learned it was based on a book. I’m just getting around to reading the book. The book was originally published with the title Call the Midwife. There are two other books in the series.

Subtitle: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times

Published: 2002

Genre: nonfiction memoir

Length: 340 pages

Setting: the East End of London, 1950s

Summary: Short version: Worth’s experience as a student midwife