Bookworm: An Update 2.0

I started out 2014 (over half a year ago, scary) vowing to read quite a list of books. Then, I realized just how tired and exhausting pregnancy would be for me. And I got stuck in a lull.

Many, many moons ago, I updated you on my reading progress. It was slightly pathetic, but at least I am honest, right? Things haven’t changed much since then. I’ve crept through a few more books on my list (which we’ll get to in a minute). But, mainly, there are other things I’ve been reading.

Things like:

• Books on breastfeeding and vaccinations and prenatal nutrition. Is there such a thing as over preparing?
• Anything I find on Pinterest. I’m going through a Pinterest moment. They happen.
• To-do lists. Oh, yes. Those. You should see our to-do lists before baby arrives. They are hefty.
• Our bank account. People don’t always talk about that whole “maternity leave” side of having a baby. We have preparations to make.

So, that explains why the list below is quite thin. Nevertheless, here’s my more-than-half-a-year-later update.

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand: Honestly? This book is too long. I was mildly interested in it, but it went on and on and on and I just didn’t care enough about the characters to finish. I made it about 75% of the way through, so it counts for something.

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd: This was good. A great book, really, but just good for Kidd. It’s no Secret Life of Bees. The story is fresh, unlike any other of its kind. It reminded me in many ways of The Kitchen House, which is probably a better book to pick up at the end of the day. Just a theory.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed: I thought I was going to love this one. I am a huge fan of hiking/ adventure stories and this is the first I’ve ever picked up that was written by a female. It took me awhile to get into it. I found myself thinking she was an idiot half of the time. The other half of the time, I just found it semi-boring. But, towards the end of her journey on the Pacific Crest Trail, it got interesting. I’m not sure what the movie will be like, but there certainly are scenes that will make for good cinema. This one was worth it in the end.

One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson: I’m ready to have a son after this book, because I know my fair share of baseball trivia now! This wasn’t my favorite Bryson book, but it was pretty decent. I liken it to reading a history book, except this is all history you’ve likely never really paid attention to. And it’s good stuff. Maybe a little long, however, for what it is.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: After a string of mediocre reads, I finally dug into Gone Girl. Shhhh, don’t tell me, I’m only halfway through! But I also only started two days ago and I am hooked. What a great story! The twists and turns! I should’ve started this one months ago, because it’s really what I needed to ignite a passion for reading again. Also, side note, I didn’t realize Ben Affleck was going to play Nick, but I kind of pictured Ben Affleck as Nick when I started reading. Talk about great casting. I’ll be excited for this movie.

And for what I’ve got in the pipeline next:

The Giver by Lois Lowry: I really only remember somebody sliding down a hill at the end of this book. I’ve got to read it again before the movie. It’s driving me crazy.

And there’s the update for you. So, any books I need to add to my list? Reconstructing Amelia is already on there. It’s likely to come after The Giver. But anything else? I’m back on the reading bandwagon!