Good things about spring: warmer temperatures, fewer layers of clothing, and no more snow.
Bad things about spring: thoughts of swimsuits, allergies, and spring cleaning.
I can’t do much about the impending swimsuit season or allergies, but I can avoid spring cleaning. I’m actually quite good at it. Take the word “cleaning,” replace the “cl” with an “r,” and the first “n” with a “d.” Spring READING.
Much better.
It’s been six weeks since my last round of book reviews, and I’ve read eight books since then. One is Suburban Haiku by Peyton Price, which I reviewed with my excellent haiku skills HERE. I have five other recommendations for you; I hope you find one that interests you!
Disclosure: I received free digital review copies of And Then I Became A Mother (from the author), The Rooms Are Filled, and The Collector of Dying Breaths (both from NetGalley). I was not obligated to review these books, and the opinions, as always, are purely my own.
The Rooms Are Filled by Jessica Null Vealitzek
Expected publication date: April 22nd
Novels don’t have to be loud and showy to be good; The Rooms Are Filled is proof of that.It’s quiet and strong, and its layers peel back effortlessly. The characters are ordinary people, but even ordinary people have stories to tell. Michael is the new kid in town after his father’s death forced him and his mother to sell the farm and move. Julia is his teacher, and she is in a new town for her own private reasons. Their stories intertwine to create a novel that continued to seep into my thoughts long after I finished reading it.
This book is the first novel of one of my HerStories co-contributors, Jessica Vealitzek. When I found out she was publishing a novel, I immediately requested a copy. I’m so excited for Jessica, and more than a little impressed.
The Collector of Dying Breaths by M.J. Rose
Expected publication date: April 8th
Rene is an Italian orphan who becomes Catherine de Medici’s perfumer in 1533. His life’s goal is to find a formula that will reanimate a person’s soul by pairing it with their dying breath. In present day, Jac assumes this quest in an effort to ease her own grief. The novel tells the story of both perfumers, alternating until their stories intertwine.This book is an odd combination of historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy. I like all three genres, but I found the fantastic parts too far-fetched in the framework of the novel. Rene’s storyline was much more interesting than Jac’s; I almost felt like they were two separate novels. It was still an enjoyable read, albeit predictable.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Genetics professor Don Tillman designs the Wife Project in an effort to find his perfect partner. Rosie is not a candidate, but Don begins to help her with her own project of finding her biological father. Don is brilliant but socially challenged, and Rosie throws a kink into his carefully planned and predictable life. This novel was cute – an odd way to describe a book, but I think it fits. Don is such a unique narrator, and the story reads like a witty screenplay. A quick, light, feel-good read.
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
This is one of my book club picks, and I’m glad it was. I don’t think I would have picked it up otherwise. Eleanor and Park are teenagers in 1980s Omaha. Park feels like a misfit as the child of an Asian mom, and Eleanor endures living in a two room house with her four siblings, mother, and mean, alcoholic stepfather. The two find one another and fall in love. This is a YA (Young Adult) novel, and you would think that I would be rolling my eyes at the teenage angst. Instead I found myself remembering what it was like to be an adolescent in love. It’s all encompassing, life altering, and heartbreaking. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this novel.
And Then I Became a Mother by Robin Kramer
This book is part memoir, part parenting, and all real. Presented as nine pieces of parenting advice for a new mother, Robin weaves her personal experiences and anecdotes into every page. While I am not the intended audience for this book (I need ibuprofen more than I need advice), it brought back memories of the early years of being a mother. If you are a new parent, or even the parent of a toddler or preschooler, you will find this book encouraging. Robin touches on the universal fears, worries, and goals of motherhood in an honest and candid manner. The number one piece of parenting advice? Just love them. *****
I am currently reading What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarity and The Word Exchange by Alena Graedon. Time will tell if they are good enough to include in my next round of book reviews – stay tuned!
What are you reading? And do you hate spring cleaning as much as I do?
I REALLY want to read the Eleanor book; I keep hearing about it! I just finished Orange is the New Black (pretty good) and now I’m reading Matilda. Because it’s fun to be 8 again 🙂
It is fun to read kid books sometimes. I don’t think I ever read Matilda, but I did love Encyclopedia Brown.
I LOVED What Alice Forgot. Maybe it was the time in my life I was reading it but loved it.
Thank you so much for this list! I am getting back to reading – for me, because I love it. Starting back in with Divergent, still can’t make it through The Goldfinch. And totally pinning this!
squeeeee! I have more books to add to my “TO READ” list…I swear there is just not enough time, LOL. I’m really entrigued by the The Rooms are Filled and The Rosie Project
Both great books, Karen – totally different from one another, but both great.
I’m going to take this list to my book club for some good ideas! I just read “Wave” by Sonali Deraniyagala. I could barely catch my breath reading that one and had tears streaming down my face for most of it. Need a lighter read now…
Try The Rosie Project – it was great. Just added Wave to my to-read list; I can imagine how emotional that book was.
I’m a book junkie, Dana. I have several that I’m in several stages of reading. What I do want to get deep into, and I’m hoping that I will while flying home in two weeks, is the book that Joi gave me at Christmas as part of her Christmas Eve Eve’s gift swap. It’s “Successful Women Think Differently” by Valorie Burton. I started it at Christmas and really like it, but I need to carve out time to respond to the many questions she poses. Yesterday I bought another of her books!
That book sounds interesting, Alison – I’d love to hear what you think when you finish it. And have a fabulous trip home if I forget to tell you before you leave!
First of all, I just love your book idea lists! I really look forward to them. Jessica’s book is on my iPad, all ready to go! I hadn’t heard of the motherhood book, but it sounds like I’d love it! Also, have I mentioned that i love the new look of your website? So classy.
Thank you Stephanie! Jessica’s book is great – she’s a wonderful writer. Glad you like these posts; I’m working on a book review page that will list all the books by genre, with links to the reviews. That way you can browse through the list without combing through my archives.
Those look like good reads! I am going to be reading and reviewing Robin’s book too, and I’m sure it’s a beautiful piece of literature…
I am officially done with Just Like Jesus… and now finishing Jen Hatmaker’s “7”. SO POWERFUL!! Then I will start “Dive Deeper”… loving all of these books.
Getting ready to also start the sequel to “I Just Want To Pee Alone”… so excited!!
I love how you do this Dana.. I may have to copy you and do a multiple review post. BRILLIANT.
Just Like Jesus and I Just Want to Pee Alone – you read quite the variety of books, Chris! You’re such a well rounded lady 🙂
I actually find that I enjoy reading more in the summer. I love picking a spot under my tree and getting lost in a book. I am adding these to the list!
I do that at the pool, Kimberly – I plop under a tree with my book. When it gets too hot, I curl up on a chair in my air conditioned house and read some more. The kids can feed themselves, right?
love love love Rosie Project — definitely Spring reading! I really need to read Eleanor and Park, I know I would like it and it’s just the kind of quick read I need to get back into reading. Your friend’s book – The Rooms are Filled – sounds really good, too.
It was good, Sarah. And Eleanor and Park is a great choice for quick read – sometimes you need a book like that if you’ve been in a reading slump.
For the first time you’ve done one of these, I have to say that I’m not reading, nor have read ANY of them. And that, my lovely friend, makes me supersad. I used to read SO SO much, and love it beyond much. I’m not reading these days. I must must must get back to it. Which, of all of these, were I dive in tomorrow, would you recommend most? I’m leaning toward the Rooms are Filled, and definitely not the last as I’m not a big fan of memoirs these days, although I have been, in the past.
Rooms Are Filled was good, and I’d also suggest The Rosie Project. Totally different feels to those two. RP is lighter and a quick read, and you can read it now. Rooms doesn’t come out until the 22nd.
LOVED Eleanor and Park and cannot wait to read Jessica’s book.
It was really good, Nina – such a nice change of pace from most of the books I’ve been reading lately.
These all look really good. My reading list is growing as I type this. I’ve already been planning on reading Eleanor and Park, but I’m also excited about The Rosie Project and several others you reviewed.
Those two are both quick reads, Tracie – you’ll get through them in no time!
You have read eight books while I’m still only on page 60 of a book I started two months ago. LOL. I am so slow and, to an extent, so lazy. I love to read but my attention span, cats and life in general just seem to make that difficult. *sigh* I want to read 15 books this year like I attempted last year (made it to 12!) but it’s not working too well for me. Dagnabbit!
Sometimes I let the house fall down around me while I read. I have my priorities, after all! Dagnabbit – that’s my daughter’s favorite thing to say. 🙂
Thanks for the roundup. My book club needs some good suggestions and these will fit the bill. The Rosie Project looks very good!
It was good, Jenny – and I think it would make for a good discussion.
I have so many books on the nightstand, I need a beach vacation to catch up! I am overwhelmed!
I hope you get one this summer, Michelle – you deserve it!
Right now I’m reading Steal like an artist-10 things nobody told you about being creative. I literally stumbled on this little gem at our fabulous Miller library and I love it so much, I’m buying my own copy. It’s a quick little book, easy reading with lots a good tips on getting the creative juices flowing. Not to mention its on the New York Times bestseller list.
I just looked at it on Amazon, Lisa – looks great. Thanks for the suggestion!
LOVED Eleanor and Park! Have The Rosie Project on my nightstand right now! :)-Ashley
I think you’ll like it, Ashley. It’s a quick read, too.
Those sound interesting! Maybe I will be able to catch a break here soon and read again.
The only one of these I’ve read is Eleanor & Park. I think I’ll add The Rosie Project to my list- need a light read now and again!
Love this – I just added several new books to my Goodreads list!!
Reading is much better than cleaning any day!!!
Absolutely, Kim!
Very clever word switch-up. I, however, have put down the books and am knee-deep in spring cleaning. Maybe I should post on that to motivate you!
Maybe, although I doubt it would work. My husband and I are going to mulch on Sunday, so there’ that…
First: yes, I HATE spring cleaning. You and Nicole are making me feel less guilty about that. *High fives* I’m so glad you shared these reviews- you know how I love books! I must add The Rosie Project to my stack, as well as The Rooms Are Filled. I’m starting The Eighth Day, a kidlit book due out later this month. It’s fantasy and includes Arthurian legends. Can’t wait! Just finished And the Mountains Echoed, which I have learned to appreciate over time.
I felt the same way about And the Mountains Echoed – that’s a perfect way of putting it. The Eighth Day sounds cool too – is it for younger kids? My son is 12.
Wow you have been reading!! Great reviews, Dana. I’m interested to see what you think of what Alice forgot. I’ve been tempted to buy it several times.
I actually just finished it last night – I blew off all the things I was supposed to do to finish it. I really enjoyed it.
You’re tempting me to go find these on NetGalley, Dana – only I have such a backlog of books that I need to review from them. I’m going to grab your idea of combining several reviews together! 🙂
I always do that, Corinne – I just write my reviews after I read each book and do one post every month or so.
I am currently reading NOTHING (sad face) and am looking for a new book to lose myself in. Thanks for these great suggestions!
You’re welcome, Katie – hope you find one you like!
The last two are on my list! I’m reading “The Good Mother Myth” right now. I took the photo, my friend is the author/editor, and many of my friends, including blog friends, are in the book.
I just checked out the photo – it’s excellent! I’m sure the book is too.
I have read Robin’s Then I Became a Mother, but none of the others. They sound interesting!
They are – a nice variety of books, depending on your interests.
Yes, read those last two here also and loved them. But pinned this to look into the others you mentioned here, because I am always adding to my list and definitely happy to add a few more from your suggestions here. Thanks Dana 🙂
No problem, Janine!
I just finished a book last night called New In Town by Susan Zutautas. It was recommended on a bloggers webpage. It was a short story but very intriguing. Now I need to quickly find another book to have for tonight.
Last night was the first time I took anything for allergies this season. I hate taking anything because it dries me out so bad – from thirsty to my nose hurting. But I’ve been itching and now rashy so I took two too many Benedryl. I feel like I could go to bed for about three more hours. Next time I’ll only take one. At least I’m not itching.
I know Susan – I’ll have to check out her book. You’re already suffering from allergies? That stinks. I’m okay so far. Hang in there!
You know I love a good book so thanks for all these suggestions! I’m STILL reading Chelsea Handler’s book (and still laughing) but I definitely do not have as much time as I would like to read. I need to take a reading vacation!!!
I would tell you to read on the flight to Spain, but I imagine your boys won’t let you do that. Maybe you’ll have some more time when you get back. My reviews will still be here 🙂