While at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, Mother and I took full advantage of the boys being happily cared for in the kids clubs and devoured a few books! I started – and finished – The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
Official synopsis:
Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable.
Offred can remember the days before, when she lived and made love with her husband Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now….
Funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing, The Handmaid’s Tale is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and literary tour de force.
Okay, so it was unexpected, horrifying and convincing but I didn’t find it funny at all. That makes it sound like I hated it, and that’s not quite true. Rather, I couldn’t stop reading it. The book is dark and dystopian in genre and, while I usually like that type of book, this one made me sad and angry. I think part of it is that I am just older now and I can see some major chinks in the armor of society. But most of it was just how terribly sad life ended up for women. I wouldn’t read it again, but I will watch the series!
I have already started The Other Boleyn Girl, after having had it on my list for years. I would love to know what is on YOUR bedside these days!
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I just finished THE MARRIAGE LIE by Kimberly Belle. It’s a suspense novel and takes place in Atlanta.
Loved ,,,The Other Boleyn Girl
I had the same experience with this book. I couldn’t put it down but it was SO depressing. The thought of the government taking away the children and giving them to better parents? The ending bothered me the most. Maybe I’m simple, but I like some resolution at the end of a book. At a minimum, I want to know what happened to her.
I have this book in my kindle collection after finding it for $.99 through BookBub, but I haven’t read it yet….. you are helping to prepare me for it!
I just finished “The Keeper of Lost Things” and that was a great book! I started “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” but it got returned to the library before I could finish it so I am hoping it comes back to me soon so I can complete it.
and currently, I’m reading “Smart Women” by Judy Blume. I love her works, so I’m excited to read it again since the last time I read it was probably 20 years ago. :)
Beneath the Scarlet Sky, so far an amazing book that I can’t put down!
Excellent book, based on a true story. It should be a movie!
I’m reading Sue Grafton alphabet mysteries. The current one is G is for Gumshoe. They are very entertaining and light reading. I hope to read all 20 something of them this year. I’ve read 2 since the beginning of the year. Will also start The Snow Maid for book club this weekend.
Right now I am reading “Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong.” It is fascinating and validating.
I’m reading From Gangland to Promised Land by John Pridmore. He was at my church for Lenten Mission. Excellent speaker and inspiring story.
This book has been on my list for a while… I’ve heard the same sort of review from everyone I know who has read it. I think I’ll still give it a go, but not without some trepidation!
I’m currently reading The Cider House rules, an oldie, and I just can’t get into it. I’m about halfway through; I guess I should give myself permission to just stop. But, I’m too stubborn! xoxo