Oh, so I finished some books since the last time I participated in IMWAYR. I haven’t really had time to post (even missing the Top Ten Tuesday I was most excited about–ten random facts about me) because I bought a house on July 1, and my life has been pretty hectic since. So this will cover all the books I’ve finished since June 20. I mean, it’s not that big a deal since I only finished one other book in June anyway.
In the past three weeks, I read:
The Girl in the Box by Ouida Sebestyen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Okay, so I read this a long, long time ago and always remembered the ending and premise but nothing else about it, so when I saw it at the Friends of the Library sale, I grabbed it to reread.
THIS BOOK IS SO TRAUMATIC.
But it’s good and compelling and THAT ENDING. Man.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was both exactly what I expected and not at all what I expected, so that was impressive.
Listened to the audio. Narration was excellent & it’s a fast listen. Two thumbs up for that as well.
The Great Cake Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well, that was adorable.
Listened to the audiobook, which is ace. The narrator is A++.
(3.5 stars, rounding up for the narration)
Read Harder 2016: Listen to an audiobook that has won an Audie Award
Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked the characters and LOVED the dialogue, but this was slow for me and took me forever to read.
I also listened to part of this on audio & Anika Noni Rose is a stellar narrator. Would listen to more read by her.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reread 7/14/16: So much good foreshadowing, so much pain. Also, this is the book that got me hooked on the series, so I always love when I get to that moment that makes me remember when/why I fell in love.
Camille: A Play in Five Acts by Alexandre Dumas-fils
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I actually listened to an audio production of this produced by Blackstone Audio, but I can’t find it on here. I chose it because I thought it was by Alexandre Dumas of Count of Monte Cristo fame, but no, this is Alexandre Dumas the YOUNGER, apparently. Anyway, very dramatic in the best possible way and so so scandalous.
Read Harder 2016: Read a play.
As of today, I’m reading:
I started listening to The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde while I was cleaning today. Pretty hilarious so far, which is good because that’s what I expected and wanted.
And in other news:
I’m going on vacation this week and, you know, have to actually move out of my current place and into my new place as well as do course prep for the fall, which means any posting I do here (and on Twitter, too, probably) will be sporadic at best–if it happens.
Happy reading and enjoy the rest of your July, everyone!
The Englishist 
I loved Ouida Sebestyen’s books a long time ago, so thanks for reminding about Girl In A Box-will look for it. Sounds as if you have a very full week. Hope it all goes well!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
My mother was recovering from surgery recently when a neighbour introduced her to Harry Potter, and she is now a hardcore Potter FANATIC, it’s hilarious – proof that good books appeal and connect across all boundaries!
LikeLike
Oh, I’m so glad she liked the books. They would be very good reading for surgery recovery, I think.
LikeLike
I have started Shadowshaper 3 or 4 times now and keep abandoning. It’s interesting but a slow start for me for some reason. Maybe I need to try it on audio? Congrats on your new place! You’ve got a lot going on over the next month. Hope you find a little time for reading! I am still in denial about course prep–I have this feeling it’s going to be two days before the semester begins and I’m going to be throwing together a Creative Writing syllabus. SIGH.
LikeLike
My friend also found it slow, so it may just be the book. The audio is super engaging, though.
I have to prep four different courses (I’m doing an overload), so I really need to get a headstart. Or finish so I can spend at least some time settling into my new place. Otherwise, I’m going to be working all day every day during the last two weeks of my vacation, and I really don’t want that.
LikeLike
Congrats on the new house. I really enjoy The Importance of Being Earnest. So much to giggle about. I haven’t listened to The Crossover, but totally loved it when I read the hard copy. I thought The Great Cake Mystery was cute. I really found Shadowshaper to be amazing. I’m sorry it didn’t work for you as well. Re-reading Harry Potter is so fun. Enjoy your vacation.
LikeLike
Congratulations on your house purchase. Moving is stressful! Good luck. I’ve got Shadowshaper on my to read list. Maybe I will try is as an audiobook. I do love audiobooks. I haven’t read The Crossover yet, but I also loved The Great Cake Mystery.
LikeLike
Congratulations on your new house! Definitely sounds like you’ve got a lot on your plate! Is that why you’re looking for someone to host Diversity on the Shelf next year?
LikeLike
Yes! That is part of it. And thank you!
LikeLike