Reading:
Last week was unusual, at least as far as reading goes. I picked up three different newish books, read less than fifty pages, and set them aside. I couldn't seem to commit to anything and decided I just wasn't in the mood for contemporary fiction... strange. Finally, I pulled Stoner by John Williams from my shelf. It seems to be a quiet, introspective book with gorgeous writing and, so far, I love it.
I'm also still reading Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo for my book club.
Listening:
Things were much better on the audio front, due in part to beautiful fall weather and longer morning walks. First, I finished Wheat Belly by William Davis and posted my thoughts on Saturday.
Then, due to slow reading progress, I downloaded the audio edition of Behind the Beautiful Forevers and made it a read/listen combination. I've reached the halfway mark now, so it seems to have been worth it... though I must admit I'm not loving the book as much as I'd expected. We'll see how the second half goes.
Yesterday, with six hours of uninterrupted listening time driving to and from The Mount (Edith Wharton's home in Lenox, MA), I started The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy by David Nasaw. With 25 hours still left, this definitely qualifies as a long-term commitment.
Oh, the reason behind that visit to The Mount? Audrey and I met to discuss our shared read of The Age of Innocence and tour the house and gardens... but that deserves its own post!
Yes, it does! :) That foggy drive was good listening time for me, too. I was "re-reading" (re-listening to?) the last Louise Penny mystery so I can read (in a book) the new one on my train trip to NYC next weekend.
ReplyDeleteAudrey - A mystery for that foggy drive must have been perfect! I will get to Louise Penny eventually...
DeleteI'm doing better with audios these days too.
ReplyDeleteKathy - Not sure what's going on with me and print books lately...
DeleteWhat a great way to cap off your Wharton reading! Can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeleteCarrie - We're hoping to post on Friday :)
DeleteToo bad the weather was so awful yesterday, but how fun metting up and getting to visit the Mount.
ReplyDeleteDiane - It was foggy, drizzly, frizzy-hair day.. but we still had a great time!
DeleteLast week was unusual, at least as far as reading goes. I picked up three different newish books, read less than fifty pages, and set them aside. I couldn't seem to commit to anything
ReplyDeleteI've felt that way about all of the audio books I've tried in the past few weeks. Nothing is grabbing me! I'll have to give Wheat Belly a try.
Les - Wheat Belly wasn't a fabulous audio production, but it presented some interesting info that kept me motived during my walks.
DeleteI don't use audio books- I am more of a visual person- but if I was going on a road trip I'm sure I would enjoy listening to a book. I'm disappointed that you are not feeling Behind the Beautiful Forevers. I had my eye on it, but maybe I will put that off then. I have been wanting to start Louise Penny's series, but the book list is daunting.
ReplyDeleteRita - It's not that I don't like Behind the Beautiful Forevers, but I was expecting to love it and am a little disappointed that's not happening. It certainly is an eye-opening book, heart-breaking book.
DeleteWhat an inspired idea for you and Audrey to meet and discuss The Age of Innocence at The Mount...love it!
ReplyDeleteI'll admit that I had some difficulty with Behind the Beautiful Forevers and never actually finished it. I put it down to pick another day but haven't yet. There are so many reviews raving about the book that I felt like an idiot but I just couldn't get into the story. Like you said it was eye-opening, heart-breaking etc. but a lot of books are... Hopefully I'll be able to next time I pick it up.
Amy - Despite the weather, it was a wonderful day at The Mount and we're hoping to do it again! I will finish Behind the Beautiful Forevers because it is for book club... it's not that I don't like it, but I think my expectations were too high.
DeleteLong term commitment books seem to be the trend. I've listened to 9 hours of Tom Jones and still have 25 left! I guess I will have to be faithful to the treadmill this winter. I am looking forward to your review of Stoner. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteCol - I've never really considered reading Tom Jones, so will be curious to hear how you like it... that's an even bigger commitment than The Patriarch!
DeleteHow great that you took a trip out to see Edith Wharton's home! It must have been lovely. And there's nothing quite like a good, long, solo car drive to fit in some audiobook listening. I've been loving audiobooks lately and almost always have one on the go.
ReplyDeleteTrish - This was my second visit to The Mount and I got even more out of it this time. Restoration was not quite done when I visited about 5 years ago. Hurray for audiobooks!
DeleteI haven't listened to too many books. I get distracted or day dream and then it's difficult to find where I left off! Have a great week.
ReplyDeletePat - I really think listening to audiobooks is an acquired skill. It definitely takes some practice. I've been listening for over ten years and am able to listen to books now I never would have considered a few years ago.
DeleteP.S. I like your Fall Header image!
ReplyDeleteThank you... the colors seem especially vibrant this year!
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