I read two books in July, hooray! It’s a miracle. J/K. Just happy to see that I invested some of my precious time in two good books last month.
The Disordered Mind: What Unusual Brains Tell Us about Ourselves by Eric R. Kandel (★★★★☆)
Knowing many people with (diagnosed) mental disorders, I found this book fascinating in how it described (in layman terms) what was actually happening in the brain, because it’s hard to grasp what the processes are that lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses.
It’s – not surprising, but nonetheless – fascinating to better understand how tediously everything in our neurological system is organized and intended to work together, and how “easily” this system can be disrupted. It makes you wonder how anything in the body actually works hand-in-hand and well most of the time.
All we ever wanted: A Novel by Emily Giffin (★★★★☆)
Emily Giffin picked an important and timely topics surrounding social media, privilege, and racism. The story centers around a student from a well-off family, who’s being accused of circulating a provocative picture of a female classmate with immigrant background. The story is written from three different perspectives: the male student’s mother, Nina, the female student, Lyla, and her father, Tom. I thought this book was well written and definitely thought-provoking. The way Giffin chose to end this story left me a little bit disappointed (you’ll understand if you read the book), but it still gave me a lot to think about as the book raises issues of class, wealth, entitlement, and just how far parents will (or should) go to protect their child.
What did you read in July? Anything you’d like to recommend? Leave a comment, and then add me on Goodreads to keep in touch.
Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
August 5, 2019 at 10:53 amI haven’t read either of these books. They both sound interesting. I usually avoid Giffin’s books as some of her earlier novels were too ‘chick lit’ish’ for me, but another person recommended this book to me so I think I will eventually check it out!
My favorite book in July was “Ask Again, Yes.” Addiction and mental health are a prominent feature in the book. It’s definitely very character driven (which is a type of book I love) but there is enough of a plot to pull the book along.
Stephany
August 5, 2019 at 11:45 amThe Disordered Mind sounds fascinating and something I need to read. Adding it to my TBR!
Sadly, I found the ending of All We Ever Wanted to be the most realistic way to end the novel. I wish it were different, but I can appreciate that she chose the way these things most likely end up.
Beth
August 5, 2019 at 1:19 pmBoth of these sound like interesting reads. I think I’ve read some other Emily Giffen books and believe it or not the fact that you were disappointed in the ending makes it even more intriguing to me! I’ll have to add these to my ever growing list!
Kate
August 6, 2019 at 12:47 pmOh, wow, “The Disordered Mind” sounds fascinating. I’ll have to add that one to my list! I wonder if it’s available as an audiobook…
ShootingStarsMag
August 7, 2019 at 5:35 amYay for reading two books. The Disordered Mind sounds really interesting. It is crazy that our bodies work at all sometimes. LOL
-Lauren
Anthea
August 8, 2019 at 12:28 pmThe Disordered Mind sounds so interesting. I need to add that to my TBR list on Goodreads (love that website). I read a few really good books in July and highly recommend The Lives we touch by Eva Woods. I couldn’t put it down and hope to do a review soon.