11.3.15 18

What’s On My Nightstand, Vol. 5

And, we’re back with another edition of What’s On My Nightstand!

This is my first true installment since I bought my Kindle Paperwhite, and as promised, I wanted to give you guys an update on how I like it so far. Let me say, I had pretty low expectations. My Dad, who’s owned a Kindle for a while now, told me he “barely ever uses his” when I was contemplating the purchase. (I realized later, my Dad rarely ever reads books, hence, he rarely ever needs his Kindle.)

About a week into owning my Kindle, I was using it daily, and now I cannot imagine ever going back. Since it’s so small and lightweight, it’s perfect for my daily metro rides or trips, because I don’t have to lug two or three books with me through the TSA security line. And, as I can read in the dark right before bed without a bright light, I actually think its improved my sleep.

I also opted to purchase my textbooks for this semester on my Kindle since they were a few dollars cheaper than the hardcopy. Luckily, Kindle has a lot of good built-in navigational tools making it easy to find the homework exercises, and the highlighting tool conveniently saves everything in one place. However, I think reading for school is the one type of reading where I would still prefer a hardcopy over the digital version, just because of the way I learn.

If you have any questions about the Kindle—Christmas is coming, y’all!—please feel free to ask in the comments below or shoot me an email, and I’d be happy to answer them.

Now, onto the books:

The Royal We—My friend Charlotte summed this book up best, “it’s basically royal family fan fiction.” But, whether you read fan fiction everyday or didn’t even know that was a thing, I think you’ll love this book, especially if you have any interest in Kate and William’s love story.

This novel focuses on the love story of crown prince, Nicholas of Wales and his American love interest, Bex Porter. With a robust supporting cast, including Prince Freddie, the red-headed younger brother of Nick, the authors begin when Nick and Bex meet at Oxford and carry the story through their time at school, their time as post-graduate 20-somethings in the military and working, and eventually, through their engagement. It was so captivating, I have a hard time remembering when I see Will and Kate in the media that I don’t actually know their personalities. The Royal We also provided a fascinating look at how the palace handles media relations and “princess training.”

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Mrs. Kennedy and Me—This memoir was penned by Clint Hill in 2012, and recounts his time in the Secret Service when he was assigned to Jackie Kennedy’s personal detail. He, perhaps, is most famously known for jumping on the back of the Presidential motorcade seconds after President Kennedy was fatally shot in Dallas.

The memoir provides wonderful insight into the Kennedy homes in Palm Beach and Hyannis Port, Jackie’s relationship with Ambassador Kennedy, and the Kennedy’s escape from the White House—Glen Ora in Middleburg, Virginia. It is also fascinating to learn about how the Secret Service was able to communicate with each other without the modern technologies we take for granted today. My one complaint about this memoir is the number of quoted conversations—I highly doubt Hill has the ability to remember so many interactions verbatim!

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The Woman I Wanted to Be—Celebrity memoirs are my equivalent to guilty pleasure television—I eat these up! DVF’s is captivating from the start as she begins with explaining her mother’s time at Auschwitz’s and her father’s flight through Europe during the height of World War II. Organized into three parts—roots, love, and beauty, Diane gives her life story and talks about the personality traits she believe lead her to ultimately succeed.

I loved learning more about Diane’s story, but at times it did leave me wanting more details into how she grew her business. But, it is a memoir and not an advice book. I definitely felt inspired to lead the life I want to when I closed the final page.

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Alright ladies, what should I add to my nightstand next?

Leave a Comment

18 Comments

  1. Cat wrote:

    I am right there with you that the kindle or ebooks are so convenient for reading before bed or when traveling, but I also think that I prefer hard copies of textbooks. Something about being forced to read something for school just makes it worse haha.

    As far as what to read. My friend said that The Martian (Andy Weir) was a very funny&good read. Some of my favorites have been The Time Travelers Wife (Audrey Niffenegger), The Book Thief (Markus Zusak), Me Before You (JoJo Moyes), Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert), and Unbroken (Laura Hillenbrand). I really liked them all!

    Published 11.3.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      Yes, so glad we are on the same page! I agree – feeling forced to read always make it less fun! Thanks so much for the solid list – I am adding them all. I am very excited about Me Before You – LOVE the title.

      Published 11.4.15
      Reply
  2. Christen wrote:

    I love reading on my Kindle, but I’ve actually been reading real books lately – ones that I find for really cheap at Target or other places. Right now I’m reading 10% Happier by Dan Harris.

    Published 11.3.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      I love finding a good deal on books, too. The B&N Bargain Bin is my happy place.

      Published 11.4.15
      Reply
  3. Samantha wrote:

    I love my ereader! I use it at work and at school because it’s much easier than carrying actual books!

    Published 11.3.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      Yes, could not agree more, S!

      Published 11.4.15
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  4. Thank you for sharing what you’re reading! I’m traveling soon and have been looking for some good reads for my trip. I’ve also been thinking about adding the Kindle to my Christmas list and yo’ve convinced me that I definitely need to!

    LiveLifeWell,
    Allison Jones

    Published 11.3.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      I am glad you enjoyed my picks! Definitely add one – and let me know what you think. I was definitely a book purist before I got a Kindle!

      Published 11.4.15
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  5. Shann Eva wrote:

    I have a tablet with e-reader, but I still read plenty of actual books. Although, I’m totally with you if I want to read and night and the husband is sleeping. I don’t really travel much, but if I did, that would be a better option than lugging books around for sure.

    Published 11.3.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      Ah nice! I read some actual books, too – if people loan them to me or they were cheaper!

      Published 11.4.15
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  6. Lauren wrote:

    I just saw the royal we was on the goodreads list of best book finalists.. so that is funny that you showcased it today! Def putting it on my reading list.

    Published 11.3.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      DEFINITELY put it on your list! It is SO SO good!

      Published 11.4.15
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  7. Kelsey wrote:

    This is such a fun series! (I swear you have the best ones out there.) I just added the Royal We to my next read list. xo

    Kelsey | http://www.abalancingpeach.com

    Published 11.3.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Aw thanks so much! It was so good, I didn’t want it to end!

      Published 11.4.15
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  8. Rachel wrote:

    Reading on a tablet is definitely much easier, I just prefer holding an actual book. I’ve heard so many great things about the Royal We – it’s definitely on my list!

    Published 11.3.15
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    • Katie wrote:

      I feel you about holding a book – that definitely is nice! I also like how in a book you can see where you are visually. But, the Kindle just works best for my lifestyle. Let me know what you think!

      Published 11.4.15
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  9. Jenny wrote:

    These are all now on my to read list.

    xoxo, Jenny

    Published 11.3.15
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Let me know what you think! xx

      Published 11.4.15
      Reply