Book Recap: My favourite reads from April, May, and June

At the end of May I hit my head. I was, of all things, shelving books in my classroom. Stubborn at first, I hadn’t realized that a bump to the head would result in a long recovery period. Concussions, I learned, are insidious, persistent, and require lots of time and care. So, I took a break from reading, writing, and updating my site. Only now, in July, do I feel I can type for about twenty minutes at a time. And much of my reading habits have changed to accomodate the recovery. I listen to audio books, give myself lots of breaks between chapters, read slower, and I am allowing myself to heal. Here are the highlights from the books I read in April, May, and June.

April Reads
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee: I read this book while reading others. I needed breaks, but I always came back to it. I discovered so much about a history I’d never learned about before. This family saga will stay with you.

Writing with Intent by Margaret Atwood: Why did I not read this when I bought it over a decade ago? I once thought I loved Atwood’s books, ideas, work--now I have an even deeper appreciation for her. Each essay taught me about books and writing, and my to read list was much longer by the time I completed the book.

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler: This was my first Anne Tyler read. She is most certainly now on my list of favourite authors. A family drama captured over the years is so in my wheelhouse that I can't fathom why it’s taken me this long to read one of her books.

May Reads
American War by Omar El Akkad: This book is timely, terrifying, and so important to read. Go read it, now.

I Remember Nothing by Nora Ephron: Again, my new(ish) love for women’s memoir made this book a must read when I found a pristine copy for a dollar at the library book sale. A wonderful life shared, Ephron’s memoir writing is more like being told a story by someone you know. I loved this little book, and so I gave it to my mother, who also loved it.

Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum: A coworker recommended this book, and I immediately put it on hold at the library. Set in WWII, the narrative of past and present overtake the reader until the end. I promptly recommended it to everyone looking for a book, and especially for those who read Historical Fiction. Go to your library, and place a hold, because this book should be high on your to read list.

The Friend by Teresa Driscoll: This is the second book by Driscoll that I purchased through Amazon Kindle, and enjoyed so much. Mystery, suspense, and unputdownable: I look forward to following this author’s works.

Happiness by Heather Harpham: The first audio book I listened to while I recovered my brain. I so loved this book, made more powerful by the author’s narration. I have really grown a great love for memoir writing over the past year, and especially in hearing the stories of women. I feel empowered, and a kinship in these powerful memoirs, and Harpham’s story will surely stick with me.

June Reads
Brain on Fire by Susannah Calahan: My second audio read and so powerful to hear. I am looking forward to watching the new Netflix film based on this engrossing memoir. This is the first book I borrowed using Overdrive for audio books. Borrowed directly from my library and listened to over the Libby app on my phone. I listened in the car, on the treadmill, and at home. 

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse: A student recommended this on her year-end blog for my Journalism course. I added it to my library holds, and I devoured this YA Historical Fiction. Set in WWII, this story was haunting, engaging, and beautifully written. I hope to purchase copies for my classroom.

The Seven Husband’s of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: In an effort to read something light for more brain recovering time, I saw this book was recommended by a few coworkers on Goodreads. Again, I put it on hold. This book is so delightful, engrossing, and hard to put down. But, easy reading aside, the story of a strong female protagonist is equally refreshing.

A Stolen Life by Jaycee Lee Dugard: I spotted this book at the library book sale (have you sensed a theme where I find the best books?). A student had recently told me about her experience reading this memoir, so I bought it. I read it over a couple of days. I remember the story in the news over the years, because Jaycee is my age. And her likeness to me horrified me as I read, and yet I was left feeling uplifted. Her personal tragedy is written with honesty, and her triumph in how she views her life and her daughters's life is astonishing. Once again, women’s memoir has made it to the top of my favourite reads.

And my final review is for the New Brunswick Public Library. Most of the books above were placed using the holds feature and shipped to my local library from all over the province. When I go pick up my holds, I always check out the cheap books for sale. Often, I find a book for me, someone I love, or my classroom. I also used Overdrive and the Libby app to download a borrowed audio book. On rainy days, or hot and humid ones, I bring my two year old to play in the children's section. The library is one of her favourite destinations already--just wait until she starts to read! The diversity of options, the inclusive atmosphere, and the range of things you can get from your local library might astonish you. Go check it out!