What I’m Reading (November 2018)

Thanks so much for being patient with my book recommendations, friends! I’ll be honest and say that this season of moving, puppy training, and getting settled in a new house have left me a little bit burnt-out on reading so my list isn’t very long but I heard from several of you that you really look forward to these posts, so here’s what’s been on my nightstand lately.

If you’re new here, here’s a bit about my monthly reading post…it can be totally overwhelming to pick a new book, and when reading time is limited I want to make sure that my choices are going to be well worth it. About once a month, I share my reading list in the hopes that it makes your reading list a bit easier to navigate and, more importantly, helps you discover books you really love. After all, life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy!

I’m linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy to share my reading list this month.

On My Nightstand This Month

This post contains Amazon affiliate links which allow me to earn a small commission from your purchase (at no cost to you). For more info, see my full disclosure policy.

Campaign Widows by Amie Agresti

Imagine if The Breakfast Club took place in Washington D.C. and the cast was all tied together by the political machine that runs the city. Campaign Widows is a breezy read that peels back some of the Washington insider culture through the ensemble of characters who take turns narrating the book. The author is an entertainment journalist so at times the book reads a little gossipy but if you enjoy politics and want a brief respite from the actual soap opera taking place in the headlines, this is a fun and quick read.

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport

This was our book club pick for September and I’m glad I had the accountability for reading this one because it’s full of some really good ideas but is a little bit of slog to get through. The first half of the book is pretty research-heavy with lots of background about how our “always on demand” culture is impacting our brains. I’d probably skim that (unless you need convincing that your 2-hour binge session on Facebook is a bad idea) and head straight to part two of the book which focuses a lot more on practical implementation of how to carve out space for deep work in your life. I can’t stop thinking about this book and notice its impact on my time already. I can see myself needing to return to this one often.

Artemis Fowl Series by Eion Colfer (Books #1-5)

I’ll be honest and say that I grabbed this first title because it was available on Kindle from the library on a night I was desperately searching for a new book. Well, five books later, I can say it’s been a very entertaining read. Artemis Fowl is a 12-year-old genius from a notorious criminal family who learns of a secret world below the earth’s surface full of magical creatures. After capturing a fairy one night, Artemis must decide if he’ll follow in the footsteps of his family or forge his own new path. It sounds more fanciful than it is so don’t be turned off by the magical aspect of it (or the terrible cover art). Artemis reminds me of a young Sherlock Holmes and his supporting characters all act as the John Watsons and Mrs. Hudsons of his world in a delightful and heartwarming way. Would be a great family read aloud for kids ages 8+.

I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

I’d heard so many great things about Nora Ephron’s writing and I’ve always been a huge fan of her romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle, so I was excited when we chose this book for book club. And while I found a few of the memoir essays in the book pretty funny, overall I wasn’t as impressed as I thought I’d be. I’m guessing most of it was because she’s reflecting from a different stage of life than I am currently in. But there are several clever writing devices and if you’re interested in essays, these are interesting to read but it might be a better fit for empty nesters instead of young moms.

Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza

This book has been getting a lot of buzz lately and ironically I finished it on Election Day, which gave me lots of think about as I cast my vote. Charlotte Walsh is a driven, successful tech company CEO, who decides to uproot her family and move back to the home she was raised in, in small town Pennsylvania to run for US Senate. As a woman, she runs into all the usual political opposition and readers get an inside look at just how female candidates experience a campaign. Jo Piazza writes characters that are raw and flawed but so relatable and this is a story as much about politics as it is marriage, success, and what it means to have ambition as a woman. I highly recommend this as a book club pick because the ending will leave you dying to discuss this with others.

Click to Pin for Later

What was your favorite read this month? Have you read any of these books before? I’d love to hear what’s on your nightstand so leave a comment below!

PS. As always, you can find all my book recommendations here.