Welcome to the Read.Write.Repeat. monthly wrap-up. Every month, I give a quick overview of what books I read, the progress made on my reading goals, a few book-related links, and general blog news.
It was, once again, such a busy month. We can't catch a break this spring. I feel this way every year, but I always forget just how intense things are. Kevin is not in grad school this year, which is wonderful, but he still worked almost every weekend of the last two months. He's finally done with his crazy season; I have two weeks left until I'm finished with the semester. He's thrown himself into outdoor projects full force, mostly because we're hosting a party for some of his student workers today and he wants our yard to be nice for that. This will be our third summer in this house and we are slowly but surely making our deck area a wonderful summer oasis in which we love spending time. I can't wait for long, lazy evenings out there with cool beverages and good friends.
Part of what has made April particularly busy is all of the extra stuff I've been doing on top of my regular job. I started leading the choir I'm in that goes to sing at nursing homes. I'm still serving on the board of our local housing authority; this month, that involved a conference in Myrtle Beach and several extra meetings because we're making some major transitions. A commitment that is usually 3 hours a month became 3+ hours a week in April. Sigh. I'm also the new Production Assistant for Pantsuit Politics! I've actually been doing this since the start of March, but we've got our rhythm down and I'm doing as much as I can to help the amazing Sarah and Beth. If you aren't already listening to this podcast, you really need to! Today's episode is an interview with Jen Hatmaker and it exemplifies everything I love about the show and why I wanted to work with them. On top of all of that, I've been very actively searching for a full-time job. I'm hoping to have some news on that front next month...
Somehow, I always seem to read more when I am crazy busy. I ended my reading slump and, though my numbers aren't super impressive, every single book I read was gold. Seriously. Not a bad one in the bunch this month. I can almost never say that. I would easily recommend any of the books I read this month, and have already! If you haven't read my reviews this month, I definitely encourage you to go back and take a look. I am confident you'll find something to enjoy!
April News
I feel like I've been longing for spring on here every month. I've talked incessantly about the weather like I'm at a cocktail party and don't know anyone. I can't help it, though. It was such a long winter and this spring has felt like a very, very long time coming. It is finally here and it is glorious. Leaves on the trees, color everywhere. North Carolina offers the most beautiful spring colors. My lilac bush is right on the verge of blooming. I'll be smelling that sweet scent every time I open the front door within days. So, forgive my months-long diatribe on the weather.
It was, once again, such a busy month. We can't catch a break this spring. I feel this way every year, but I always forget just how intense things are. Kevin is not in grad school this year, which is wonderful, but he still worked almost every weekend of the last two months. He's finally done with his crazy season; I have two weeks left until I'm finished with the semester. He's thrown himself into outdoor projects full force, mostly because we're hosting a party for some of his student workers today and he wants our yard to be nice for that. This will be our third summer in this house and we are slowly but surely making our deck area a wonderful summer oasis in which we love spending time. I can't wait for long, lazy evenings out there with cool beverages and good friends.
Part of what has made April particularly busy is all of the extra stuff I've been doing on top of my regular job. I started leading the choir I'm in that goes to sing at nursing homes. I'm still serving on the board of our local housing authority; this month, that involved a conference in Myrtle Beach and several extra meetings because we're making some major transitions. A commitment that is usually 3 hours a month became 3+ hours a week in April. Sigh. I'm also the new Production Assistant for Pantsuit Politics! I've actually been doing this since the start of March, but we've got our rhythm down and I'm doing as much as I can to help the amazing Sarah and Beth. If you aren't already listening to this podcast, you really need to! Today's episode is an interview with Jen Hatmaker and it exemplifies everything I love about the show and why I wanted to work with them. On top of all of that, I've been very actively searching for a full-time job. I'm hoping to have some news on that front next month...
Somehow, I always seem to read more when I am crazy busy. I ended my reading slump and, though my numbers aren't super impressive, every single book I read was gold. Seriously. Not a bad one in the bunch this month. I can almost never say that. I would easily recommend any of the books I read this month, and have already! If you haven't read my reviews this month, I definitely encourage you to go back and take a look. I am confident you'll find something to enjoy!
Books Reviewed
- Rich People Problems - Kevin Kwan
- Dear Ijeawele - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
- Daughter of the Gods - Stephanie Thornton
- Pastrix - Nadia Bolz-Weber
- Homegoing - Yaa Gyasi
- The News: A User's Manuel - Alain de Botton
Books Read
- Dear Ijeawele - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
- Daughter of the Gods - Stephanie Thornton
- Pastrix - Nadia Bolz-Weber
- Homegoing - Yaa Gyasi
- The News: A User's Manuel - Alain de Botton
- Of Mess and Moxie - Jen Hatmaker
Pages Read: 1,749
Favorite Book Read: Dear Ijeawele was so, so good. I was nodding along in agreement on every page.
2018 Goals
- 1 Faith-Centered or Philosophical Book
Pastrix - Nadia Bolz-Weber
Of Mess and Moxie - Jen Hatmaker - 1 Political of Issue-Driven Book
Dear Ijeawele - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The News: A User's Manuel - Alain de Botton - 1 Book Written by a Minority AuthorDear Ijeawele - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Homegoing - Yaa Gyasi
I also am trying to work my way through my TBR list. My goal is to get from 350 books on the list to 200. That means lowering that number by 13 in some form or fashion every month. Here's how that went this month:
- Books Read: 7
- Books Removed: 9
- Books Added: 2
- Total Count for the Month: -14
- Books Remaining on TBR: 285
Elsewhere Online...
My royal mania is at peak levels right now. Between new baby Prince Louis Arthur Charles (boy, was that name a surprise!) and the upcoming wedding, I'm living my best royal life right now. If you haven't already, make sure you take a look at The New York Times' super fun guide to the royal wedding - which is May 19! I'll be up super early live-tweeting the whole thing and CAN. NOT. WAIT.
~ ~ ~
May is going to be glorious. Throughout the craziness of spring, the promise of May has held me over. The end of the semester. A trip to a cabin in the mountains with some of our dearest friends. The royal wedding. And we leave for Italy on Memorial Day weekend! My expectations are sky high. I'm already thinking about what books best compliment all of those delightful activities!
I'm sad to say this is the first monthly update I've been able to read in a while but it's so great to hear about your life and reading habits! I've been in a bit of a reading slump and you've definitely inspired me to start being more intentional about my reading! Hope I get to see you very, very soon (like later this month??) and I can't wait to hear about Italy!
ReplyDeleteYes! I can't wait! I need to text you to finalize details. As soon as the semester is done, I will!
Delete