Just as the Labor Day holiday weekend began, I posted the final review for Molly's Summer Vacation Reading Challenge. Three books were required at the beach bum level, and I couldn't have enjoyed them more!The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim - reviewed here
A Thousand Days in Venice by Marlena De Blasi - reviewed here
That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo - reviewed here
The first two titles provided a 'virtual vacation' to Italy. The Enchanted April took me to San Salvatore in the hills of Tuscany. There I was treated to the magic of springtime in Italy... and found that I just couldn't leave!
Original 'travel plans' included stops in Paris (Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnick) and London (Imagined London by Anna Quindlen) but, since the itinerary was flexible, I decided to stay in Italy with One Thousand Days in Venice. This non-fiction gem gave a sense of place like I have never experienced! I loved my 'virtual trip' to Italy and have already started saving for the real thing.
On the journey home, I stopped for a layover in Cape Cod to catch up with a favorite author. Richard Russo's latest book was released and it had to be read - immediately! That Old Cape Magic was the perfect way to wrap up my summer reading and this challenge.
Thank you Molly, for hosting such a fun, low-pressure summer reading adventure!
That's the second time I've seen a rave for Enchanted April. Sounds wonderful. On the list it goes! Congrats on completing the challenge
ReplyDeleteThe Enchanted April is glorious, isn't it? I read it after coming back from a holiday in Greece and it instantly returned me to those lazy warm days.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't love Cape Cod more if I tried. I stayed in Provincetown for a week a few years ago now when I was but 19 and the beauty of it was breathtaking. I long to go back for a longer stay...one day.
I am so glad you had fun with this challenge - and read three terrific books. I am afraid that I was rather lax as hostess of the challenge - and I promise to try to do better the next time.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Labor Day weekend!
Congratulations on finishing the challenge! What a way to see the world:) I enjoyed reading all your reviews.
ReplyDeleteI was mentioning your love of That Old Cape Magic to a customer at the library today. Your review made him very happy!
ReplyDeleteWay to go!! I love completing challenges.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great challenge! Sorry I missed it. Sounds like you had a great trip :)
ReplyDeleteKaye - Enchanted April was wonderful! I gave it to my mother after I was done and she loved it, too. Hope you enjoy it, too.
ReplyDeleteRachel - I can see how The Enchanted April would prolong your holiday. It could be a perfect escape for the dead of winter, too! Hope you get back to Cape Cod soon...
Molly - It seems like most of the work in the challenge was setting it all up. You did a fine job, no need to worry about it. I had a great time and am already looking forward to next summer...perhaps I'll spend it in Paris!
Book Psmith - Thank you.! Seeing the world this was was much easier on the wallet, too!
Darlene - I'm so glad to hear that... I sure hope he likes it! My mother was here today and took That Old Cape Magic home with her.
Beth F - Thanks!
Stacybuckeye - It was a great trip! I'm already thinking about where I might go next summer.
I have included all three books on my reading list. Thank you for blogging about these awesome books. I can't wait to read Enchanted April!
ReplyDeleteMatt - With fall fast approaching (and winter close behind) The Enchanted April would be perfect for a gray, rainy weekend! Be sure to watch the movie afterwards, too.
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