Show Us Your Books January 2024

Is everyone used to writing 2024 yet? It still takes me a minute. It sounds so in the future.

My December reading was heavy on the re-reads. It’s not Christmas to me without my favorite books. I did have a few new winners though:

Five Stars

Idlewild by James Frankie Thomas - Wow, what a ride. I usually avoid books about teenagers and/or 9/11, but my library had this one and it‘s on the #LitsyTOB24 list. I really enjoyed it after all. My last read of 2023- love ending on a high note!

Four Stars

Lights by Brenna Thummler - The third book in a trilogy of graphic novels. I didn’t like it as much as the other two, but I was glad to get closure on Wendell’s story.

Nora Webster by Colm Toibin - Nora is a new widow and mother of four when we meet her. Not only is she dealing with grief she must make changes to support her family. This book was a quiet look at life in Ireland around the 60’s. The audiobook was beautifully read.

March by Geraldine Brooks - Little Women told mostly through the eyes of Mr. March. A friend recommended this knowing Little Women is a favorite, not knowing that I really can’t stand Mr March. BUT this book did such a great job of explaining why he was such a pompous know it all without making him sympathetic. I loved it. Warning this book largely takes place in the south during the Civil War so it’s not a gentle book.

Happy reading everyone!

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My Summer Reading List - Audiobooks

Since I spend so much time in the car during the summer I listen to a lot of audiobooks. Many of these will come from my city’s library, but I also have a few audiobook subscriptions. If you haven’t signed up yet here are some deals.

Scribd - 60 days free. If you haven’t heard of Scribd they are like the Netflix of audio and e books. I’m pretty sure they lose money on my subscription because I listen to a ton of books from here!

Libro.fm - Free audiobook when you sign up plus a portion of your purchases goes to an independent bookstore of your choice. Pretty cool!

Audible.com - doesn’t seem to be running any deals right now, but they have free titles that come with membership and some original titles (Audible Originals.)

Here’s what I plan on listening to this summer:

In The Company of Men by Veronique Tadjo - At some point in the middle of the night a few weeks ago I developed a fascination with the Ebola virus. I don’t know why, but it will show up a few times in my summer reading lists.

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley - Lucy Foley’s books are perfect for long days in the sun, and I am really excited Scribd has this.

Varnia by Charles Frazier - I bought this book when it first came out, and bailed halfway through. I want to give it another try this summer.

The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas - 1930’s quilting circle in Kansas. I’m sure there’s more to the story than that! This was recommended by a friend, and Scribd had it so why not?

Our Harlem by Marcus Samuelsson - I really loved Yes, Chef when I read it a few years ago so I’m looking forward to this Audible Original.

Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen by Michelle Icard - My oldest starts high school this fall :|

Walking The Americas by Lev Wood - Walking The Nile surprised me by how much I liked it, so now I’m working my way through his other books. This is the only one Scribd had so this is where I’m starting this summer.

Crossing To Safety by Wallace Stegner - This is one of my very favorite books ever, and I am in the mood to re-read it this summer. To me this is the best book I’ve ever read about adult friendships.

Whatever You Do Don’t Run by Peter Allison - This is a soft read for my goal to read a book that takes place in each country in Africa this year. I needed something lighter for summer reading.

I would love to hear about any audiobooks you recommend in the comments!

Road Trip Audiobooks For Kids 8-12 and the Grownups Driving The Car

I brought my two kids on an epic East Coast road trip last week, and as the only driver I really wouldn’t have survived if it weren’t for audiobooks. The problem with family road trips though is you have to be selective about the books you pick. Here are several that have been acceptable for all the kids ages 8-42 in my family.

Leave recommendations for our next trip in the comments section!

Note: links to amazon.com are affiliate links. Thanks for your support!