Sunday, June 2, 2013

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (147)



It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

This week marks the beginning of the summer reading program at the library. It is a crazy time but also a lot of fun. 


Books read:


Looking For Me by Beth Hoffman

I loved Saving CeeCee Honeycutt and thought this book was excellent too. I liked all the details about antique furniture restoration and the setting. 


Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

This book was considered so-so by my book group. I liked the historical parts more than the modern sections and I found a lot of the modern characters to be difficult to like. If only the story had stuck with the past...


The Round House by Louise Erdrich

I am glad I finally finished this book. It wasn't what I was expecting but it wasn't bad either. 


The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley

While I still prefer The Winter Sea and The Shadowy Horses, I loved this companion novel too, especially the romance. Susanna Kearsley is definitely one of my favorite authors.


The Summer Girls by Mary Alice Monroe

I liked this book but was a little disappointed with it too. I think it started out strong and had a lot of potential. It is first in a series so maybe the other books will be better.


Books reviewed:


School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins
Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland


Currently reading:


On Sal Mal Lane by Ru Freeman

I am halfway through this book and I love it so far. It is set in pre-war Sri Lanka during the late 70s through 1983 and looks at the lives of the families who live on Sal Mal Lane through the eyes of the kids. I'm really enjoying the descriptive writing and all the little details that feel so familiar to me because of my parents.


What I plan to read next:


The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

I had hoped to read this before it was released so my review would be done in time but that didn't happen. I will hopefully get to read it this week. I usually love Sarah Dessen's books.


Inferno by Dan Brown 

I am not sure if I will read this book. I have to return it to the library next week and at the moment I am having second thoughts about spending my valuable reading time with a book I probably will find disappointing...


Time Flies by Claire Cook

I am a fan of Claire Cook though I've only read a few of her books so far. This one caught my eye because the main character has a serious fear of driving on the highway. That is something I struggled with for years and while I don't mind it now I still avoid major highways if I can!

19 comments:

  1. The Summer Girls and Time Flies look like good ones, and I can't wait to read Sarah Dessen's book-LOVE her! :)

    Shannon
    http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ooh I might change my mind while I'm on holidays and read The Winter Sea, I love Susanna Kearsley's writing. Glad you loved Looking For Me, it's on my wishlist. Looking forward to your thoughts on the new Sarah Dessen, I'm a bit of a fan too.
    Have a great week and happy reading :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ooo soo many books! I am definitely going to add the Cook, Dessen, Kearsley and Walter books to my list to read. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  4. A great selection both past and present


    Wishing you a fabulous reading week
    Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can't wait to read your review of Looking For Me. I loved CeeCee Honeycutt as well, so I have high hopes! I am sorry you weren't in love with Beautiful Ruins. I really loved the historical fiction parts of the novel as well--definitely my favorite. I also can't wait to hear your thoughts on The Moon and More--not my favorite Dessen, but a great summer read. Happy reading!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I received that new Kearsley in the mail this week. I wondered if it was part of a series. Now I know!

    Have a great week of reading!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I had been wanting to read Beautiful Ruins -- the cover is so pretty, but after reading your assessment I may take a pass. Have a great week of reading!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've been seeing The Firebird everywhere this week! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

    I hope you have a blast working with the summer reading program. Ours doesn't start until the end of this month. I was interested to see that they have a program for adults too. They may regret that when they see all of my summer reading! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Moon and More! So excited for that one. Time Flies looks & sounds great! I have a fear of driving on highways too - I always stick to driving on main & back roads ;)

    Hope you enjoy your books!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love Kearsley too - glad to hear you enjoyed this. I will have to get it!
    Kerri

    ReplyDelete
  11. All of these books look good. I'm really excited about reading the Beth Hoffman book. I'm reading Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and Forever in Blue by Ann Brashares.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The Round House and the Firebird are both on my TBR. Enjoy all your reads.

    ReplyDelete
  13. in time travel books, i usually want the story to stay in the past!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Glad to know you loved The Firebird. Sorry to hear about Mary Alice Monore's book as I really like her!

    ReplyDelete
  15. These sound good, look forward to your reviews.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Everyone is reading Beth Hoffmans book! I need to start!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow-you had a great reading week! That is so lovely to see :) I didn't like The Moon and More as much as I usually like Dessen books but it was still pretty good-I'm working on collecting all my thoughts so I can write my review now.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks so much for your kind words about my new novel! I'm delighted that you enjoyed Looking for Me.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I had heard good things about Beautiful Ruins. Sorry it not living up to the hype for you. I have heard Sarah Dessen is a good writer but never read her books so I hope you enjoy!
    my Monday post

    ReplyDelete

Reading Extensively is now an award free blog. Thanks for stopping by! Please leave a comment. I enjoy receiving feedback! Due to increase in spam, I've enabled comment moderation. Sorry for any inconvenience!