Greetings Unravelers!!
I have finished my Nightshift and I am so smitten!! My ending was a bit sketchy but, I like how it turned out and I used up so much of my handspun yarn! You can read my pattern notes here where I explain my “recipe” for knitting. My goal was to have this completed before I start any of the “mystery” knits coming up (Yes, I am going to knit both Romi’s Mystery Shawl and the Lunar Phases Mystery! It’s Corona-Mystery-Knitting time because I **also** started a mystery sock on Sunday as well!)
The reading has been a challenge in this topsy turvy world. Focusing has been rather tricky, but at least I had 2 finishes this week!
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I do not typically read YA novels but this was the next selection in the Read With Us book club. I grew up in a city that had a very large Hispanic population and growing up I had neighbors/friends that I spent time with. I found Julia’s home to be very typical but her friends…not so much. I found that to be curious and it did not quite ring true (at least to me).
I also did not find it believable that Julia’s parents kept so many secrets about their lives “before they crossed the border.” But, it made me think about how tragic it is to be an undocumented worker, never feeling safe and never being able to travel to see family.
There are some significant gaps in the story line with little explanation of what happened. All in all, I do not recommend this book.
What Never Happens by Anne Holt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I started this book thinking there must be a book missing between the first book and this one but I could not find one! So suddenly Johanne and Adam are married and have a new baby. How they got there from book one is an unanswered mystery!
Gruesome murders are taking place and you are nicely drawn into the work to solve the crimes. Overall it is fairly fast-paced, although some parts parts drag a bit. BUT!! the ending is brilliant! No spoilers here, but it was genius and I did not see it coming!
That’s all I have this week! If you wrote a post to share, please leave your link below and thank you!
I finished Mexican Daughter this past weekend and have similar thoughts. YA fiction is not my favorite, but some of this just seemed far fetched to me. But…I’m also not in that situation (being undocumented, etc.). Congratulations on a beautiful finish to Nightshift! I can’t believe you are doing 3 mystery knit-alongs!!
Your Nightshift colors are so beautiful and rich! I’m anxious to see more photos, and glad you’ve got plenty of coronavirus mystery knitting lined up. I’ sorry to hear that you didn’t like Perfect Mexican Daughter, but I hope this will lend itself to some good discussion. I think I saw that you were reading American Dirt, so maybe you can compare and contrast.
I never got a copy of that book, and based on your star rating I’m not that sad about it. I am focusing better on reading and knitting this week. yay!!
I’m going to need more photos of your NightShift! I can’t get over how quickly you kit that up!
I have Perfect Mexican Daughter from the library on extended hold. I will probably try it so I can join the discussion. But I am holding all plans loosely these days. Congrats on finishing your Nightshift. Mine is going to the unraveling pile.
What I have seen of your Nightshift is absolutely stunning! I do hope you’re planning a proper photo shoot for it so we can see it in all its glory.
I just started Mexican Daughter last night and only made it through two chapters. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy it. I’m withholding judgement until I’m done, of course.
I didn’t dislike PMD quite as much but I did give it a lot of leeway due to the YA status. Your Nightshift looks fabulous!
Unfortunately or maybe fortunately I was never able to get the Sanchez book from the library. The nightshift looks great!
Pretty!
I can’t wait to see your Nightshift … modeled!!
The Nightshift colors are so rich and gorgeous. I bet the finished shawl is stunning.
Oh man, your Nightshift is GORGEOUS!!!