Well, this is sad…
I’ve met my reading challenge of 2019, reading an average of 2 books a month. I’ve covered everything from books on women in business to the history of hip-hop to Stephen King’s classic It. But, in the final quarter of this year, I’ve been so distracted by other things, I’ve only met my goal of 24 books instead of exceeding it.
When the man and I were in Chicago last week, we spent one morning walking to Hashbrowns for breakfast then perusing the local bookstore for something to read for the afternoon. Instead, we ended up walking home with a bag full of 11 books. Between these and what I have at home, I shouldn’t have to buy a book until next July!
The only ones I’ve been able to read through since October 1 are below:
It by Stephen King: I finally broke down in October and watched the first part of the remake of It. I hate to say how sadly disappointed I was. From leaving out all of Mike Hanlon’s backstory to the weird speaking pentameter of Bill Skarsgard’s Pennywise, I was grumping through the entire movie from my perch on the couch. My frustration made me head downstairs to grab the epic novel again. I can’t say enough about Stephen King’s massive book… I really think this is the ultimate horror story, and has yet to have justice done to it on the big screen. While there is one scene that critics have spoken is just too much for movies or tv (and I agree), the story as a whole is wonderful, terrifying, and beautiful. Ultimately, the bonds of friendship and love, and faith in yourself and your gut are woven into 1200-some pages of a group of friends battling their own fears.
Couples that Work by Jennifer Petriglieri: I’m always interested in grabbing a book that offers advice on marrying one’s career with one’s personal life, and this one takes it to the next level, instead focusing on marrying one’s career with one’s personal life and the career and life of your partner. While a great read, and one that indicates certain impasses and phases that working couples have historically faced, it all boils down to communication between partners in relationships. I think we all have a tendency to want to not “take work home,” but as it turns out, it’s what we should be doing…. Perhaps not venting daily frustrations, but instead opening conversations to long term aspirations with our careers and hopes, financial and break goals when it involves children. It’s a sweet, easy read that you should definitely encourage your partner to indulge in, as well.
