CarrieDaway

I don’t typically buy things on Cyber Monday but after reading about the Book of the Month on Cupcakes and Cashmere I was too intrigued not to try it. For $30 bucks I got a 3 month subscription and a free book. I loved it so much that it is the only subscription I have ever renewed.

On the 1st of each month you get 5 book summaries and select one to be mailed to you (this also makes the 1st of each month a bit more exciting). The books range in genre and include non-fiction. If you don’t see a title you like you can pause the account for a month. They give you 10 days to pick a title. When you sign up, there’s an interest survey to help them recommend which book to chose – I don’t think I’ve ever gone with their recommendation; however, I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve picked.

As a minimalist, I’ve stopped buying books and the ones I read are from the library. I need pages, not back light for reading so no Kindle for me. The Book of the Month is a treat for me and allows me to share new finds with friends and family. I love stepping out of my comfort zone with book selections, knowing I always have a book to read, and having a book to pass forward to people I think will enjoy it. If you like to read, I recommend trying the Book of the Month out.

Here are the books I’ve read so far (find details about each book here):

Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller: A British novel that is SO British I could tell before I Googled it. Ingrid Coleman disappeared decades ago, leaving behind her husband and two daughters. The book explores Ingrid’s past and the impact her loss has had on her daughter (and husband) in the present. Grade: B- interesting, easy read

The Grownup by Gillian Flynn: This was a bonus book to start the new year. I had no idea it was written by the same author as Gone Girl and was surprised to find myself reading a thriller short story. Grade: not my type of book but only took a couple hours on a Friday night

Lillian Boxfish Takes A Walk by Kathleen Rooney: I really enjoyed this book and wrote about it on this blog post. Get lost in the 20th century New York with elegant and charming Lillian Boxfish. Grade: A witty and refreshing

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles: I fell in love with this book from page one. The writing is intelligent and captivating. It took me awhile to read by choice – I didn’t want it to end. Count Alexander Rostov is a fine example of making the most of your circumstances and makes the small world he’s confined to feel very large. Grade: A+ grab a glass of wine, a blanket and enjoy 

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee: I’m currently reading this one and am surprised by how much I’m enjoying it. It reminds me of my International Literary Project. I’m fascinated by other cultures but I don’t know much about Korea and Japan. This novel has introduced me to the prejudices experienced by others in the world.