Yesterday One Hundred Dollars a Month reader Kristen asked if I had read any good books lately and if I listened to audiobooks while I painted.
Well, yes I do have some good book recommendations and yes I do listen while I’m painting. In fact I think I’ve listened to more books since the start of this year than any other year I can remember.
Here’s the list of what I’m reading. Or rather what I’ve read, {that I’ve liked} and what’s on my list to read next.
Books I’ve Read This Year:
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín 10/10
I actually listened to this story TWICE. And while I am giving it a 10/10, there are a {collectively} about 3 minutes in the book that I didn’t think needed to be there.
Interesting and hopeful, sad and funny at times the ending was a bit of a surprise. And one decision {as Eillis, the main character} I don’t think I would have made.
The Man in The Rockefeller Suit by Mark Seal 10/10
The entire time I was listening to this story I wanted to hop online and find out more about this person. It was very hard to wait until the end of the book to look up the people involved and to find out more. What a strange, strange tale. And creepy too.
Elsewhere by Richard Russo 9/10
Excellent.
The Men Who Built America by Simon Winchester 8/10
Good, but I felt like certain events/men that “built America” were skimmed over towards the end.
Becoming Duchess Goldblatt by Anonymous 10/10
I had never heard of Duchess Goldblatt before but stumbled upon it and I enjoyed this book so much I listened to it twice.
We all cope with things in our lives differently. I felt like this was raw, complex, sad, thoughtful, uplifting and funny all in one. And hey, the author’s favorite Lyle Lovett song happens to be on my favorite one too.
Books I’m Waiting To Read:
From Here To The Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presely
Be Ready When The Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Long Island by Colm Tóibín
Mostly, I LOVE biographies and historical fiction.
Well that’s what I’ve been reading/listening to these days, how about YOU? What’s on your nightstand… Or if you’re like me, coming out of your headphones. Curious minds want to know.
~Mavis
Brianna says
I have also been listening to a lot of audiobooks as I am doing a big house project.
Most are genre mystery, thriller, drama.
Tana French: The Searcher, The Hunter (9/10)
Holly Jackson: The Reappearance of Rachel Price (5/10)
Lucy Foley: The Book of Lost and Found, The Invitation, The Hunting Party, The Paris Apartment (8/10)
E. Lockhart: We We’re Liars, Family of Liars (7/10)
Peter Heller: The Dog Stars (9/10)
Ann Cleeves: The Long Call (8/10)
William Kent Krueger: The River We Remember (10/10)
Some I’ve listened to, self-help.
Chris van Tulleken: Ultra-processed People (10/10)
Olga Mecking: Niksen (8/10)
Meik Wiking: The Little Book of Hygee (5/10)
I have a few other books, but they are all duds and were returned early and not finished.
Mavis Butterfield says
Returning duds early… I do it all the time. 🙂
Anna Himes says
I have loved loved loved Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
Nance says
The books I have read lately from the library are fiction.
Frieda Mc Fadden : The Housemaid
Alison Espach: The Wedding People
I am suppose to pick up Intermezzo by Sally Rooney today that is on hold for me.
I enjoyed Lisa Marie Presley’s book when I read it. Sorry you have to wait so long for it to come available.
Mavis Butterfield says
They usually don’t take as long as stated as some people are kind and “return” the book as soon as they are done reading it. Others don’t bother and so the next person in line has to wait the full 21 days until the book is released.
Paula says
I purchased Ina Garten’ book. I read about half the book and put it in the donate pile. I just don’t like her personality. I thought I would.
Mavis Butterfield says
Curious if you had seen any of her shows or knew of her back story before you bought the book. I’ve picked up some autobiographies before knowing a bit about the person and didn’t like their books too though, so I understand it.
Tracey says
I actually preferred hearing her read this book to me while I drove to and from work. I think, sometimes, that so much is lost in the translation to the page – texts and emails always!! – She reads with such heart and intonation that you really get right down to her core. She embraced life!
Suzanne Shaw says
Wondering how you listen to the books. Do you have a subscription to ??? I’d like to listen to book online and I wasn’t sure what was the best way to go about it. I would listen to it on my Alexa. Thanks for any advice …
Dianne says
If you have a library card, you can download
an app, I use Libby. Follow the instructions, pretty easy. A lot of newer books you have to put on “hold”.
Adrianne says
I use the Libby app on my phone. You connect it to your library card and can check out books for free! Though sometimes you have to wait a ridiculous amount of time to get a book. Not sure how that would work with an Alexa though. I don’t have one.
Mona R McGinnis says
Reading The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. A fictionalized account of the making of the Oxford dictionary & the women who contributed to it at a time when females didn’t even have the right to vote. A reminder that historical accounts, or any account for that matter, depend upon who writes it.
kristen says
Such a great book! I really enjoyed that one.
Peg says
I prefer to read actual books, and I’ve started and abandoned several duds lately. I did start a good one a couple days ago that was first published in 1913. That’s probably why I like it.
Jenell Martin says
I think you would enjoy anything by Stanley Tucci! Specifically Everything I Ate In A Year, his newest book!
Jennifer says
The movie, Brooklyn, based on the book is very good.
Melinda says
Love Brooklyn! As mentioned above, the movie is also very good. I tried Long Island recently and did not like it, though I didn’t get very far into it.
Laura Z says
Really loving Barbara Kingsolver. Finished Unsheltered, almost done with The Lacuna, and then I’m off to read Demon Copperhead. She’s a national treasure, in my opinion. 🙂 Most of her books are available on audiobook.
Tracey says
Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible is brilliant!
Holley says
All of the ones you read and recommend sound exactly like my cup of tea!!! I’m going to go put them on want to read on Goodreads right now! Thanks!
Kym says
Ina Gartens book is amazing!!
Laura says
I have the Lisa Marie Presley up next on my kindle. I read Long Island and Be Ready when the Luck Happens last year. I thought they were good. I thought Wedding People was good and The Frozen River was super good.
Mavis Butterfield says
I just checked and there is a 2 year wait for The Wedding People!
Nicole says
I love Colm Toibin! All his books are wonderful! Brooklyn is also a great movie
Christa H. says
I’m looking through “The Body Keeps the Score” and “The Everlasting Meal Cookbook”
I saw Lyle Lovett sitting alone at a TX college graduation in the late 90’s, went up and sat next to him for a bit and chatted, and then got his autograph. He was a very nice guy.