RD's Obsessions

Books, Life

What I Read In June

What I Read In June 2019. Book Review and Book Recommendations

What I Read In June 2019. Book Review and Book Recommendations

What I Read In June 2019

Dress: Shein (under $20 and fits true to size)
Sandals: JCPenney
Necklace: Anthropologie

Something about the beginning of June gave me the urge to want to get back into reading books. I’ve been putting it aside because I always told myself “I’m too busy“. But the reality is, if something is a priority we make time, am I right? Think about it. At work, when there is a high profile project with a tight deadline on top of your day to day tasks, you get it done. You’re a working Mom that wants to make it to your kid’s soccer game, you made sure you make it.

So why do we push aside things that spark joy in our life?! I’m putting what I love as a priority. I can’t let “busy” be an excuse.

What I Read In June 2019

 

Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple

Where'd You Go Bernadette Book Review.I’m probably late to the game reading this book. It was initially a book to read in a book club I was in with some friends about 5 years(ish) ago? I was the one that came for the wine. Because ya know I “didn’t have time to read”.  However, I was interested to read it. Plus, I wanted to read this book before seeing the movie that comes out this August.

Honestly, I struggled at first reading this book. I couldn’t get into it. The book was written from Bernadette’s daughter’s point of view. So at first, I was confused about the style of writing. I read the first 30 pages, and pretty much stopped and forgot about it. It wasn’t until our trip to Copenhagen that I picked it up again. With the long flight and layover, I needed something to occupy me. It forced me to read the book and I was glad I pushed through. After getting through the first 1/3 of the book, it got really good and I couldn’t put it down. I was able to finish the book during our flight!

When Life Gives You Lululemons By Lauren Weisberger

When Life Gives You Lululemons Book Review.I heard a lot of buzz about this book last summer. Everyone I knew loved it. I figured why not see what the hype is all about. Because of how initially disappointed I was with Where’d You Go Bernadette, I didn’t have high expectations. To my surprise, I loved it the moment I started reading it! This is one of those books that is written in the 3 main characters’ point of view. Each chapter focuses on one of the characters’ perspectives.  What makes this style/set up of this book different is that instead of focusing on one scenario at a time and hearing it from each character’s perspective, each character’s narrative picks up where the last character’s scene was. So basically, the storyline continues instead of talking about one scene at a time.

In a way, I was able to relate to each of the main characters. They were all so different, but hearing their thoughts about their struggle or challenges, I was able to reflect and realize I had something similar or I was able to relate. I was especially able to relate when one of them talked about the different lifestyle from city to suburban living. When my parents moved from the city to the suburbs, I definitely felt that same way and almost saw the same changes.

What I Read In June 2019. Book Review and Book Recommendations

The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower

The Residence - Inside The Private World Of The White House Book ReviewMy mother-in-law let me borrow this book because I thought it would be a fun book to learn more about the White House and U.S. Presidents. To my surprise, I loved every single thing about this book! I couldn’t put it down! This book basically talks about the Residence Staff of the White House. It is the people behind the scenes that serve the first family (and so much more). These are the butlers, ushers, housemaids, cooks, etc of the White House.

Hearing from these staff members is RARE. These people want to be invisible and really don’t care for the recognition or being in the public eye. And you can tell from this book that they are holding back some information. Nevertheless, the information they shared is so fascinating. I find this book so fascinating because of the character of these people. They respect and really care about the first family. The amount of loyalty, respect and dedication amazes me. They have no objective but to serve the family (no political gains, career advancements, etc). It’s so refreshing!  To be honest, it is very rare to hear these days.

Many of us (as in the U.S. citizens) see the President and the first family as one of the most powerful people of this nation. To these staff members, they see them as people. And I loved hearing the relationships they built with the first family and loved hearing how much the first family respects them. Political views aside, they respected one another. That’s so rare to hear these days. Plus, these staff members see a side we don’t see. Some facts about the Presidents and the families didn’t surprise me, and some just made me love them more.

Affordable Green Floral Summer Dress.

Summer Reading

So there ya go, these are the books I read so far this summer. Have you read any of the 3 books I just mentioned?! I’m currently reading The Bride Test. This is one of the many book recommendations you all shared with me! I’ve only read the first 10 pages but I’m really loving it. This makes me more excited to want to read more of your book recommendations!

Giveaway

$600 Nordstrom Giveaway

Time to treat yourself to a Nordstrom shopping spree just in time for the Anniversary Sale!
I’ve teamed up with a group of bloggers to give one lucky winner
a chance to win a $600 Nordstrom Gift Card!

To enter: complete the steps in the rafflecopter below. The more steps you complete,
the more entries you receive, and the better your chance at winning!
This giveaway runs until Tuesday, July 16th at 12am PST

Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!
*this giveaway is in no way sponsored by Nordstrom.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo RD

Keep on reading...
What I Read In March 2022What I Read In March 2022
What I Read In September 2021What I Read In September 2021
What I Read In MayWhat I Read In May 2021

Comments

  2. Maureen says

    I hear you Rach! I love reading but it’s been hard to sit down to do so. So instead of trying to finish a book right away, I just told myself to read five pages and more if time allows. I have not read any of the books on your list but will definitely check out. To be honest, I am so behind on a lot of books I want to read! It’s almost like where have I been?! Great job on finishing these books though and looking forward to your next recommendations.

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    Reply

  10. Candace Hampton says

    You literally are making me buy “The Residency” lol I feel like that should be my next book. Sounds so interesting! I’ve always find fascinating politics and all the things that surround royals and presidents.

    Candace Hampton

    Reply

  11. Lee says

    Ahh i need to get back into reading! I’ve let it fall by the way side lately and I miss it. Ive heard great things about when life gives you lululemons!

    Reply

  14. Laura Leigh says

    I also read When Life Gives You Lululemons in June and Where’d you go Bernadette last summer – LOVED them both a lot! Did feel the same about the Bernadette book though – took me awhile to get into it.

    xo Laura Leigh
    http://www.louellareese.com

    Reply

  16. Stephanie says

    I have “Where’d You Go Bernadette” on my to-read list! I tried to read “When Life Gives You Lululemons” because I loved “The Devil Wears Prada” so much – but I just couldn’t get into it. The struggles were relatable and interesting, but it also seemed kinda raunchy to me. Maybe I just need to get through the whole thing to see what I was missing. Hmmm!

    Reply

  19. Oh to Be a Muse says

    That Bernadette book has been on my reading list since forever, and I’ve heard about the Lululemons one as well. But I like that you were most fascinated by The Residence. That does sound like quite an interesting read about people whom you never get to hear from. Nice perspective.

    Reply

  21. Anna English says

    I’m always look for a new book, especially while on vacation! I’m totally checking these out..

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.