Reading Roundup #50
It’s hard to believe this is my 50th reading roundup! There have been so many life changes since my first one was published three years ago, but I’m thrilled to still be here blogging about all my favorite hobbies. As usual, in this post I’m sharing my current reads and a few fun finds from around the web. Head on over to Jana Says and Modern Mrs Darcy for more mini reviews later this month!
Work Books (for lunchtime reading):
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman – It took a while for me to start reading this one because I assumed it would be a dense, long winded history. Instead, Gaiman rounded up a variety of stories about Odin, Thor, Loki, and others and turned them into straightforward, simple tales. This collection is fascinating and tons of fun to read!
House Books:
The Problem of God by Mark Clark – My pastor is currently preaching a month long series based on this book, so Jay and I decided to read it together at home. He addresses a number of fascinating topics such as proving the existence of God, the historical accuracy of the Bible, and the complementary nature of science and religion. Anyone looking for a rational and logical explanation of Christianity will find this book well worth their time.
eBooks:
My Favorite Half Night Stand by Christina Lauren – I keep seeing this author’s books pop up on my favorite blogs, so I’m finally giving her a try. So far I’m loving the relationship between Millie and her guy friends. Plus, they’re all about to sign up for an online dating website which should be a riot.
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella – Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of Kinsella’s latest book! I’m a longtime Kinsella fan and was thrilled to find I Owe You One lives up to her other works. Kinsella always delivers a light-hearted, fun adventure with lots of ups and downs as the heroine tries to find her way through mishaps and misunderstandings. Everything you’d expect from a rom com is included here: the initial terrible love interest, family conflict, quirky characters, a misguided argument with the right guy, and a satisfying wrap up.
Around the Web:
Hygge Tips – Allison over at My Novel Life shares her best tips for surviving a Minnesota winter using the Hygge philosophy. Lots of great ideas here!
New Products Hitting Grocery Shelves This Month – Snack lovers rejoice because there is a wide variety of delicious sounding products coming your way! Dark Chocolate Oreos?? Yes, please!
Chick Fil A for Valentine’s Day – Just when you thought Chick Fil A couldn’t get any better, they start offering a heart shape tray of nuggets or minis for Valentine’s Day. “Chicken is the new chocolate” Hilarious – even if it’s not true 🙂
For more mini reviews, check out Reading Roundup #49!
The only other Neil Gaiman I’ve read is Coraline, but I may have to dive into that Norse Mythology. He’s one of those authors that I always felt like I should read more of, but he’s kind of outside my normal genre-zone. Since I’m trying to expand that, this might be the year!
I definitely want to read more from Christina Lauren. Dating You, Hating You was awesome, and they (it’s a writing duo) have a decent-sized backlist, so maybe Christina Lauren can be my ‘Three books from the same author’ category for the 2019 Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge. 🙂
I just discovered they’re a duo! I’ll give Dating You, Hating You a shot next. I also absolutely loved Stardust by Neil Gaiman if you want to read another of his.
I don’t think I’ve ever read Sophie Kinsella, but I’ve heard good things. If I were to pick her up, which one would you recommend most highly?
Also, dark chocolate Oreos?! YES please!
Hmm good question. Maybe Can You Keep A Secret or My Not So Perfect Life? Keep in mind these are light and airy reads, so they’re a fun break from heavier fiction.
I’m glad you liked Norse Mythology too! It was surprisingly entertaining. Thanks for the link!
Nice assortment of books. I’ve never read Neil Gaiman but he is on my list. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I Owe You One is on my wishlist. My weekly updates
I love Christina Lauren’s books and that one was a particular favourite for me. I Owe You One was frustrating for me but not too bad!!!
I need to read something by Christina Lauren this year. I also really want to read Norse Mythology so I’m glad you enjoyed it.
-Lauren
Might try the Norse Mythology books. Haven’t been able to get into Gaiman so far, but everyone raves about it. Hubs & I are getting more into Norse mythology (thank you, Vikings) so could be interesting.
hope you like the christina lauren book – i love their newer stuff, that one was super cute. i owe you one was definitely cute and exactly what i’ve gotten from most of her other books.
I’m not a huge Gaiman fan – my hairstylist/friend is though and I’ll see her Thursday. We always talk books so I’ll ask if she read this one!
I don’t think I’ve read anything from Neil Gaiman, but it seems like I keep seeing recommendations for his books. The Problem of God sounds interesting too – the topics you listed would be really good sermon topics too – I’ll check that one out.
I have a love/hate relationship with Sophia Kinsella. When she’s on, I adore her books and they make me laugh out loud so many times. But sometimes, they get too silly and I get annoyed. This happens most frequently when I read too many of her books in a row. They can be a bit formulaic. But when they are good, they are so good!
OMG, dark chocolate Oreos? I can’t eat wheat or flour but I would absolutely risk gastric distress for some of those. See also: Girl Scout cookies.
I have no read any of these books. I read one Christina Lauren last year. The timing was right so I enjoyed it but I don’t see myself reading any more of hers.
I’m hoping to start I Owe You One soon– I always look forward to a new Kinsella book! I’ve never read anything by Neil Gaiman but am definitely intrigued seeing him pop up so much on the linkup, though I have no idea what to expect.
I too am a long-time fan of Kinsella. Even though her books are predictable, I always like the funny main characters and light-hearted aspect. I just finished I Owe You One and enjoyed it.
I love how you have “work books, house books, ebooks,” etc. What a fun way to be able to read different books!
https://azieg.blogspot.com/2019/02/reading-lately.html
Rachel, Thanks for these suggestions!
Sophie Kinsella (AKA Madeleine Wickham) is one of my favorite chic lit authors. My favorite of those I’ve read is I’ve Got Your Number. Very entertaining.
I’m also a big fan of Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere. It’s one of the most unusual novels I’ve ever read. Amazingly well crafted. I highly recommend it.
I loved hearing Gaimain read from Norse Mythology when he visited my city late last year. He did the wedding story and the voices, it was so great. 🙂 I love Christina Lauren, but that was probably my least favorite from them so far! I hope that you enjoy it though and I know many who did quite a lot! I didn’t like I Owe You One, but I’m thinking I might give some of her other books a try. If you have a favorite let me know! XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
I’m so jealous you got to see him in person! My Not So Perfect Life is a great one to try. I’ve heard a lot of people like that one who are sometimes hit or miss with Kinsella.
I might have to try. Norse Mythology. I sort of liked American Gods and feel I should try another one of his books.
I really should try Norse Mythology. I said on another blog that I’ve never read a pure Gaiman book (I don’t count Good Omens) but we literally have Norse Mythology in the house somewhere. And holy cats, I need to try Dark Chocolate Oreos before I start dieting again.
Norse Mythology seems interesting! I’ve only read Neil Gaiman’s picture books (my little ones love his books about a sweet little panda named Chu!), but my son is on a major Viking kick right now so maybe this would give me some interesting stories to share with him. Thanks for the recommendations!
The Problem of God sounds really interesting! I’m a science nerd so that sounds right up my alley!