The Week in Review: 05.25.2018
Between the Covers
Finished last week:
I was excited to pick up THE FEMALE PERSUASION by Meg Wolitzer because of all the buzz it’s been getting. It’s the story of Greer Kadetsky, a college freshman who is trying to figure things out after being sexually assaulted by a male student. When her friend Zee drags her to see feminist Faith Frank, her life is changed forever. This book has great characters and a current, smart, and relevant storyline but I didn’t love it the way I expected to – I liked it well enough, but can’t say I loved it. (I’m in the minority, though, so pick it up if it interests you.) I’m wondering if it’s because I experienced it on audio rather than in print. The audio version is narrated by Rebecca Lowman and, while I’ve enjoyed her work in the past, she didn’t wow me with this one. (Review copy provided by Penguin Random House.)
++++++++++++++++++++
Lauren Graham has expanded the commencement speech she gave at Langley High School in 2017 to create the book IN CONCLUSION, DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT. She shares a few stories from her own life to inspire others to live life to the fullest and pursue their dreams. I thought this quick, feel good read was fine but not particularly earth shattering. It’s the kind of book given as a graduation gift and it’s geared more for high school graduates than college. It will hold the most appeal for fans of Graham. She reads the audio version herself and does a good enough job. (Review copy provided by Penguin Random House.)
++++++++++++++++++++
HOW TO TRICK THE TOOTH FAIRY by Erin Danielle Russell is about Kaylee, a young girl who loves to pull pranks. She pulls one on the tooth fairy, who pulls one back and the battle begins. The two try to outdo each other until, finally, they may have gone too far and they have to work together to make things right again.
This book is very visually appealing. Jennifer Hansen Rolli‘s illustrations are adorable and it’s printed on nice quality paper. The dust jacket even has glitter on it! I thought the story was cute and imaginative and I liked the way the two characters had to come together to solve a problem they created. I think early readers will find the pranks funny and may even get an idea or two of their own. (Review copy provided by Media Masters Publicity.)
Currently reading:
- OPEN by Andre Agassi
- THE EGG AND I by Betty MacDonald
On the Screen
Since I’d seen the first three weeks, I watched the final episode of this spring’s short season of Dancing with the Stars. For the most part, I thought it was a pretty good show – maybe because it was only an hour long. I loved Josh and Sharna’s freestyle dance and thought Adam and Jenna’s was pretty odd. I wasn’t surprised Adam won even with his less than stellar freestyle.
Off the blog
- I started the 2,000 piece puzzle Vance gave me for Mother’s Day. I have a feeling this one’s going to take me a while.
- Vance is visiting Maine so I worked extra this week.
- I walked at least three miles every morning since I’ve been home from the beach and averaged just under 15,750 Fitbit steps a day.
What’s going on in your corner of the world?
THat kid’s book looks so cute 🙂
I love puzzles bigger than 1000 pieces! So challenging!
The tooth fairy book looks fun. If I read The Female Persuasion, I choose print. Soon you’ll be getting into those 3-D puzzles!
Sorry you didn’t love Female Persuasion like you thought you would. Open is pretty fascinating – loved hearing the story of how he wooed Steffi Graf. And a fiction pairing with it is Trophy Son by Douglas Brunt.
Sorry The Female Persuasion didn’t live up to your expectations. I loved it, especially the audio version. Rebecca Lowman is a favorite.
I’m guessing you might like The Female Persuasion more in print. Especially since the narrator wasn’t your favorite.
I remember reading The Egg and I many years ago and enjoyed it.
Enjoy your week!
The Female Persuasion had me spending a lot of time in Greer’s head. If the narrator didn’t give you a clear sense of Greer, I’m not sure it would translate so well on audio.
Impressive step count! That puzzle looks crazy. I’m interested in reading Open (or listening to it). Have a terrific long weekend, Kathy!
My corner of the world is just regular ordinary stuff…I have been focused on walking, reading and movie watching. I am not sure about The Female Persuasion…I am not anxious to read it. I like my little MG books for awhile.
Thanks for the report on Female Persuasion. I haven’t gotten to it yet. Glad to see you’re reading the Agassi book. Wow is that a doozy of a read. Right now I’m listening to the Jimmy Connors memoir. What can I say: I’m a tennis fan.
I’ve been debating whether to read Female Perfection, but now I think I’ll pass. Love your puzzle start. I hope you share the final picture. Good luck. Have a great weekend Kathy.
My daughter recently praised Graham’s first book, Talking as Fast as I Can. Perhaps I will start with that one before I try this most recent book.
I’m hoping to return to my morning walks this week (after two years off, I’m afraid it will take me a while to get back to three miles each day). You are SUCH an inspiration!
I’ve been thinking about reading the Wolitzer book but after reading your thoughts I think i’ll pass. Good luck with the puzzle!
It was a little hard getting into DWTS since it was only 4 weeks. And Mirai should have been a finalist. But I still enjoyed it. But it’s okay because The Bachelorette starts Monday. Can’t wait!
That tooth fairy book looks adorable. I bet my 9-year-old would love it, even though she’s right on the cusp of still believing in the tooth fairy and Santa Clause. I love that the MC is a brown girl like my daughter 🙂
That tooth fairy book looks adorable! My 9-year-old would love it, even though she’s on the cusp of believing/not believing in the tooth fairy, Santa Clause, etc. I especially love that it has a brown girl on the cover — my daughter is always thrilled when she sees someone who looks like her on the cover of a book!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I’m listening to the audio of the Wolitzer book right now. I think it’s very good but not wonderful so far like some readers have reported. Almost done!
I still need to read THE FEMALE PERSUASION. Wolitzer is one of my favorite authors. I only have audio right now though, and I would rather read in print. OPEN is fantastic!!!! One of my favorite memoirs.
I need to read the Meg Wolitzer book, I won a hard copy online. It’s been too long since I listened to a book on audio. Enjoy your puzzle and the long weekend!
I am just starting to see reviews of The Female Persuasion, it will be interesting to see the range as already I am seeing some disagreement. I have heard really good thing about Open by Agassi so am interested to see what you think.
I have missed not doing puzzles in a long time. Perhaps on a rainy weekend I will get back into that, it’s so relaxing. What do you do with yours when you’re finished? Glue and hang them on the wall, or take apart to do again later? I always save for re-dos.
My cousin and I share our puzzles, so when she completes on, she passes it on to me and vice versa. Once we are both done with it, I donate them to our library. They check out puzzles just like they check out books.
For kids scared about losing a tooth, this book might make them feel less apprehensive about it since it is so silly. I will have to look for the Lauren Graham book. I’ve read two graduation speech books lately and they are perfect for listening while I am getting ready in the morning.