The semester is almost over, and I am behind. I gave myself all of today off (even though I originally planned to grade) because yesterday was so busy (book club! division party!), and I am exhausted.
On the plus side, I did finish two books this week:
Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
So, this book starts with a tragedy and I was NOT PREPARED. As in, I almost quit reading the book because I was just not in the headspace to deal with a tragedy, and I am at the point in the semester/year/my life where I need stuff like that to be spelled out for me so I can decide if I even want to engage. But I checked in with some friends who read the book, and they told me to keep going, so I did.
I ultimately found the ending satisfying, but, man. This is a reminder to never ask authors to write new books about characters you love because almost always there will be tragedy. REMEMBER THIS, especially because in the end note Brashares said she could see writing another book about the sisterhood. Pretty sure I can’t handle having my heart destroyed again, so no thanks on that one.
Other thoughts:
1. Not enough Carmen. She’s my favorite character, but I felt she was unevenly represented in this book.
2. Lena continues to be the most boring. I found it particularly bothersome in this book because I related to her a lot, which made it 100 times worse.
3. Not enough dialogue. This book is super internally focused, which makes sense, but Brashares summarizes a lot of interactions the women have with other people, which made for a much less engaging read. I mean, sure, they have deep thoughts about things, but it would have been nice to break up all of that introspection with some showing instead of telling re: their relationships with other people.
It took me way longer to read this book than it should have, and that’s in part because of the lack of dialogue. Also, the tragedy, but you knew that.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
My reaction to this is just like my reaction to Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead in that it’s fine to read (hence the three stars), and that I flagged quite a few quotes.
I’ve done a lot of work in this area, so this is stuff I already knew. It probably would have had a greater impact on me about five or so years ago. Also, the Breakdown Spiritual Awakening is 100% relatable content, so.
Also, I have definitely reached that point in the semester where I am way more interested in planning my future classes than doing anything related to my current ones. One more week to go. Whew.
Have a great week, everyone!
The Englishist 
