What I Read in May

I would normally call this a slow reading month (I mean, let's face it, it was). However, I'm trying to be gentle with myself and, honestly, four books in a month is a lot better than what most people do (not that I'm keeping score...). I finally read The Goldfinch which is a longer book than what I've been doing lately and I didn't want to just power read through it - I wanted to enjoy it (I very much did!). 

May was a busier month for me, so it was really lovely to sit down and read at a natural pace. I wasn't trying to speed through anything and I just took each reading day as it was and didn't beat myself up if I didn't read one day. I thoroughly enjoy reading and I want to continue to do so. I like to set reading goals, but I don't want to make it feel like a chore. It feels like my hobbies need to have some kind of purpose other than pure enjoyment. I don't know if humans have always felt this way about their hobbies, but it feels especially like this now in hustle culture. 

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Honestly, I wanted to give this book 5 stars. It was beautiful, sad, poetic, just a little bit dark (well, maybe a lot). I lost interest in parts of it. The story felt too long and sometimes not long enough. Beautifully written. It had a 500 Days of Summer feel to it (not a love story) in a much darker way and it felt incredibly real.

Someone Who Will Love You in all Your Damaged Glory by Raphael Bob-Waksberg ⭐⭐⭐

I wanted to love this book so much. I really enjoy short stories and lists and other ways to share knowledge that isn't just straight novel format. However, I don't think I quite got it... Which is hard for me to say. I think I just wasn't into the writing style and I just found myself with a scrunched up nose and raised eyebrow most of the time. I would still recommend. 

Dying of Politeness by Geena Davis ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Going into this, I really didn't know anything about Geena Davis, but boy do I adore her now. This was an audiobook and she is a hoot. It was also a bit revealing in myself because I also die of politeness and it's something I'm continuously working on. It's not a juicy read/listen by any means, but I loved when she talked about her fellow actors and she's honestly just a breath of fresh air (meaning I find her to be very real and endearing). 

The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon ⭐⭐⭐

Had to read this one for work. "Had" to meaning I chose this option for book club. In general, I like the message, but it does lean a little on the line of toxic positivity. As someone who believes in creating their own happiness and not waiting for someone else to do it... I also think it is a shared responsibility of management...