Latest Reads

I love reading, but for a long time I didn't make the time for it in my schedule. Back in August, I started reading every night before bed. It has been such a nice addition to my evening routine! Since I have been reading more lately, I thought I would share with you a few of the books I have read.

+ Good Things by Mia King
Back cover description: "A charming debut novel about a lifestyle maven who learns that living simply isn't simple. Deidre McIntosh became famous teaching women to live simply, and simply live-ironic for a woman who thrives on the chaos of a television career, and shares a home with her best friend, the one man she can count on-who happens to be gay. But when her Seattle cooking-and-lifestyle show gets bumped off the air, and her best guy moves in with his boyfriend, she's left trying to figure out the next segment. Seizing on a chance encounter with an attractive stranger, Deidre accepts his offer to use his country home. She hopes to get away for a while and learn to practice what she preaches. To appreciate life without voice mail. To gain the courage to start again, and take the first slow, cautious steps toward a new kind of success-and maybe even love. It seems like a simple task. But it may be the hardest thing she's ever done..."

My rating: 3/5

This book wasn't the greatest piece of literature, but it was really enjoyable to read, which sometimes is just what you need. I really liked the world that this author created and would like to read the other two sequels that she wrote!

+ Brooklyn by Colm Toibin
Back cover description: "Eilis Lacey has come of age in small-town Ireland in the hard years following World War Two. When an Irish priest from Brooklyn offers to sponsor Eilis in America, she decides she must go, leaving her fragile mother and her charismatic sister behind. Eilis finds work in a department store on Fulton Street, and when she least expects it, finds love. Tony, who loves the Dodgers and his big Italian family, slowly wins her over with patient charm. But just as Eilis begins to fall in love, devastating news from Ireland threatens the promise of her future."

My rating: 2.5/5
I had been wanting to read this book for so long, but when I finally did, it was kind of disappointing. I mostly enjoyed the story, but it was slow moving and didn't have a very satisfying or concluding ending, to me anyway. This book has been adapted into a movie, which I would like to see to compare it to the book. Sadly, I don't think I would recommend this book.

+ Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
Back cover description: "It’s January 1995, and Franny Banks has just six months left of the three-year deadline she set for herself when she came to New York, dreaming of Broadway and doing “important” work. But all she has to show for her efforts so far is a part in an ad for ugly Christmas sweaters, and a gig waiting tables at a comedy club. Her roommates―her best friend Jane, and Dan, an aspiring sci-fi writer―are supportive, yet Franny knows a two-person fan club doesn’t exactly count as success. Everyone tells her she needs a backup plan, and though she can almost picture moving back home and settling down with her perfectly nice ex-boyfriend, she’s not ready to give up on her goal of having a career like her idols Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep. Not just yet. Everything is riding on the upcoming showcase for her acting class, where she’ll finally have a chance to perform for people who could actually hire her. Meanwhile, her bank account is rapidly dwindling, her father wants her to come home, and her agent doesn’t return her calls. But for some reason, she keeps believing that she just might get what she came for."

My rating: 4.5/5

Queen Lauren can do no wrong in my eyes and it was really interesting to see her as an author instead of an actress. There were definitely some things I could relate to with the main character, Franny, since we are similar ages. Lauren's voice really came through in this book and I didn't want it to end! She could easily write sequels to this book and continue's the character's story.

Lately it has been nice reading things just for pure enjoyment rather than being required to read things for school. I love giving myself the freedom to read whatever I'd like!

I definitely could use some new books to add to my reading list, so please give me some suggestions!

What kinds of books do you like to read?

xoxo

Jess

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!