This week I’m sharing a few books I’ve added to my TBR, my experience at an author event this week, movies on my TBW, and a special shout out to little league coaches and volunteers!
• TBR Updates •
It’s inevitable. If I meet up with other book lovers, I’m going to be adding books to my TBR (to-be-read) list. Take a peek at what’s making my list longer after a virtual book club member meet-up last week:
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter is a holiday rivals-to-lovers romance-mystery with an upcoming publish date of September 24, 2024!
Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland was published in June 2024. It’s about what happens when three out of four siblings play the lottery and become overnight millionaires – and the drama that unfolds.
How to Walk into a Room by Emily P. Freeman was published earlier this year. This book is so intriguing because it dives into the big question of knowing when to leave a room (or job, relationship, etc.) where you may no longer belong. The author is also the host of the podcast, The Next Right Thing.
• Author Event •
This week I had the opportunity to attend an author event with Erica Bauermeister at Rakestraw in Danville. If you’ve never been to an author event, I highly recommend going to one! It is so fascinating listening to an author speak about their own work and their process for structure, plot, and character development. Erica read three passages from No Two Persons and I was hanging on every word. Yes, I read the book, but it just feels different when the creator reads their own work. She also provided insight into how the characters are woven together throughout the short stories and the inspiration for her ideas. She spoke about “surfers” who are readers who fly through books and “Easter egg hunters” who like to hunt for clues. I fit squarely in the middle.
• On the Screen •
Have you heard of a TBW list? It stands for To Be Watched. If anyone knows of a similar app as Goodreads for movies and TV shows, let me know. Here’s what is currently on my TBW:
Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story is set to premiere November 30th at 7pm CT. Do I need to explain myself? No.
Happiness for Beginners, based on Katherine Center’s novel. It’s already on Netflix!
My Oxford Year, the movie, is based on Julia Whelan’s novel. TBD on a release date (on Netflix)!
• Literary Serendipity •
On Saturday I had a few library books due. As all readers know, there is nothing like the suspense of returning books a day before they will be considered late! On this particular day, I got the free 30-minute parking spot at the front of the library. I couldn’t waste it. So, not only did I return my books, I also did a little browsing. I was curious to see if my October book club book was on the shelf…and it was! I’m excited to dive into Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann. This is a modern-day family saga that takes place in a small town in East Texas; and somehow, classical mythology is involved!
• Life Lessons from Little League •
My son has been playing little league t-ball, soccer, and basketball over the past few years. I am always so impressed by the coaches and volunteers! Last weekend, his basketball coach started practice by asking the players what they have control over and what they don’t. Things that they have control over are attitude and effort; they don’t necessarily have control over how tall they are or where they live. He also explained that having fun is at the top of the list and winning is at the bottom of it; you don’t win if you aren’t having fun. I agree!
Have a great weekend and happy reading!
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