What can I say. The Boston Marathon has me behind on all things on here. Lots to catch up on and share, especially books! I admittedly just laughed reading this title quickly since it could easily be misread as “weeds” for “reads”. No weeds here though but definitely seasonally appropriate nod (achoo.)
While I might not have been posting about it as often on here, the reading has definitely continued — a lot of it continuing to happen from the road! Sharing a few of my latest reads below. What have you been reading that’s amazing that I’ve missed?
The Case for More Bad Ideas by Jason Keath (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5)
Yes! Cheers to more bad ideas. May we create them, embrace them and decide if we use them or discard them! The Case for More Bad Ideas is such a great read from Jason Keath to reflect on and help to inspire adjustments to consider to your creative process. I had the opportunity to be a beta reader for this book as it was coming together and it has been a helpful way for me to better step back and rethink how I approach creativity.
I totally agree with his perspective that we don’t spend enough time on the creative process itself — pausing to think about it throughout this book is a great opportunity to reset, to embrace your ideas and to the greatness still to come. Loved it and recommend you check it out regardless what type of content or art you are creating. You can order his book and sign-up for his ongoing newsletter on the topic here.
Both Things Are True by Kathleen Barber (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5)
I managed to get my hands on an advanced reader copy of this one thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing. Both Things Are True is now set to publish on September 1. This was such a great read. I loved the main character. I wasn’t sure where we were headed in the very beginning but once I was in, I was in. I finished this book almost entirely in one sitting — a very rare thing for me! I loved the relationship between the sisters and the main character’s journey to finding love. Oh and obviously the Dolly Parton tattoo tie-in. What’s there not to love there? Definitely a great one to add to your TBR list for the fall.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5)
Now that I’m mostly caught up all things EmHen, I felt this urge to read this one as quickly after it was released as possible. Pro-tip, presaving through the public library really can be a gamechanger. I was able to quickly get my hands on the audiobook version of this one. I’ve seen so many others say the same — but this had super strong Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes. I’m not fully complaining, but I have to say I found that story more compelling than this plot line during this book.
I felt like first 3/4 of Great Big Beautiful Life really dragged. I wasn’t as invested in Margaret’s backstory at the beginning and felt like the bigger reveal on what happened with her sister later in the book was rushed, and potentially could have been a more interesting exploration that we did not get. My rating though is still solid because in the end, I really loved how it came together and almost didn’t mind the slow start. I am glad I did this as an audiobook though because it helped me continue my way through it at a consistent pace I might not have kept if it was in my hands.
You Didn’t Hear This from Me from Kelsey McKinney (⭐⭐⭐⭐/5)
I recently listened to Kelsey on a podcast and immediately had to read You Didn’t Hear This from Me (yes, this does tend to happen to me often!). This was a fun and quick listen looking at the cultural role and history of gossip that made my workday fly by. Also narrated by the author, which I love. Did it make me want to watch more reality TV this summer. Mayyyyybeeee…
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