According to my Instagram feed, the book of the moment is The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Somebody new uploads a photo of the massive novel every day, or so it seems.
Truthfully, I’m intimidated by its length — 784 pages is a long book. Plus, it seems to be getting mixed reviews from readers. Have you read it yet? What did you think?
The last book I read — or rather, attempted to read — was the new Bridget Jones title. I wanted something easy and breezy to take on our babymoon, so I downloaded it onto an old Kindle I borrowed from my mom. (The Kindle is so much lighter and more comfortable to hold while reading than our iPad 2.)
I got about two-thirds the way through Mad About the Boy while we were in St. Thomas but just haven’t had the motivation to finish it. Partly because it wasn’t as enjoyable as the two previous Bridget Jones books, and partly because I don’t have make time to read on a regular basis.
Despite routinely checking out books from the library, I return most of them unread. Eleanor & Park was the last library book I actually started and finished, but that was months ago! For weeks, The Gifts of Imperfection and The Interestings have been sitting on my coffee table waiting to be read. (And — oops! — The Gifts of Imperfection was due on February 1st!)
When Levi was born, I read Tina Fey’s Bossypants while he was nursing, mostly during his night feedings. As long as I have my mom’s Kindle, I may as well download some books to read while breastfeeding the new baby. What are you reading? Do you have any suggestions for quick, fun reads that don’t require a lot of brain power?
PS – Green ways to read and choosing a tablet that meets your needs (for reading, perhaps?). Also, YA books for adults.
Shelley
the best (and least expensive) is borrowing library books on your electronics.
PJ
But first you have to factor in the cost of the electronics!
Moira @ Hearth and Homefront
If you liked Bossypants then you’ll probably like Mindy Kaling’s book as well. The chapters are more like mini-essays so it’s a good one to pick up and put down as you have time. Oh, and I read Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple recently and it’s another one that’s really light and funny-I literally laughed my way through it.
PJ
I’ve heard good things about Mindy Kaling’s book. The format sounds good for reading while nursing!
I read Where’d You Go, Bernadette and liked it, too! But I remember not being thrilled with the ending…
Laura
I listened to Bossypants during my commute. My favorite bit was when she said that you can’t boss around people who don’t care. I think that applies to so many situations. I’m reading The Goldfinch right now. (Only 170 pages in!) It might take me a while to finish that one… Also, I’ve been working my way through Jannsen’s ‘YA Books for Young Adults’ recs from her guest post here back in December. There are some great books on that list.
PJ
I’ve tried listening to audio books while driving or working at home, but I just can’t get into them. I lose focus too quickly.
Would love to know what you think of The Goldfinch — and how long it takes you to finish it!
Lidia | typebaby
I also read Bossypants when my son was born…I actually looked forward to being awake in the middle of the night!
I’m currently reading the Valentine series from Adriana Trigiani. Im on book 2 and love it so far. If you have traveled to Italy or love Italian culture, you will enjoy this book even more.
PJ
We went to Italy on our honeymoon! I’ll have to look into that series. I think I read something by Adriana Trigiani once before, but I can’t remember what…
Christa
I look forward to the day we’re all reading Bridget Jones: The Rest Home Years.
PJ
LOL! That’s pretty much what the third book felt like compared to the previous two.
Janssen
If you liked Eleanor & Park, try Fangirl (same author). I liked it even more.
PJ
Ooh, good call! I knew Rainbow Rowell had another book, but I didn’t even think of checking it out.
Yvonne @ Dress This Nest
You aren’t kidding. I just put The Goldfinch on hold at my library and I’m #928 on the hold list on 150 or so copies. Hopefully I live in a town of speed readers and I get my hands on a copy before the new baby is due on April 28th. Cheers to night reading and feeding! I feel like I haven’t read ANYTHING since my first one stopped night-feedings. At least there is one plus side to being awake in the middle of the night.