As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve been doing a fair bit of reading lately. It is strangely one of the few things I do have time for. I have to say that I honestly have missed reading. All of my spare time used to be spent on stitching, so that very little reading ever got done. As you may remember, reading has always been a big part of my life. So, I’m happy to be re-cultivating it now, even though it’s only due to never having more than twenty minutes at a time to do something for myself. So, I thought I would share what I’ve read in the past couple of months, in case there’s anything that might catch your fancy. Most of what I read was based on recommendations. You may also notice that my past few selections have been a little “light”. I am gearing up to read Emile Zola for my book club, so I’ve been pointedly reading in the other direction.
First up was Gentlemen of the Road: A Tale of Adventure by Michael Chabon. This was the last book I read for my book club. I really enjoyed this book. It was apparently originally written as a serial, and comes complete with illustrations within each chapter. It not only is written in the genre of great adventure tales, but Chabon’s writing style is so interesting. One of the things we discussed at length at book club was his use of language. He has a flair for the descriptive and tends to use little used words, which forced us all to consult a dictionary while reading. For such a thin little book (I read it in a day or so), it has a lot packed into it.
Next I read (or finished, since I’d started it months ago) The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. Another book I loved. I have no idea why I ever put it down in the first place, other than just not having much time to read previously. I love historical novels like this, and am interested in reading the others in this series. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I hope it is comparable to how good the book was.
Next up was At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years, Book 1) by Jan Karon. This book was recommended to me years ago. It has probably been sitting on my shelf for at least five years. Something drew me to it, and it was really such a comfort to read. With so much going on in my life, and with so much going on the world. I was happy to spend a few days in this small town. It reminded me a little of Garrison Keillor and his Lake Wobegon stories. I look forward to reading more books in this series too.
After Mitford, I went to the bookstore and picked up The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I’d been wanting to read this one for awhile, and it had also come highly recommended. This book was sort of part mystery, part journey of self-discovery. It was well-worth the read.
Next I moved on to Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner. I’ve had this sitting on my shelf for a while, ever since Jenn was kind enough to send it to me. I had picked this book up years ago while visiting in Rhode Island and almost bought it, but then put it down again. The book was nothing at all like I expected, and I just loved it. It was funny and heartbreaking and just exactly what I needed to read at that moment. Thank you so much, Jenn, for sending it to me. I loved every page of it. In fact, it prompted me to write – a piece to go in my book-in-progress.
After reading Good in Bed, I really didn’t have much interest in diving into another novel. It really was sticking with me. So, I decided to finish up another book I’d started a while ago, Fabulosity: What It Is and How to Get It by Kimora Lee Simmons. I love Kimora, so I thought I’d take a look at her book and what she offers in the way of how to be fabulous. Again, this book was not what I expected…it is more a look at where she came from and got where she is today. It also seems to be heavily geared toward girls wanting to become models. She does focus some on appearance, but she also discusses handling your finances, public speaking, volunteering and giving back, as well as knowing you’re worth it. I think I rated this a three out of five. I’ll probably be delving into it and discussing it a little more thoroughly on my style blog in the future.
Last night I finished Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. I had also heard good things about this series, so I thought I’d give it a shot and picked this one up at the bookstore a week ago. The book basically follows a shopaholic and her increasing debt. Perhaps I found too much in common with Becky to feel sympathy for her. I mean, I’d been in this same predicament, and luckily got myself out of it. I enjoyed the book, which reads a little like Bridget Jones and her weight issues, but I felt like I wanted a better resolution. I wanted Becky to really get herself together, and there were several times that I felt like slapping her. But, there were definite funny moments, and probably if I didn’t have the experience myself, I would have found the book more enjoyable and entertaining. I may be tempted to read another in this series, but it will probably be awhile.
So, what I am I reading now? Wait and see…
I am grateful for a four day week.
I’ve read some of the same books and really enjoyed them. Jennifer Weiner has several other books out that you will probably enjoy as well. I just finished reading her new book, the follow up to Good in Bed called Certain Girls. Very entertaining.
And of course, I must recommend a book written by one of my very best friends, The Hard Way by Julie Luongo. It’s her debut novel, and if you like Jennifer Weiner, I think you’ll really love Julie’s book.
I’ve read some of the same books and really enjoyed them. Jennifer Weiner has several other books out that you will probably enjoy as well. I just finished reading her new book, the follow up to Good in Bed called Certain Girls. Very entertaining.
And of course, I must recommend a book written by one of my very best friends, The Hard Way by Julie Luongo. It’s her debut novel, and if you like Jennifer Weiner, I think you’ll really love Julie’s book.
Hi Michelle,
Wow! Great book selection!
I love the Mitford books and
have read most of them. I
consider them comfort books
because they are gentle,
humorous and uplifting.
I’d been collecting books by
Philippa Gregory for years
(her early stuff) and was
surprised to discover that
she’d suddenly become a “hot”
writer. Her Tudor series of
books are quite good and I’ve
enjoyed the ones I’ve read so
far. Think she has a new one
coming out soon.
I loved the Thirteenth Tale
too. Mystery, family secrets
and books. What’s there not
to like?
I’ve read Michael Chabon’s
The Amazing Adventures of
Kavalier and Clay but didn’t
know about this one. Will
have to check it out.
I really think you’d like the
book that I’m reading now.
Deanna Raybourn’s Silent In
The Grave. It’s wonderful.
Happy reading!!
Hi Michelle,
Wow! Great book selection!
I love the Mitford books and
have read most of them. I
consider them comfort books
because they are gentle,
humorous and uplifting.
I’d been collecting books by
Philippa Gregory for years
(her early stuff) and was
surprised to discover that
she’d suddenly become a “hot”
writer. Her Tudor series of
books are quite good and I’ve
enjoyed the ones I’ve read so
far. Think she has a new one
coming out soon.
I loved the Thirteenth Tale
too. Mystery, family secrets
and books. What’s there not
to like?
I’ve read Michael Chabon’s
The Amazing Adventures of
Kavalier and Clay but didn’t
know about this one. Will
have to check it out.
I really think you’d like the
book that I’m reading now.
Deanna Raybourn’s Silent In
The Grave. It’s wonderful.
Happy reading!!
I’ve not heard about “Gentlemen of the Road” before. I’ve always liked Michael Chabon. I have 2 of his books sitting on my to be read shelf.
The Mitford books are just wonderful. I had the first book sitting in my book pile for at least 2 years before I ever got around to reading it. Then I was racing right them them all.
I’m glad to hear that you liked Good in Bed. I agree with you. The book was nothing like I thought it would be. I’d picked up another book Jemima J that I thought was going to be a lot like good in bed but, it really wasn’t. I was very dissapointed in it.
You’ve gotten the jist of the Shopaholic books. Becky makes me a nervous wreck sometimes. I’ll just have to put the book down for a minute before I can continue. She always manages to figure a way out of things in the end but, it never stops her shopping needs.
I’ve not heard about “Gentlemen of the Road” before. I’ve always liked Michael Chabon. I have 2 of his books sitting on my to be read shelf.
The Mitford books are just wonderful. I had the first book sitting in my book pile for at least 2 years before I ever got around to reading it. Then I was racing right them them all.
I’m glad to hear that you liked Good in Bed. I agree with you. The book was nothing like I thought it would be. I’d picked up another book Jemima J that I thought was going to be a lot like good in bed but, it really wasn’t. I was very dissapointed in it.
You’ve gotten the jist of the Shopaholic books. Becky makes me a nervous wreck sometimes. I’ll just have to put the book down for a minute before I can continue. She always manages to figure a way out of things in the end but, it never stops her shopping needs.
Hello M, I have read all of J. Karon and the Mitford books love Father Tim. I will recommend the Gentlemen book for my DH to read. We now have 99 “Kissing Pillows” finished for the troops. Thanks again Gayle
Hello M, I have read all of J. Karon and the Mitford books love Father Tim. I will recommend the Gentlemen book for my DH to read. We now have 99 “Kissing Pillows” finished for the troops. Thanks again Gayle
Wow, you really are on a reading roll! I’m glad that you are enjoying a relaxing pasttime. 🙂 I would like to read The Other Boleyn Girl sometime.
Wow, you really are on a reading roll! I’m glad that you are enjoying a relaxing pasttime. 🙂 I would like to read The Other Boleyn Girl sometime.
I loved the Mitford books… wanted to live there 🙂
Good in Bed and In Her Shoes were really good, but Goodnight Nobody was not. Had to make myself keep going on that one LOL
I’ll be looking for the Thirteenth Tale… thanks for the reviews!
I loved the Mitford books… wanted to live there 🙂
Good in Bed and In Her Shoes were really good, but Goodnight Nobody was not. Had to make myself keep going on that one LOL
I’ll be looking for the Thirteenth Tale… thanks for the reviews!
I loved The Other Boleyn Girl as well! I’ve also read the next book in the series and it was good, too, but not the same.
I read Confessions of a Shopaholic and hated it. I agree with you that I wanted to slap the main character and I couldn’t stand the ending. I haven’t read any others in that series and don’t plan to!
Thanks for the other books you listed…I’ve been looking for other things to read!
I loved The Other Boleyn Girl as well! I’ve also read the next book in the series and it was good, too, but not the same.
I read Confessions of a Shopaholic and hated it. I agree with you that I wanted to slap the main character and I couldn’t stand the ending. I haven’t read any others in that series and don’t plan to!
Thanks for the other books you listed…I’ve been looking for other things to read!
Wow loads of books!! I am currently reading the other boleyn girl and thouroughly enjoying it! xx
Wow loads of books!! I am currently reading the other boleyn girl and thouroughly enjoying it! xx
The Other Boleyn Girl… my favorite novel! Skip the movie though – it cannot compare!! Did you hear from An yet? She received your RR yesterday, but I don’t think she told the blog yet 😉
The Other Boleyn Girl… my favorite novel! Skip the movie though – it cannot compare!! Did you hear from An yet? She received your RR yesterday, but I don’t think she told the blog yet 😉