When I Should Be Studying

Reasons for Reading This Book: I read Advika and the Hollywood Wives in participation with the Readhead’s June 2023 podcast episode. Going into reading this book I knew it was Jackie’s choice and that it was a new book because I could not get it at my library so I had to purchase it. Going into it I had a feeling it would give Taylor Jenkins-Reid vibes with it being about Hollywood and celebrities. I had no real expectations going in but was excited to read about a book that was set in Hollywood and about the entertainment industry as I have enjoyed books similar to this in the past.   Content of This Book: Advika is an Indian-American 27 year-old who has never succeeded the way she hoped she would in her dream of being a successful screenwriter. Dealing with her grief and the changing dynamics in her relationships following the tragic death of her twin-sister, she was not yet able to achieve what she wanted to. While working odd jobs in Hollywood to pay rent, Advika meets award-...

Reasons For Reading This Book: The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis was Margo’s choice for May 2023. Margo is one of the hosts of the Readheads podcast book club. This is a book club that I have participated in each month since it was established. From what I can remember I like about half of Margo’s book choices. Her preferred genre is romance. I did not read the description of this book before I started it, I just jumped right into it. Content of This Book: In 1919 Lillian Carter's mother died of the Spanish Flu. Being her only family, Lillian was now on her own. Prior to her mother's death, Lillian was known as Angelica, the current most famous artists' model in New York City. Faced with the reality of an unfortunate scandal and death, Lillian is forced to find a new way to make money. She has aspirations of being an actress, but doesn't yet have the means to get to Hollywood to pursue this dream. In a series of events she lands a job as the private secretary of Hele...

Reasons For Reading This Book: Big Swiss by Jen Beagin was chosen as the April 2023 book for the Readhead podcast book club. This is a monthly podcast book club that I have participated in since it was created. My first impression of this book was oh no. Why? Because the library did not have a copy and it was so new there were not many reviews for it when I first started reading it. I try as hard as I can to not buy books in an effort to save money, but when it comes to my dedication to the Readheads I will buy the book. I started reading this book the day after it was announced so I sat with it for 3 weeks before the podcast episode dropped. I am writing this review after listening to the episode.   Content of This Book: Greta is a single 45 year old who has just moved to a new Hudson, New York where she works as a transcriber for a sex therapist. She moved into a 300 year old house with her friend Sabine who is the town’s fly on the wall and weed supplier. Greta falls in love wi...

Reasons For Reading This Book: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt has been on my to read list since it was published last year. This specific book came as a recommendation from my best friend. After finally getting my hands on a library copy I was able to read it in March 2023. As someone who has a degree in environmental studies and a love for ocean life, I was excited to read this book for the story and interpretation of an octopus as a narrator. I avoided reading the description of the book as I wanted to go into it with little expectations of the story. Before starting I was told by my best friend that she loved it and when she tells others about this book it sounds like a child’s book but is not.   Content of This Book: Tova is a lonely widow, Cameron is a down on his luck young man, and Marcellus is a giant Pacific octopus. These three contrasting characters’ lives become intertwined cleverlyin a story that is heartwarming, charming, and oh so unconventional....

Reasons For Reading This Book: Horse by Geraldine Brooks was the last book of the year for 2022 for the Readheads Podcast Book Club . This is a monthly podcast book club that I have been apart of since it was established in 2020. I love getting to hear the thoughts of the hosts each month.  Content of This Book: In 1850 in Kentucky a colt is born is a well-known racing horse. This colt is raised by a enslaved groomer Jarret. Jarret spends his life caring for and raising this colt to be the best racehorse. This does not come without its challenges; the civil war, slavery and freedom, money, respect, and much more. One of the masters commissions a young artist to paint portraits of the racehorse. In 1954 in New York City art gallery owner Martha Jackson who is known for her unique choice in art becomes fixated on a nineteenth-century equine oil painting and the mystery behind it. In 2019 in Washington D.C. Jess an Australian Smithsonian Scientist and Theo an Nigerian-American art hi...