This week, we’re covering the books we’ve read (as always!) & we’re trying out a new segment where Julianne talks about 10 books she might read next. It’s going to be fun!
Here’s what we read this week:
- Chase the Fun by Annie F. Downs
- Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
- A Simplified Life by Emily Ley
- One True Sentence by Craig McDonald
- Fatal Enquiry by Will Thomas
- The Eighth Detective by Alex Pavesi
If you feel the need to SEE the amazing books we’re talking about, you’re in luck! This episode is up on Youtube. You can view it here. 🙂
Now, let’s get to the books!
Chase the Fun – Annie F. Downs
Once again I (Julianne) am reading this book! It’s a 100-day journey so be prepared for this to last a while. Right now, she’s talking about finding fun in being an amateur at things- like hobbies, but also things like forgiveness.
Dune Messiah – Frank Herbert
Finished! This book had fewer large, dramatic plot twists, but the intrigue kept my (Andrew’s) interest and the ending was simultaneously tragic, anticlimactic, and satisfying. Definitely recommend it, and I’m planning to read the next one!
A Simplified Life – Emily Ley
So far, she has inspired me (Julianne) to clean out and declutter our house (and particularly my wardrobe) again. I feel like we’re doing pretty well, especially because we went through like every room in our apartment before we moved last year, but it could stand to be done again & I’m grateful for this nudge.
One True Sentence – Craig McDonald
NOTE: I do not recommend this book. I read it because I didn’t feel like switching to a different book, but in hindsight, I wish I had. The ending made sense given the story, but was not my cup of tea and left me feeling kinda gross.
Fatal Enquiry – Will Thomas
This was good- it was less mystery and more intrigue, set in Victorian England. I liked the narrator straight off, but I didn’t really start liking any of the other characters until like halfway through the book. And the narrator is whiny sometimes- I get that he’s on the run for his life, but still.
Andrew asked for the basic premise of the book (prob so he could decide if he wants to read it or not) Here it is: The 2 main characters are “private enquiry agents.” I assume this was explained in detail in previous books (I wasn’t sure where in the line this one fell, apparently it is #6), and they’re VERY snobbish about not being detectives, but I actually couldn’t really tell the difference haha.
Anyway, these “private enquiry agents” find themselves on the run from the law when an old enemy shows up and basically tells the government a bunch of half-truths about the main character, Barker. They have to figure out 1) how to keep from getting found, and 2) why the enemy wants them out of the way- what he’s up to. You would think the first concern would be the most important, but weirdly enough they seem pretty unconcerned about their own survival. Â
If I were rating this book on Goodreads, I’d probably give it three stars. It was enjoyable, but not one of the best books I’ve ever read (that being said, I think I might’ve enjoyed it better if I’d read some of the previous books before reading this one)
The Eighth Detective by Alex Pavesi
Julianne read it and convinced me (Andrew) to read it. I did quite well guessing one of the major plot points! But there were a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
Julianne’s TBR (To Be Read)
I’m reading some books right now that are going to take me a minute. I need another one to just read when those ones aren’t the right fit. Here are the top ones I’m looking at, let me know what you think!
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich
Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
Grace, Not Perfection by Emily Ley
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Finish by Jon Acuff
It’s Not Your Turn by Heather Thompson Day
Great Detectives edited by David Willis McCullough
Here are the results:
Green Light Pile
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Rhythms of Renewal
Code Name Verity
Finish
It’s Not Your Turn
Yellow Light Pile
Revelations of Divine Love
Digital Minimalism (was originally Green lighted but got bumped by It’s Not Your Turn)
Grace, Not Perfection
Lincoln in the Bardo
Great Detectives