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| B0DVDQ3MXP
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| 4.14
| 1,530
| 2024
| 2024
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really liked it
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“At first, there is something you expect of life. Later, there is what life expects of you. By the time you realize these are the same, it can be too
“At first, there is something you expect of life. Later, there is what life expects of you. By the time you realize these are the same, it can be too late for expectations.” Wow! Last year I concluded my year in review with the statement: “I am going to predict that 2024 will be a year of big changes on a personal level. There, I’ve said it, and now I need to make that happen!” Well, that prediction has certainly come to fruition – or in the very least is a work in progress. I finally applied for and achieved a full-time position at my library, and I have changed my living situation. As a result, my reading has decreased quite a bit from previous years. But that’s okay, I still managed to stay connected here, even if less frequently. I value this community and the friendships I’ve made here, despite the diminishing quality of many of the features, particularly the failure of regular notifications. My participation will likely fall a bit more over the coming months, but I won’t abandon this site altogether. Like so many of you, I’ve invested too much time, energy and heart into this! Following are my top 5-star reads of the year: Benediction by Kent Haruf: This is the third book in the Plainsong trilogy, so make sure you read the others first before picking this one up. This book was depressing – mainly because of the simple yet hard truths it reveals! But that was no reason to shy away from it. There are people doing things for others that make a world of difference to both those giving and receiving. For that reason, the book lifted me up. Make sure you don’t go through life with loads of regret if you can help it! Water, Wood, and Wild Things: Learning Craft and Cultivation in a Japanese Mountain Town by Hannah Kirshner: Hannah Kirschner, an artist and food writer from Brooklyn, travels to Japan for a saké apprenticeship and ends up spending four years in the company of craftspeople and farmers in the rural village of Yamanaka. This book is part travelogue, yet so much more than that. It’s a memoir and a celebration of immersion into a culture that brings pure joy to the one that has actively participated. Martyr by Kaveh Akbar: The subject matter is often quite dark, but Akbar manages this with a lighter touch by the addition of humor and the care which he has for his characters. I loved Cyrus and his questions, his doubts, and his imperfections. Akbar adored his characters and made me do the same, even at their most selfish and self-destructive moments. Waterland by Graham Swift: Storytelling is a major theme of this novel. So is history. The story is narrated by Tom Crick, an about-to-be forced into retirement history teacher. I thought of his storytelling as two hands, one hand being the present and the other the past. Both hands are then joined together by linking the fingers with one another. Your ancestors’ pasts and their choices reverberate through time and affect who you are today. The history of the world is a story that repeats itself through the centuries, only varying the settings and actors. This book seeped into my whole being. Martin Eden by Jack London: Anyone that has had a thirst for books and knowledge should be able to relate to Martin Eden on some level. His story is that of a young sailor of low birth that has stepped into the drawing rooms of the bourgeois and fallen in love with books and a woman outside his class. This is a masterpiece of the struggle of the human mind and heart to find a place in the world. I turned into a blubbering mess by the end of this one! Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout: It’s books like this, about Olive Kitteridge and Lucy Burton and Bob Burgess, and all those people in their orbit, that ruin real life for me just a little bit. Not because her characters are going on grand adventures and I’m green with envy, but because they let me see into their hearts. If I could use one word to describe the thread that links all of Elizabeth Strout’s books together it would be empathy. There is something so deeply empathetic about her writing that I can feel it through my entire being. It moves me and makes me want to laugh and cry. When reading her work, I have the sense that I will never truly understand another human being as much as I understand her characters. They are the most secretive part of me and you. And I can see them so clearly. All Fours by Miranda July: When the narrator, a forty-five-year-old artist, embarks on a cross-country drive, she ends up not at the end of her intended excursion to New York City, but at a dumpy motel only thirty minutes away from home. And there begins an entirely different sort of journey of a mid-life wife and mother of a young son. Don’t expect the same old story of a conforming, middle-aged woman breaking free, however. The narrator is anything but your typical housewife to begin with, so this ride gets wild and bumpy and raunchy! And poignant and meaningful. Do not lose focus or you will miss out entirely on the significance, the essence of the whole thing. The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard: I wanted to throw something at someone when I finished reading this! The story covers a period of twenty to thirty years in the lives of primarily two orphaned sisters, Grace and Caroline Bell. Marriage, unrequited love, and adultery are explored. But Shirley Hazzard is sharp. None of this is sentimental or gratuitous – and not once did she seem to point a finger or shake her head. There’s a lot more than meets the eye in this brilliant novel. Attention to detail is key. Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner: I had to know why a novel about a thirty-four-year-old woman, an American secret agent sent to a rural commune in France, would begin with a peculiar statement about Neanderthals. This is not a typical spy thriller. Yet, it had me turning the pages and itching to get back to it whenever I had to set it aside. And it’s funny too, in a gloriously subtle but snarky kind of way. This novel is intelligent, invigorating, funny, and refreshingly different from your “usual” reading fare. North Woods by Daniel Mason: This book had some of the most exquisite writing that I encountered in all of 2024. Mason’s prose about the natural world dazzled and inspired me. The novel is a series of interconnected stories, spanning hundreds of years and numerous characters. It’s about those people that come to inhabit a house and a piece of land that is practically a living and breathing character in its own right. The people come and go but the place goes on, morphing with the seasons, the years. Our lives are little blips in the circle of life, but sometimes we linger. 2025 has so many unknowns, I’m filled with concern. I’ll channel my apprehensions into making the best of personal circumstances and to make what little difference I can in my corner of the world. Reading and making connections with like-minded individuals will help keep me sane in a world gone disturbing and incomprehensible. I continue to be grateful for those connections I’ve made right here on Goodreads! “People live with things. They do. I am always amazed at what people live with.” “The only dangerous lie was one that asked me to compress myself down into a single convenient entity that one person could understand. I was a kaleidoscope, each glittering piece of glass changing as I turned.” “… she has found that the only way to understand the world as something other than a tale of loss is to see it as a tale of change.” ...more |
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not set
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Jan 19, 2025
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Jan 19, 2025
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Unknown Binding
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| B0DVBB95S5
| unknown
| 4.10
| 1,476
| 2023
| 2023
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liked it
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Whenever I sit down to write my yearly bookish summary, I like to look back at past summaries and reminisce about some of my favorite books over the p
Whenever I sit down to write my yearly bookish summary, I like to look back at past summaries and reminisce about some of my favorite books over the past few years. It’s a way to indulge myself at the start of a new year. One thing I noticed when skimming through these, however, is that each began with a negative tone. Phrases such as “I don’t have much ambition for writing my year in review…” (2022), “I almost lost my enthusiasm to write my year in review… ” (2020), “Life has a way of constantly changing, doesn’t it? I suppose that can be a good thing (sometimes), especially for a restless spirit like mine that gets bored with routine rather easily…” (2019), or my conclusion to 2021: “If I said that 2021 was an improvement over 2020, you would all know that I was being dishonest…To have hope and then for it to be squashed once again is one of the most disheartening feelings.” Gosh, I sound like a hot mess - either that or the world has turned into a shitshow (Ok, maybe both!) Thanks for putting up with me, dear friends! I’m not going down that path again this year, so let me start on a different note by sharing a favorite quote from Oliver Sacks: “I don’t so much fear death as I do wasting life.” So, let’s get on with it! I actually had a very strange year – not so much reading-wise, but from a reviewing standpoint. Over the past several years, I’ve been reviewing nearly every single book I’ve read (with the rare exception of one or two). This year, I needed to reclaim some lost time and reviewed only 42 of the 67 books I read (63%). I was in shock to discover this! At one point, I had resolved to review only 5 star books and buddy reads. I stuck to it for a while but *think* I’m back on track now. Now the problem is that I have only dim memories of those books sitting out there review-less. Reviews are not only a way of sharing with this community, but a way to jog one’s own memory! Following are my top 5-star fiction reads of the year: Call Me Cassandra by Marcial Gala (Review): Is it possible to change the course of our destiny or not? This isn’t the first time a book has asked this question, but it is one of the most creative ways it’s been presented to a contemplative reader. This is written in prose but could have been a song or a poem – it was so fluid and expressive. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk (Review): Tokarczuk’s curious mind takes me places I want to be led. Her compassion and concern for the natural world, as in this book, are qualities I share with her. She makes me think of things in ways I hadn’t thought of before. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez (Review): This book takes the illusion of pure love and turns it upside down. Don’t expect a romantic, traditional love story or a loveable character to fall for, because you won’t find those things here. The mysteries of love become even more perplexing after reading this one! Bad Marie by Marcy Dermansky (Review): You might not want to admit it, but you can’t help rooting for Marie. She just wants to live her life. And life can be very hard. Consequences? I’d like to forget about them for a day or two as well. The Little Friend by Donna Tartt (Review): Read this for the nuanced characters, the polished and descriptive writing, and for the riveting storytelling. I could have spent another two weeks or more in the company of even the vilest of these people, but especially in the head of the precocious, spirited and often reckless Harriet! Dirt Music by Tim Winton (Review): My first but not last Winton novel quickened my pulse and roused my sense of being more alive in the world! It’s both an adventure and a love story. It is also a reckoning with one’s place in life. A story of how to overcome tragedy and adversity and come to terms with the ghosts of one’s past. It asks the question, where is home? The First Bad Man by Miranda July (Review): Sometimes I just need a book to take me completely out of my own world and to someplace else altogether – a book that doesn’t force me to sit and reflect on my own life. I want a novel that is so far out there that I can just sit and bask in its weirdness, but at the same time marvel at its cleverness. A book that can make me laugh, and one that can make me say “Oh, how wonderfully rude!” The Night Manager by John le Carré (Review): Jonathan Pine has now joined the ranks of my imaginary fictional lovers! Brilliant writing, nicely paced plot, plenty of “gray” characters, and loads of tension made for another hugely satisfying reading adventure. John le Carré never disappoints. Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (Review): This was an expansive reading experience. I felt on edge, knowing that something was not right and waiting to find out exactly what was wrong. My heart was in my mouth, and then it was ripped right out. It’s a love story minus the sappy romance. It’s a story of transformations, and it made a huge impact on me. Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski (Review): Reading this book felt much like sitting around the bar with a really cool friend and listening to a super engaging story. The book is extensively researched and intelligently written. Berlinski is obviously smitten with learning about how other people live and interact with one another in this world. Top 5-star non-fiction reads of the year: Insomniac City: New York, Oliver Sacks, and Me by Bill Hayes (Review): Hayes moved across the country to New York City in his late forties to “start all over” after his partner died. This is the memoir of his new life shared with Oliver Sacks, the famous neurologist and author. It’s also about the joy of existing in the city – striking up conversations with strangers and finding surprising pleasures in the little things. Otherlands by Thomas Halliday (Review): If looking back at the geological and biological history of the earth interests you at all, then this is the book to pick up. I felt like I was on the most incredible journey while reading this. Halliday shares loads of information, facts and scientific inferences with his readers, but he does so in a very engaging way. A Line in the World: A Year on the North Sea Coast by Dorthe Nors (Review): Nors has put together an astonishing book that is part memoir and part travelogue. This is a piece for deeply reflective readers who have a love affair with both nature and the written word. It’s for those of us that have a sense of wanderlust, a reverence for solitude, and a desire for true intimacy with our kindred spirits. The Intimate City: Walking New York by Michael Kimmelman (Review): Through a series of short essays, the reader is taken on a journey by foot through eighteen neighborhoods across four of the five New York City boroughs. The city’s democratic spaces and its culturally diverse population are emphasized and celebrated. The book is loaded with exquisite photographs highlighting many of the buildings, bridges and parks noted on these strolls. I am going to predict that 2024 will be a year of big changes on a personal level. There, I’ve said it, and now I need to make that happen! It’s in writing, after all! What won’t change is my love for sharing books, intelligent conversations, and sometimes a laugh or a few with the friends I’ve made here. Some of these friendships remain virtual (wouldn’t it be something if we could have a gigantic GR meet-up?!), but some have blossomed into valuable, in-person camaraderie which I am thankful for. You know where to find me in my neck of the woods. “I say I love writing, but really it is thinking I love—that rush of thoughts—new connections in the brain being made. And it comes out of the blue. In such moments: I feel such love of the world, love of thinking…” (Oliver Sacks) ...more |
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Dec 30, 2023
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Dec 31, 2023
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Jan 01, 2024
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Unknown Binding
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| B0DV2HD2R3
| unknown
| 4.08
| 1,317
| 2022
| 2022
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it was amazing
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I don’t have much ambition for writing my year in review, but then I know I’ll regret it if I don’t summarize my reading adventures a bit. After all,
I don’t have much ambition for writing my year in review, but then I know I’ll regret it if I don’t summarize my reading adventures a bit. After all, the summary helps me look back over the years and remember the highlights. Many of them put a smile on my face. There’s nothing like a book to take you out of your own life and into another! I feel sorry for people that don’t have books in their lives, but I know they don’t want my sympathy – many are perfectly content without a book in hand. Still, if only more minds would be opened and expanded, if more empathy existed in the world, then what a life it could be – and not just a reading life! This was another year of big transitions for me, and as a result, I’ve been less able to participate in my groups – if at all, honestly. I’m a poor buddy reader, often too far behind or not able to keep up with timely discussions. Yet, I keep reading reviews and marking more and more books to read, though I’m less able to actually pick them up! I really am like the clichéd kid in the candy store. Fortunately, I did manage to choose some excellent books, sometimes by chance and sometimes based on enthusiastic recommendations from my friends here. Out of 63 books, I was lucky enough to end the year with 22 five-star ratings! And there were quite a few four-star ratings as well. I usually like to share the most memorable reading experiences, but it’s always so hard to narrow it down to only ten or so! But here it goes, and I apologize to those books that are getting left off the list. You still brought joy to my life! These are not in ranking order, but simply listed by date read: Crossing to Safety (1987) by Wallace Stegner: What Stegner has the knack for is convincing me that his characters are real people that exist in the world. This story of an unlikely friendship between two couples was beautifully written and it made me reflect on the quality of my own friendships. His descriptive passages of the natural world are remarkable as well. Full Review The Moonflower Vine (1962) by Jetta Carleton: This is a story about a family and we see each one of them very intimately – with flawless transitions from one to the next. Characters have secret longings and thoughts that are revealed to the reader. No one is all bad or all good – they are complex individuals, just the way I love them! Finding love, parenting struggles and forgiveness (of others and of oneself) are handled masterfully, without a drop of sentimentalism. Full Review Manifesto: On Never Giving Up (2021) by Bernardine Evaristo: There was a ton of inspiration here that I desperately need to be reminded of once again! This is Evaristo’s memoir, but it’s also a call to action to do what one’s heart desires rather than conforming to the expectations of others. It’s about resiliency and open-mindedness and creativity – and lots more. I adore this brilliant, down-to-earth woman! Full Review Elena Knows (2007) by Claudia Piñeiro: This appeared to be a relatively simple novel about a woman with Parkinson’s disease. But it really surprised me! The reader walks along in Elena’s shoes as she struggles across town to collect a debt she believes is owed to her. What we learn is that we should never assume we know what any one person is going through. I wanted everyone to read this when I finished! Full Review White Oleander (1999) by Janet Fitch: The prose in this novel is striking- really of the highest caliber! It’s a coming-of-age story packed with loneliness, desperation, and true growth. It’s a fascinating look at an unusual mother-daughter relationship. I won’t ever forget Astrid or her mother, Ingrid, the poet! Full Review Hurricane Girl (2022) by Marcy Dermansky: Probably the most surprising, standout book of the year – not because it was better written than anything else I’ve ever read (it’s deceptively simple but super clever!), but because it was the magical elixir I needed after a quick downward slide followed by several days of being laid up in bed. It lit a fire under me and brought me back to life! It’s somewhat dark, hilarious, a little bit sad, and has one of the best endings ever! I don’t often convince coworkers to read anything remotely like what I relish, but this is one I absolutely had to pass on and nearly everyone was highly enthusiastic about it (either that or they’re really, really good at faking it!). Full Review The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone (2016) by Olivia Laing: A non-fiction piece which I rescued from the annual book purge at the library. The setting is New York City; the topics are loneliness and art – making for an instant draw for me! The author decided to alleviate her sense of isolation despite being surrounded by millions of people in the city. Her solution was to research a number of artists who were also known to be lonesome individuals. I loved the writing and found the result of her work very interesting. Full Review Now is Not the Time to Panic (2022) by Kevin Wilson: A fantastic coming-of-age story about a teen girl named Frankie and how she and Zeke, another loner, cured the monotony of those long summertime days. It’s about art, the need to express oneself, and obsession. I gobbled this one down as quickly as I did Hurricane Girl! I need more Kevin Wilson’s writing in my life! Full Review Oryx and Crake (2003) by Margaret Atwood: Somehow the dirty, smelly, booze and sex-obsessed Jimmy endeared himself to me – thanks to his sense of humor as well as mine! This is Atwood at her finest. This is a dystopian and post-apocalyptic story (not my go-to genre at all) that truly intrigued me. It’s about genetic or bioengineering gone wrong and a whole lot more. Scary, but also so much fun to read! Full Review 2666 (2004) by Robert Bolaño: A meaty, sprawling novel that totally dazzled me at the end of the year. Part of this takes place in a Mexican city near the US border. A place where hundreds of women have been murdered and left to rot in the desert or abandoned areas (based on true events.) We also follow a group of literary critics who are obsessed with the work of an elusive German writer whom we later meet as well. A very disconcerting novel loaded with brilliant writing. This kept me totally grounded during the holiday season! Full Review Wishing you all the best in reading adventures and life experiences in the coming year! “The larger loneliness of our lives evolves from our unwillingness to spend ourselves, stir ourselves. We are always damping down our inner weather, permitting ourselves the comforts of postponement, of rehearsals.” (Carol Shields – The Stone Diaries) “Most of what we know is that we don’t know hardly anything, which cheers me up wonderfully. The world is still stuffed with astonishments beyond our wildest imagining…” (Brian Doyle – Children & Other Wild Animals) “Be wild, disobedient and daring with your creativity, take risks instead of following predictable routes; those who play it safe do not advance our culture or civilization.” (Bernardine Evaristo – Manifesto: On Never Giving Up) ...more |
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Jan 13, 2023
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Jan 13, 2023
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Jan 13, 2023
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Unknown Binding
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| B0DTZX4P2H
| unknown
| 4.06
| 1,588
| 2020
| 2020
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it was amazing
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I almost lost my enthusiasm to write my year in review. But then a pair of socks found in my Christmas stocking provided some inspiration for my 2020
I almost lost my enthusiasm to write my year in review. But then a pair of socks found in my Christmas stocking provided some inspiration for my 2020 summary: “The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote ‘Stink, stank, stunk!’” I’ve been grumpy this past year and Covid isn’t entirely to blame, though it sure played a damn big role. Let’s just say, The Grinch and I became bosom buddies of sorts! Fortunately, the quality of my reading life was little affected by outside circumstances, only insofar as it led me to increased reading time for the several months I was out of work or working less, and the influence of mood on some of my book choices. I struck it rich reading-wise! I had over thirty 5-star ratings and loads of 4-stars across a total of eighty-four books. So, 2020 was not a complete flop after all. Without further ado, here are some of the top highlights: Stoner by John Williams: I began 2020 with this book and predicted a glorious year ahead. I was wrong about the year, but not about the book! It revealed to me the little bit of Stoner in each of us - living out our quiet lives in search of love and friendship, making mistakes along the way despite our best intentions, yet persevering with dignity. Also wins the award for one of the most moving love scenes in a novel this year. Review The Little Drummer Girl by John le Carré: Do I dare say my favorite novel by this brilliant author to date?! I loved the fact there was a leading lady this time around. Not a typical espionage thriller but edge-of-your seat tension nevertheless. John le Carré is at the top of his craft and the character development is exceptional. I followed up my reading with the BBC miniseries which surpassed my expectations! I was truly troubled when I heard of le Carré's recent passing. Review Ultramarine by Raymond Carver: A rip-your-heart out collection of poetry. Carver writes of everyday sorts of things like loneliness, regret, love, death and nature. I wanted to read more poetry and listen to sad songs all day after reading this one. Review The Hours by Michael Cunningham: Wow! This took my breath away. The exquisite prose, the emotional toll, and the reflections on my own life afterwards – where I’ve been and where I’m going – all added up to a superb reading experience. I added all of Cunningham’s books to my list after finishing. Review Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami: Proof that there are such things as second chances! After writing off Murakami several years ago, I decided to take a plunge and give him another try. This was a dreamlike, haunting experience. Review Calypso by David Sedaris: This guy became my superhero this spring. Hilarious! He lifted my spirits when I needed it the most. I know it’s a cliché, but laughter really is the best medicine! Love his stories best on audio. Review My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh: The perfect book for a year like 2020! Need I say more?! Review Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson: It was such a pleasure to return to one of my favorite writers with this one. This novel has a surreal feel to it and speaks to the transitory nature of objects and people. I’m even more inspired to get back to the Gilead series now! Review The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin: I so admire this man! It hurts my heart to think what he would be saying about his country right now if he were here with us today. He speaks for humanity and justice. He advocates love. Review Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar: This had to be the most sophisticated, profound novel I read this year. Philosophical and deeply enriching. An entire lifetime was masterfully compressed into a mere 350 pages! Review Other notable 4 1/2 and 5-star books: A Christmas Carol, Where I Come From: Stories from the Deep South, To the Bright Edge of the World, Music of a Life, A World Lost, West with the Night, My Coney Island Baby, This is Happiness, Anything is Possible, The King's General, Cat's Eye, Eventide, Rabbit, Run, Heaven and Hell, Moon Tiger, Land's End: A Walk in Provincetown, The Tall Woman, History of the Rain, David Copperfield, On Chesil Beach, Hannah Coulter, Angle of Repose, Written on the Body I had a difficult time choosing the blue ribbon book for the year, so I’m going to proclaim a tie! The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt: This wins lifesaver of the year award! I was supposed to visit New York City in April, a highly anticipated adventure I was really longing for. Naturally that plan was quashed like many others, but this book provided hours of pure enjoyment as recompense. So much about life’s choices, love and death spanning hundreds of pages. It could have gone far longer without any complaint from me. Review A Cry of Angels by Jeff Fields: This book is the reason I adore Goodreads to bits! A virtually unheard-of book in my everyday life, but one I am grateful to have come across through my generous, charitable friends here. Phrases like luminous, highly impactful, and beautiful don’t do it justice. The best way to summarize this novel is what I’ve said about it previously: “I don’t see how a human being with a heart and a conscience could walk away from this not having learned something very essential to freedom, equal rights, and accountability.” Review It’s a source of great comfort, particularly in a year like 2020, that I can rely on the diversion of books and the stimulation of witty and insightful conversation that Goodreads dispenses. I’ve had the privilege of sustaining some long term friendships with kindred spirits, as well as the pleasure of making some new friends that have brought further enrichments to my reading life. A wise soul has told me to dream big. With that advice, I start the new year with the genuine desire to someday make more than just a virtual toast with my glass of bourbon cream with you, dear friends. May your little corners of the world be made brighter in 2021! ...more |
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Jan 09, 2021
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Jan 09, 2021
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Jan 09, 2021
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Unknown Binding
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| B0DV2659LS
| unknown
| 4.16
| 1,411
| 2021
| 2021
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it was amazing
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“This is awful. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me or to anyone else in the world.” (Raymond Carver, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love
“This is awful. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me or to anyone else in the world.” (Raymond Carver, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love) As the hand struck midnight and the year turned over from 2020 to 2021, I suspect many of us had the exact same thought as Raymond Carver back in 1981. He helped kick off the year and provided a great deal of distraction, as did Colum McCann (Dancer), who caused me to daydream for hours on end about Rudi Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn. In fact, I was off and running with my reading right from the popping of the champagne, or the pouring of the bourbon cream, in my case. (I’m awaiting the offer of a free case from a couple of choice distilleries in exchange for my tireless efforts to convert my friends here to this most delightful spirit. My efforts have been in vain thus far!) Anyway, my beverage of choice is old news now. The scoop for this year is that I spent a fair amount of time in the company of some contemporary writers. And many of them dazzled me! Heather Rose (The Museum of Modern Love), Bernardine Evaristo (Girl, Woman, Other), Sally Rooney (Beautiful World, Where Are You), Deborah Levy (The Cost of Living), Megan Stielstra (The Wrong Way to Save Your Life), Maria Gainza (Optic Nerve), Rufi Thorpe (The Knockout Queen), Patricia Lockwood (No One is Talking About This), Claire Keegan (Antarctica and Small Things Like These), Brandon Taylor (Filthy Animals), Rachel Cusk (Outline), Anthony Veasna So (Afterparties: Stories), and Keith Ridgway (A Shock) all added some fresh new perspective to my reading. Time to get on with it and share with you all my highlights of 2021. In no particular order: The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose: This is a fictional piece about Marina Abramovic’s work of performance art at the MoMA in 2010. We may observe art, but we can also truly experience art and be active participants in life itself. Watching the documentary titled “Marina Abramovic: The Artist is Present” afterwards really made for a breathtaking experience. Full Review The Constant Gardener by John le Carré: I suspect that any year I pick up one of le Carré’s books, it’s destined for my favorites-of-the-year list. John le Carré puts together the entire package of a rewarding reading experience - vivid settings, incredibly nuanced characters, intelligent writing, and in this book specifically, an exciting adventure. The film with Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz is very well done, too. Full Review Just Kids by Patti Smith: This beautiful, magical memoir is an ode to art, to music, to writing, to New York City, to life, to love, but most of all to enduring friendship. A quintessential tale of struggling artists, living in New York City, trying to make their big break. I listened to some of Patti’s songs and peeked at a sampling of Robert Mapplethorpe’s photography on the internet afterwards! Full Review A Frozen Woman by Annie Ernaux: I can’t hide the fact I’ve been on a bit of a feminist reading jag of late. This slim volume covers Annie’s childhood, marriage and early motherhood years. She writes with a clarity and openness that I found very exhilarating. She echoes so many of my own feelings and experiences, but puts into words those things I could never articulate quite so perfectly. Full Review Let Me Tell You About a Man I Knew by Susan Fletcher: This beauty is about Jeanne Trabuc, wife to Charles Trabuc , one of the doctors charged with van Gogh’s care at the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole. Both Jeanne and Charles are real-life figures that van Gogh painted, but here they are shaped into vivid characters through the artistry of Susan Fletcher’s beautiful prose. Fletcher is one of my favorite novelists. I have no idea why she’s not more widely read! I’m always trying to shove her book Corrag into my friends’ hands! Full Review Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain: I love dining out. What I learned here is that I’ve been in the right place – in the dining room rather than the kitchen of these restaurants! This was humorous, crude, exhilarating, mouth-watering, and highly informative. My timing was perfect as the documentary film “Road Runner” was released shortly after my reading – and it was a real treat to watch! Full Review Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo: Evaristo gathers a harmonious ensemble of characters with distinct voices and demonstrates that they work best when combined together. She celebrates diversity, while at the same time demonstrating how connections are so very important. This one builds women up without tearing men down. How else can we do this if we don’t all work together? I felt energized after finishing this book! Full Review Flesh and Blood by Michael Cunningham: This is a saga of the Stassos family. Each is full of imperfections. But Cunningham always makes us understand why his characters behave as they do. Our lives can be enriched by opening our hearts, embracing differences, and setting aside preconceived expectations. I truly felt the experience of walking in another’s shoes while reading! This author is a clear favorite over the past couple of years. Full Review The Wrong Way to Save Your Life by Megan Stielstra: This collection of essays made me laugh and cry, and most importantly, gave me some much needed courage. Megan writes frankly about fear, mistakes, and our ability and responsibility to continuously learn in order to better ourselves and our world. Full Review The Field by Robert Seethaler: Despite the fact this is told from a chorus of voices in the Paulstadt cemetery, or The Field, this is not a ghost story. Through first person narration, each of the deceased shares a piece of themselves with the reader. Longings, regrets, small joys, loneliness, love, misunderstandings, fear, and hope – the emotions and essence of life. Full Review And another tie this year for first place! It was a photo finish between an established favorite author and a new-to-me voice in contemporary writing: Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout: The amazing sequel to the equally impactful My Name is Lucy Barton. A story about those invisible connections between us all and the meaning of empathy. Lucy also questions those choices we make. Were they the right ones? Don’t we all ask ourselves this – constantly?! I felt Lucy’s pain, confusion, and joy like it was all my own. Full Review Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney: The biggest surprise of the year, especially considering my reader friends were hugely divided regarding this book! Rooney knows people. She knows that some of us are unlikable; we have faults, indulge in selfishness, and harbor inner turmoil. And yet, there is something in each one of us that wants to be seen and heard and loved. We all deserve this despite our shortcomings, don’t we? Let’s start listening to the younger generation – after all, it’s their future and they deserve some say in it, do they not?! Full Review If I said that 2021 was an improvement over 2020, you would all know that I was being dishonest. It may actually have been much worse. To have hope and then for it to be squashed once again is one of the most disheartening feelings. Working with the public shines a glaring light on the worst and a golden ray on the best of humanity. Books are a salvation. Sharing them with others, especially here, is a lifeline to what could be if we all worked together and paid attention to those invisible connections. I continue to cherish those connections, some quietly hidden and others unmistakable. A non-reading highlight of the year was the delightful discovery that at least one of you is more than just a voice on the other side of a computer screen! Remember friends, have bourbon, will travel (or gin and tonic, a bottle of wine, you name it)! Just let me know how many bottles to bring when I knock on your doors :) “Without friendship, we were each alone in the wilderness.” (Vivian Gornick, The Odd Woman and the City) ...more |
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Life has a way of constantly changing, doesn’t it? I suppose that can be a good thing (sometimes), especially for a restless spirit like mine that get
Life has a way of constantly changing, doesn’t it? I suppose that can be a good thing (sometimes), especially for a restless spirit like mine that gets bored with routine rather easily. Last year at this time I was talking about the chaos of the college search process and less reading time. With that process successfully over, other changes were on the horizon. I began a new job in the summer and once again my reading suffered a bit as a consequence. However, I will take quality over quantity in just about any aspect of my life and can therefore say that 2019 was gratifying! Candi's Blue ribbon winners for 2019: Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsley: This fangirl could sit and listen to anyone talk about Jane Austen anytime, anywhere. I had a glimpse of all those places Jane wielded her pen and rested her head. I wanted to gather up all my Austen novels and set everything else aside. I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death by Maggie O'Farrell: This was an unexpected pleasure! My first introduction to O’Farrell was via audiobook, a format I rarely take advantage of due to my incapacity to focus on two things at one time (driving/reading, cooking/reading, etc). O’Farrell’s memoir dazzled me and all I desired was to heap all of her books on my pile and find more outstanding narration like I found in this one. The Weary Blues by Langston Hughes: One of my rare forays into poetry in 2019 was rhythmic and soulful. I longed to rush out the door in search of a smoky jazz club and extend the experience even further. Extremely accessible poetry for a rookie like me. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles: I was afraid this one wouldn’t be in the same league as A Gentleman in Moscow, but I was proved wrong. Katey Content is an enterprising heroine and New York City becomes a character in its own right. Towles is a master at any setting he sketches. Please write me another, Mr. Towles. Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson: A self-reflective Scandinavian piece that impressed me with its ability to pack a powerful punch despite its subtlety. How do we come to terms with the knowledge that our parents have secrets and imperfections just like everyone else? Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: A treasured childhood favorite that was just as charming the second time around. Jo March is right up there with my favorite heroines of all time. My heart ached and rejoiced right along with her. Moving On by Larry McMurtry: Proof that there is a great literary life after reading the crowning novel of my reading experience, Lonesome Dove. I can’t make comparisons between the two books, but Patsy won me over and the writing is just as brilliant. Be warned: Your own relationships will succumb to a heavy scrutiny after this one. My Old True Love by Sheila Kay Adams: Arty Norton Wallin comes alive in the pages of this novel. The love of music and dancing, motherhood, the courage of women, and the heartbreak of war are illustrated through a very lyrical prose. The Towers of Silence by Paul Scott: The third book in the outstanding Raj Quartet. This series is a prime example of the value of rich historical fiction that is elevated to greater heights than any textbook due to the emotive, human element. It’s a weighty undertaking but oh so rewarding. Mink River by Brian Doyle: Stylistically different from my other favorites – episodic, run-on sentences, a good dose of magical realism – but equally stunning. Ordinary lives are written in such a beautiful way that you come to understand the importance of all living things. I quickly added all of Doyle’s writing to my list after this one. Not Forgetting the Whale by John Ironmonger: This book is nearly impossible to find. I saw three friends reading this in 2019 and without their enticing reviews, I would never have run across this one. This is a refreshingly different take on the post-apocalyptic novel. The possibility that something like this scenario could really happen intrigued me. The Cornish setting delighted me! Those of you who have tolerated my love affair with the Poldark series know all about that ;) The Secret History by Donna Tartt: Why on earth did I wait so long to read Tartt?!! Intelligently crafted, loaded with psychological tension, and excellent characterizations. I could have read another 500 pages of this one without a second thought. Bring on The Goldfinch! Voices from Chernobyl: The Oral History of a Nuclear Disaster by Svetlana Alexievich: This wins the award for most heartbreaking read of the year. The voices of the victims will haunt you but please don’t ignore them. It’s a remarkable account as told directly from the survivors. A Sport and a Pastime by James Salter: The naughtiest book on my list this year. An extremely unreliable narrator, exquisite prose, and France! Don’t forget to turn down the heat in your house while reading. Finally, to round out my year, I read four John le Carré novels that scored 5 stars each! The Spy Who Came In from the Cold, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, The Honourable Schoolboy, and Smiley's People. There is no glamour here in the real world of espionage. George Smiley is now officially my favorite spy. No, he’s not a sexy James Bond-like kind of guy, but he’s genuine, principled, and courageous. Never in a million years did I imagine I would fall in love with these books! The tally of books read may have decreased in 2019, but my list of books to-read continues to grow. More importantly, I have been gifted with valuable, continuing friendships as well as some new ones that are both meaningful and enriching to me. I’m always impressed by your keen insights, your eclectic reading habits, and your generosity of spirit. It gives me much comfort to know that there are like-minded friends tucked into all corners of the world. I look forward to another year filled with sharing views and expanding connections, both new and old. ...more |
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2018 took on a different sort of flavor for me compared to past years. I read a bit less and instead got wrapped up in the college search process. To
2018 took on a different sort of flavor for me compared to past years. I read a bit less and instead got wrapped up in the college search process. To me it seems like such a monumental decision, and we are not quite there yet! My oldest, who turns 18 this coming weekend, will be graduating high school in June and I want to ensure he is happy with where he lands for the next four years of his life. Therefore, as predicted, much of my ‘reading’ involved college websites and brochures. Rather than taking any fascinating vacations, I traipsed around several college campuses. I did, however, manage to sneak in a few visits to out of town bookstores in the process, so not all bookish adventures were lost! I’m going to try to make this short and sweet and get on with 2019! Here is a list of my favorites from 2018: The Four Swans and The Angry Tide by Winston Graham: I am having a love affair with these books! Needed a few tissues for these installments. Review Here and Here So Big by Edna Ferber: This may be an ‘old’ one, but wow, was it ever relevant to my own time in life right now… the joy and sacrifice of motherhood. Review Here My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout: Mother-daughter relationships – can’t read enough about those. This one was subtle, but packed quite a punch. Review Here The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz: Some old friends, Sherlock and Watson, took me on a brand new adventure. A bit darker than the originals, but completely satisfying. Review Here Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith: This novel ‘ruint’ me, and I wanted to recommend it to all of my female reading friends! Probably my number one of 2018 as it still remains constantly in my mind. I immediately ordered three more of Lee Smith’s books right after finishing this one. Review Here A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin: Fantasy is not a genre I frequently read, but LeGuin’s work makes me really think, and I love that. I’ll read more of this series for sure. Review Here The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne: Seven decades in the life of Cyril Avery, a character I will not soon forget. Excellent storytelling! Review Here The Black Flower: A Novel of the Civil War by Howard Bahr: The Battle of Franklin, Tennessee illustrates the senselessness of war, yet this beautiful book is full of humor, love and camaraderie. Review Here A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry: We should each reflect on the humanity that exists in everyone and acknowledge our own role in balancing the scale. Not an uplifting book, but thank goodness for some moments of humor. Review Here Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery: Why did I not read this as a child or adolescent?! I adored this funny and imaginative girl/young lady! Someone needs to buy me a ticket to Prince Edward Island. Review Here Summer by Edith Wharton: Wharton gets it right every time. Don’t let the title fool you – this one is not easy-breezy despite the lovely setting. Review Here All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque: A classic novel that stands the test of time. Another exquisite and painful depiction of the meaninglessness of war. Review Here Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides: A multi-generational saga and outstanding storytelling. I will read whatever I can by this author! Review Here Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin: How does one escape the room, the feeling of claustrophobia caused by the confines of convention? Exquisite prose brought me right there to 1950s Paris and held me in Giovanni’s room. Review Here Burial Rites by Hannah Kent: A desolate and heartbreaking journey to Iceland where a woman has been convicted of two murders and sentenced to death. Based on a true story. Review Here The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman: Art, passion, folklore, superstitions, and a tropical island all combine to make this one of my favorite historical fiction novels of last year. Review Here Strange Fruit by Lillian E. Smith: ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ for adults. Why isn’t this book being read more widely?! It is everyone’s responsibility to stamp out racism and hatred. Review Here The Night of the Hunter by Davis Grubb: This one made my blood run colder than it has in a long, long time! Loosely based on a true story of a serial killer. Review Here Circe by Madeline Miller: I loved this book! Circe is the ideal heroine – flaws and all! The myths are brought to life in this outstanding novel. I want my daughter to read this someday! Review Here I continue to feel enlightened each and every day I log onto Goodreads, thanks to the wisdom and wit of my esteemed friends on this site. My to-read list has grown to mythic proportions thanks to all of you, and my bedroom is rapidly transforming into a library! I truly value the friendships I have made here. They are as real to me as any ‘in real life’ friendships, and just as enriching, some more so! If I could magically transport myself with the touch of a button, then I would grab my cup of tea, a glass of wine, or a tumbler of bourbon and have a nice heart-to-heart with anyone that would have me! Wishing you all the best in 2019 – health, happiness and of course, plenty of reading time! ...more |
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I’m really late getting my 2017 year in review completed. I hope you all agree with 'better late than never'! I almost let it go for this year, but I
I’m really late getting my 2017 year in review completed. I hope you all agree with 'better late than never'! I almost let it go for this year, but I like to have a little summary to look back on, so here it goes! Life is getting very busy. Two teenagers with extremely active lives certainly keep me on my toes! One is starting to research colleges, so much of my ‘reading’ time in 2018 will be spent perusing college websites and catalogs – I promise not to torture you with reviews of these ;0 Now to share my reading highlights and favorites of 2017! It was another fantastic and rewarding year of reading and discussing books with all of you. Favorite Discovery of the Year: If you’ve been following my reviews this past year, then you will notice that I have a new addiction… The Poldark series. I am completely smitten with this series – both the books and the television dramatization. I am exactly midway through the series, having completed 6 of the 12 novels so far. The characters have grown on me like family and old friends. Love it! Thrilled to Discover these New-to-Me Authors: Wendell Berry – I absolutely adored Jayber Crow and thoroughly enjoyed his shorter novel, Andy Catlett: Early Travels. His stories are set in and around Port William, Kentucky, and the writing style is both soothing and reflective. Jayber Crow was a special treasure as I read it while celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary at the beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina! Mr. Berry helped me ponder quite a bit about those big decisions I have made in my life up to this point. Sebastian Barry – Hey, look at that! I have a Berry and a Barry! I think I may be onto something here ;) Anyways, I read The Secret Scripture this year and was swept away by Barry’s extraordinary prose. He does know how to weave a wonderful story together. I am pleased that I have more of his work to look forward to in the future. Mary Doria Russell – The Sparrow was very affecting and took my mind to some dizzying heights. A very thought-provoking book that I will soon follow up with its sequel, Children of God, in a couple of months from now. I understand she has also written some outstanding historical fiction, which I have every intention of reading as well. Richard Russo – This guy can write characters! I discovered this while reading Empire Falls. Not only can he depict some vivid and very real characters, the writing was brilliant and there was the added bonus of a surprising plot twist. I will get through all of his work eventually too. Someone Give Me a Medal for Tackling this Book: Moby-Dick or, The Whale – yep, I honestly read this one and finished it! I actually enjoyed portions of this tome – the memorable characters and the very striking symbolism are second to none. Yet, the digressions into the whaling industry and the lengthy descriptions of the species and its anatomy were mind-numbing for this indifferent reader. Glad I Finally Read This One Which is Worth all Its Weight in Gold: Les Miserables - I had no words to review this one except – Phenomenal! Enough said. Favorite 5 * Classic Books: Lamb in His Bosom Les Miserables Frenchman's Creek The Scapegoat The Poldark Series Books 1-6: Ross Poldark, Demelza, Jeremy Poldark, Warleggan, The Black Moon, The Four Swans Favorite 5* Fiction Books: Miss Jane Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter The Sparrow Magpie Murders Jayber Crow Empire Falls Coming Home Good Morning, Midnight The Secret Scripture An Officer and a Spy News of the World Favorite 4* and 5* Non-Fiction Books: Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail Irena's Children: The Extraordinary Story of the Woman Who Saved 2,500 Children from the Warsaw Ghetto Shadow of the Silk Road I continue to take pleasure in my time spent on Goodreads, and find it to be such an enriching experience to read your reviews and to share my own with each of you. I appreciate those who take the time to read and/or comment on my reviews, as I know that it takes away from your own precious reading time to do so! Thank you for entertaining and educating me, my friends. ...more |
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2016 has proved to be the most exciting year of reading ever – and not simply because I read so many outstanding books. Even more importantly, I made
2016 has proved to be the most exciting year of reading ever – and not simply because I read so many outstanding books. Even more importantly, I made more meaningful connections with friends here and became much more active in the community. This was the first year that I made the decision to write a review for every book read, and I am happy to say that with the exception of two books that are pending reviews, I have reached that goal! I also felt greatly enriched by reading all of your insightful reviews and by participating in discussions in my groups to the best of my ability. Now, having improved my efforts in these areas, the only downfall was that I read fewer books this year! Initially, I was a bit disappointed with this discovery, until I realized that I most enjoy a balance between reading, reflecting and chatting about books. Therefore, as I’ve said – best year ever! I have some goals in mind for 2017 and hope that I can be a bit more organized with my reading and figure out a way to write reviews more promptly while the details are fresh in my mind. Now, I suppose I should get moving along and share my personal highlights of the year! Favorite Discovery of the Year: Mary Stewart’s Merlin and Arthurian Saga, including: The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, and The Wicked Day. I couldn’t gush enough about these books while reading them! There are two things I discovered about myself with regards to this series: #1 – I actually do read series books! #2 – I love a bit of fantasy, although I do admit to remaining quite picky when it comes to this genre. I have to thank my fabulous GR friend Sara for introducing me to these books and for taking time out of her reading schedule to re-read and share her thoughts with me and the rest of the “Enchanted Readers”. Best Re-Read from My Teen Years: Rebecca – I adored this book and Daphne du Maurier remains a favorite author. Following the book up with the movie adaptation was a perfect experience. Best Comfort Read by New-to-Me Author: The Shell Seekers – this book taught me not to judge a book by its cover! I have 3 more Rosamunde Pilcher books with their girlish floral covers sitting on my shelf to be read. I will not be fooled into thinking these are just light and fluffy chick-lit books any longer! New-to-Me Series that May Become My Next Book Addiction: Elena Ferrante's Neopolitan series. My Brilliant Friend may have “only” been a 4 star book, but there’s no way I can stop with just this one! I absolutely need to find out what happens to these characters next. Favorite 5 * Classic Books: A Christmas Carol Rebecca The Buccaneers Favorite 5* Fiction Books: The History of Love Cutting for Stone A Gentleman in Moscow Lila The Shell Seekers Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson Lives of Girls and Women The Arthurian Saga: The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, The Wicked Day Plainsong Favorite 5* Non-Fiction Books: Night Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President Other Memorable, Nearly 5* Books: A Yellow Raft in Blue Water A Streetcar Named Desire Circling the Sun Our Souls at Night Island of a Thousand Mirrors The Swan Thieves Black and Blue Wishing all of my Goodreads friends a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year! I thank you all for your support and for sharing your thoughtful insights – whether through your reviews, your comments, or within group discussions about books and/or life. My growing TBR reflects my appreciation for your taste! ...more |
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2015 was a fabulous year of reading some amazing books, getting into the groove of writing reviews for many of my completed books, reading many outsta
2015 was a fabulous year of reading some amazing books, getting into the groove of writing reviews for many of my completed books, reading many outstanding reviews, and making some wonderful new friends here at Goodreads! I have been a member of this site since 2010, but it was not until the later part of 2014 that I really became an active member and joined my first reading groups. So, 2015 was really my first big year of participation and interaction – and I loved every minute of it! I learned to venture outside of my comfort zone with some newer genres and I continued my true love of reading classics, contemporary and literary fiction. This was also the year I tried my first audio book. I also realized that non-fiction opens up a whole new world of reading possibilities! I participated in a number of group challenges and I added books to my TBR at an alarming rate! I have started off 2016 taking another look at this list and trying to make it more manageable. At the same time, I have been reading through several of these 2015 year end summaries and finding that there are some books definitely worthy of being added onto that same list. And, so the list grows again – but it’s all good - truly it is! Top 10 Books for 2015 (Not in any particular order except perhaps by date read): Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes The Color Purple by Alice Walker Euphoria by Lily King Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood Corrag by Susan Fletcher Of course, it’s difficult not to mention some additional superb books I read that didn’t necessarily fall into the top 10! Classic Honorable Mentions: The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather The Bell by Iris Murdoch The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton The Voyage Out by Virginia Woolf Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo Fiction Honorable Mentions: True Grit by Charles Portis The Enchanted by Rene Denfeld The Road by Cormac McCarthy The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón Non-Fiction Honorable Mentions: In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick Love, Life, and Elephants: An African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project by Jack Mayer Favorite Holiday Story: The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry Favorite Middle Grade/Young Adult Book: The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands Favorite Audiobook: The Wind In The Willows by Kenneth Grahame Most Overrated: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (Sorry fans! It was fun to read but just didn’t quite get there for me!) Book I Liked Less than my Friends: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (Don’t get me wrong, I still liked it! But, I just couldn’t give it the 5 stars.) Book that Left me Shaking my Head (“What the Heck was that all about?!"): The Tooth Fairy by Graham Joyce In the course of my reading this past year, I bumped into some authors I read for the first time but will most certainly continue to seek out: Iris Murdoch, Chimimanda Ngozi Adichie, Paula McLain, Virginia Woolf, Cormac McCarthy, William Kent Krueger, and P.G. Wodehouse. There were a couple of authors whose work I read for the first time and was disappointed. However, these two stand out as ones I would like to give a second chance: Graham Joyce and David Mitchell. I have a goal over the next couple of years to try to read all of the published work by these outstanding authors: Willa Cather, Daphne du Maurier, Edith Wharton, and John Steinbeck. I have a decent start on these, so I think my goal is fairly reasonable! Not going to kick myself if it takes longer, however! All in all, I have to say I have been quite happy with my 2015 GR experience! I am grateful for all the old and new friends I have made here and am quite eager to forge ahead with all of my connections and continue to grow as a reader and a friend! I look forward to reading more of your reviews, continuing to write more of my own, making new friends, and just having a marvelous time overall! Best wishes to all for a lovely 2016 full of peace, happiness, and great books! ...more |
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