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Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Books I Read in August


August was a mixed bag when it came to pleasure reading. I felt distracted, and didn't get as much reading time in as I wanted because I was trying to finish up a bunch of other projects on my summer to-do list before school started. Still, five books (only one for homework) is a decent month for me. It was a bit of an unusual month blogging-wise in that I actually reviewed three of these books before this end of month round up (the traditional book reviews have been thin around here in the past year, but I had opinions to share on these books).



168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam - In general, I probably recommend this one, with some caveats. Read the full review here.

I Know How She Does It by Laura Vanderkam - No need to read this one if you read the other one, unless you happen to be a power working mom, then this one might have some good stuff for you. Once again, read my conflicted thoughts here.

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee - You guys, I really liked it. Read the full review here.

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes - I have loved this movie for years and can quote it along with the best of them, so this book was already on my radar, but it was Amy's glowing review that convinced me to pick it up sooner rather than later, and especially in the audio book format. This was completely delightful and fascinating. Elwes narrates the audio version, along with cameo voices from most of the other actors, and it's just fantastic. Every night I found myself recounting the stories to my husband, so naturally he is now in the process of listening to it and I eagerly ask him every day what part he's at now, and can you believe that story?! If you like the movie at all, or are in any way interested in a behind-the-scenes look at film-making, this is a great read. Definitely recommend the audio version. So much fun.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - This one was homework, but my goodness what delightful homework. I've seen several movie adaptations, but I haven't actually reread this book since high school, and hoo boy has my perspective changed a little bit. What a strange, strange couple these two are. In high school I remember thinking it was terribly romantic, but now I found myself thinking Jane and Rochester had the most unstable, screwed up relationship I'd ever seen (I mean, besides Heathcliff and Cathy, because crazy wives in the attic aside, Emily still beats her sister out when it comes to messed up lovers). Still, the writing is just so beautiful. I love this era of novel writing more than any other in history, and Jane Eyre is one of the best.

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