Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Playing Catch Up: Four Mini-Reviews


by Angela Thirkell
(purchased)

Christmas at High Rising  is a delightful collection of cozy and comforting stories featuring characters I love from Thirkell's Barsetshire novels... I just wish there had been more Christmas. Virago's beautiful cover definitely enhanced my reading experience.

My rating:




Writers on Literature and the Literary Life from The New York Times Book Review
Pamela Paul, editor

If you need a last minute gift for the literary-type on your list, look no further. This compilation of columns from the New York Times provides endless hours of bookish enjoyment. Reading through the interviews, I often paused to investigate a title or two and several were added to my list. Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself, too.
Disclosure:  review copy provided by publisher

My rating:





by Brian Morton

I love a good character-driven novel and Morton's recently-released Florence Gordon  is among the best I've read. After finishing that unexpected gem (a 5-star read and favorite of 2014) I dove straight into his backlist, selecting this 1998 title because it was on my library's shelf. Once again I found an introspective, intelligent novel, a slow unfolding of characters, and beautiful writing.

My rating:





by Sarah Waters 
(purchased)

I consider myself a Waters fan and this was a good novel, but it will not go down as a favorite. She nailed the setting (1920's London) and characters, as always, but the story went on a little too long and the ending was more of a non-ending. Juliet Stevenson's narration, however, was perfection.

My rating:


19 comments:

  1. By the Book sounds like a wonderful book to dip in and out of.

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  2. I really need to try a Sarah Waters book - but maybe I won't start with this one.

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    Replies
    1. Sam - I think Fingersmith would be a great place to start!

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  3. I want Christmas at High Rising! I adore the cover and it looks like a fun read. I've been wanting to read Paying Guests but I'm thinking the audio might work better for me. Brian Morton is on my TBR because I know how much you enjoyed Florence Gordon. By the Book sounds dangerous! I'm not sure if my already groaning TBR could handle all the books I'd probably add from that one!

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    1. Katherine - I love all the new Virago covers for Thirkell's books! I've only read High Rising, but want to own them all.

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  4. I have a copy of By the Book and Starting Out in the Evening. Time to take a closer look at these.

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    1. Diane - By the Book is perfect for dipping in and out of during this busy time of year!

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  5. I was just wondering today if By the Book was any good - it does look like a nice present for bibliophiles!

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    1. Anbolyn - I love that column in the NYTimes... so nice to have them all together!

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  6. I'm right behind you! I love Angela Thirkelll, I usually love Sarah Waters, but I was disappointed in this book, and I'd love a copy of By The Book

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    1. Fleur in her World - I really wanted to love Waters book :(

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  7. Thanks for sharing your reviews JoAnn. Looks like a great variety!

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    1. Pat - I've been reading such a wide mix of books the past month or two... not really intentional, but fun.

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  8. BY THE BOOK looks good! I know a few bookish types who would love it.

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    Replies
    1. Diana - I ended up purchasing another copy for a gift :)

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  9. I should have asked for By the Book!

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  10. Brian Morton - time to check him out!

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