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Monday, January 4, 2016

January 4, 2016: It's Monday, What Are You Reading?


It's the first full week of 2016 and I'm looking forward to another year of reading and talking about great books. We had a hectic, family-filled New Years weekend. My brother and his family were visiting, so we spent a lot of time with my siblings and parents. I'm going to miss them when we're in Florida...

Finished this week//

The Story Hour by Thrity Umrigar
Why have I waited so long to read this author? Beautiful writing, excellent story, though the ending was a little abrupt.


Current reading//

City on Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg
Very good so far, but at 944 pages, it's going to take some time 


Current listening//

Interesting book. I hope to finish this week, then choose another audio my husband will enjoy for the road trip to Florida.

On the blog//

The week ahead//
It will be all about packing and getting ready to head to Florida. We leave next weekend and are planning to spend a day or two in Fredericksburg, VA and Savannah, GA. It's not a moment too soon, as our high temperature today will only reach 10 today. I have a couple of book briefs I'd like to post this week, but will take some time off as we make our way south.

How was your week? What are you reading today?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?  is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.

60 comments:

  1. The Girls of Atomic City looks really good and I might try to get in this year.

    Sorry to hear about your cold temperatures. It has gotten colder here on Long Island, but it is still warmer them usual.

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    1. Brian Joseph - I knew next to nothing about the history of Oak Ridge, TN before starting The Girls of Atomic City... it's very interesting!

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  2. Good luck with City on Fire - that's a definite chunkster, but it's great to hear you're liking it so far! I'm near Fredericksburg, VA and you *just* missed all our warm weather, but we're keeping it above 10 for you :)

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    1. Shannon - As long as it's above 10 degrees, Fredericksburg will be treat! City on Fire is good so far. Maybe I won't realize how long it is if I'm reading on a kindle ;-)

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  3. Yes to Thrity Umrigar -- I knew you'd love her.

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    1. Beth F - I brought The Space Between Us to FL last winter, but didn't get to it. Glad it will be there waiting for me!

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  4. How far into City on Fire are you?! Keep me posted! And Girls of Atomic City sounds great. Have a great drive South!

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    1. Sarah - I've only read the first couple of chapter, but in a book this long that seems like two pages! May add in the audio after I finish The Girls of Atomic City.

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  5. Yes, you need more Thrity Umrigar in your life!

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    1. Kathy - I know!! The Space Between Us in on my shelf in FL, so I'll read it this winter.

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  6. I have meant to read Thrity Umrigar as well. Have heard good things. I do have the Atomic Girls book on audio to listen to - so it can qualify for my 'read my own shelves' quest. Hope you guys have a great trip down to FL and I know you are looking forward to your time there.

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    1. Thanks, Kay. I've been meaning to read Umrigar for years and glad I finally did. Have a feeling I'll end up reading all of her work.

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  7. I haven't read Thrity Umriger either but after your comemnt on her writing I want to read her book...like now. :-)

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    1. Laura - Both main characters in The Story Hour were so well done. I could have read about them for twice as long!

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  8. I haven't read Thrity Umriger, but I've been noticing this book everywhere. Glad you enjoyed it. The Atomic Girls looks good, too. Have a great week, and thanks for visiting my blog.

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    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - I'm pretty sure you would like Umrigar's writing. I'll definitely be reading more!

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  9. The Girls of Atomic City looks great. It's definitely on my TBR so I look forward to seeing what you think of it. Umriger is an author I haven't read but I have heard so much about that particular book. Enjoy your reading!

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    1. Katherine - Parts of The Girls of Atomic City get a little technical, but I love the parts about the individual women working at the plant and their experiences.

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  10. Love Thrity Umrigar's books! Also, I just downloaded City On Fire but now am worried I can't read it in time - it's a library e-book!

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    1. Olduvaireads - My copy of City on Fire is also an ebook from the library and our loan period is only 14 days. There's no way I'll finish before it's due! I've turned my kindle on airplane mode in hopes that it won't 'disappear'.

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  11. I haven't heard of any of your books which of course is not unusual! I guess we all wonder why it took us so long to read such and such and author!

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    1. Kathryn - That's part of the fun of reading book blogs, isn't it? ;-)

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  12. I've heard great things about The Girls of Atomic City. I may have to give the audio a listen.

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    1. Melinda - I'm enjoying it, especially the parts that focus on the lives of the women in the plant.

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  13. Have a great time in FL. I wish I could be going to a warm state. I'm stuck in MI with over 12 in' of snow. You can see mine here: http://theresaraymer.blogspot.com/

    New Follower.

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    1. Hi Theresa, Nice to meet you!I I'm looking forward to heading south... need to find a good audiobook or two for the drive :)

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  14. I've wanted to read The Girls of Atomic City; listening sounds like a great idea! I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying it! Hope you have a wonderful trip and enjoy some warmer weather!!

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    1. Tara - The personal sections about the women's lives and experiences are more interesting than the workings of the plant, but the author balances it nicely.

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  15. City on Fire is on my TBR, so I'm looking forward to your thoughts on it when you finish. You are definitely reading some interesting books :)

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    1. Nadia - You may be waiting quite some time for my thoughts on City on Fire ;-)

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  16. I'm interested in the Hallberg, too, but the length is a bit off-putting. If you recommend it I'll give it a go.

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    1. Vintage Reading - I haven't had much time to read this week, so progress has been slow. I'll let you know eventually ;-)

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  17. Wow! I've been listening to The Girls of Atomic City, bit by bit, since spring. Every time I have a road trip, I listen on. My mother told me it was a book I must promise her to read. So I have, and I think it's excellent history. Stories that are not often told or heard if they are told.
    Judith (Reader in the Wilderness)

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    1. Judith - I'm getting close to the end of The Girls of Atomic City and have enjoyed it more and more as the story progressed. Such an interesting way to learn about history!

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  18. We've been away since Dec. 22 so I'm glad to unpack the suitcase for a bit. Good luck on your cross-country trip. What audio will you choose for it? Another history?

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    1. Thecuecard - We're still working on an audio choice, but Dead Wake and The Infinite Stars Above (about the Donner party) seem like string contenders.

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  19. I envy your trip to Florida, as I sit here freezing, and I'm in the South, although it's a little higher than 10 degress. *shivers* I love Savannah; you should definitely visit the cemeteries there and take a look at all the history. It's amazing.

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    1. Kathy - The lake here is freezing over now, so I'm even more ready to leave! Savannah is such a fun city. That's a great idea... we could do a walking tour and visit some of the cemeteries!

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  20. Yes, it has only just started getting cold around here too. Florida sounds very tempting right now. All that packing is sounding very fun to me! Hope you have plenty of fun reading as well.

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    1. Athira - Hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip and that things are going well with the nanny/sitter.

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  21. I wouldn't even attempt over 900, actually 500 - 600 is my limit. Good on you and I'm glad it is good so far.

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    1. Marce - I've read a few books over 1,000 pages, so City on Fire will not be the longest... but it will certainly be in the top 5 or 6!!

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  22. I thought about reading City On Fire, but I just don't think I have it in me to read that long of a book right now - BUT I'm glad it seems to be working for you so far! I hope you enjoy the warm(er) weather and have a relaxing vacation!

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    1. Katie McD - I've not made much progress on City on Fire the last couple of days... am thinking about adding in the audio version.

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  23. Brr, a high of 10? Yikes. I was complaining yesterday morning and we had a high in the 40s :) Hope you will have a great time enjoying warmer weather down South!

    Making a note of the The Story Hour. I've read a couple of her books (all great) and hadn't heard of this one. Must look for it!

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    1. Iliana - As it turned out, we never even made it to 10 yesterday! Practically counting the hours until we head south.

      The Story Hour is Umrigar's latest novel. I'm glad I have two of her older books waiting on my shelf :)

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  24. Thrity Umrigar is high on my list, albeit too long a list. You're such a diligent reader, finished a book already! I'm sure 2016 will be a good year for you, JoAnn. ;)

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    1. Arti - My list is ridiculously long, too! The book I finished was actually started last year, so I haven't read an entire book yet this year;-)

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  25. I felt as though I ate breathed and slept City On Fire...even the graphic parts were long! Enjoy your drive!

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    1. Patty - I haven't read much this week, so progress is painfully slow. Think I'm going to add in audio as soon as I finish The Girls of Atomic City.

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  26. Thrity Umrigar is great. I've read two of her books, but I know there are still more to read!

    Have a great trip!

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    1. Lindsey - I've got Umrigar's entire backlist on my wish list now!

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  27. I hope you enjoyed The Story Hour. I like her books.

    Happy Reading.

    Enjoy this week of reading.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My It's Monday, What Are You Reading

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    1. Elizabeth - I enjoyed it very much and plan to read Umrigar's other books.

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  28. I haven't read any of the ones you've mentioned here. I'm currently reading Zuleika Dobson by Max Beerbohm. It's a strange little novel. More of an allegory really.

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    1. Patience_Crabstick - And that's a new title to me! Hope you're enjoying it ... Sounds like one I'd like to investigate further.

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  29. The Girls of Atomic City looks fab! I will have to check out your review!

    Enjoy your trip to the warmer climes - this cold weather came sudden and fast, I wasn't ready!

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    1. Erin - I finished Girls of Atomic City yesterday and thought it was really interesting! Started slow, but finished strong.

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  30. The Girls of Atomic City definitely interests me!

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    1. Stacie - I've finished The Girls of Atomic City and hope to get a review written soon... such an interesting story and one that I knew next to nothing about!

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