The Week in Review: 01.11.2019

Between the Covers

Finished last week:

I have mixed feelings about HAND TO MOUTH: LIVING IN BOOTSTRAP AMERICA by Linda Tirado.  Tirado was a part of the working poor and gained attention when she responded to a forum post entitled Why do poor people do things that seem so self-destructive?  She has since become an advocate for the poor and makes some very good, thought provoking points in this book.  She has quite a chip on her shoulder, though, and her anger became grating at times.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand why she’s angry but I don’t think it helps her cause.  The book became repetitive at times as well.  I’m glad I read the book but do think the subject matter could have been approached in a better manner – maybe she could have shared more of her background or told the stories of a few members of the working poor.  (Review copy provided by Penguin Random House.)

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THE STEVES by Morag Hood is a picture book about two puffins named Steve who meet each other.  Neither is happy about someone else sharing their name and they argue about who’s the greatest.  They work things out but not before saying a few mean things and, in the end, meet someone else named Steve.  I thought the brightly colored illustrations were adorable but, overall, I wasn’t crazy about this book.  The two Steves trying to one-up each other was okay but I wasn’t a fan of the mean things they said to each other.  I’d recommend flipping through this book before picking it up.  (Review copy provided by Sourecbooks Jabberwocky.)

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STILL ME by Jojo Moyes is the third book in the Me Before You trilogy.  Louisa has moved to New York City to become the assistant to mega-wealthy Agnes Gopnik, leaving behind Sam, her paramedic boyfriend.  Agnes is lonely and wants Louisa to fill the void as well as keep some of her secrets – one of which comes crashing down, changing Louisa’s world.  I thought this book was delightful and, once again, adored Louisa and her indefatigable spirit.  She’s charming and optimistic and has her own sense of style.  I thought the storyline was fun and entertaining and the writing was solid, too, so this book was a hit with me.  The audio is narrated by Anna Acton and I thought she did a terrific job.  (Review copy provided by Penguin Random House.)

Currently reading:

• MY ABSOLUTE DARLING by Gabriel Talent
• TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET by Karen McManus
• FORTY AUTUMNS by Nina Willner

On the Screen

I watched most of the NCAA football National Championship game Monday night and was surprised and happy to see Clemson win the game so handily.

I watched the Virginia Tech – Georgia Tech Men’s basketball game Wednesday night.  I didn’t think either team looked great and felt VT was lucky to come away with the win.

Off the blog

• Carl and I went to visit my aunt.  I meant to get a picture of us together but, was so caught up in the visit, I forgot to.
• I didn’t get to walk last Friday because of rain but I walked at least three miles every other morning and averaged just under 14,000 Fitbit steps a day.

What’s going on in your corner of the world?