We are excited to be starting a new series today with our friends at Audible. We signed up for the service back in October, which gave us an outlet to “read”/listen to books on the go while traveling or even just while indulging in a bubble bath in the evenings. You might remember this post, here. For the next several months we’ll be picking a new title to listen along to and would love for you guys to join in! We’ve always spoken about starting a bookclub with friends, but never actually took the leap beyond texting about various books with my sister and Rob’s cousin, haha! Plus with everyone’s busy schedules, listening on the go and “meeting up” on the web to discuss what we’ve been reading just kind of makes more sense.
Today we arrived in Copenhagen, as we get ready to embark on a Scandinavian Cruise. We cannot wait to explore! We left early on Friday morning, connected in Chicago and got in during the afternoon. More about the trip and cities we will be visiting soon. The flight was super comfy but very long!! So we took advantage of the extra hours and dove into our first book for this series: The Handmaid’s Tale. We saw a bunch of buzz surrounding the Hulu series that just came out which is based off the book and were intrigued, but have yet to tune in, so it felt like the perfect book to start during our travels.
Here’s a little synopsis for you…
The main character Offred, is forced to become a handmaid, after the US is taken over by a new extremist regime, which forces subservient roles onto all women. Her one and only job is to procreate with one of the highest government officials and live with his family. Clearly she is not okay with this new way of life, (if you could even call it that) and cannot stop thinking about her previous one…with her own husband and daughter. As the story develops she decides to risk everything to better understand her past and begin the search for her daughter.
I’m really interested in diving a bit deeper into this book, as it touches upon many important factors that are being challenged everyday such as specific gender rights and personal freedoms, which have been more in the forefront of politics lately. I’m really curious if anyone read the book, since it’s original debut in the 80s. What do you guys think? Is this a book you’d be interested in or have read? Would you want to chat monthly about different titles?
Looking forward to seeing how this develops, sharing more, and hearing your thoughts! If you guys are interested in signing up for Audible, here’s the link to a free trial. 🙂
This post is in partnership with Audible. As always all thoughts and opinions are our own.
This book is amazing. The prose really is beautiful. I read it a few months ago when I heard that the show would be starting this month on Hulu. I wish I had read it years ago! Such an important read given out current political climate. It’s a wonderful cautionary tale!
I am so happy to hear that, Marisa. Makes me excited to get deeper into the book. 🙂
Such a gripping and incredibly relevant novel! Great choice : )Gemma http://www.fadedwindmills.com
Thanks so much Gemma! 🙂
I had to read this book at uni this year. I was quite exited to read it because the story seems to be so interesting! But at the end I was really disappointed as it wasn’t that deap and intense… But I love the concept here!
Eva, xx
It’s a wonderful book, but one I’ve not read since I studied it at school, since as a woman the subject matter is so emotionally raw. I’ve just started watching the series as its come onto screen in the UK now so I’m excited to revisit it and see how much I remember and whether I react the same way now as I did all those years ago studying it for the first time. Hope you’re enjoying it!
Oh, I’ve just seen the Audible version is narrated by Claire Danes – what an awesome choice! I’m certainly also loving Elisabeth Moss in the TV version, what great casting! x