I suppose I should have known better. Summer reading, at least for me, is a myth. I wish for long relaxed hours reading outdoors, but historically I read much less during the summer months. It seemed like things might be different this year. July was a great month, thanks in part to some unexpected travel, but August is shaping up to be more typical. Here we are at the midpoint and I've finished only one book. It was longish, but still...
Remember my stack of planned reading from a couple of weeks ago? I doubt most of it will happen over the next two weeks. Here's how things stand now:
Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver: Finished. A solid 4 stars... can't wait to discuss it with my book club.
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: On page 66 after two short reading sessions. I really like the beginning of this book. The writing is lovely, and I'm using a cheat sheet to keep track of unfamiliar African names.
TransAtlantic by Colum McCann: 33% done. I was listening to this on my iPhone, but have also downloaded an ebook from the library to make it a read/listen combination. I like it, but it hasn't really captivated me the way Let the Great World Spin did. At least not yet.
Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss: Listening to CDs (on #8 of 12) in the car. This wasn't even on my August list, but Joy's three posts convinced me to borrow it from the library. The book is fascinating, yet maddening.
Since planned reading really doesn't work all that well for me, I've decided there will NOT be a list for September. However, Audrey and I are planning to read The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. You're welcome to join us!
How's your summer reading going?
My reading is slow right now but I am managing to get quite a bit of listening done. Thank heavens for audio books!
ReplyDeleteKathy - I've been finishing a lot more audiobooks lately, too.
DeleteMy reading in print is dismal. Audio is a little better now that the kids are back in school. I am feeling irritable because I have books I HAVE to read, and I can't get through them which means I can't read the ones that I want to read and are screaming my name. Blah. I do the fantasy thing where I have high hopes for my reading plans but it almost never works out.
ReplyDeleteSandy - I've been trying really hard to cut down on reading commitments. For the most part it's working, but I still have my moments.
DeleteI am doing pretty well this summer, being unemployed helps. But I have three major things I want to finish by the end of the month and I am afraid that probably won't happen.
ReplyDeleteThomas - Working can really cut into your reading time ;-) Good luck with those projects!
DeleteActually I find I am unable to read today because my emotional experience from the book I finished last night is still too intense! So I'm baking a cake....
ReplyDeleteJill - Now I want to know what book that was!!
DeleteI'm so looking forward to reading this with you1 I hope others will join us. I watched the film last night, just because it was about to "expire" on my cable's free movie list, and now I'm really in the mood!
ReplyDeleteAudrey - I can't wait to get started! Just downloaded it to my kindle yesterday...
DeleteI have started on the Paleo Diet and one of the books that was recommended to me was Sugar Salt and Fat. I have it out from the library. I am glad to hear you say it is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI too do horrible with reading plans. I finally stopped making them and feel so much better!
Hilary - Salt Sugar Fat has definitely made for some fascinating listening. I hope you enjoy it, too!
DeleteI love The Age of Innocence - wish I could fit it in for a reread along with you, but my September is full of school reading.
ReplyDeleteCarrie - I'm glad to know you loved The Age of Innocence. I've read so many of Wharton's books, but never her most famous... can't wait to get started.
DeleteI seem to read less during the summer. There's just too much going on, places to go, things to do with the kids. I'm hoping to do some catching up now that school has started. *fingers crossed*
ReplyDeleteDiana - Exactly. Summer is just SO busy! Hope you have eased back into the school routine now :)
DeleteThis was one of those days that I did everything except pick up a book --- it happens:)
ReplyDeleteDiane - I seem to be having a lot of those lately, lol!
DeleteGlad to know Flight Behavior was good. I might pick that as one of my book club choices when it's my turn. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
ReplyDeletePat - I think my book club will find a lot to talk about with Flight Behavior. I'll post about it after the meeting.
DeleteSummer vacations are never reading vacations for me, and the garden and family stuff tend to demand center stage this season.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Age of Innocence--enjoy!
JaneGS - So much love for The Age of Innocence... I can't wait to get started!
DeleteI didn't even make a summer reading list this year and I always do. It's part of the fun of summer, but I knew it was going to be a tough summer with that summer class hanging over my son's head. Boy, was it.
ReplyDeleteRight now, I have a list of ARCs I am supposed to read but I pick and choose and don't read them in order.
Ti - With all the stuff your kids are involved with, it's got to be hard to get anything done during the summer. Good luck with those ARCs!
DeleteThat's why I like audiobooks. I seem to be able to fit them in better than print books. I may just join you for The Age of Innocence. I enjoy Wharton's writing.
ReplyDeleteDarlene - It would be great to have you read The Age of Innocence with us! I'm probably going to try a read/listen combination.
DeleteYaaaaay! The library had the audio and I'm downloading it now.
DeleteDar - Hurray! There are several audio version out there - I got the one narrated by Laural Merlington. My plan is to start early next month :)
DeleteI never get much reading in during the summer months. Too many distractions (read: yard work!). We've traveled more this summer than ever, and that typically means less reading time, which is odd because you'd think it'd mean more. I usually spend the evenings catching up on emails & blogs rather than reading while I'm away. Come fall, though, I hope to tackle some of these towering stacks. I'm ready for a nice cold night when I can curl up with my book. :)
ReplyDeleteBTW, I loved The Age of Innocence both times I read it. Enjoy!
Les - I'm so glad to know you loved The Age of Innocence! How can I keep calling myself an Edith Wharton fan when I have yet to read her masterpiece? Can't wait to get started.
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