The Sunday Post #241

The Sunday Post is a chance to recap the past week, talk about next week, tell you what I’m reading, and share news. It’s hosted by The Caffeinated Book Reviewer, Readerbuzz, and Book Date.

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The Sunday Post #241

Public Service Announcement

Are you addicted to readathons? I am! The 2020 Fraterfest Readathon is happening from October 15-24. Gather your spooky books and sign up here.

On The Blog This Week

• On Tuesday we talk about illustrated blue nature covers. I realize this is oddly specific, but there are a surprising number of blue books with nature illustrations on them. I guess this is a publishing “thing” now. Blue nature books? Whatever. I like the trend. Bring it on.

In My Reading Life

Last week, I finished rereading Number The Stars by Lois Lowry. This was one of my favorite books when I was a young teenager. I checked it out from my middle school's library an unreasonable number of times. It’s about two ten-year-old girls who live in Nazi-occupied Denmark. I can confirm that it’s still a well-written novel with realistic characters and a (mostly) believable plot. I enjoyed the reread. It’s weird rereading childhood favorites because this book was a lot more intense in my memory. I was terrified for the young characters when I was a middle schooler. When I reread the book, I realized they weren’t in as much danger as I remember. The adults were in danger, but they tried very hard to keep the kids out of their plans. I thought the kids were more involved. It’s weird how I misremember books. It’s a harrowing story, though. I recommend it.

Then I accidentally read Darius The Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram. Yes, I accidentally read a 300-page book. It showed up in the mail, and I had insomnia, so I decided to read a few pages. Then it was suddenly morning, and I’d finished the book. It’s so good! I wish it had been around when I was a teenager. The main character, Darius, is a chubby, pimply loner with depression. That was me as a teen! I didn’t know I was main-character-worthy. Anyway, Darius travels to Iran to meet his grandparents for the first time ever. While he’s there, he makes friends, discovers a talent for soccer, and reevaluates his relationship with his parents. There’s no romance. I loved it. It’s sweet, quiet, and nerdy. Please pick it up if you like contemporary YA.

Right now, I’m reading two books. First is Vox by Christina Dalcher. It’s okay. It’s a dystopia about a scientist who is trying to help stroke patients regain their lost language skills, but she lives in a world where women are only allowed to speak 100 words a day. I think the book borrows a lot from The Handmaid’s Tale. I’ve seen this before. It’s like reading fanfiction.

I’m also reading The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I’m loving this one so far. It has creepy houses, ghost twins, and a biographer who is trying to uncover the secret past of a famous author. I’m excited to see where it’s going.

In The Rest Of My Life

Five things that made me happy last week:

1. Labor Day BBQ! There were no parties or anything. I just ate hamburgers by myself in silence, but they were delicious lonely hamburgers.
2. I did a digital detox. For 24 hours, I didn’t look at any screens. No computer, phone, or TV. I need to do this more often. I love you people, but I need a break from your Twitter drama sometimes.
3. All the pumpkin foods are showing up in stores. I already ate a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie.
4. I need recommendations for Netflix shows that are creepy and funny. I adored Stranger Things. I’m watching Lucifer now. It’s formulaic and sometimes cringe-inducing, but I’m enjoying the escapism. What else is funny and creepy?
5. It was cold outside! I was happy about the cold, but I’m not happy that there’s already snow on the ground. I’m not ready for winter. This was the weather map for my state last Tuesday. I live in the “snow” section, which is better than the “on fire” section, but can’t we just have “cold and not deadly” weather? That would be excellent.

Come Read My Nonsense

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Take care of yourselves and be kind to each other! See you around the blogosphere!