I’ve always been an avid reader. As a kid, I always had my nose in a book, and often would sneak a flashlight into my bed so I could read under the blanket well past my bedtime. I even read a lot during high school and found a group of friends who shared my passion for reading. My son didn’t believe me when I told him that we would stay up all night reading at our slumber parties, but it’s true. I don’t read as much as I’d like to these days–my eyes are just too darn tired at the end of the day–but I still love to get lost in a good book.
I always have a hard time selecting a book to read, but I’ve found that Blogging For Books can be a good place to start. Once you are accepted into the program, you can choose a book to review from their current selections, and they will send you an electronic or paper copy. Once you read the book and post your review, you can choose another one. I read several good books through this program last year–you can find all of my book reviews here.
The most recent book I selected to review was Still Here by Lara Vapnyar.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.
Still Here follows four Russian immigrants as they struggle to make new lives in New York City. I was intrigued by the debate around “Virtual Grave”–the program one of the characters is developing so people can maintain their online presence after they die. He wants to use artificial intelligence so your virtual self can post and comment in response to events as if you’re still alive. Another character would prefer a program that lets you create and schedule your own post-mortem comments–such as to wish a friend a Happy Birthday or congratulate a child on graduation. Another character would prefer to die once and for all–or maybe he just wishes his friends would have to leave him alone after they’re dead!
I was drawn in by the depth and complexity of the characters, and the realization that their friendships stemmed more from circumstances than from really liking each other. It made me think about how I make friends with people who I meet somewhat randomly (neighbors, coworkers, bloggers, etc.), and how some of those friendships grow into something truly genuine.
All in all, I found Still Here to be well-written with multi-dimensional characters that made me think about friendship–on-line and off.
For a more fun look at friendship and social media, check out MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend
The story line of When I’m Gone by Emily Bleeker also focuses on post-mortem communications, but the old-fashioned kind.
The most impactful book I’ve read recently was The Circle by Dave Eggers.
As an admitted social media junkie and part-time influencer, much of this story hit close to home–often too close for comfort. While the world of The Circle is extreme, it’s true enough to make me think twice about the influencer economy I’ve been sucked into through blogging. I’ve already been pulling back from that for personal reasons, but I’m finding it almost as hard as Mae does to resist getting sucked in again.
Today’s Wednesday Word is lost. GPS systems make it hard to get lost in the car, and I rarely got lost on a run, but I still enjoy getting lost in a book!
Have you read any good books lately?
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I don’t know what it says about me but I was thinking just yesterday I want to reread The Circle!
I first read it when I came out and I remember thinking: holy crap that’s my life!
I already wonder if I would think the same…
It is a bit of a cautionary tale!
I do enjoy getting lost in a good book1 Right now I’m reading The Guest Room and oh my gosh! I can’t put it down.
Oh, I’ll have to check that one out.
I love to read too and go in spurts, seems like I have more time in the summer but I am not sure why that is. Looks like you found a couple of good ones! I wondered how that blogging for books worked, I hadn’t looked into that one yet 🙂
It’s a simple program and a great way to keep books in your queue!
interesting concept about being able to comment after you are gone. I think that would be really freaky!
I agree! But did you see the article in the Wash Post about people letting their Presidential preferences be known in their obituaries? That was too close to this idea!
Oh, our GPS had us royally lost last week! Twice.
I read the Circle. I thought it was fascinating. And they’re making it into a movie! My mother, OTOH, really didn’t like it because she didn’t like any of the characters, but then again, she has pretty much nothing to do with social media. I hope when I’m her age I’ll be more open to trying things, but who knows?
I love to read, too. I always had my nose in a book when I was a kid, as well.
My GPS is pretty good on road trips, but I do have to override driving around town or else it will take me on the worst possible route!
Awesome…..I love to read but often find it hard to find time to read as much as I would like.
These all sound like great reads!
I had signed up for Blogging for Books but didn’t want to feel pressured to read a book in a certain amount of time. I can totally see how it can make for some good book selections though.
Right now, I am ‘reading’ 4 different books which I probably won’t finish until December…lol!! I can’t remember one of them though….lol
-It’s Complicated-Karen Wright
-Still Alice
-Shoploholic to the Stars
Still Alice was disturbing in an it-could-happen-to-me kind of way, but otherwise was really good.
Anatomy for Runners is the last book I read, it was homework from my doc to help me while I was out injured. I have reread several parts! Other then running stuff I haven’t read much this past year.
I don’t read many running books, although I read a bunch when I first started running.
I’m so comforted by someone else admitting their eyes are tired at the end of the day. That is the very reason I don’t read as much as I used to. I feel like I need to hold up my eyebrows! Maybe I should start listening to books? Hmmm…
I have probably 12 books on my bedside and swore I would read them during summer vacation, but instead I am watching Orange is the New Black.
I love your take on this week’s Wednesday Word! I haven’t read any of the books you highlight, but that sounds like a great Amazon program for book loving bloggers.
Thanks for linking up!
I love to read!! I often head to bed and read until I fall asleep. Right now I’m reading War Brides. Blogging for Books sounds very interesting.
Yay! I’ve always been an avid reader too! I love Blogging For Books as well, but tend to gravitate toward their cookbook collection. ;P Still Here sounds like a great book! :] I need to check out The Circle too!