I may be listening to more books than I’m reading lately, but I still have a few I wanted to share. Here’s my monthly round up of books that Jona and I have been enjoying.
{recent reads for mom}
{Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson} I read this before Violet was born, which feels like a lifetime ago. I’m going to keep my descriptions short this time around, and just let you know what I thought. This is my third Joshilyn Jackson novel, and like the others I’ve read this one did not disappoint. It’s easy to read without feeling too light, and Arlene, the story’s main character, is flawed but still likable. My rating: 3.5/5 stars (I rounded up on Goodreads, so it’s a high 3.5).
{Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey} I had a really hard time getting through this novel about a woman suffering from dementia and confusing past and present events. The premise sounded good, but I couldn’t get into it. My rating: 2/5 stars.
{Being Mortal by Atul Gawande} I listened to this on audio, which is becoming a common nursing/pumping activity lately. I’ve mentioned before that I struggle with nonfiction, but this is one I’m glad I read. My rating: 4/5 stars.
{Longbourn by Jo Baker} This is Pride and Prejudice told from the servants perspective, which I thought was an interesting take on a retelling. While the characters from the original are familiar, the story itself is unique. I loved this one! My rating: 4/5 stars.
{Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey} This one reminded me a little of The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes, and I enjoyed this one just about as much. It jumps between modern day and World War II, where a love story is told through letters. I did really like this one, although I found myself wanting to hurry through the present day segments to get to the wartime love story. My rating: 3/5 stars.
{recent reads for the 3-year-old}
{Panda and Polar Bear by Matthew J. Baek} A polar bear family and a panda family are separated by a tall snow cliff. One day the polar bear falls down the cliff and meets the panda, and they become friends. This was a sweet story about friendship, especially with someone who is different.
Toddler approved? Yes, Jona asked for this one pretty often.
{The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright} A little mouse feels tiny and unimportant, and he thinks that the solution to his problems is to be able to roar like a lion. So he sets off to learn from the lion himself, but when he gets there he is surprised to find that to the lion, he isn’t small at all.
Toddler approved? Yes, Jona loved this one.
{Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems} What happens when a naked mole rat doesn’t want to be naked anymore? At first the other mole rats have a hard time accepting him, but eventually they come around.
Toddler approved? Mo Willems is always a hit around here, and not surprisingly Jona loved this one too.
{Corduroy by Don Freeman} This is such a classic–a little bear sits on the shelf at a department store hoping to find a friend.
Toddler approved? Yes. I loved this book as a child and I was so happy to see that Jona really enjoyed it too.
What have you been reading lately?
