It might not seem like it from the outside, but I have still been reading quite a bit! I passed my Goodreads challenge of 75 books this year (woohoo!) and have no plans on slowing down. I’m slowly moving into more non-fiction books again. I find summer is for fiction and fall is for non-fiction, at least in general for me! So, what have I been reading?
The Preppy Handbook– Lisa Birnbach
I find it hard to believe that there are people who read this earnestly, but they exist. There is a lot of pastel, a lot of un-matching ugly colours and patterns, and some “rules” that just waste time. I think it is even funnier that people still listen to this book now, as anyone following it would not be “preppy” but most likely colourblind. I would not go out of your way to buy this book. If you can find some way to borrow it, it would be worth the laughs!
The Beach Cafe and Sweet Temptation– Lucy Diamond
I finally decided to read Lucy Diamond on the recommendation of quite a few bloggers! It wasn’t that I was ever against her, I just had so many books to pick from and she wasn’t jumping out. However, I am so glad that I did give it a shot. I started with The Beach Cafe– sure, there are some irritating characters, but there always are. Evie is a fantastic protagonist- you want to cheer her on the whole way through. The town is a lovely setting, and hopefully I can go back in later books!
Sweet Temptation was slightly less engaging for me. I had a hard time following the three different characters at first because it would switch throughout without any notation of it- and with no use of names, only pronouns. I understand she was doing it on purpose, but it didn’t help the book at all. However, once you get past that, it is a sweet story that I think a lot of women could relate to!
1215: The Year of Magna Carta– Danny Danzinger
This book is a solid survey for anyone who doesn’t know the high middle ages in England. At some points, I found it repetitive/obvious, but I have multiple degrees in medieval history- it’s not a reflection on the book! I think that anyone who is spouting off on the Magna Carta should have to read this for context before getting on their soapbox.
Undressing Mr Darcy– Karen Doornebos
This book was nothing special- aside from taking place at a Jane Austen convention, and there being a guy who performed as Mr. Darcy, it has nothing to do with Jane Austen. None of the characters behaved like an Austen character (which I think is what the author was going for). The protagonist was a whiny workaholic that I did not care about in the least, and the Mr. Darcy fellow was a pompous asshat that was just terrible. The love interests were poorly done- the one is abruptly cut off, and then the other is just kind of limping along the entire way. AVOID THIS BOOK. FOR REALSIES.
And the Bride Wore Prada– Katie Oliver
I was looking for another book to read, so I figured I may as well grab the next book from Katie Oliver. Her chick-lit is fun and easy to read, but still keeps you guessing. She also has a great touch with characters- very few characters are completely good or bad.I enjoy this, as they seem like actual people. I still recommend Katie Oliver!
Why Not Me?– Mindy Kaling
I love Mindy, so obviously I was getting this book. I pre-ordered it from Amazon, and when Amazon told me it would be a week and a half late, I bought it on Kobo. It might be overkill, but I had to read it. It was hilarious- I found out Mindy was briefly in a sorority (those girls sound like terrible people.), that she hates weddings (I would hazard a guess that is a common opinion), and that her day is craaaazy (I could definitely have guessed that). My only criticism is that it seemed like something was missing- I read this in a bout two hours. I am a fast reader, but that’s quite fast for me. I would have preferred waiting longer for more material. Still, certainly give this a read!
Furiously Happy– Jenny Lawson
I just finished this- AMAZING. I would say as good or better than Let’s Pretend This Never Happened. I had probably 30 minutes where I was doubled over laughing, including when I was reading on the elliptical at the gym. Jenny has a fantastic way with words- she is able to convey some of what depression is for her. I found it incredibly interesting, and that it is helpful for those of us who are lucky enough to not have encountered it ourselves. I appreciate that she is willing to continue to speak out about mental illness, and I hope that more and more people are listening. On a lighter note- there is a taxidermied (spelling on that, anyone?) racoon who will MAKE YOUR DAY. Everyone should read this book, everyone!!!!
Until tomorrow,
The Historian!
