Book Club

Recently, I did something that has always felt very off-brand for me.  Since all branches of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh closed, my access to books has been seriously limited. So I ordered a Kindle.  Why did this take me so long?  The Kindle has been around for at least a decade and are relatively affordable.  I love it for so many reasons: books can be downloaded instantly, the backlight, font, and text size are adjustable, it’s light and comfortable to hold.   And the best part?  Library books can be downloaded for free using the Libby app.  I’ve also started using Libby to download audiobooks, which I love for fiction.  

Anyway, here are some of the best books I read this year: 

Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino – Tolentino nails what it is like to be a millennial woman right now.  I read this book in one sitting. 

Uncanny Valley by Anna Wiener – this is a great peek into the world of tech start ups and hits very close to home for me

Medallion Status: True Stories from Secret Rooms by John Hodgman – I met Hodgman last year and got my copy of this book signed.  I also love his podcast, Judge John Hodgman 

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris – Sedaris is my favorite author; his books are like candy for my brain. 

At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson – I’m currently reading this book.  It’s basically history through the lens of the house, which is fascinating. 

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B O O K C L U B

Convenience Store Woman – Sayaka Murata

Convenience Store Woman describes the life a woman trying to fit in with society, it is wonderfully weird, insightful, and well-written.
Vacationland – John Hodgman

Before Rob introduced me to the podcast Judge John Hodgman (where Hodgman settles petty disputes), I best knew Hodgman as the PC in the “I’m a Mac / I’m a PC” Apple commercials circa 2006.  I’ve grown to appreciate his wit and commentary.  In Vacationland Hodgman pokes fun at himself as a product of privilege when he finds himself owning two vacation homes.

Book Club

Right now I’m itching to read The Library Book by Susan Orlean.  I absolutely love libraries and can’t wait to read her book about the 1986 fire that destroyed hundreds of thousands of books in the Los Angeles Public Library.

This year, I’ve been trying to read more fiction.  I’m always more interested in reading non-fiction and have to force myself to pick out novels.  But, I never regret reading fiction once I’m actually into the book.  I recently heard an interview with Gary Shteyngart that made me curious about his latest book, Lake Success.  It’s a story about a someone with a seemingly perfect life losing it all.  Here is the podcast episode, which also includes a great interview with Lisa Brennan-Jobs, daughter of Steve Jobs.