What would have normally been a very restful week turned a bit crazy. Last week was final’s week. Typically, I give a few exams, play a handful of juries, submit my grades, and get some work done for the next term. This time, I took care of exams, juries, and grades in a couple of days as I arranged to travel to Memphis for a family funeral. Then I jetted off on Thursday, attended the service on Friday, and cared for my parents over the weekend. Then I jumped back on a plane today to return to Texas to tie up a few loose ends. It was a good trip that I am glad I was able to take, but I’m pooped!
Even though I am feeling a little behind at the moment, I did continue to have a productive reading life. Here’s a quick look at the two books that I read this week as well as the newest audio start. (I still have to decide what physical book I’m going to pick up this week.)
What I Finished This Week
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. With lots of time on a plane traveling back to Arkansas for a few days, I was able to get through the bulk of this novel. I found myself incredibly moved by the story about the power of words to inform, challenge, manipulate, and set individual’s free. Set against the background of World War II Germany, the novel took a rather unique approach to life under the Nazi regime as Leisel and her family figured out how to survive while still standing for what they viewed as right. The relationship between a young Leisel, Papa, and Max – the Jew hiding in the family’s basement – will forever be in my heart and mind. I especially enjoyed the narration by Death himself. 4.5 stars.
Funny Story by Emily Henry. This was a really cute audio book that accompanied me along my recent drives. Miles and Daphne have both been jilted by their significant others. Whatever will they do? Share an apartment, obviously, while they lick their wounds. When they receive an invitation to the wedding of their exes, their next move is to rsvp and pose as though they are dating. Uproariously funny and poignant at the same time. Henry really knows how to tell a story. 3.75 stars.
What I’m Currently Reading
That Second Chance by Meghan Quinn (1:16 of 10:32). Griffin and his brothers are cursed by a fortune teller during a bachelor party in New Orleans. When tragedy strikes, Griffin begins to think the threat of lost love is real. Continuing to suffer with the death of his wife two years later, this volunteer firefighter responds to a 911 call from Ren, a young teacher who has just moved to the small Maine community. We can all see where this story is heading, but the humor mingled with the images of grief keep me coming back for more. It appears that this is the first book in Quinn’s “Getting Lucky” series. With a bit more driving ahead later this week, I anticipate making significant progress in this cute romance in the days ahead.
Reading for Me 
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