I haven‘t read much in the last 2 months due to moving from Boston to spending a few weeks with family in NC & then moving to Frederick, Maryland. We‘ve been here for 3 weeks & finally starting to feel a little more settled (although the oldest went back up to college in Rhode Island this past weekend). There has been so much happening in our lives since the beginning of the year it‘s been hard to read & focus. I‘m looking forward to cooler days

My husband and I were in Frederick, MD looking for a place to live. I‘m so excited that The Curious Iguana bookstore in downtown will be my local bookstore. Such an awesome little place. I haven‘t been reading much, still behind a few months on reviews. We move to Frederick next week. Then school starts the following week, husband starts his new job at NCI, & the oldest leaves for college. Phew

Looking for some good audiobooks for kids. I‘m driving with my almost 15 yo & 9 yo tomorrow from MA to MD. My 9 yo is an advanced reader & loves books. They both loved Percy Jackson & Harry Potter. I don‘t expect that we‘ll listen to entire book (the older one is Autistic & can become easily overstimulated during long car rides). I‘m trying to make sure I have something to pass the time & not listen to the same Taylor Swift songs on repeat.

Today I went with my oldest to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, which was spectacular (although some pieces we wanted to see were not on exhibit & the contemporary gallery was closed). The amazing thing is that with our local library card we could get in for $10 each (we won‘t discuss how much parking was). It was a great day & got to see some pretty amazing pieces

Life update: 2024 has been an incredibly exhausting & life altering year. My dad was hospitalized in January, was able to go back home, & then passed suddenly in early April. My husband was laid off in May. His company laid off about 700 scientists in his office. His entire group was cut (he does preclinical translational oncology research). I was waitlisted & then not offered a spot in the PhD program I applied to. So we are leaving the Boston &

June #bookspin bingo board recap: finished 9 books this month. 5 were audio (1 NF, 4 fiction), 2 TBR books (fiction), 2 kindle books (fiction). No bingos for the month. I‘m still behind on reviews for May & now June.

Apparently when my life is in chaos I read more (or escape more). This May was my best month for reading in a long time. I read 13 books for the month(reviews still to come): 7 were audiobooks, 1 Kindle book, 5 books off my TBR (3 were NF, 1 Fiction, & 1 kid/YA book), which equaled 4 bingos for the month. #bookspin

My dad passed away unexpectedly last month. He had been hospitalized in January for hallucinations & loss of muscle control. Postmortem the doctor that signed his death certificate said it was Lewy Body dementia. The doctor said he was most likely living with it for at least 5 years. He was being followed by neurologist & neuropsychiatrist & it was completely missed. Anyhow I have been either reading fluff books or books about loss, grief, hard

I‘m making a low pick based on my 8 year old daughter‘s love of the books & series. It‘s the same format, something bad happens, Percy goes on another quest, battles ensue…, camp is safe for now. I‘m happy my daughter loves them. Happy to have girls being shown as powerful as boys. And happy to have the representation of ADHD & dyslexia. #bookspin

Heartbreaking & difficult but such an important read. Not much else to say when so much praise has been made for this book. Definitely important read that everyone should read, especially those entering college. The system is frustrating & still ridiculous how women that are the victim get scrutinized & blamed for what happens to them. Miller is a very gifted writer. Definitely one of the best books I‘ve ever read. #bookspin

I love Emily Henry books, definitely make me feel ready for summer. I‘m on a kick of romance books. Fun, easy, quick read, which has been my speed lately. I saw someone that said they re-read all of Henry‘s books before the next one came out. I definitely need to have a lazy summer & do this (probably not this summer). As always I love the sarcasm & banter between the characters. #bookspin

Listened to this one over audio. I liked this one more than the first book by the author. The downside of audiobooks is trying to keep up with who is who but still overall a great & fun listen. Definitely some fun & interesting characters while Ernest tries to solve the murder on the train. #bookspin (TW: there is a mention of rape, for those that are sensitive to this topic).

I ended up listening to this one since I‘m still waiting for Book 2 in the series (I don‘t think there is a real specific order but some of the characters from other books overlap but not necessary for the story). Another easy, quick, fun read perfect for my current headspace. This book highlights some of the complexities of ALS & disability rights/societal complications. Again another story of miscommunication that leads to a happy ending. I do

I‘m in my Abby Jimenez Era. I‘ve been listening to most of her books over audio. Since there has been so much going on I‘ve been opting to listen to quick, easy, fun audiobooks. I liked this one but not as much as Yours Truly. I do like how Jimenez highlights medical issues that many face (this book talks about PCOS & infertility). I find the lack of communication as a way to eventually get together slightly irritating (but it‘s been a long time

Its‘s been a day… had an IEP meeting for my Autistic child transitioning to HS. It‘s been a week, it‘s been a month…2024 has been a dumpster fire so far. I found out the other day I didn‘t get into the PhD program I applied to. My husband will find out next week if he is one of the people that is going to be let go while his company restructuring (pharmaceuticals is a mess right now & no one is hiring). Plus a million other things, fun times

My first Abby Jimenez book & I‘m a fan. I listened to this one over audio & kept laughing out loud especially over the parrot. I was influenced over an IG post about how the book discusses about anxiety. I really like the way Jimenez portrayed a main character with anxiety & what the experience can be like (representation matters). Some of it dragged towards the end but overall I liked it & have already put all her other books on hold. #bookspin

I‘ve had this one sitting on my shelf for a while. It‘s all about how small changes to your daily life & routines can make bigger changes over time. I annotated along the way, now will I remember to use the tips or make changes (I do use some of the suggestions). #bookspin

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