You guys really came through for me when I asked for book recommendations. Anyone who loves to read should check back to my original post and add some of these gems to their Amazon wishlist. After much hemming and hawing I finally put in my Amazon order for the following three books for my vacation. I probably won’t get through three books but I always need to bring three because the thought of running out of books while on vacation is an extremely stressful thought.
1. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
This is the same author that wrote the Time Traveller’s Wife (which I really need to re-read because I don’t remember any of the story). The reviews weren’t what I would call stellar but it seems to have an interesting premise.
2. The Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer
I’m fascinated by books that examine human relationships. From the description on Amazon it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what this book is about but I’m willing to give it a go.
3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I’ve heard such good things about this book that it was on my list before I even asked for reader recommendations. The fact that quite a few of you did recommend it solidified my decision to order it (even though it’s still in hard cover and I detest hard cover books).
While I’m on the topic of books, I bought this book (The Condition by Jennifer Haigh) on a whim from Borders a few weeks ago and cracked it open on the weekend. So far so good. In fact, so far so excellent! I’m looking forward to providing a review.
And with that, I bid you adieu this evening so that I can settle down with said book and read read read :-)
What I Read
The Emperor’s Children by Claire Messud
My Thoughts
I like reading books that I can relate to so this seemed perfect - a book about a bunch of 30 year olds living in New York City. It took me 4 weeks to read it which means it wasn’t brilliant (in my opinion). There were times I considered giving up altogether but stuck with it. I ended up finding it really hard to relate to the characters in the book. Would I recommend it to my friends? Probably not. I know Ave is reading it at the moment so I will be interested to hear her thoughts.
Book Recommendations needed!
I usually borrow all my books from the library. However, for my upcoming vacation to the BVI I would very much like to buy and bring 3 or 4 books. The kind of book that makes for a good ‘beach read’. What can you recommend for me?
Cannot put Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld down. I finished reading another book on the weekend that took me 4 weeks to drag my heels through. This one will be done inside a week. I never thought I would have any interest in reading a book written from the perspective of a teenager and set in a New England boarding school but it turns out I was wrong.
With that, I am retiring to my bed to read.
On the train to White Plains. Trying to make the most of the downtime by passing the halfway point in my book. I prefer staring out the window and yawning.
Sidenote: My pants feel decidedly tight today. I’m in for an uncomfortable day.
I finished reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo today. It was actually pretty good and ended up being quite the page turner. Unfortunately, it ended somewhat abruptly. A smart move by the author perhaps? Because I’ve already added the sequel to my Amazon wishlist.
Next one up? The Reader by Bernhard Schlink.
A lovely reader Erica, sent me an email with some memoir suggestions. I am going to read all of these over the coming weeks.
- Happens Every Day by Isabel Gillies
- All of Jen Lancaster’s books - Erica says “She is a riot (and actually reminds me a lot of your friend Berry)”. The same Berry who won’t start a blog because she “doesn’t want anyone to know who I am”. Um, too late!
- Julie and Julia by Julia Powell
I am going to make a special trip to the library today to pick one up and get stuck in. Thanks for the tips Erica!
I read the The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls on the weekend. It was so good - I really love good memoirs so if anyone has recommendations please let me know.
These memoirs are about her childhood growing up with the most eccentric parents, at times in complete poverty. She is a great storyteller with an even greater story to tell.
