I was insanely sick over the holiday, so this is more of a catch up on my reading than anything.
When I went into my daughter’s classroom to volunteer for her holiday parties, I noticed one thing: She was the only one not sick. I thought I was insanely lucky and didn’t see it as a sign of things to come. But then two days into her Christmas vacation, I woke up feeling so awful that I couldn’t get out of bed. And with a fever and vomiting, it just got worse from there.
Do you know what made me feel even worse? I wasn’t done with all of the Christmas magic I had planned for my daughter. And as she got sick and then my partner got sick, that all seemed like a lost cause. But by some miracle, my partner wasn’t hit nearly as hard with the illness, so he was able to follow my strict instructions.
And now as we are a week and a half from the most magical Christmas, I still have some exhaustion. I’m coming back slowly but surely. The joys of having a preschooler who can take you down with just one cough.
And with that, let’s take a look at what I have been reading.
Reading Social Media News
There really hasn’t been much published in the last week that is of great interest. Lots of wrap ups and very little news. So let’s give this section a break this week. I’ll see you back here with some news next week.
Reading Books, Books and More Books
Past
The Motherload by Sarah Hoover is just disappointing. It’s the right kind of book at the right time. The author, however, was not up to to the job. She wasn’t very reflective and everything was on the surface. Everything she wrote basically affirmed that this is because that’s who she is. And that’s absolutely fine. I just don’t understand how this got published when that was all she could give to the postpartum journey. That actually makes me a little angry. There are far better writers out there that likely have similar experiences. I’d love to read this kind of story in their voice. Score: D
Thankfully, I moved into a lovely book after that disappointing one. The Echoes by Evie Wyld was written beautifully with a story that just took you in. It’s more a study than anything, and I so love books like this. We just dip into the trauma and healing of this woman. It’s not linear, and she makes some bad decisions along the way. But the beauty in her story shines through every word. I’m so glad I was able to spend time with this book. Score: A-
Present
And now we are in the mad dash to read books before my book club. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is not all that well written, which is a disappointment after such a lovely book. The writing just feels jagged. But the story is okay. I’m very far into it, and it’s reading very quickly. Here’s to hoping it finishes in a way that makes me happy I spent time with it.
What are you reading? What books are you looking forward to?