Fortnightly Update #47: Long Time, No Update!

I've been planning on publishing this update for so long, I've had to change most of the new/read/acquired books several times to keep it recent. I think most of my trepidation about getting back into the book blogging game comes from returning to my habit of preferring books to normal life activities like socializing, etc. I'm hopeful that I'm better at balancing things now that I have some of my health issues under control (I can still walk cane-less-ly), and since I'm working on my post traumatic stress disorder with a highly qualified therapist who encouraged me to re-engage with my book blogging habits.

Recent Acquisitions (or the Piling of the-Piles):

the-pile Additions:

Tidal Wave: From Leyte Gulf to Tokyo Bay by Thomas McKelvey Cleaver
Late one night, I was up ordering books for Christmas presents (as one does), and I saw an ad for this book. Two weeks later, when my Christmas books arrived in the mail, this also arrived. At the time, I thought I must've ordered it on accident, but after checking my bank records, I am convinced I must've clicked on the ad for a giveaway and won it instead. This is a nonfiction account of naval battles at the end of WWII, based on first person experiences.

the-invisible-pile Additions:

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
How could I not buy a book endorsed by Patrick Rothfuss and Rachelle at Fortified by Books, especially when it happened to be on sale? In the same manner, I cannot resist asking myself rhetorical questions...

The Gambler: How Penniless Dropout Kirk Kerkorian Became the Greatest Deal Maker in Capitalist History by William C. Rempel
I guess I must've decided I needed all the nonfiction, because I also bought this book on Kindle and I don't recall much of what convinced me to buy it other than a greed for more books.

Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction by Elizabeth Vargas
If you're an American, you'll likely recognize Elizabeth Vargas from TV as that classy looking lady who always seems so composed as she reads her lines. With that impression in mind, it was a little bit of a shock to learn she deals with anxiety and battled with alcoholism. I'm curious to learn more about her in this memoir.

Deep Dark Blue: A Memoir of Survival by Polo Tate
This has been touted as a YA memoir, and while it's true that the events that transpired in this book happened to a young adult, I'm not sure it has appeal for the typical YA audience, as I haven't read it myself. This is a memoir about a young woman facing abuse (sexual and other varieties) in the Air Force.

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande
As someone who watched both of my grandparents wane at the end of their lives, end of life care with regards to medicine has always interested me. As this book covers the topic and comes very highly rated, I'm inclined to read it.

Currently Reading:

The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman

This is about the American immigrant experience in the early 20th century, but also includes Hoffman's signature magical realism elements, in this case having a mermaid and a wolf man. 

Finished These Books:

Phoenix Unbound (Fallen Empire #1) by Grace Draven

I think I finished this last November or early December of last year (yes, I've been in a bit of a slump) and it is a great, adult romantic fantasy, but doesn't come as highly recommended by me as her other books. I think my favorite parts of this book were the magic system and world, while the romance just wasn't my particular cup of tea.

In My Life:

I bought a new computer tower to replace one that was roughly 10 years old. To be frank, it's only a little bit faster while browsing the internet, but I did finally get around to playing the Sims 4 since my computer can now handle it. I miss the limitless options of Sims 3, but Sims 4 runs very smoothly and I've only had it crash once. I was a bit worried that my older tower might just up and quit on me someday, so buying a new one at a sale price definitely put my mind at ease.

Happy 2019!