Weekly Wrap-Up: May 28 – June 3, 2023
Well, here I am again– trying something new! I used to try to do a monthly wrap-up, but they got to be so overwhelming. It was a lot of work trying to sort out what I’d read and write up the little “what you need to know” summaries. I gave it up, but have been feeling bad about losing a regular, more newsy post. Plus it was nice to be able to include the backlist titles I’d added successfully read in posts like that. Otherwise, it’s a long time between when I read the book and when my review goes live. (This is because I have a calendar problem… in that I keep agreeing to review too many books to leave room for very many backlist titles on my calendar.)
At any rate, I thought if I could come up with a simple format where I could just share what I’ve read this week, it might be fun to do that. It’s few enough books that, hopefully, the posts don’t take long to put together. And the books are fresh enough in my mind that I don’t have to think very hard in order to write the summaries. So, yay! Maybe a winning strategy?? We’ll find out together.
At any rate, here are the books I read this week and the ones I’m currently reading now. Let me know if there are other stats or things you’d like to know about each of these titles.
What I Read This Week
Time Out by Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner
What you need to know: There might have been a bit of a mix-up leading me to receive a finished copy of this book from the publisher. I asked for a different one, but received this instead (I think). While it wasn’t something that immediately drew my attention, I found the story deeply compelling and the characters realistic and easy to identify with. Definitely one for fans of Bill Konigsberg (OPENLY STRAIGHT, etc).
Published: May 30, 2023 | My Review
The Night in Question by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
What you need to know: I really enjoyed book one in The Agathas series, so I had been very much looking forward to this one. If you’re familiar, expect more of the same amateur detective hijinks and fun cast of characters. I especially loved that the murder connects to a mysterious death in the past.
Published: May 30, 2023 | My Review
Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty, Michael Moreci, and Braeden Sherrell
What you need to know: I actually got an email from the author’s assistant asking if I wanted to review this book, but then I never heard back from them. Fortunately, I was able to get a copy from the library, so it’s still on my review list! I hadn’t read the original book, but I really enjoyed this version of the story, especially the themes about identity and family, and the expressions on the characters’ faces in the panels. (Serafina’s expressions especially.)
Published: April 4, 2023 | Review to Come: fall/winter
The Kingdom Over the Sea by Zohra Nabi
What you need to know: I’m reading an ARC of this one that I received from the publisher. I love the Middle Eastern-coded fantasy elements and magic. I’m super intrigued by the characters, especially the woman reluctantly helping our heroine. The pacing was different than I expected, but I liked it. Expect the review for this one next week!
Published: June 6, 2023 | Review to Come: next week
What I’m Currently Reading
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
What you need to know: I’ve been listening to the audiobook version of CASTE since early May. It’s gripping. The author compares the caste system of India to Nazi Germany and slavery and race relations in the United States. It’s definitely the kind of thing you can’t unsee afterward if that makes sense. I’ve got the young readers’ ebook from the library, so I’ll compare the two versions and write up a review when I’m finished with that. I’m about 80% done.
Published: August 4, 2020 | Review to Come: fall/winter
Don’t Look Back: A Memoir of War, Survival, and My Journey to America by Achut Deng and Keely Hutton
What you need to know: I’ve just barely started reading this one, but I’m already feeling drawn into the story of Achut Deng and her escape from her war-torn homeland. It sounds like it’s going to be a heartbreaking story, but it promises hope and beauty, too.
Published: October 11, 2022 | Review to Come: fall/winter
What did you read this week?
How was your week this past week? Did you read or acquire any new books you’re excited about? Have you read any of the books on my list? Leave a comment and let me know!
I’m impressed (and totally envious!! :)) of the number of books you’ve read this week! What a nice selection! Thanks for sharing!
Awww, thank you, Valinora. I enjoyed reading them, which always makes it more fun. ????