April #bookspin wrap up: read 9 books for the month. 3 were audiobooks, 3 fiction books, & 3 were NF. I achieved one bingo for the month. 3 books off my physical TBR & 1 off my kindle backlog

Last April review #bookspin. I loved this, I listened to the audio version which is narrated by Leslie. She talks about her life & experiences of getting into comedy. She is honest about the racism & misogyny she has (& continues) experience. Definitely a ton of cussing, if that‘s not your thing. Although my husband asked when I was going to be done with the book because my favorite phrase the last few days has been, “you know what Leslie Jones

This ended up being a great companion book to “When Crack Was King.” Anderson offers a well researched & examination of how throughout American history the Second Amendment is/has not ever really been intended for anyone other than white people. She discusses different moments in history up until present day where particularly Black Americans continue to not be protected (unlike white Americans) by the Second. It‘s an infuriating book. It‘s an

Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year. Such an interesting examination of the crack/cocaine era of the 1980‘s. I remember growing up during the whole Say No to Drugs program in school. Now as an adult to go back & read about how messed up the policies were (police, drug enforcement, prisons, Iran-Contra Affair). Reflecting now & realizing how so many of these (bad) policies continue to affect so many communities to this day.

I listened to this one over audio, read by the author. I have loved listening to Haynes re-examination of Greek myths. This one makes you feel more compassionate for Medusa, not as the monster she is always portrayed. Athene comes off as a bit of a, honestly a b@tch. I was also listening to Stephen Fry‘s Heroes at the same time & the slight differences are interesting in how they both tell their version of the story. April review #bookspjn

Finished the last one in the series. It‘s a low pick for me mainly because I‘ve liked the series. The format is the same as the other 3 books in the series. Again it‘s tied to a point in English history & the fight for women‘s rights. Nothing earth shattering but a good quick, easy read. April review #bookspin

I listened to this one over audio, read by the author. I liked some of the essays more than others (I can‘t remember the names since I‘ve listened to it over 2 months). Anyhow I felt that some of her essays were a good insight into so many relevant topics at this point in time. April review #bookspin

Pick but a low pick. I have enjoyed the series but there is nothing profound in the stories. It‘s an easy, get your mind off things read (which I‘ve needed lately). I do like how the author ties in what was happening in the time in England with women‘s rights issues. Each story is connected to a law that was trying to be passed in Parliament at the time. #bookspin #readyourkindle (I think my only Kindle read for the month)

It‘s definitely an interesting story but you have to be in the mind set to read (I also listened to some of it on audio to get through it). It‘s very detailed. I did find it fascinating to know that how one went to medical school initially was not based on academics but on your ability to pay. Elizabeth & then Emily had to push back on many expectations of the time to accomplish what they did. Good but low pick. #bookspin

My daughter & I finished Book 2 in April. She said this one is her favorite book so far (& keeps asking if Tyson will show up in the next books). Probably my favorite thing is to have a story centered around a main character with ADHD (& Dyslexia). All my kids have ADHD, so it‘s so great for them to hear a story about a character that has struggles like they do. Representation of disabilities matters. #bookspin

Now that April is over I need to play catch up & post all my reviews. April was a month. My daughter has been dealing with some medical issues (we thought it was celiac but the tests were negative). My husband has been dealing with some health issues post his annual physical (which in itself has been stressful enough). Our dog dislocated his hip. We had to make a sudden trip to NC. We took our kids down to NC State & got to see the DJ Burns mural

March #bookspin wrap up: read 10 books for the month. 2 books off my TBR, 3 books off my Kindle, 4 audio books & 1 YA/kid book (Percy Jackson). 3 were nonfiction & 7 were fiction, no bingos for the month but I did end up reading my #bookspin & #doublespin books

There were some parts that I loved. Realizing that most things labeled as self- care is just more stuff to schedule or find time for when most people don‘t have extra time. I like the idea of pushing back on oppressive systems to enforce change because of course it benefits the larger system. Being more gentle with your self talk. I liked that she mentioned working with a parent that has a disabled child & the stress of it. I just wish there was

The Finlay Donovan series is always a fun, quick listen. It‘s of course a ridiculous series of events but fun to listen to the adventures of Finlay & Vero. The series continues as they try to stay out of the way of the Russian mob, a corrupt cop, & now a NJ bookie. It looks like the series will continue. #bookspin

I have reviews to finish up for March but was side tracked today by watching the NC State Women‘s basketball team beat Texas to make it to the Final Four. Then watch the Men‘s team beat Duke to make it to the Final Four. After a sometimes frustrating season (especially for the men‘s team) as a fan it‘s been so exciting to see them both make it so far. And as an alumni this is so amazing. Go Pack ❤️🐺🏀 & Why Not Us? Thinking of Coach Jimmy V

Definitely one of my top picks for the year so far. Ranita has been released from prison after serving time for drug possession. The story navigates her experiences of reintegrating into society. Trying to find work, reconnecting with her kids/family, trying to steer clear of the people that landed her in jail. The story is about inter generational trauma, mental health, how we imprison people for drug abuse & the lasting impact that it has on so

This was a fun, quick read. Beth‘s mom has moved back in with her & her teenage daughter while undergoing treatment at a local hospital. One night Lana notices something mysterious outside her window. It was a fun take on solving a murder mystery. #bookspin #readyourkindle

I listened to this one over audio. I‘m still not sure how I feel about this one. On one hand I found it interesting to hear about the early colonial days in America from the perspective of a woman. Her ability to survive in the wild after escaping the settlement was interesting. Some parts I found compelling but other parts felt a bit repetitive. There was something that was off for me, not sure what. It was also my first Groff book. #bookspin

Listened to this one over audio, read by the author. I really loved this retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of women. I probably should have pulled out one of our mythology books or googled (a physical copy would have been helpful to keep track of everyone). Nevertheless less, still interesting & engaging. It just might (might) make me take out copies of books from college of Greek & Roman history. #bookspin

Great audio book read by the author. I loved this re-examination of the stories about Greek women in mythology. My 8 year old has become obsessed with mythology so I‘ve been seeking out more stories. I never really learned mythology growing up (we had a parent object to us learning about it, early book ban). I learned some about mythology in college through art history. I started listening to Haynes‘ books, which has been fascinating & engaging.

My 8 year old & have been reading this at bedtime, she‘s obsessed. She has become obsessed with mythology & is always checking out books at the library about Greek mythology. This is my first time reading the series. As you can see this book is well loved (my husband read this series to our middle child at least twice). All of my kids have ADHD, so having a character that they can relate to & see their disability represented matters. #bookspin

“When African American things are lost, the stories once joined to them weaken, memories of the past fray, historical evidence shrinks, and inter generational wisdom fades.” Such an important point especially in America as some people feel threatened about exploring & understanding the past parts of our history. There continues to be a need to discuss, discover, & understand how the past influences our current times. #bookspin

I feel that this book is relevant more than ever as we are heading into a head spinning election season in the US. So much of what Abrams discusses is still so true just a few short years later. We are still dealing with voter suppression & gerrymandering. The chapter on sliding into authoritarianism 😳. As Abrams said, “Voting is an act of faith. It is profound. In a democracy, it is the ultimate power.” And one we need to continue to protect.

March #bookspinbingo board, listed a few books that I need to finish up but indecisive so I left it up to my mood for most spaces. March is also #womenshistorymonth as well as #developmentaldisabilitiesawarenessmonth It‘s also March Madness & ready for some basketball. 2 of our alma maters are in the top 25 (San Diego State & UNC Chapel Hill) but sadly NC State has had a rough season (although the Women‘s team has been great)

February wrap up: read 2 books off my Kindle, listened to 3 audiobooks (2 fiction, 1 NF). I have 2 books that I have not finished that I need to finish next month (Pomegranate & All That She Carried). Not my best reading month, definite lack of focus. #bookspin

I liked The Vanishing Half slightly better but this was still a pick & Bennett is an automatic read for me. The story covers so many areas: friendship, parent-child relationships, as well as other hard topics like suicide & abortion. The impact of decisions & the long term consequences that impact the lives of Nadia, Luke & Aubrey. #bookspin #readyourkindle

I loved this small & powerful book. The book is comprised of poetry, artwork & essays. The author, a professor, discusses the impact of the last 25 years has had on Black children growing up in the US. She calls them the Trayvon Generation since they have been so exposed to & hear about the violence that happens. “They always knew these stories. These stories formed their worldview. These stories helps instruct young African Americans about

I listened to this one over audio. I liked the book & can see why it‘s been so popular. It‘s an engaging story about two different Black women in the 1940s facing different difficult circumstances. As with many inequities in the US how women are treated racism, education and money all play a part. #bookspin

Listened to this one over audio but need to get a copy for myself. Definitely worth the praise. It is long & very detailed. I thought it was fascinating. Especially as a person that recently moved to Boston to learn more about the abolition movement here (& the Craft‘s lived here for a part of their lives). I really enjoy learning so much more than what I was taught many years ago about the abolition movement. As well as the narratives of people

Loved this collection of short stories. The audio narration was great. The nine stories cover stories about love, loss, relationships, sexuality, identity, expectations. I can see why it‘s been so highly praised. Happy that I finally took the time to listen. #bookspin

I realized I forgot to post my January #bookspinbingo board. I did get one bingo for the month & actually read my bookspin book. Read 9 books for the month: 6 were audio (1 fiction, 5 NF), 3 books off my TBR shelf (2 fiction, 1 NF)

I listened to this one over audio read by the author. This is the first book I‘ve read by Smith & I was not familiar with her work. I really loved this one. The pain she describes over her separation & subsequent divorce from her husband is so imbedded throughout the book. The struggles she faced as a working mom & wife & then as a single parent. How her husband seemed to struggle with her having a career. The never ending tasks of being a mom

Alice Wong is a fierce disability advocate. She is very active on social media. In this book it‘s a collection of interviews & essays she‘s done. She does discuss the impact of the pandemic on a disabled person, especially one that depends upon a type of ventilator to survive. She highlights how bad policies continue to have major impacts on disabled people as well as continued ableism in our society. #bookspin #24in2024 book 3 of 24

I get amazed when I see all these people all of the things they clean daily or weekly on FB. I‘m horrible at cleaning, luckily I have a husband that cleans the bathrooms & we have a pretty even split of tasks. This is not really a how to clean book but more of a reminder to go easy on yourself. I think in a world of where we see all these images of perfection on social media it‘s hard to not feel overwhelmed. I also like how the author highlights

It‘s a low pick for me. Great Believers is one of my very favorite books, so I had high expectations for this one. It was ok but not a top pick. I liked the insight into the criminal justice system & how hard it can be to actually free an innocent person. How police were under pressure from the family & school to find a suspect. Bodie Kane starts to question the death of her former roommate when she goes back to her former boarding school to teach

I listened to this one of audio but need to get a physical copy. So heartbreaking but so well done. Asgarian spent 10 years investigating this story. She spent numerous hours with the birth family of the 6 children. She did a deep dive into the foster care system (particularly Texas where the children were from). The systems of CPS, foster care & adoption continue to be rooted in racism. Children & families face insurmountable obstacles in a

Listened to this one over audio. It‘s incredibly sad to listen to all the Britney endured. From her traumatic childhood through her traumatic young adult life. It‘s good to know that she is free & able to make decisions for herself. I like many others saw the head shaving incident & had the wrong idea of what was really going on in her life. Hopefully she can continue to live her life on her terms & build her relationship with her kids. #bookspin

I listened to this one over audio, great narration. What a wild ride of a book. Amber Jamison can‘t believe her bad luck when she‘s abducted by a serial killer. She‘s rescued by a mysterious woman. After Amber leaves college to escape what happened she falls back into her old patterns. Her escape west has her meet a true crime Vegas group & her mysterious rescuer. A story full of twists & a quick, fun listen. #bookspin book

Finally posting my #bookspin bingo list for January 2024. Still have a few spaces that I‘m undecided on but I‘ll see if I get through some of the books I‘ve already listed & started

As I‘m working towards trying to read more books off my physical shelves this year before buying more books. I‘m doing the #24in2024 challenge this year. I made a list for fiction & nonfiction since I read a lot of nonfiction. Looking forward to trying to get through some books on my shelves

I listened to this one over audio. It was interesting to listen to little snippets of Rickman‘s life for over 20 years. Some of it was mundane: what he ate & such but it was interesting to hear what his thoughts were on different projects. He talked some about Harry Potter but not much. Although you could tell by the end of the series he was getting frustrated by what others wanted versus his views of telling a story as an actor. His wife does a

First book of the year & one off my #24in2024 list. Heartwarming story about finding people you didn‘t know you needed when you needed them most. How sometimes unrelated events can be connected. It was a nice book to start the new year. #bookspin book

It‘s been a snowy day here in MA (we live about 10 miles outside of Cambridge). We‘ve had about 10-11 inches of snow. It‘s supposed to stop soon but it‘s still coming down & it‘s been really windy. My kids enjoyed it for about 30 minutes. Sadly I didn‘t get to sit & read but I‘ve been audio baking: oatmeal raisin cookies & listening to “You could make this place beautiful.”

At the beginning of last year I didn‘t think this was a realistic goal but I did (actually read 101 books for the year). I started listening to audiobooks this year which allowed me to read more. Definitely plan to continue with the same goal for 2024.

My very late submission for winter games points total the last 2 weeks. I didn‘t accomplish or post as much as I had hoped. We did our covid boosters the other day & were all miserably sick…finally feeling better. #TeamWreathItAmdWeep

Definitely one of my favorite books of the year. This book was had so many facets. Insurance coverage in the US, disability coverage, medical care. Chung discusses the health outcomes of both her parents & their subsequent passing. There were several aspects of her story that I definitely related to. My FIL had several types of cancer & he had been sick as long as my husband & I had been together. When my husband was offered a post doctoral

Sadly our tree came down yesterday but I did snap a quick pic of some books I got for Christmas. I‘m putting myself on a book buying ban till I get through more of the books on my TBR shelves. Looking forward to these

I listened to this one over audio. I liked it but I don‘t think I‘d put it in my top books I‘ve read/listened to this year. It was interesting & fascinating that there were accounts kept. But these are also accounts mainly from privileged individuals. I liked Killers of the Flower Moon more. The narrator was very enthusiastic (even when reading about cannibalism). #bookspin #nonfiction2023 prompt: Rolling in the Deep

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

Yes, to body positivity & LBGTQ positivity but this was a so-so for me. It was a cute “meet cute” story. My only qualm was some of the phrases during the romantic scenes were just a little ick to me but that‘s just me. #bookspin