You guys. Do you even need to ASK what I’ve been into this month?
Seriously, just look at that face. LOOK at it! I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, Awwww, so cute! And, yes, fine, you’re right. But. BUT. She is a thief, you guys! She has completely stolen my attention span, my ability to think straight in general, and definitely my ability to WRITE ANYTHING DECENT.
I went back to work last week, which is good for me and probably a little questionable for them. But I’m slowly feeling my brain – and {don’t you worry, I’ll spare you the details} my body – return to normal. And just in time, too, because I do hate missing out on What I’m Into posts.
Now, normally I write about what I’m reading, watching, eating and/or cooking, and listening to. Which I’ll do again this year. Of course. But you must know. What I’ve mostly been into is petting my baby’s soft, soft head and scrolling through Facebook on my phone, again. That’s what happens when you spend 8 hours a day feeding [and changing, but who wants to talk about that?] an infant, man.
What I’m Reading:
You might remember I had some lofty reading goals for the weeks following my delivery. As it turns out, I’m not quite coordinated enough to hold an actual book while feeding Adrienne. So I’ve done most of my reading on my Kindle or my phone. I’d like to say that’s because when I’m not feeding her, I’m sleeping when the baby sleeps. But, well, it’s mostly because when I’m not feeding her I’m a little…ah…um…distracted…ooh, look, shiny!
[I said I’ve lost my attention span!]
All that being said, I’ve managed to make my way through several books on my list (although the stack next to my bed and my list of reserves at the library will try to tell you differently). Here’s what I’ve read in the past month:
- Evertrue by Brodi Ashton: The last in a YA trilogy based on the myth of Persephone, I wouldn’t say this book – or series – was my favorite for its story or characters. But I can’t deny – and couldn’t resist – how well it was written to pull the reader in and keep you there. And – vague SPOILER – it had a happy ending and no crazy, out-of-nowhere twists, which my addled brain appreciates ohsomuch.
- Cinder by Marissa Meyer: Well, this is a case of judging a book by its cover – and judging it wrongly. Wrongly? Wrong? I DON’T KNOW. Anyway, this cover put me off even after Jessie told me the book was really good. Look at it up there! It’s creepy, don’t you think? But the book? Well, the whole series so far? I LOVE IT SO MUCH. It’s a YA sci-fi version of fairytales, it involves space travel and robots, and yes, I love it. LOVE. IT. Can’t wait for the next one. Might re-read the first three that I already inhaled. I don’t know, you guys; I just really liked this one.
- King & Maxwell by David Baldacci: I like political thrillers and spy novels, so I will always read every book by David Baldacci. And I watched his TV show based on this series last summer – and liked it okay. This book, though, wasn’t his best or my favorite. And that’s all I have to say about that.
- Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi: Okay. I liked the first two books in this series a lot. And I liked the last book, too – but not in relation to the first two. In the time-honored tradition of all young adult trilogies, this one had a pesky love triangle. And in this last book, the two love interests completely changed character. The bad guy became good – POOF! And the good guy? Yep, now he’s bad (or, at least kind of mean and super angry). Again – poof. If I hadn’t read about them for two previous books, I wouldn’t have been bothered. But I did and I was.
- Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham: I don’t actually read a lot of chick lit, so this was definitely a break from the mysteries and fantasy and YA books I normally read. I was a little nervous to read it, actually, afraid I’d be disappointed by Lorelai’s novel. But I wasn’t. The story is about an actress, so of course I wondered the entire time I was reading it how much of the details were biographical, and it was very enjoyable. It didn’t knock me off my feet or anything, but I liked it.
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Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes by Shauna Niequist: Yeah, yeah, I know – I’m the last person to read this one! I started it months ago, but didn’t get far into it for some reason. I love what Shauna has to say about hospitality and community, although her stories made me long for the kind of heart-friends she has in her life. Great book (like everyone has already said), but admittedly, my least favorite of her three books. I ADORED her other two collections of essays, so anything coming after them has a lot to live up to!
- Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn by Melanie Shankle: I don’t know why I hadn’t read this earlier. Again, I’d started it months ago but just didn’t get into it at the time. Now, though? I GOT INTO IT. I got teary-eyed (big surprise for the hormonal post-partum mama, right?!) and literally laughed out loud more than once. Disturbing my sleepy, eating baby – but so worth it.
Right now, I’m reading The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield and On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King.
What I’m Watching:
Okay, can we talk about American Idol? Are you all watching it? Because I’m watching it. I haven’t been much of an Idol fan, believe it or not, and the only season I watched completely was the one with Kris Allen. But because watching TV takes less hand-eye coordination while feeding a baby, attention span and – let’s face it – brain power, I’ve had a little extra time.
So I want to know if you all are watching. Because if you are, we should talk about it. (But if you aren’t, well, I won’t bore you. But c’mon! Harry Connick! J-Lo! Keith Urban! THEY ARE SO GOOD. And, oh yeah, the musicians are good, too.)
Also watching: the usual suspects, Veronica Mars (again, in preparation for the movie), and every funny video Jimmy Fallon makes.
- Exhibit A: History of Rap 5 with Justin Timberlake
- Exhibit B: Lip Sync Battle with Paul Rudd
You’re welcome.
I also shared those on my Facebook page, by the way. Because we like to have fun over there. Annnnnd, you all give great advice when a person (um, you know, ME) feels the need to start drinking coffee. Join us there?
So, that’s what I was into in February. What about you? What were YOU into?
This post will be linked up with tons of lovely bloggers at my friend Leigh Kramer’s site. Go ahead – click over there and try (JUST TRY!) not to get lost reading all the awesome updates linked up!
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Wow. I have got to catch up on my blog reading. I remember paying close attention right after Adrienne was born, and then life distracted me and I’m behind on visiting all of the ones I follow. Interesting reading list. I didn’t realize Lauren Graham wrote, and as a longtime Gilmore Girls fan, you would have thought I’d have known that. Clearly I live in a bubble.
And then David Baldacci. I’ve enjoyed a few of his books, but for some reason left off somewhere in the first chapter of Total Control and forgot to get started again. I need to finish that one of these days.
And, Mary…you’re doing the whole new mommy thing right. You’re supposed to spend every waking minute admiring and petting your new daughter. That’s what moms do. :)
Thanks, Kristy! It’s definitely what this mom does! :) And as far as I know, this is Lauren Graham’s first book – and it’s only a year or so old, I think. So you’re not too far out of the Gilmore Girls World loop!
BABY BABY BABY! She’s such a cutie, I completely understand why you’ve been distracted as of late. But even so, you’ve read an impressive amount of books! This gives me hope, for if I ever have a baby of my own. I haven’t heard of Cinder before and I was hooked when I saw “YA” and “fairytales” but then I read “space travel and robots,” which is the opposite of what I like. Since you have given it such a rave review, I’m requesting it from the library. Glad you enjoyed Someday, Someday, Maybe. I wouldn’t categorize it as chick lit (I reserve that more for Sophie Kinsella-Jane Green-Helen Fielding.) I’m surprised Bread & Wine is your least favorite of Shauna’s books! I thought it was her best work yet- and I thought it would be hard to top Bittersweet. I don’t watch American Idol, never have, but it does sound like this new season has reenergized the franchise. Enjoy!
Nothing can keep this slacker and reading addict down. ;) Seriously, I read when I feed her – which adds up to a lot of time. Okay, you’ll have to let me know what you think of Cinder. I don’t know what it was about the world-building that hooked me, but it did. Even though I’ve read a LOT of YA fantasy, dystopia and fairytale reimaginings – something was different about this series. That being said, I’m sure some people don’t love it as much as I did. So – tell me what you think once it comes in from the library!!
The sparkley green earring book sounded good. I went to amazon and looked at it. HA, I have it on my kindle already. Purchased May 6. I love how easy it is to hoard books on that device!
Haha! Love it. I hoard books on my Kindle, too!
BABY! You’ve got some seriously cute pictures up there. Interesting that you didn’t enjoy Bread & Wine as much as the other Shauna Niequist books… it’s my favorite of hers. I wonder if it’s because I read B&W first?
I think it’s because I’m not a foodie – but it could be about which books we read first, too?!
Oooh, I’m happy for you, Mary. I was a walking zombie after each baby. I think the best I did was get through Twilight after i had my first little guy five years ago. :) You’ve read so much! And hello, why did I have no idea Keith Urban and Harry Connick were judging with J-Lo? I’m much more tempted now…
Btw, that smug little sleep smile?? Too much!
I KNOW. Her smirks KILL ME! And yes, you definitely need to tune into Idol!
Congratulations to you! Your wee one is so beautiful!
Thank you, Sarah!!
Oh Adrienne is so incredibly beautiful! I would be ‘into’ nothing else. ;-)
P.S. I read Someday, Someday, Maybe this month and enjoyed it too.
Thank you. :) Now – when are you going to write another What I’m Into post??
I know! I’ve really fallen off the ‘What I’m Into’ wagon. :/ I’ve certainly been reading and watching lots; I just struggle to think anyone is really interested. My Australian TV shows, films and often books are probably so foreign (and therefore boring) to you all!
So, you’re saying maybe it’s the 2nd (or 3rd?) child who’s responsible for this loss of brain power? Really wish I could write something coherent.
I’m watching Idol! Technically, I’m watching Harry. And I’m totally happy to talk about it. :)
Please. I don’t even have enough brainpower to hypothesize just which kid does this! :) And I’m definitely watching Harry, too. But I love J-Lo (or Jen, as they call her) and Keith, too. And the kids. THE KIDS! I know it makes me incredibly old (SO OLD) but dang, they are just so cute. Well, most of them. I’ve had just about enough of Malia’s excess energy. (Again…OLD.)
Thanks for commenting on my blog. I love the idea of “giving up on perfect.” I feel like I’m a “recovering perfectionist” myself! Sweet baby pics! Ok, I had to respond to your Ignite Me review – I read the first book and thought it was okay. Have not yet read the rest. However, I did get to see Tahereh Mafi in person at a YALL Fest, and she was SO cool and cute! AND she’s married to fellow YA author Ransom Riggs (he wrote Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – such a good read!) and they were both there together and they were SO awesome. So the fact that I met her in person makes me want to try the rest of the series. Sounds like I may be disappointed though. :(Also: Mafi does this cool thing where she “defaces” her books by writing/drawing on the actual hardback covers. Google it. :) BTW have you read Rae Carson’s Girl of Fire and Thorns series?
(Excuse my giddiness. I may have had one too many cups of coffee this morning.)