It’s Monday, what are you reading? (2)

It's Monday, what are you reading? is a meme hosted at Book Journey that I first did last week and I already love it. I might not always have time for it, but expect to see it regularly at In The Next Room for now on. I love being able to look back at the last week reading wise, as well as talk about what I'm planning to read next. How do you feel about it?

Last week I finished reading:
Centuries of June by Keith Donohue

This was a very odd and unexpected novel that I'm slightly conflicted over, the historical aspect was really interesting but I didn't particularly enjoy the narrator. To read my full review click here.

What Language Is: And What it Isn't and What it Could Be by John McWhorter

It definitely took me longer than I expected to read this non-fiction. Ironically for a book about language, I actually found it a bit, well, wordy. That said, there are some interesting bits that will stick with me and my full review will be up this Friday for a book tour.

The Book of Lies by Mary Horlock

Also for a book tour, my review for this one will be up this week and it's a historical fiction written in the 80s, with excerpts about the German occupation of Guernsey during WWII. Although I loved Horlock's writing and the believably teenage voice of the narrator, I did find the ending to be a bit of a cop-out. 

What I plan to read this week:
The Secret Lives of People in Love by Simon Van Booy

I was concerned I wouldn't finish this one in time and I was right, although I'll definitely be finishing it up today. I actually read Van Booy's second collection, Love Begins in Winter, while I was on vacation so this is my second book by him and the reverse order I'd usually pick up an author's work. The stories in this one are much shorter than his second book, but still incredibly beautiful although they don't allow the reader to get immersed in the same way. 

Gluten-Free, Hassle Free: A Simple, Sane, Dietitian-Approved Program for Eating Your Way Back To Health by Marlisa Brown

I didn't manage to finish this last week, I mean lifestyle books aren't exactly the kind that you read in one sitting, but I have definitely picked up some good tips so far. The book is full of lists on everything related to gluten-free possible, which gets to be a bit much (and many of them will likely be outdated in the future) however the written portions are incredibly useful. I'm about halfway done and I plan to finish it this week. 

Everything Beautiful Began After by Simon Van Booy

After reading his two short story collections I am very excited to dig into Van Booy's debut novel which I am sure will be incredibly gorgeous. I can't wait to see what he does with a longer form. It's for a book tour next week so make sure to check out my review then. 

Possession by Elana Johnson

I love dystopia and I was definitely drawn to this debut by its beautiful cover, but when I first began reading it a couple months ago I couldn't get into the story, I felt like Johnson just dropped the reader into a world with no idea how we got there. Then on my plane ride back from vacation I gave it another try and the action definitely picked up, now I'm around the midway point and figure I'll finish it- plus I've heard there's an incredibly exclamation-mark inducing ending that I am intrigued to read.

Don't Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life by Sandra Beasley

I was instantly interested in this memoir because I have so many, although not life-threatening, allergies myself. Of course the cover is also pretty great. It's last on my list (but I'm half done three of the books I've listed so I figure I can be ambitious) so if I don't get a chance to read it this week I'll definitely delve into it next week.

So what are you reading?