I completed 9 books in July, which I think is pretty darn good considering I have a brand new baby in the house! I’ve only reviewed half of them so far, though. Partly because I had a few reviews that still needed to be written from before Daniel was born and partly because it is a lot easier to get reading time in than writing time. I’m going to go with the positives, though, and concentrate on the fact that I read over 3,000 pages instead of thinking of my 4 unwritten reviews. I’ve finished a total of 111 books this year, which means that even if I keep reading just 8 books per month I should be able to hit my goal for the year of 15o books.
After my list of what I read this month, you’ll find a list of the other reviews I posted, as well as some other posts from this month that might be of interest:
What I Read:
Fiction
A Secret Alchemy by Emma Darwin (this leans a little towards historical fiction, but I’m going to classify it as fiction)
In the Kitchen by Monica Ali
Only Milo by Barry Smith (review pending)
The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal (review coming August 5th)
Historical Fiction
The Seamstress by Frances de Pontes Peebles (review coming August 3rd)
Mystery
The Big Steal by Emyl Jenkins
Nonfiction – Health
Smart Mama’s Green Guide by Jennifer Taggart
Nonfiction – Natural World
Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart
Nonfiction – Biography
American Eve by Paula Uruburu (review coming August)
Pick of the Month
I can’t really sum this book up quickly, so you will have to come back on Wednesday and read my review. Suffice to say that it is completely bizarre and I was completely enthralled.
Guest Posts:
“I Can’t Believe That Story Came Out Of Your Brain!” by Karen Harrington, author of Janeology
“Those Who Do Not Study History Are Condemned To Repeat It” by Donna Woolfolk Cross, author of Pope Joan
Book Spotlights/Discussions:
“War on the Margins” Released Today
Reading Biographies: “American Lion” – Book Spotlight
Catherine De Medici – “The Devil’s Queen” and Something I’ve Never Seen Before
What I Reviewed:
Fiction
The Blue Notebook by James Levine
The Lost Hours by Karen White
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
Young Adult Ficton
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Wake by Lisa McMann
Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
Historical Fiction
The Belly Dancer by DeAnna Cameron
A Rose for the Crown by Anne Easter Smith
Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant
The Traitor’s Wife by Susan Higginbotham
Memoir
Expecting Adam by Martha Beck
Nonfiction – Sociology
Gang Leader for a Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
Nonfiction – History
In Triumph’s Wake by Julia Gelardi
Super job! I’m so impressed that you thought ahead and had your first month as mom blogger all planned out. You’ll find your new rhythm soon.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Review: Nothing but Ghosts by Beth Kephart =-.
I love month in review posts! I really need to do one of these. I seem to be in a summer slump though. I think the heat has melted my brain!
I am quite impressed with you! I just did a blogwarming for a new blogger who is going to have her first baby this fall. I told her she needed to hook up with you to get tips! I was barely able to take a shower and get dressed in that first month of motherhood. My kids both had jaundice and wouldn’t sleep! Brava to you!
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..The Best of…John Cole’s Top 10 =-.
I agree with others…I like your wrap-up posts. Now…to explore some of your reviews.
.-= Scobberlotcher´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon: Summer Reading =-.
9 books with a new baby sounds pretty impressive to me!
I’m so impressed with how much you’ve accomplished this month given that you have a new baby! I can remember thinking similar thoughts when I saw various reviews you’d written pop up. Good for you! Hope you have a great August, as well
Wow — you had a great month. Congrats!
.-= jess´s last blog ..Month in Review — July 2009 =-.
Awesome job! You did better than me and I don’t have a new baby!
.-= Amy @ My Friend Amy´s last blog ..Write the Words of My Heart — TSS =-.
I’m impressed. It’s not easy to read with new responsibilities, especially a newborn. Well done to you
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Sunday Salon: July in review =-.
9 books is so impressive with a newborn! And I have 7 reviews to write and no excuses for not having written them … so you’re doing better than me there!
.-= Meghan´s last blog ..TSS: July 2009 Wrap-Up =-.
I forgot to do this for July, whoops! Your post reminded me!
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog ..Sunday Salon =-.
I’m pretty sure I didn’t read anything the first year my son was born. You’re doing an amazing job!
.-= debnance´s last blog ..Sunday Salon: Happiness Study =-.
9 books in the first month with your new baby is fantastic!! I managed to get through some loooong books when I was feeding our son (now 5) – the Mitford Girls and Stalingrad – and now whenever I think of those books I remember him being tiny. Keep it up!
Super job this month! I can’t believe you did all that and had a beautiful baby. Enjoy August!
.-= Nan´s last blog ..July Wrap Up =-.