Sunday was even warmer but, unfortunately, I didn't get to spend much time outdoors. We attended Syracuse Opera's performance of The Marriage of Figaro and afterwards went out for a long, leisurely dinner with friends.
I've been enjoying a streak of really good books lately that began with The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D. (my review). I also absolutely loved the audio version of Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler and will try to get my thoughts together for a post later this week. On Friday, I finished The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout and, while it's not quite Olive Kitteridge, it reminded me why Strout is one of my favorite authors. I'm still thinking about this novel, but in the meantime you can check my Saturday Sentence for a taste of her writing.
Book Club
My book club met last week to discuss The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. We selected the title because one member was attending her Maryland friend's book club while visiting, and it was their selection. There were six of us at our the meeting, but only three had finished (a fourth was nearly done). I listened to the book over a year ago, so my memory was a little hazy. We had a unanimous "liked-but-didn't-love" reaction. The Maryland group, however, had a slightly different opinion - they all loved The Paris Wife.
Our next selection is The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, an all-time favorite of the Maryland group.
My current audiobook is Cooked by Michael Pollan. I'm very glad to be listening to this one - mostly because I enjoy the author's narration, but I also have a feeling this is one of those books (like The Omnivore's Dilemma) I'd find slow-going in print.
What are you reading this week?
You've got some good books on the go here! Thirteenth Tale is one of my favourites. Cooked sounds like it would be best listened to. I've found I much prefer non-fiction in audio form.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading AND listening!
Trish - I'm so glad to know you loved The Thirteenth Tale! I usually prefer nonfiction on audio, too. Somehow it's easier for me to stay focused. The only drawback is that you miss out on photos, maps, charts, etc., so I often end up borrowing a print copy from the library, too.
DeleteWe had a gorgeous weekend in Colorado too, but I spent most of it inside working on graduation quilts for my twins.
ReplyDeleteI love The Marriage of Figaro--sounds like a wonderful evening.
I'll have to check out Cooked--I liked the other Michael Pollan book I read. Maybe my library has an audio version--I agree, this is a perfect kind of book for audio.
I'm currently listening to The Last Runaway, and finding myself volunteering to run errands just so that I can have some car time in which to listen to it.
JaneGS - Our dual graduation took place two years ago - congratulations to your twins! I remember you mentioned Syracuse University last year. Is it still being considered?
DeleteI have an audio copy of The Last Runaway here. Sounds like I need to move it to the top of the pile!
I finished The Burgess Boys and was quite taken with it though I have not read Oliver Kitteridge. Found the book quite unusual but have not written a review. Still thinking about it too.
ReplyDeleteHarvee - It's going to take me a while to sort through The Burgess Boys. Strout is such a great writer. Olive Kitteridge is simply amazing and I loved her first novel Amy and Isabelle, too. Will get to Abide With Me soon, I hope.
DeleteI haven't read Thirteenth Tale yet (although it's on my shelves!) but look forward to doing so. I'm intrigued that your book club seemed to enjoy it so much and will keep it in mind as a title to suggest to my club.
ReplyDeleteBrooke - It was actually the book club in Maryland my friend visited that loved The Thirteenth Tale so much... we'll see what my group thinks of it. I'm enjoying it so far.
DeleteI am overdue for spring cleaning but we've had such warm (like summer) weather in California that I've been too busy spending all of my time outdoors!
ReplyDeleteKathleen - I still have lots of spring cleaning left to do (amazing how dirty this place gets over the winter), but I'd much rather spend time outside!
DeleteI absolutely loved The Thirteenth Tale when I read it years ago; I should probably consider a reread.
ReplyDeleteCarrie - Glad to know you loved The Thirteenth Tale! Just the first chapter has me intrigued to know more about Vida Winter (and Margaret, too) and the antiquarian book shop setting is perfect!
DeleteI've had The Thirteenth Tale in my bookcase for years and have never gotten around to reading it. I think I'll read it next, putting it in front of The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D, which I had originally planned to read next. I cant wait to read what you have to say about it.
ReplyDeleteMy already long "to be read list" is growing at an alarming rate since I've been reading your blog. I better pick up the pace!
Lilea - That's great - we can compare notes on The Thirteenth Tale! Sorry about your growing tbr list ;-)
DeleteYou have read some great sounding books lately. We had a busy weekend as well. Hope you enjoy your week.
ReplyDeleteDiane - April has definitely been a month of good books. Hope you're having a great week!
DeleteYou really have been having great luck with books lately! I've been so frustrated with my book club lately, can't get them to read anything or show up for meetings. I kind of think of it as being as much of a commitment as any other thing I commit; wouldn't it be great if everyone in the clubs did?
ReplyDeleteLisa - I haven't had a streak of good books like this in a long time! Sorry to hear about your book club frustration. We actually have 18 members in my group, but are very happy if 8 show up for meetings. Even happier if at least 6 read the book ;-)
DeleteI have started listening to The Thirteenth Tale but can't seem to get into it - I also heard great reviews of the audio so I wonder if I just need to give it a bit more time.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly had a productive weekend - bring on the good weather - I am glad Spring is finally here!
Booksnyc - I ended up downloading the audio and will make it a read/listen combo. The voices drew me in instantly and I'm already curious about what's ahead. Think I only listened to a half hour. Maybe a little more time might help you, but if it doesn't I'd move on to something you really enjoy.
DeleteJust when most of the world is heading into the outdoors we here in the desert are heading out of it! We just had our first 100 degree day and the sun is brutal. Nothing outside for me until October or November.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read The Burgess Boys. This week I am devoting my reading time to The Enchanted April and, just like the Italian days, it is very leisurely.
Anbolyn - Oh, I loved The Enchanted April!! It's almost as good as an actual vacation in Italy :-)
DeleteYour love for Calling Me Home had me clicking the link and purchasing it!! thanks so much. I've been trying to figure out which book to use my credit on this month. I think you've had some amazing books this year!!!
ReplyDeleteStaci - I'm SURE you will love it... be warned that some parts are very sad. I listened on the way to my haircut and walked into the salon with tears in my eyes. That was a little embarrassing!
DeleteThe Thirteenth Tale is a perfect book for readers. I hope you all LOVE it :)
ReplyDeleteStacybuckeye - I'm liking The Thirteenth Tale more and more as I turn the pages!
Delete