GTKY What are you reading?

missnc77

Any good book recommendations? Be sure to also say what kind of book it is and why you liked it. 

I've recently read two that I'd recommend. 

Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan - Great fiction book for those who are already chasing around kiddos. Light, easy read that made me laugh. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah - WW2 Historical Fiction book about two French sisters living in occupied France. I'm a history nerd, and I liked the female perspective and two different paths they took. I couldn't put it down, and it has a very touching ending that made me sob. 

kalawa

I am reading "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware. It's a suspense novel. It's got me pretty hooked. I stayed up way too late last night. 

crossfitbabybump

I'm finishing up a book called "Fervent" and it's about a woman's strategic battle plan for prayer. One of my good friends gave it to me at my bible study because I was kind of lost on how to actually pray for others. It's really a good read and it's also got a movie based from it called, "War Room." Very emotional and spiritual, if that's your thing.

runsoncoffee

@missnc77 ahhh the nightingale is one of my favorite books ever!!! 
I have only read two or three books since giving birth last July... I need to start reading again!

day38

Currently I'm reading Breastfeeding, Take Two. I ended up exclusively pumping with my first and I'd like to actually nurse this time. Honestly, not sure how helpful this book will be. However, the author also exclusively pumped with her first and successfully nursed with her second.

As for an actual recommendation, I love Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Although, I probably wouldn't be able to read Never Let Me Go while pregnant because of the hormones/emotions.

bookishbaker

I mostly read nonfiction. One of my favorites to recommend for a quick, enjoyable read is The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I've re-read it a couple of times, and each time it inspires me to set manageable goals to improve my day-to-day life. A nice pick with back to school and fall routines starting to return.

becausescience

day38 said:

Currently I'm reading Breastfeeding, Take Two. I ended up exclusively pumping with my first and I'd like to actually nurse this time. Honestly, not sure how helpful this book will be. However, the author also exclusively pumped with her first and successfully nursed with her second.

I might have to look into this.  DD had poor transfer and while I was able to eventually nurse (after pumping/bottle feeding after e.v.e.r.y. feed) I ended up just EPing once I went back to work.  I only lasted ~10 months PP.  I really want a better nursing experience this time - but am also prepared to let it go earlier if it doesn't work out.  Let me know how you like the book.

heatherdubrow

Currently re-reading the fever series by Karen Marie Moning. Also reading carry on warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton. I loved her book Love Warrior. 

fiddleRN79

I am mostly reading textbooks. I miss reading for enjoyment. However, I'm reading aloud to my kids. We started the Harry Potter series. It is illustrated and beautifully done. I pre-ordered the third book on Amazon.  

bettyvonsomethingstein

I found a fun one on a summer reading list recently.  It's called the House for Happy Mothers.  It deals with a surrogate pregnancy from both perspectives and a message board just like this one!  I'd caution, however, that it's a fluffy read for a topic that may be triggery for some.  

hullabalou

I just finished a book called The Free (author's last name was Mclaughlin I think) and it was a good read. Young adult style fiction about a teen in the youth detention center system. 

raspell

Great thread! I've added a few to my "to read" list!

Honestly,  lately I've not been reading a lot of "smart" stuff. I've really mostly been reading young adult paranormal type novels. They're easy to get into, and I can read them in short spurts since I usually get interrupted.  I just finished re-reading a series called The Seraph Black series by Jane Washington.  It's a four book series and I really enjoyed it the first time, and I like to reread books like comfort food.

dani103

I am currently re-reading The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. I love them!!! I usually read fantasy/sci-fi.

ksmwalters

Right now I'm reading "Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud: the Rise and Reign of the Unruly Woman" by Anne Helen Petersen (She's a Doctor of celebrity studies - sounds weird but she has a great perspective on culture and celebrity's role in it. She has another book called Scandals of Classic Hollywood that is fascinating and full of fun old-school gossip.) and "Expecting Better" (I'm blanking on the author's name at the moment) - it's been helpful for calming me down/stressing way less about having a cup (or 2!) of coffee in the morning, plus it's super informative. 

day38

becausescience said:

day38 said:

Currently I'm reading Breastfeeding, Take Two. I ended up exclusively pumping with my first and I'd like to actually nurse this time. Honestly, not sure how helpful this book will be. However, the author also exclusively pumped with her first and successfully nursed with her second.

I might have to look into this.  DD had poor transfer and while I was able to eventually nurse (after pumping/bottle feeding after e.v.e.r.y. feed) I ended up just EPing once I went back to work.  I only lasted ~10 months PP.  I really want a better nursing experience this time - but am also prepared to let it go earlier if it doesn't work out.  Let me know how you like the book.

l had a similar story, DS had a terrible transfer (but the latch didn't hurt). I did the whole nurse/pump/bottle thing for 2-3 weeks but he started refusing the breast because bottle was easier so aside from the first 3-4 weeks there was no nursing. I lasted EPing about 9-10 months total. At 18 months his dentist asked me if I had breastfeeding issues because he seems to have a lip tie. I was SO frustrated because I had an LC swear up and down he didn't and that wasn't the cause (I actually saw 2-3 LCs in total and none suggested lip/tongue tie). But anyway, it was hard enough EPing with an infant, but with a toddler around as well? I can't imagine.

As for the book, I'm about 40% through and it's been mostly talking about the lack of support women get for successful nursing and the various sources/reasons for that. Which I agree with, but I'm not sure how that will help me nurse. I guess figure out a support system before the baby is born? Which I have some ideas for, but it's way too early to do anything about it.

missydallas

@scoogy19 @missnc77 - yesss on the nightingale! Loved that book.

Can we add podcasts in as well? I switch between reading and podcasts - but podcasts are so nice while I'm doing mundane chores (emptying dishwasher, doing laundry, etc). Also, I audible! 

I've been binging anything by Liane Moriarity (Big Little Lies) - but usually go for historical fiction or thriller-esque type books.

rsquaredr

Anything by Kristin Hannah is great!

I I just finished The Stand by Stephen King

Elizabella85

The last thing I've read was a book on potty training, because I think it's about that time for DD. 

Lately I've not read anything because I read during nap time, but it's become "our nap time".

itsmemario

@bookishbaker I'm a mostly non-fiction reader too!

I just finished the book Orthodoxy by GK Chesterton. Probably one of my favorite books I've ever read. Oh and Thomas Merton: Essential Writings. Not sure what's going to be next on my list, but I find myself enjoying spiritual/theological books and Christian apologetics more than anything. If anyone has any recommendations, I'd love to hear them! 

Natabear

I'm trying to finish A Court of Thorns and Roses, but I really don't care for it.  Nearly done though, and then I get to move on to something else.    Anyone else use Goodreads?  I love keeping track of what I've read and finding something new with Goodreads. 

becausescience

@missydallas I'd be interested in a podcast thread. 

bookishbaker

@missydallas and @becausescience yeah, I'd love to hear more podcast suggestions. I'm just starting to get into them but love listening while I do the dishes. Makes the time go by faster!

heatherdubrow

@Natabear I tried to read that one but couldn't get into it!

brutusnbodhi

I love this thread!

I'm currently reading Killers of the Flower Moon by David Gramm, non-fiction about the killing off of the Osage tribe and the beginning of the FBI. 

itsmemario

@missydallas @becausescience @bookishbaker If you haven't listened to it already, S-Town was a good podcast. Also, Serial. Serial was REALLY good. 

becausescience

@itsmemario Loved S-Town! And the first season of Serial got me into podcasts. I couldn't get into the second season though. 

missydallas

@itsmemario @becausescience @bookishbaker - Loved s-town and Serial! If you liked those - check out Accused, same kind of plot as Serial. Same on second season of Serial @becausescience - couldn't get into it.

I also regularly listen to Stuff you Missed in History Class as well as My Favorite Murder (my fave murder can sometimes be too edgy / political for me, but they make me laugh 75% of the time). Anything about true crime - count me in.

itsmemario

@becausescience I forgot there was even a second season of Serial bc, yea, I couldn't get into it either. I think I maybe listened to 15 min of the first episode. 1st season was so good though. This might be a kind of spoiler question for anyone who hasn't listened to it but I have to ask, do you think he did it?? 

Editing bc I just saw your comment @missydallas. I haven't heard of Accused but will check it out! 

becausescience

@missydallas I'm a true crime junkie too.  I'm listening to MFM too and while it took me like 3 episodes to get into it - I love it now.  DH and I started Up and Vanished together and it is amazing.  I just wish I hadn't brought DH into it so I could listen without him.

@itsmemario I go back and forth, but yeah, I think he did it.  Though to be fair, I think the SO/exSO did it 95% of the time.

missnc77

Loving all the recommendations! I'm going to check a few of these on Amazon! 

ksmwalters

I LOVE Goodreads!! It makes me read way more than I would otherwise. 

dirtyhairdontcare

I'm currently reading "Where'd you go Bernadette" - I just started it but I like it so far.

For podcasts - I'm also a fan of Accused, S-Town and season 1 of Serial. @missydallas @becausescience @itsmemario You guys should check out Criminal as well - it's a new story every episode, so you don't have to get super invested. I am also really enjoying 99% invisible. Most episodes are like 20 mins so it's perfect for when I only have a little time to listen.

missydallas

@dirtyhairdontcare love criminal! Forgot about that one. 

npkat

Any good/must read first time momma books y'all recommend?! 

fragglemom

@Elizabella85 I'm also reading a potty training book.  Oh Crap, Potty Training has been recommended so many times that I thought I'd give it a read before we actually start trying with DS.  Finding a magical answer for potty training toddlers is on par with real solutions to get your baby to sleep through the night.

Gingham

The Handmaid's Tale, but I think I might put it on hold for awhile. I need something lighthearted while I'm this emotional mess. The only shows I can stomach watching are Family Feud and Gilmore Girls, lol.

isntthatspeshul

I'm currently reading the Sleepeasy solution to try to make a plan for getting DD fully weaned and in her own bed/room. 

I miss reading. I used to read a lot, but since I had my daughter 2 years ago I've probably read 3 books. I commute 3 days a week with an hour and 15 mins each way which is perfect for reading, but I usually take that time to do work so I don't feel pressed when I'm in the office or on the days I'm home. When I'm home there's no chance of reading really, between working and watching DD. I don't get much alone time, as I'm sure most of the STM+ on this board don't. 

I need to to make more of an effort to do it though.
i have a bunch on my kindle that I've been wanting to read, including "is everyone hanging out without me?" By Mindy Kaling, "Girl Boss" by Sophia Amoruse, "Sharp Objects" by Gillian Flynn, "the book thief" by markus zusak, and "reconstructing amelia" by Kimberly mccreight. 

My go-to easy reads are usually anything by Elin hilderbrand (I grew up spending summers in Nantucket, and still do go there once a year), or Emily giffin.

edited bc typo in title

orbmaker

Just started the Philosophical Baby by Allison Gopnik — looks like it'll be good! Helps you get in the minds of those under three

gazelle319

@npkat The Happiest Baby on the Block was informative and so useful, just for understanding babies generally and getting through that "fourth trimester" - I think there is also a video version of it on youtube somewhere. 

I just read A Man Called Ove - I have mixed feelings about it, but overall I liked it. Next on my list is Rules of Civility (Amor Towles) and maybe The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Annie Barrows & Mary Ann Shaffer). 

kymirandar

I recently began reading Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy, it's a good laugh when you're feeling like death some days!