Since I don’t think they’ll be calling me any time, I’m pretending to be a guest on three of my favorite podcasts today (that’s totally normal, right?) and answering the questions they ask every week. Doesn’t that sound fun? 😉
Ok, let’s go…
Three things I’ve loving and what I’m reading right now for The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey:
I’m loving…
Prep Dish – I just tried it for the first time this week, and I really liked it. The prep on Sunday was kind-of fun, and I loved not having to think about meals this week. I also felt like we ate healthier than usual and spent a lot less money.
My new iPhone case/wallet – I told you I was going to, and I tried it, and it’s as great as everyone said it would be! I’ve gotten tons of compliments on it and find it so convenient to have everything in one spot.
Tieks – I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned this or not, but my mom gave me a pair of these (in taupe) for my birthday, and I’m HOOKED. They are definitely a splurge, but so comfortable and cute!
I’m reading…
The Lake House: A Novel by Kate Morton and Coming Clean: A Story of Faith by Seth Gaines – I’ve had both books for a while and am, honestly, having a little trouble getting in to them; but, I’ve heard great things about them, so I’m sticking with ’em for now.
Three books I love and one book I hate for What Should I Read Next? with Anne Bogel:
I love…
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – This book totally blew my mind. I’ve read most every other “if you liked…” book since it, and nothing really compares (though The Girl on the Train comes close).
Columbine by Dave Cullen (read my post about it here)
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Piccoult – I haven’t written a full post about this one, but I felt like I had to include something by Piccoult. I know she is kind-of cliche, and people might expect me to have something more “classic” on this list, but I just really love her writing style. All of her books feel well-researched and make me think but are still really easy to read and keep me turning the pages. My Sister’s Keeper was the first I read by her, but I’ve read lots more and loved almost all of them. (*Liane Moriarty’s books also fall in this same category for me.*)
And, I’m totally cheating by adding a fourth (or sixth?), but her guests do that sometimes too, so whatever…
Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year by Anne Lamott – I love Anne Lamott so much, but this book especially. It was such a gift to me to read her honest thoughts about motherhood when Sam was a baby. I give it to almost every new mom I know.
(I’m curious what kind of thread you notice in my choices… I think realistic and dealing with tough issues, but with strong characters and plots too. Anything else?)
I hate…
This is SO hard. Honestly, I hate a lot of classics (shhh), but I’m going with Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple because it’s relatively new and lots of people really liked it. I just found it super slow, and I never connected with the characters. I also thought the letter format made it hard to really get into the story. Not a fan.
(Pop-culture) Green-Light and Red-Light for The Popcast with Knox and Jamie:
Green Light…
Mother’s Day movie – Ok, I haven’t actually seen it yet, but I want to; and the cast and trailer look ahhmazing!
Red Light…
Lemonade – I’m sorry. I know Jamie would disagree with me on this, but I’m standing by it. I like Beyonce’s music just fine, and she’s a darn good performer, but I just think all the hype surrounding this new album is a bit much. She likes to stir up drama, you know? Plus, Lemonade is a dumb name for an album. Anyone else?
So, that was fun, right?
I’d LOVE to hear your answers to the same questions in the comments!!!
Happy Friday! (Links & Likes tomorrow!)
E
I love this idea! Those are my 2 favorite podcasts right now too!! (It helps that they now refer to themselves as sister-wives!) And I think your red and green lights are spot on!
See Jamie’s comment below…. Eek!!!
Ahhhh you are famous!
I love this – I often daydream about what I would tell Anne are my 3/1 books. It’s so hard!
What would you choose?!?!
I am in DEEP on the Popcast! (And totally agree about Lemonade…dumb album name and not buying into the hype)
Have you read any books by tawni o’dell? They’re very twisty like Gillian Flynn books! I loved Dark Places and Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn too!
No! I’ve never even heard of Tawni O’Dell. I will definitely look into her! (Love to see my former students READING and talking about it!!!! So proud of you!!)
I love this idea! I was thinking about doing something similar with “What Should I Read Next.”
Hm…it looks like, with the exception of Anne Lamott, you like fast paced thrillers. I hate to call “Columbine” a thriller, but it is definitely more intense than most books based on its subject matter, right? Sadly, I’m not a huge thriller fan so I can’t really give any helpful suggestions! It does surprise me that you also like Kate Morton because her books are really slow. But she does have that huge surprise at the end, like Picoult, so I guess that makes sense!
Oops, just reread and saw you are having trouble getting into Kate Morton. Yup, totally makes sense. Anne told someone on the podcast that they didn’t have to finish books, and I loved that. If you aren’t digging her, you should stop! But I did think of another suggestion. Have you ever read Tana French. She’s an Irish mystery writer, but her books aren’t your typical mystery.
First, this is such a fun post – love this idea. And the fact that you included The Popcast is GRAVY.
Of course, now I’m just sitting here with all this heartache over your lights. Mother’s Day got a 9% on RT. And Jay-Z’s grandma is the inspiration for Bey’s album. Here is the origin story: http://www.bustle.com/articles/157022-who-is-speaking-about-lemonade-on-beyoncs-freedom-hattie-white-has-a-strong-connection-to-the
But we can agree to disagree and remain internet friends forever.