At least, that’s what I told myself. I couldn’t really count an audio book as a book because I didn’t really read it. Then I realized this wasn’t third grade and I wasn’t trying to earn a sticker on my Book-It pin and an individual pan pizza from Pizza Hut.
Books are little movies that play in my head. They are often better than the actual movies based on books. When my commute got longer when I picked up a second job, I decided to give one a try.
And I hated it.
But not for the reasons you would think. I hated it because I had to stop listening every time I got where I was going. I hated it because I can’t listen and work. I wanted to finish the story! I needed to know the ending!
When we were ordered home for work and life, I figured I’d have so much time for reading. That was false. I did not make time for reading, but I still enjoyed a good audio book.
I have these wireless ear buds (not an affiliate) and I use them all the time. They make listening to audio books a lot easier too. I listen while I’m mowing the lawn. I listen while I’m cuddling, I mean coddling, my 7 year-old to sleep. I listen while I’m doing yard work. I listen in the car. I even listen when my husband is driving. As a result, I’ve gotten through a lot of books this quarantine—books I never would have tried otherwise.
So, what have I “read?”
Well, I can’t, for the life of me, remember what I “read” before quaratine started and I can’t find a way to locate my history. So, here is what I’ve finished since March.
Untamed, but Glennon Doyle
She’s a controversial author and the book is definitely about her life after divorce and figuring out she was actually a lesbian. But, I liked the message. Do you. Be happy. And she reads it. It was great to hear her words, read by the author herself. And now I want to read “Love Warrior” but my list is long so it’s down there right now.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette, by Maria Semple
I actually watched part of this movie on our cruise. I didn’t know it at the time because it was near the end and I wasn’t really on the boat to watch a movie. The premise of the story is that this lady wigs out and disappears. We are all wondering where she went and how she disappeared so easily. I listened to this book all the way to Missouri and I was on the edge of my seat!
Clap When You Land, by Elizabeth Acevedo
This is a young adult book, so it was quick. This is the story of two Dominican girls, both impacted by the death of their father on a flight that crashes on its way from New York to the Dominican Republic. It’s the fallout, the secrets, the different ways of life and the grief that follows. This was really a great listen. I felt like it was timely, given all the news about race and the need to stop and listen to those around us.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, by Lori Gottleib
I didn’t listen to this one. I actually read it. This was great. I found this on the Read with Jenna list and purchased it for my mom for her birthday. She read it while she was in Florida and loved it. We’re all messed up–even the ones who try to help us sort out our crap. In this book, therapist Lori suffers a crisis in her life and is forced into therapy herself. Not only do we watch her find herself, but also as she helps several others find themselves.
Red, White and Royal Blue, Casey McQuiston
I started this one on our drive home from Traverse City, and honestly, I had no idea what it was about. Here’s the gist. It won’t be for everyone. The son of the American president falls in love with a prince from England. What ensues is not only the “first son’s” sexuality awakening, but also the reality that their positions in life might not allow them to be together.
Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things, by Amy Dickinson
This is a true story of an advice columnist who lives in New York. I have no idea how this one got on my radar, but it did and I don’t regret one moment of this book. I loved the author’s descriptions of her life post-divorce, losing her parents and settling into a life she wanted. It’s funny, now I actually will read things from her column. I feel like I have a back-stage look at how she writes it and where she is coming from.
Self Care by Leigh Stein
Honestly, I picked this one up because I hate the term “self care.” No, this is not a self-help book. It’s not a manual on how to do “self-care.” In fact, this is a look at all the “social” influencers we love to hate and the life they live. Turns out, it’s not as perfect as they portray, and you aren’t the only person who doesn’t like them.
I listen to my audio books on Libby.
Libby is a service my library uses for audio books. I downloaded the app to my phone and I can listen anywhere. To check books out, I search for them, input my library card number and it downloads. If a book isn’t available, I just go on a waiting list until it is. Just like holding a book at the library.
I find it easy. Almost too easy. I feel like I’m not actually reading enough anymore! But my next book, “Finding Chika” by Mitch Albom, is an actual book. I’ll be getting to that one starting this week! I’ve been waiting for it since December, so I’m excited to read it!
