Book Talk // Volume I

Hello all! I haven't really talked about it much here, but I love reading. I don't always make enough time for it during my busy school semesters, so when breaks come along I do my best to take advantage of all the extra time I have to devote to it. Since I have been trying to read more lately, I thought I would share a few books that I finished recently!

+ This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
"The death of Judd Foxman’s father marks the first time that the entire Foxman family have been together in years. Conspicuously absent: Judd’s wife, whose affair with Judd’s boss has recently become painfully public. Simultaneously mourning the death of his father and the demise of his marriage, Judd joins the rest of the Foxmans as they reluctantly submit to their patriarch’s dying request: to spend the seven days following the funeral together. In the same house. Like a family." (adapted from Goodreads)

I bought this book on my Kindle before heading to Japan since I knew I would have a lot of travel time to get some leisure reading done. I was intrigued by the title and cover artwork, and the fact that it will soon be released as a movie. I figured why not give it a try? This particular book made me think about life a lot, as well as families and the natural circle of life. The story was complex, colorful, and very entertaining. It wasn't afraid to address the challenges of being an adult, dealing with family, and life not turning out the way you imagined. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing the movie!

Overall rating: 4/5

+ Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
"Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck–impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence 'Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I’ll shut up about it?' Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood." (adapted from Goodreads)

Could you ever really go wrong with Mindy Kaling? Gosh, I just love her so much. I have been watching her show ever since it premiered and have become a huge fan. Reading this book allowed me to learn a lot more about her and where she comes from, and really, just made me love her even more. This book was released before The Mindy Project, so it told the story of her childhood, college experiences, and adventures living in NYC as a broke college grad, as well as her journey as a writer and actress. She was witty and funny throughout this book, and while it is not necessarily the most intellectual read, it was definitely entertaining on my train rides through Japan!

Overall rating: 3.5/5

+ Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
"1987. There’s only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that’s her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn’s company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young of a mysterious illness, June’s world is turned upside down. But Finn’s death brings a surprise acquaintance into June’s life—someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart." (adapted from Goodreads)

Okay, so I actually finished this book back in January, but I knew that I couldn't put a book review post together without including it. I bought it last summer and forgot that I had it until I found it over last winter break. Once I started it, I got sucked and seriously couldn't put it down. It consumed me, so much so that immediately after I finished it, I wanted to read it again. This book is just so very well written, captivating, and raw. I truly loved the intricate and emotional story that is woven throughout the pages of this book. I highly, highly recommend it!

Overall rating: 5/5

Sometimes it is difficult to force myself to turn off the TV or put my laptop away to pick up a book instead, but once I get going I feel so much better using my time for something more enriching. I also always feel so accomplished when I finish a book! It is a really great feeling.

I'm currently in the middle of a book called Echoes by Maeve Binchy. It's been a little harder to get into, but I'm trekking through it!

Have any book suggestions for my next reads?

P.S. I asked my dad to take the photo of me in this post and it was so funny to watch him get into snapping photos with my DSLR. So sweet of my daddy to help me with blogging things!