April was our first full month in quarantine and I read three books! Again, not as many as I normally listen to but I’m happy I was able to listen to a few while I organized every inch of my condo! I’m beginning to feel the pull towards listening to books over TV again. Perhaps it’s because I’ve run out of shows to watch or perhaps I feel like listening to books makes me feel more productive?
Here’s what I read in April:
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
This story takes place over 5 decades and explores the dysfunctional family dynamic. As a young boy Danny and his older sister Maeve are kicked out of the home they grew up in (the Dutch House) by their evil step mother. The book explores both the before and after of that momentous event which shaped their lives. It’s a very good book, with amazing reviews however I think I’ve come to realize that Ann Patchett may provide a bit too much detail for my taste. I also wish she would have explored the evil stepmother angle a bit more. If you do choose this book I highly recommend listening to it as it’s narrated by none other than the fabulous Tom Hanks.
7/10
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Ok, if you love the Handmaid’s Tale then you must read Atwood’s sequel The Testaments. SPOILERS AHEAD: Seriously, if you’re watching the Hulu show and don’t want anything ruined stop reading this. Ok, The Testaments is told from 3 perspectives. Aunt Lydia (her section is narrated by Ann Dowd who plays Aunt Lydia in the show) Agnes (June’s older daughter) and Daisy a young woman living in Canada. It takes place 15 years after the events of the Handmaid’s Tale. It ties up a lot of loose ends and answers many questions that were left hanging at the end of Handmaid’s Tale (the book.) There are rumors that The Testaments may spin off into its own Hulu show!
8/10
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I chose this book to get out of my comfort zone a bit. I don’t typically gravitate towards autobiographies but Michelle Obama is an absolute boss and I wanted to know her story. It takes you through her early life in Chicago, meeting Barack, becoming First Lady and transitioning back into life outside the White House. This book is amazing. Even if you don’t agree with her politics you can’t deny she has lived an exciting life full of ups, downs, triumphs, hurdles, failures and successes. I loved getting an insiders perspective on what life is like for the First Family. If you’re feeling down during this time I highly recommend reading this uplifting and inspirational memoir.
9/10
So, I’ve got 34 more books to read to hit my 52 book goal in 2020!
Britt Heller 