Only two Naria books left to read aloud to Max! As with the others, the language and some of the ideology is a bit antiquated. Some it charmingly, some of it horrifyingly.

These are first chapter books Eleanor (first grade) wants us to read out loud to her - which thrills me as we embark on a new part of our bedtime routine with much longer books but admittedly these are… well they’re fine for what they are

Where Attachments (her other adult fiction novel) was an improbable but possible foray into new adult love, Landline is a surreal love song to marriage - if not a love song with lots of angsty and sad verses. While ultimately a love story this book also explores the difficulty of balancing passion with love and career and sacrifice … and some light time travel. I related to a lot of the stuff in this book pretty deeply as I come up on 18 years with my husband whom I met at the age of 18. I can see how for some folks this wouldn’t appeal as much as some of the other stories she writes, but this felt like the love story I needed at age 36 with two kids, going on 18 years with the same person. It resonated in a wonderful way reminding me that the best part of my life is coming home.

Read like 5 of these now all for my sweet girl

Speaking of Fangirls, I'm one of Rainbow's. I couldn't put this down. It was sweet, smart, brutal in its honesty. Also, reading stories that take place in the dorms I lived in and in my cities in Nebraska is this special and intimate thing. I did realize about 3/4 of the way through, I wished I had ever stayed as true to myself as Cather (fears and self-loathing aside) and found myself reaching to personally identify with her college experience, but I was/am Wren in my attitude and approach to life (again, for better or worse).

I really enjoyed the ending and despite McGuire being one of my favorite authors, this one didn’t resonate very deeply with me. I kept feeling that Rose over explained every little thing and discussion of the complex workings of the afterlife got repetitive and distracted from the action.

The writing and the imagery were absolutely beautiful but I found the plot and character development a little lacking. Honestly I felt incredibly disappointed that I didn’t feel more connected or more pleased by the ending. I wanted to love the experience but just wasn’t connected.

As always, they are what they are and I just remain so pleased and happy my littlest one is finally into chapter books! Bedtime reads.