Talking About May’s Books

May was our moving month and you can tell from the number of books that time was limited and I didn’t find as much time for reading. Yet I was able to squeeze in reading time and I am more than happy to be talking about May’s books today.

Why we sleep by Matthew Walker | ★★★★★

Goodreads says: Neuroscientist and sleep expert Matthew Walker provides a revolutionary exploration of sleep, examining how it affects every aspect of our physical and mental well-being. Charting the most cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, and marshalling his decades of research and clinical practice, Walker explains how we can harness sleep to improve learning, mood and energy levels, regulate hormones, prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, slow the effects of aging, and increase longevity. He also provides actionable steps towards getting a better night’s sleep every night.
What I thought: This is such an amazing book. Full of wisdom, research and eyeopening moments. While I knew some of it already it never hurts to hear it again. Only thing I would redo is listening to it. It is just too much information to absorb while listening. This is a book I see myself buying. and re-reading and consulting over and over.
Medium: audiobook from the library
Original Language and Title: English
Publications: German title “Das große Buch vom Schlaf”
Recommend to: Everyone.

Maybe in another life by Taylor Jenkins Reed | ★★★★☆

Goodreads says: At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles and takes up residence with her best friend Gabby. Shortly after, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan. Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?
What I thought: This was the right book at the right time. I really really enjoyed the story. I loved the way of two alternative storylines and how the interlaces in the end. It took me a while to understand though as I first thought it was some sort of fever dream. This was a feel good book, a lovely romance without being cheesy.
Medium: audiobook from the library
Original Language and Title: English
Publications: German title “Das Glück und wir dazwischen”
Recommend to: If you enjoy romance that are a bit more developed, love parallel universe theories and just like to get lost in a book.

This is how it always is by Laurie Frankel | ★★★☆☆

Goodreads says: Rosie and Penn always wanted a daughter. Four sons later, they decide to try one last time – and their beautiful little boy Claude is born. Life continues happily for this big, loving family until the day when Claude says that, when he grows up, he wants to be a girl. As far as Rosie and Penn are concerned, bright, funny and wonderful Claude can be whoever he or she wants. But as problems begin at school and in the community, the family faces a seemingly impossible dilemma: should Claude change, or should they and Claude try to change the world?
What I thought: I had my issues with this story. Could not capture me completely and at times it was so so slow and even boring. I enjoyed the part in Thailand most and it wasn’t really part of the story. At least for me it didn’t make much sense and I am still wondering why it needed to be in the story really. My main issue was probably that Poppy didn’t feel like a ten year old. 
And for me personally it was too much parenting talk I don’t much care about. Overall a good even great book but not for me. For me only mediocre reading.
Medium: e-book, bought
Original Language and Title: English
Publications: German title – doesn’t seem to be translated yet
Recommend to: If you enjoy coming of age stories from a different perspective, want to learn about transgender living.

New books on the shelves

I decided I will also share how many books make it to my TBR list (only books I own otherwise we would sit here in years) and occupy my shelves right above the reading chair and also on my digital home on the kindle. Feel free to ask me in a few weeks if I have read it yet. HA

• Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld – from the online second hand bookstore
• Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld – from the online second hand bookstore
• The Consequences of Love by Sulaiman Addonia – from the online second hand bookstore

So much for my reading months. As I said a bit of a slower month but I was lucky enough to have some really good picks. So all is good.

What was the last book that took you by surprise? What is the last book you bought in a used bookstore? Have you ever used a second hand bookstore? And what do you do when the used books is not in the shape you usually keep your book. Or even worth smells?