Rosie's Books

After watching the HBO show Chernobyl, I decided I would read "Voices from Chernobyl" by Svetlana Alexievich. Many of the stories presented in the show are here. This is a must read to see the reality of what happened through the eyes of those who experienced it. 

A funny book about topics you didn't know you had to hear about. I identified way too much with Lawson's random thought process and saw myself in many of her situations. It is always great to know we are not alone;  that depression, not fitting in, having the weirdest things happen to you, and enjoying wholeheartedly the joyous moments in life because you have been on the other side of the spectrum is a-okay. To living furiously happy.

I first heard of Trevor Noah while scrolling through my Facebook feed, a few days later I found out there was a book he had written. I was intrigued by his story at this point and wanted to know what his book was about. I was not disappointed. This is one of those books that leave an impression. Trevor writes with such a down to earth, non-apologetic, and honest attitude that is hard to find now days. What I loved the most is that he relates the stories as matter-of-fact stories and inserts humor, wisdom, and seriousness at the exact moment it is needed. Some of his stories are heart wrenching, some are funny and truth be told I was laughing hysterically at some of his anecdotes (I'm sure I had some weird glances from those sitting close to me on my commute to work), and some come with great insights. Even though Trevor's life couldn't have been any more different than mine, I was able to identify with so many stories and truths from this book; from his relationship to his mother, to his relationship to his past, and more. Trevor has a keen understanding of humanity, of what makes humans do what they do and stay where they stay, of being aware that although we are all different - in a way we are all the same. I am glad I read this book because I know for sure it has opened my eyes to more of the world that we sometimes care to see.

My weekend starts tomorrow, having the day off will help me catch up on my reading and although Saturday and Sunday will be busy days I will have one day to read. What are you all reading this weekend? 

I couldn't help but add a few more books to my nightstand book pile. I have been meaning to read Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild for years and this is my chance to cross it off my list. I heard about How To Be A Woman from Emma Watson's Book Club and thought it was an interesting read. I haven't decided which one I will read first but I can't wait to dive in.

March was a very slow reading month for me. With everything that happened (my father passed away due to cancer) it took me a bit to get out of the slump and get into my habitual reading.

Read in March:
The only book I finished reading in March was Unstuffed by Ruth Soukup, I received an ARC from her launch team and I enjoyed being a part of it very much. I especially liked the last few chapters on her book that were dedicated to friendship and relationships.

This was a 50/50 for me and I wasn't sure if to give it a 2 1/2 or 3 star rating but decided on giving it a 3. I enjoyed reading this because I learned about Queens that I had never heard about before and this allowed me to do more research on those whom I found interesting. Each woman only gets a one to two page spread so if you are looking for in depth information this is not the book for you. On the bad aspects of it, the flippancy with which this story is told was extremely annoying and there is a condescending tone through out most of the book that I sometimes felt was a little too much. This is a great book to read in short bursts, so if you are looking for that give this try.

-What do you do when your son brings you books to read from school? 

-You read them. :-)

(All while trying to finish the books you are already reading before they are due at the library)

I found this book to be of incredible value to me. I love books that make me recognize what I am missing in a particular area of my life and give me insights as to how to improve myself. This book was able to provide me with ways to improve my Spiritual Life and to see where I was failing, I particularly liked the chapter on "Vision".

I was fighting the impulse not to buy any more books today even though the 50% off all books sign was very alluring. I kept telling myself I didn't have much space for more books and then I said aloud 'I am participating in the #readyourowndamnbooks challenge anyways so I should read books that I already own', to which my 10 year old son replies, 'You do realize once you buy them, you will own them and by reading them you are still completing the challenge'. The voice of reason had spoken!! One more book (a few more?) wouldn't hurt, right. 

Having read both Wild and Tiny Beautiful Things I recognized most of the quotes in this book. Although some quotes stand well on their own, others lack substance with out the full context of which they speak of. I have read Tiny Beautiful Things more than once and find its raw honesty and wisdom inspiring and although many quotes in Brave Enough are derived from it, here they lack the powerful punch that they possess in Tiny Beautiful Things. That said, this little book is great for reading them at a moment's notice. 

In search of the perfect Gothic Novel; a combination of an eerie atmosphere and events, a hauntingly and yet beautiful storyline and suspense. Some of my favorite are The Angel's Game, The Shadows of the Wind, and The Thirteenth Tale. Any suggestions? 

Update: Thank you for the replies fellow readers. It is always a great feeling to discover books one would have never known about if not for the help  of other enthusiastic readers willing to share their favorite reads.

Me: "I think I should study to be a nurse"

My Son: "Umm no"

Me: "You don't see me as a nurse?"

MS: "Not really, I see you opening a bookstore."

Me: (While giving him a giant kiss on his cheek) "Awww you truly know me, you truly know me."