It was a very busy weekend around here and I never got around to writing a Sunday Salon post, but I am reading a couple of books worthy of an update post. I'm linking up to Sheila's It's Monday! What Are You Reading? meme for the first time.
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
Just past the half-way mark, I'm certain this will be one of my favorite books of the year. I'm both reading and listening... total immersion! Why have I never read Meg Wolitzer before?
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
This is my latest Classics Club Spin book. I picked it up for a preview on Friday and ended up reading the first 50 pages. I read at least that much on Saturday, too, and will certainly finish ahead of the July 7 deadline. I've been meaning to read this book for years (decades?) and am grateful for the extra push.
What are you reading this week?
Oo The Bell Jar. I just reread that a few months ago. My perception of it now as an adult compared to how I read it when I was younger was totally different!
ReplyDeleteI need to read The Interestings!
Have a great week. :)
Quixotic Magpie - It's funny, but I keep wondering how I would have reacted to The Bell Jar when I was younger.
DeleteGreat books, JoAnn! I like the idea of reading and listening to a book at the same time. I did that recently with The Woman Upstairs.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog.
Catherine - I loved The Woman Upstairs! I'd also planned to do a read/listen with that one (Cassandra Campbell isa favorite), but started reading and just couldn't stop.
DeleteI still haven't read The Bell Jar myself. Check out my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy - I've been meaning to read it for decades... glad I finally had the extra push to actually get started.
DeleteI am curious about The Interestings. I also plan to try reading and listening to a book, a good experience I bet!
ReplyDeleteHarvee
Book Dilettante
Harvee- I often do a read/listen combination with long classics, but not as often with contemporary fiction. This is a treat!
DeleteI started listening to The Interestings a week or so ago, but somehow erased the first track while loading another book on my Nano. Finally got that track back on the Nano, so I hope to get back to it this read. Otherwise, I'm not reading anything! Just not interested in curling up with a book in the evenings. I've been busy with spring projects after work (read: yard work) and all I want to do after dinner is veg (read: catch up on blogs, facebook, instagram) before falling asleep. Hoping to get interested in a book before we catch our flights west on Friday!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, JoAnn!
Les - My reading usually drops pretty dramatically this time of year, too... too much to do outside and we also seem to eat much later. I was initially put off by the narration of The Interestings, but have come to think it's just perfect! Hope you can get back to it soon.
Deleteback to it this *week.
ReplyDeleteOh, The Bell Jar. Good one. I'm a big Plath junkie. Let me know if you have questions. :-)
ReplyDeleteAmy - Have a feeling I may be turning into a Plath junkie in the near future, too ;-)
DeleteI've never read Meg Wolitzer so you weren't alone. Thanks for the heads up; I love your enthusiasm about this book!
ReplyDeleteBellezza - I've had a couple of Wolitzer's earlier novels on my wish list for ages, so am glad to finally read her. Just loving this book!
DeleteMy stepmom was trying to read The Interestings when she was babysitting me last fall after my surgery. We ended up spending most of our days together gabbing instead of reading and she had to return the book to the library unread. Everytime I see someone post about it I feel mildly guilty. ;) I'm glad you are enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteThe Bell Jar is on my list--I REALLY need to get to it!
Trish - Maybe you could read The Interestings together now ;-)
DeleteI haven't read either book, but have heard good things about The Interestings. And of course The Bell Jar is a classic. Maybe I will look further into Wolitzer's books--hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteRita - I'm enjoying both of these books very much, despite not having much reading time lately.
DeleteThe Bell Jar is hard to put down, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHappy reading this week :)
Sam - It sure is!!
DeleteI really liked The Interestings alot. Somewhere around the 75% mark I felt it was wandering around a little but she is such a good storyteller (and that audio is wonderful). I have The Bell Jar on my shelves but have never read it! I am listening to Marissa Meyer's "Scarlet" and reading "We Were Liars" which is really a unique book!
ReplyDeleteSandy - I must be pretty close to the 75% mark now and still loving The Interestings. Can't wait to read We Were Liars..am at the top of the library hold list now.
DeleteSeeing all the love for The Interestings makes me want to reread it. I liked it, but I expected something different, and sometimes that is hard to overcome. There are definitely parts that stuck with me though.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy The Bell Jar! I wonder what it would be like reading it as an adult. I had a litcrush on Sylvia Plath in college.
Rachel - One of the things I'm loving most about The Interestings is that I am about the same vintage as the characters... the references to current culture, place, etc ate spot on!
DeleteHope you are having a good week JoAnn. My weekend passed in a blur. I haven't had much time for blogging lately -- but I've been good busy!
ReplyDeleteI remember enjoying Bell Jar when I read it years ago.
Diane - I'm sure there is a lot of activity and excitement in your life right now - enjoy every moment. Blogging can wait!
DeleteThe Interestings ended up on my favorite list of last year.
ReplyDeleteNise' - I'm certain it will be on my list this year. I'm going to be sorry when I finish.
DeleteThe Interestings looks good, and I've heard a lot of good things. Will be adding that to my list. Thank you for sharing and have a great week.
ReplyDeleteGreg - The Interestings is such a great book... love the friendship that has developed and adapted with the characters' lives.
DeleteLately I have been hearing so much aboutThe Interestings. I had dismissed it as overly-hyped and now I'm dying to read it!
ReplyDeleteMelissa - I never expected to enjoy The Interestings as much as I am. Will hate to see this book end!
DeleteI read Wolitzer for the first time late last year, and I LOVED HER WRITING! I have no idea how I haven't read her sooner, and I'm glad to know you're enjoying The Interestings!
ReplyDeleteAndi - I know I will read some of her earlier novels. I have at least a couple of them on my wish list... think The Ten Year Nap is one of them.
DeleteI've read one of Meg Wolitzer's book (The Uncoupling), which I loved! I have The Interestings on my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteAthira - The Uncoupling looks great, too. Adding to my list!
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