My Friday Five...

1. Acid reflux sucks. Mine has been acting up and it is a pain. Ugh. I need to really eat way more healthily. No Christmas treats for me this year. 

2. I finally finished this thrilling read:

I definitely didn't see it coming - whoa! So many twists and turns; and the reveals were shocking! Loved this one. I can't wait to read more of Lapena's works. 

3. Next up will either be:

I just got my copy of the new McFadden, so I'm leaning toward that one first. Hmm...what do you think?

4. I started watching The Americans on Hulu. My sister saw the show when it first came out and told me it was a good one, but I never gave it a chance. And now that I'm watching The Diplomat, I thought I'd give it a go. I binged the first few episodes and my interest is piqued. Plus, I love seeing John Boy on TV. 

5. I wasn't going to celebrate Christmas this year. With my dad passing away earlier this year, it just doesn't feel like Christmas. However, I wound up buying a small pre-lit tree. I just couldn't handle getting out our usual tree and decorating it. So, a small one that cost ten bucks will do the trick. At least I'll have a little Christmas this year. 

And now, I'm off to tackle to-dos. Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Rereading An Old Favorite

 

Don't you love it when a book stays with you long after you've turned the final page? I do. Reminds me that the written word is powerful and meaningful. Especially, when it resonates so deeply.  I loved reading Cleo Wade's book, Remember Love: Words For Tender Times in 2023 - her poetry and prose were thoughtful, inspiring, and unforgettable. I found myself dipping in and out of the book for days - I just loved it so much. So, I was thrilled to be gifted a copy of the new paperback edition - available today! 

Once again I found myself dipping in and out of this beautiful book, savoring each poem and passage. I marveled at Wade's writing; which is chock full of wisdom, warmth, and insight. I loved reading her personal annotations printed in her own handwriting - something new in this edition. And, the cover's facelift was the perfect addition - the simplicity of it, along with the color palette combined to provide a fresh new look. Remember Love felt like a whole new book this time round and I loved that. I found myself lingering over the lines of her poetry, and reflecting on my own life as I immersed myself in her prose. Reading this book felt special and helpful all at once. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, reading is a balm for me, and this book was a balm. I cried and smiled as I read this book; it filled me to the brim with emotions. I absolutely loved Wade's 'words for tender times.' Talk about a poetic classic. 

I would happily recommend Remember Love to everyone - it's a definite must-read! Make sure to grab a copy ASAP and dive right in. You are going to fall in deep. 

Thank you to Harmony Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Monday Musings...

Rabbit, rabbit...

A new month means the final stretch of the year is here - December! Hurrah! My planners are set, I have art journals ready for various projects this month, I bought a stationery advent, and I am starting my bible study advent - all in all, lots of paper and pen this month (which I love).  Also, I'm still reading, reading, reading. 

Next up for me:

What about you? Any good reads lately? If so, do tell. 

As for TV shows, I'm currently rewatching Arrested Development. I'm excited for the new season of Emily in Paris - can't wait! And, I plan on rewatching all of Stranger Things before the finale at the end of the month. Oh, and I'm still watching all the new Hallmark Christmas movies - some are hits, but a lot of them are misses.  Also, I'm still obsessed with Tracker - it's my favorite show!

And now, I'm off to check on the soup I'm making for lunch. Hearty soups during winter are the BEST. Wishing you all a lovely week. Happy reading!

Iliaria, Or The Consequence Of Disobedience: A Novel by Gabriella Zalapi, Translated by Adriana Hunter

(Thank you Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Kidnapped by her troubled father, a young girl navigates life on a road trip across 1980s Italy in this stunning, cinematic English-language debut.

One day in May 1980, 8-year-old Ilaria gets into her father’s car after school. As they stop at a series of highway hotels, traversing the north of Italy, the child thinks of her mother and promises herself not to cry anymore. She learns to drive and to lie, discovers Trieste, Bologna, a boarding school in Rome, a sunny rural life in Sicily.

Thanks to the games they play, the hit songs they sing at the tops of their voices on the road, and the kind people Ilaria meets along the way, the kidnapping almost seems like a normal childhood. But her father drinks too much, nervous in a cloud of cigarette smoke. If he takes her by the hand, she thinks it’s better not to pull it away. Ilaria observes and feels everything.

In gripping, precise prose, this poignant novel takes us inside the mind of a little girl who must grow up on her own.

my thoughts:

A captivating story that sweeps you away, Ilaria by Gabriella Zalapi, is an unputdownable story. I gobbled it up one go and could not stop thinking about it long after. 

A little girl is waiting after school when she gets kidnapped by her father. He takes her from city to city, calling her mom from phone booths, and behaving erratically. All the while, Ilaria isn't sure what exactly is happening, except that the longer she is away from home the less she remembers her mom and sister. Talk about a bad road trip. I don't what to share much else, because the story is short and packs quite the punch. Plus, you'll want to experience all the family drama and lost childhood years for yourself - it's riveting. Zalapi has written an emotional and mesmerizing book - you are going to LOVE it! Make sure to grab a copy. 

Thank you Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!

Monday Musings...

Still reading the following book:

I keep taking breaks from it. So I bought the following two books:

Not sure which one I'll reach for first, but I'm excited for something new. What about you? Which books are keeping you up at night? 

Here's a to wonderful week! Happy reading!