Time for my March books picks. I can’t even tell you how excited I am that this reading challenge is going so well! I have made it a priority to find time to read again, and I am so happy I did. Even if you don’t like to read, please find time for things that bring you joy. It is totally worth it.
My March picks:
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Summary from Amazon:
At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother’s death, her family scattered and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and she would do it alone.
Why I Selected It:
I felt like switching up my non-fiction choice this month. The past 2 months have been self-helpish, so I was in the mood for a true story. This book has so many good reviews and many of my friends have recommended it. I also love Reese Witherspoon, so I would love to watch the movie version when I am done reading.
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
Summary from Amazon:
Fates and Furies is a literary masterpiece that defies expectation. A dazzling examination of a marriage, it is also a portrait of creative partnership written by one of the best writers of her generation. Every story has two sides. Every relationship has two perspectives. And sometimes, it turns out, the key to a great marriage is not its truths but its secrets. At the core of this rich, expansive, layered novel, Lauren Groff presents the story of one such marriage over the course of twenty-four years.
Why I Selected It:
This book has tons of awards, however the reviews from regular readers are VERY mixed. Some people say it was amazing… others say it is nothing more than a pretentious and confusing read. I read the first chapter before deciding if I would select this book, and while the writing style is very different… it was interesting enough that I wanted to continue reading.
If you have read either of these books I would love to hear what you thought about them in the comments section. (no spoilers please) If you missed my February book review, you can click here!
I found your blog a month or so ago when I started looking for working mom blogs. I'm on maternity leave now with my daughter who will be three months old next Wednesday. I enjoy reading but don't make it a priority. I've read two books on maternity leave and would love to continue it once I go back to work. When do you find time to read? You have two kids who are a bit older and probably demand a bit more of your attention than a baby at the stage my daughter is, so I think if you can do it I can too. You seem to balance a lot with family, work, blogging, and a life. I enjoy reading your blog a lot!
Regarding the two books I read, I'd highly recommend one of Mindy Kaling's books as a non-fiction choice (they're both good) and Big Little Lies as a fiction. I particularly loved that one.
I will have to check out Kaling's book since a few people have mentioned that one, and I think she is SO funny! I read Big Little Lies in Jan since so many people loved it, but I just wasnt crazy about it! I dont know what it was…
As far as finding time to read, I just make time for it before bed! I thought it would be super difficult but it was really easy. 🙂
Meghan- have you found other good blogs? I am looking for others too! I am definitely enjoying this one a lot!!!
You're really making me feel like I need to take more time to read! I am slacking compared to you and now I have tons of new book ideas because of your suggestions:)
Start with the books from last month, they were both so good!!
Lauren Grogg is so great! I'll have to check it out!
I mean Groff!
Yeah I was hesitant after the mixed reviews, but I like reading different stuff so I figured i would give it a go! 😉
I need to make more time to read! I might try to pick up Wild over the weekend 🙂
it is really good! I am 20% of the way in at this point and I look forward to reading it!
I am an avid reader and a book-hoarder. Thank you for recommending these books. Will definitely buy these 🙂
They are both pretty good so far! Thanks for stopping by!
I have Wild but, haven't had the chance to read it. Maybe this is what I'll read this month on my down time. I'd love to read me but, I just don't have the time. Thanks for motivating me to read my book 😉
I am about 20 percent in at this point and I LOVE it!
I am very curious about this "Fates and Furies" book! I have it waiting to be read but I think I have been delaying because I get rather annoyed with pretentious books… but perhaps I should dive in a figure it out for myself!
Yeah.. it is kind of pretentious, but the story itself is good enough that it isn't bothering me. YET. ha!
I still can't bring myself to read (or watch) Wild, but hopefully will one day, since I've heard great things about it. I'm going to read a sample of "Fates" now!
I love to read, but never have time! Whereas I can only re-watch a handful of movies (I'm a one and done with movies!), I can reread books over and over (I've reread the Hobbit and TLOTR 37 times!!) My repeat favorites are The 7 Habits of Highly Effective people (non-fiction) by Stephen R Covey, and Mister God This Is Anna, which I discovered as a lost, very confused teenager, and has always brought me clarity and comfort, though it's non-fiction label is debated. Also, Girl Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen and Lisa, Bright and Dark by John Neufeld, were incredibly important to me as a teenager who was slowly (it seemed) losing y mind as Borderline Personality Disorder began to become evident. I still refer back to them when I think no one gets me!
Adding these two to my GoodReads list!
xoxo, Jenny
Nice choices – I absolutely love Wild and I've heard great things about Fates and Furies. I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I really do like the cover for that book. I'm reading Love with a Chance of Drowning at the moment – a recent memoir written by a travel blogger actually. Such a fun read!
Wild sounds like a great book, I'm going to check it out. I am always looking for new books to read!
I haven't heard of either….hmmm! Love your reading challenge, you are inspiring me!
I haven't heard of either….hmmm! Love your reading challenge, you are inspiring me!
I read Wild a long time ago and loved it for the most part. I'll be looking up the second book on your list. I want to know if I'll enjoy it or not based on the reviews!
I am really intrigued by "Fates and Furies" because of the marriage secrets. I love any perspective on marriage so I may have to check that one out. Look at you go kicking this reading challenge's butt. Very inpiring!
i need to read more. i feel like such slug.