reading in September was hard. I was not able to focus much. I was restless and occupied and anxious. And at the same time I felt like Want to drown in a good book. Leave the world outside. Escape to a place with trials and battles knowing in the end the good will prevail. In the end I found a few books I was able to finish and have a book talk September with. But I also have started three times as many. Only to quit after the first page or so. Mainly because those books I really looked forward to reading and just didn’t want them to be bad because of my current state.
Since my mind was so scattered I felt like an audiobook would be a good thing. And I finally – thank goodness – looked up the library again. I knew you could sign up for online books but back when I researched that you had to go to the library and rent an ebook reading device. Which was total bullocks in my book. I wanted to read it now, any time and download without moving my butt from the couch. Anyhow I realized finally the libby app was available for German libraries. And at least for audiobooks this is amazing. So many many books on my TBR are now available for me. Unfortunately reading said books is only available on my phone as the libby app doesn’t connect to kindle in Germany. I am hoping that one day that would be possible – but I doubt it. We have a weird book lobby and publishing laws here and kindle undermines those. So I am not overly hopeful…
But I digress. Lets start into the book talk.
What it is about: The most amazing things happen in the forest: trees communicate with each other. They not only lovingly care for their offspring, but also care for old and sick neighbors. Trees have sensations, feelings, a memory. Unbelievable? But true!
What I thought: This book has been on my list for a long time. The recommendation came from Kate – funny since it is a German author. I am glad I finally took the time to read it. I will never walk through a forest the same way.Who knew that trees feed their offsprings, that older trees can live due to care taking of surrounding trees. And did you. know that the oldest tree (stump) somewhere in Finland has been here on earth together with the dinosaurs? I learned a lot but I also have many more questions now. Now I am looking forward reading his second book that explores the connection between tree and human.
Original Language and Title: German “Das geheime Leben der Bäume” hardcover, paperback, ebook
Publications: English hardcover, paperback, ebook
Recommend to: Everyone wanting to know about the mystery of trees, their way of connecting within the forest and who loves a good walk in the forest.
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi | ★★★★☆
What it is about: Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own…
What I thought: This was an audio book I listened to and it had me captured immediately. While I can not dive into the books as deeply if reading it was still fascinating and had me want to learn more. I found the characters great. They had backstories, they showed development, they slipped up in their own way and found their footing again. I was transported to India and always had the feeling everything glowed in the warm red henna when I listened. Thank you heybooklovers for recommending. I am looking forward reading the rest of the trilogy.
Original Language and Title: English hardcover, paperback, ebook
Publications: German title “Die Hennakünstlerin” paperback, ebook
Recommend to: Everyone loving a good historical fiction sat in a world that may feel foreign and enjoys strong female characters.
Read Around the World: This book is filed in my RatW to India.
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint | ★★★☆☆
What it is about: As Princesses of Crete and daughters of the fearsome King Minos, Ariadne and her sister Phaedra grow up hearing the hoofbeats and bellows of the Minotaur echo from the Labyrinth beneath the palace. The Minotaur – Minos’s greatest shame and Ariadne’s brother – demands blood every year. When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives in Crete as a sacrifice to the beast, Ariadne falls in love with him. In a world where women are nothing more than the pawns of powerful men, will Ariadne’s decision to betray Crete for Theseus ensure her happy ending? Or will she find herself sacrificed for her lover’s ambition?
What I thought: After reading Circe and enjoying it I. thought this would be another fun one to learn more about Greek mythology. While it was entertaining to read I thought it fell a bit short and I. was left underwhelmed. I can’t really say why that is. Maybe the characters didn’t show much development. Maybe Ariadne herself wasn’t the greatest pick to tell the story. Maybe it was the authors writing that didn’t quiet capture me. One thing that definitely bothered me that at times it felt like name dropping of other characters. They didnt do anything to the story and were more confusing… Did it really need Icarus there? Or all the other ones that showed up? Not sure. I think I will give another author a chance here in the retelling of mythology. By the way, is that a current trend? It sure seems like it.
Original Language and Title: hardcover, paperback, ebook
Publications: German “Ich, Ariadne” hardcover, paperback, ebook
Recommend to: Everyone loving the retelling of Greek Mythology told from a females perspective.
True North by Amy Knapp | ★★★☆☆
What it is about: Loner Cole North has always been the odd guy out. His IQ is sky-high, but he’s not so bright when it comes to people or relationships. Years ago, he spurned expectations, shunned his family’s business, and embraced a career in construction instead. Remodeler Sierra Lowell might be creative, hardworking, and a color-outside-the-lines thinker in her job, but there’s one line she’s never crossed. It’s tough enough to be a woman in a man’s job without adding sex or emotions to the mix. What happens next is obvious… But how to get there…
What I thought: I needed a mindless and entertaining book when I was coming back from a business trip. This one was the right choice at the right time. Quick and easy read, feel good, happy end. All I needed. I could have done without the tv show things as I really don’t like the. famous trope. Can recommend if you are in a similar place. Otherwise nothing new.
Original Language and Title: paperback, ebook
Publications: No translation available.
Recommend to: Everyone needing an escape from the daily chores and gray life and some feel good romance.
New books on the shelves
I decided in 2022 I will also share how many books make it to my TBR list (only books I own otherwise we would sit here in years) and occupy my shelves right above the reading chair and also on my digital home on the kindle. Feel free to ask me in a few weeks if I have read it yet. HA
- Kranichland by Anja Baumheier – a book swap book from
- The History of Bees by Maja Lunde – a book swap book from
And this was my Book Talk September. Overall I am happy with how it went.
Now, share the latest non-fiction book you have read! Or since we reheating into October I feel like reading a ghost story. Do you have a recommendation?
Happy reading,
Tobia
4 comments
If you like to read about trees, you might enjoy The Overstory by Richard Powers. It’s fiction, but the first 150 pages is really focused on trees and I thought it was absolutely beautiful. (I thought those first 150 pages were amazing the rest of the book sort of meandered a bit, so just know that I think it’s an option to just read the first part of the book and you’ve gotten the best out of it!)
The last non-fiction book I read and couldn’t stop thinking about was called Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty. It’s a memoir of the first year of her life in the death industry, working at a crematorium. It was fascinating reading.
Thank you for the recommendation. I’ll check out the first book.
The second one is actually sitting on my shelf and I planned to read it in November. Very much excited
I haven’t been reading as much lately, but finished a book by Mary Oliver over the weekend and also Empty by Susan Burton (the second one was a tough read – memoir on disordered eating, but I’m glad I read it) and have surgery coming up and in preparation for that ordered in a whole BUNCH of books. We’ll see how much I actually end up getting through and I’m sure I’ll discuss any books I particularly enjoy! I just haven’t made time for reading as much lately, but think I will naturally start reading a bit more as we head into cooler temperatures and I’m home and ready for bed earlier than normal because of how dark/cold it is outside!
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I have not been so great on my reading this year either. There is just so much going on. And I assume that is the same with you with all the renovation, travels and now the surgery. I am hoping you can find some time and a great book to dive in during your recovery.