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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.

 

 

 

The Sunday Post #248

 

 

 

 

Public Service Announcement

 

Halloween is over! According to TV advertisers, that means it’s now Christmas. (I know it’s too early for Christmas, but I don’t make the rules. TV does.) If you need holiday gifts for bookworms, check out Book Depository’s Gift Guide. It has brand new discounted books for the whole family. I see bestsellers, nonfiction, cookbooks, and children’s books. Also, a few beautiful editions of classics that I’ll probably buy for myself, let’s be honest. Click here to see the guide.

 

 

On The Blog Last Week

 

• On Tuesday I recommended some books for Halloween.
• On Saturday there was a book haul.

 

 

 

 

On The Blog This Week

 

• On Monday I talk about the best nonfiction books I’ve read in 2020 (so far).
• On Tuesday I wrap up October (hopefully).
• On Wednesday I talk about new November book releases.
• On Thursday there’s a giveaway.

 

 

 

 

In My Reading Life

 

Last week, I finished the Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes by Suzanne Collins. Unpopular opinion, but I kind of loved it. I only have two complaints. First, it’s too long and the pace really drags in places, especially toward the end. Second, the main character’s name is Coriolanus, which my brain autocorrected to Coronavirus because it’s 2020, and I’m tired.

 

The novel follows Coronavirus Coriolanus Snow when he’s a teenager at an elite school. If you’ve read The Hunger Games, then you know he grows up to be the vicious dictator president of a dystopian country called Panem. A lot of people were worried this book would make Coronavirus Snow a sympathetic character. It doesn't. I hated him on page 1, and I hated him on page 500-something. He’s just not a good dude. I like the book because the reader gets to see the origin of the games and the culture of the Capitol and District 12. It adds depth and world-building to Panem. For me, the plot was entertaining, and the world-building made the story worth reading. I enjoyed it.

 

Then I read The Residence: Inside The Private World Of The White House by Kate Andersen Brower. I enjoyed this book, too! It’s nonfiction that combines archival research and interviews with retired White House staff to show readers what goes on behind the scenes at the White House. How does the staff keep that mansion running smoothly? Who are those ushers and maids who scramble out of the way when journalists with cameras enter the room? It’s a fascinating look at recent American history with bits of gossip and a few scandals thrown in. If you love Downton Abbey, this is a must-read.

 

My only complaint is that it glorifies working yourself to death. The author never misses an opportunity to remind readers that the staff is thrilled/grateful/happy/lucky to work thousands of overtime hours while getting verbally abused by their bosses. I rolled my eyes a few times, but mostly it’s a short, captivating book. Please pick it up if you get the chance.

 

Right now, I’m reading In The Shadow Of Blackbirds by Cat Winters. It’s young adult historical horror. I like it so far. Even though it’s set during the 1918 flu pandemic, I’m not finding it stressful to read. I actually like seeing characters wearing masks. It makes me feel less alone. The other book I’m reading is Too Much And Never Enough: How My Family Created The World’s Most Dangerous Man by Mary L. Trump. The author is Donald Trump’s niece and a clinical psychologist. I have mixed feelings about it so far. It is not completely what I expected. I’ll see if my opinions change when I finish it.

 

In The Rest Of My Life

 

Five things that made me happy last week:

 

1. Halloween! I hope everyone who celebrated had an awesome spooky night.
2. I made snickerdoodle bread. It was excellent.
3. Baby Brooklyn has suddenly become more talkative. It’s bizarre how toddlers seem to change overnight. She went from saying a few words to repeating everything I say. Now I have to watch my language.
4. I finished watching The Haunting Of Bly Manor and The Haunting Of Hill House. I am distraught! I know they’re horror shows, but why do the writers have to hurt my favorite characters like that! They’re pretty good shows, though. Watch them if you enjoy seeing your favorites suffer.
5. Dancing to the radio while writing blog posts. I’m planning on posting a lot in the next few days because I think we could all use a distraction. Quit doom scrolling on Twitter and come here for some book nonsense. If I can get the post done, there will be a giveaway. That’s always fun.

 

 

 

 

Let’s Be Friends. (But I'm Not Sharing My Halloween Snacks.)

 

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Wait. One More Thing!

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