Books – The Spring Edition 2024
The year’s already half done! I read another ten books in these past three months. This nomadic lifestyle, and being away from my usual California car culture, has given me more time to read. On my Kindle (I especially enjoy when the lighting is dim). My Audible (walking, and on Tubes). Or delightfully real tangible books. Reading on a train is a special pleasure.
Bookstores
I gravitate to bookstores every chance I get. Exploring ones in Edinburgh, Dublin and London recently. I was tempted in Switzerland, but the books weren’t in English! In Scotland, I meandered in the steps of famous authors, always inspiring.
Genres
I can see that I have steered away from the self help and divorce memoirs this past quarter. Interesting. Perhaps I’m attracted to those when I’m back “home” where that part of my life is still fresh. When I’m abroad, I’m more inclined to read books taking place in international destinations. Or I’m drawn to the “summer read” type of holiday books.
Books I’ve read in the last three months:
Set internationally:
- THE OTHER MOTHERS, Katherine Faulkner – Audible; a fun psychological thriller set in the U.K.
- ABROAD IN JAPAN, Chris Broad – nonfiction, the British author went to Japan to teach English and shares his adventures. I purchased it in Edinburgh where it was highly rated here in the U.K.
- CLOSE TO HOME, Michael MaGee – I picked this one up before I went to Belfast where the book is set. It’s quite dark and gritty, slice of life. I always like reading books set where I’m visiting for a local perspective
- SNOWFLAKE, Louise Nolan – Audible. I listened to it while in Dublin where it’s set. Another slice of life.
- MOTHERLAND, Maria Hummel. Set in WWII Germany, a unique perspective of a family during war on the side not usually portrayed. Tough read, this one took me a long time to finish.
Set in the U.S.:
- ELIGIBLE: A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice, Curtis Sittenfeld – Audible, I always enjoy this author’s books. This one was a slow burn, as it took time to get used to the characters and dry humor. Then I had it on for hours at a time.
- AFTER I DO, Taylor Jenkins Reid. I’ve read nearly all of her books much. I find them a breath of fresh air when I want an entertaining story and I need more!
- HAPPY PLACE, Emily Henry. This author falls into this category as well, the true summer read, which really is my “Happy Place”
- TWO WOMEN WALK INTO A BAR, Cheryl Strayed. It’s just a short story, but I will devour anything that Cheryl has to say. I’m still fan girling that she follows my Second Chapter Nomad 🙂
- HOW TO END A LOVE STORY, Yulin Kuang. I’m close to finishing this unique, steamy romance featuring an Asian female lead. It’s set in a Hollywood television writers room. It’s fascinating all around.
BOOK LOVERS
On that note, there is a promising observation. I have found that reading books and actual bookstores has made a comeback globally, and with young people. This delights me to no end!
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