This past year has been a busy one so I haven’t read as much as I would like to. But I knew while on vacation, I would be sitting on the beach for HOURS (and hours) and would resume my relationship with my beloved Kobo!! I did my homework and spent some time on GoodReads, Kobo, SavvyReader and Rayment’s Reading Rants and Rambling. After a lot of clicking, I finally selected my “vacation reading”. Yay for me!!
When I selected these books – please keep in mind that I was looking for books that were going to be perfect for the “Beach”. i.e I wasn’t selecting a 600 page book or anything terribly serious. Guess what? Mission Accomplished
Here’s what I read:
1) Hilarity Ensues by Tucker Max
Please don’t judge me but I simply love his writing style and I love his stories (again, please don’t judge me). I can’t believe how many times I laugh out loud when I read what type of trouble this guys gets into. I have read both of his other books and this one did not disappoint.
2) BossyPants by Tina Fey
A Winner!!
Again, I laughed out loud and read several passages out loud to my mom. I really enjoyed this book and truly hope that she continues to write. PS When I wear my glasses – I’ve been told that I kind of look like her.
3) The Lover’s Dictionary: A Novel by David Levithan
I was so sad when this book ended as it was beautifully written. The format of this book is so unique and his writing style was unique too.
4) I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
It’s. A. Beach. Book. Period. I’m not going to tell you to rush out and buy it but if you are looking for something light and fluffy – this is it.
5) Before I Fall Asleep by S.J. Watson
This book totally surprised me. I couldn’t read this book fast enough. PS Wouldnt surprise me, if this book becomes a movie one day
6) Dreams of Joy by Lisa See
I’ve read her other two novels (1. Peony in Love 2. Sunflower and The Secret Fan) and was hoping that I would like this book too. I did. I enjoyed the characters, and the story and learning more about this time period in China.
7) Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah Feldman. This was probably not an easy book for Deborah Feldman to write, but I applaud her for her courage. I enjoyed this book and from the get-go, I was immersed quickly into her world. I hope there is a sequel to this book so we can learn more about her struggles and growth as she adapts into the secular world.
7 day vacation and 7 Books…..clearly I was in the mood to read!! I hope I continue to read throughout the year and not just when I’m on a beach. Any other book recommendations.?Please share.
Great post we are packing off to Florida on Sunday so this is just what the doctor ordered. Last time I was away I read Unbroken – highly recommended. I use a Kindle and don’t miss ole fashion books one little bit. Find it so much easier to hold and read. Also thanks for the book recommendation sites I am familiar with GoodReads but will check the others out as well.
When God Was a Rabbit
Cutting for Stone
The Dovekeepers
The Far Side of the Sky
All great reads
thanks vicky. i’m always looking for books to finish – i have so many half read books on my nightable!!!
Almost finished book one of the 4 in “The Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin. Dragons, direwolves, kings, knights, battles, intrigues at court. I’m in another world and loving it. So glad to have three more volumes to revel in and not have to leave the magic too soon.
Rosemary
Another really great read is Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling. It was so hilarious, and a really easy read. Mindy Kaling is such an underrated comedienne.
Re Book #7 Unorthodox
I cant imagine why the Amazon ratings sunk so low!!!!
Its an amazing five star work of fiction!
To begin with:
Women graduate school at a 4th grade level-false.
Women have a curfew-false.
Women cant go to restaurants-false.
I can go on and on.
Had she attempted to balance her often false or exaggerated negativity by pointing to some of the many virtues and benefits existing in her former lifestyle and admit that even though she doesn’t agree or believe or doesn’t have innate discipline, there’s much to be admired in this lifestyle and it has many gainful attributes, she might have deserved some respect. After all even a broken clock is right twice a day. Orthodoxy has to have some advantages, even to those who choose not to practice. Personally, I believe there are many advantages even in Chassidism, even though I’m very far from Chassidic.
No such thing. In her eyes, the Orthodox lifestyle is all nonsense. With all this she hopes to come out looking like a saviour for her efforts. A modern day saint. Abandoning religious observance totally became her key to happiness. She feels she’s the brilliant enlightened heroine, who can transform the lives of everyone who is religious and naive, if they’d only experience the sweetness of her freedom.
She doesn’t differentiate between Chassidism and modern day Orthodoxy, whose followers observe the Torah similarly, but are highly educated with advanced degrees. There are great differences.
No, this is not a book limited to her personal troubled saga, this book details her perceptions of an entire community, as if most in the community secretly agree with her and are envious of what she’s become. Her income perhaps, otherwise, no. Not true.
I pity her for her pain and confusion and newfound aimless free fun, but I pity her son more, for having to live with and learn life’s lessons from a hateful, guiltless, vengeful person, who smugly chooses to mock and ridicule Orthodox people, with the ugly title of her book, hundreds of thousands of whom she has never met and never will. Id love to read a book authored by her son in future years, detailing what it was like growing up with her as a mother. It would be especially interesting if he ever decides to be religious. It could happen. The BT movement is alive and kicking, mostly with highly educated and intellectual advocates.
Might she be negatively impressed with Jack Lew, Obama’s Chief of Staff and Senator Joseph Lieberman, two highly admired Orthodox Jews, of hundreds of thousands worldwide? Does she even know who they are?
Kardashian she’s not. No beauty. Not her fault, not her choice.
Einstein she’s not. No genius. Not her fault, not her choice.
Joan Rivers she’s not. No comedienne. Not her fault, not her choice.
Just a babbling buffoon, a seethingly hateful person whose uppermost goal is fun.
And that IS her choice.
She is an example of what not to become, what not to aspire to be, capitalizing on hate, mockery, meanness and exaggeration.
Omg! Every time I watch 30Rock, i think you look like Tina Fey!!! Good to know Im not alone. LOL.
Thanks for the shout out : ) I too loved Bossypants and I’ve Got your number. The head of Indigo publicity also suggested the Tucker Max one so it is now on my Kobo too — 2 positive reviews is enough for me to pick it up
I am so glad you had a relaxing time, my idea of a perfect vacation too. Thanks also for heads up about Before I Fall Asleep – sounds good!