What This Week: June 4
I'm back from an unintended absence last week with a brand new challenge. It's high time I focus on clearing my shelves, not to mention the many stacks of books piled high on the floor. Backlist books are going to be the focus of much of my reading the next few weeks, but I'm sure I'll manage to sneak in a couple of new titles, too. Find out what's up first in my new reading challenge in this edition of What This Week: June 4!
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What This Week: Reading
My book collection is out of control lately, so I need to read/donate/sell some of what I own. I'm prioritizing backlist historical fiction from my shelves this month as part of my Birthday Month Backlist Challenge (more details below). Books that need a new home will be added to my Pango shop, so be sure to follow me there for updates on new listings.
I just finished The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen and thoroughly enjoyed it. There are several characters and points of view, so if you struggle with that you may want to opt for the physical/ebook experience. Bowen's new novel, The Garden of Lost Secrets, sounds really wonderful, so be sure to check it out!
Next up in my Birthday Backlist Challenge is Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge. It published last year and was highly celebrated, but I've seen some mixed reviews. I started the audio Tuesday and can already tell that it's better via audio. The narrator, Channie Waites, brings the story and characters to life! Stay tuned to Instagram for a full review.
I'll be finishing up The Worst Woman in London this week, a new Victorian romane that published earlier this year. Only 25% into it I can tell you that it's perfect for lovers of Emma and Vanity Fair. My review is long overdue, so I'm super motivated to finish soon.
featured books
This Week in Social
June Reading Challenge
As I mentioned earlier, I need to get rid of some books! But first I have to read them all. So, in honor of my birthday month, I've challenged myself to read as many of these backlist books as possible. You'll notice they are all historical fiction, which means I'll have even more great recommendations for you! Follow along on Instagram where I'll be sharing my progress and sharing my thoughts as I read in my new Must Read Hist Fics channel.
New Bookmail
I was super lucky to receive a gorgeous copy of Kristin Harmel's newest novel, The Paris Daughter, from Simon Books Buddy Program. This WWII novel is a powerful story of two mothers who must trust each other during the bleakest hours of the war. I cannot wait to read it!
What This Week: Watching
I found a new-to-me documentary that marries two of my FAVORITE things: WWII and Film. So, naturally, I had to tell you all about it. 😂 Five Came Back is a 2017 Netflix limited series that tells the story of five of Hollywood's most famous directors and their roles in WWII. Specifically, their role in documenting the war, both from home in Hollywood and from the front lines of all the campaigns. I adored this series and didn't want it to end! It's perfect for any Classic Hollywood fan, but approachable enough that anyone will enjoy it. Produced by Steven Spielberg and narrated by Meryl Streep, this series was the perfect weeknight binge.
What This Week: Lifestyle
Every year for her birthday I got my mother a "prize." It varied depending on what was going on in my life and travels, but it usually was a piece of jewelry, a new bag, or a nice scarf. For her first heavenly birthday, I decided to keep up the tradition of gifting, but instead of buying for her, I bought something for myself in her honor. This year, I gifted myself a lovely new vintage marcasite ring from Ruby Lane (my favorite place to shop online for vintage jewelry). What do you think?
That's a Wrap!
What a fun way to start the week! I love sharing all things books as well as daily life, so if that interests you stick around! Sign up for my newsletter or follow me on Bookstagram or Booktok to stay up-to-date.
