Happy Labor Day... it's hard to believe summer has come to an end. The last few weeks have been stressful and, with my ability to focus gone, it seems like I haven't finished a book in ages. I have sampled a few though. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi was especially good, and I would also like to return to The Door by Magda Szabó.
Today Mom and Dad are back in their own home, my oldest daughter will board a train to NYC soon, and I'm in the mood for a fresh stack of books!
Current reading//
Germinal by Emile Zola
It's been too long since my last classic! This one was already on my Classics Club list, so when Melissa and Care decided to host a September readalong, I cleared my schedule. I'll have more to say soon. In the meantime, it's not too late to join us.Book Club//
We met last week to discuss Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller. Everyone seemed to enjoy the book and we had a lively discussion. I listened to the audio version and was especially taken with Lisette Lecat's narration. She did an excellent job with The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series, too. Our next book is The Children Act by Ian McEwan.
Anticipating//
This month's new releases! A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is at the top of my list since his debut novel, Rules of Civility, was a favorite a few years ago. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett is right up there, too.
RIP - XI... Hosted once again by Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings, this has become the fall event around the blogosphere! Have you made your list yet? I'm working on mine and will share it soon. After five chapters, I'm starting to think Germinal may actually qualify...
Later today//
After dropping Daughter #1 at the train station, we'll drive out to see a Viking longship on the Erie Canal, then stop for a cookout at my sister's house on the way home.
I plan to get back into a blogging routine this week, too.
How are things with you? What are you reading today?
This post will link to It's Monday, What Are You Reading? hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.
The Children Act will make for a pretty great book club pick! I'm reading Commonwealth right now and can't wait to get to A Gentleman in Moscow :)
ReplyDeleteShannon - I read The Children Act a couple of months ago and will probably skim it before the meeting... hoping for a great discussion!
DeleteI'm listening to The Children Act at your suggestion...why have I never read Ian McEwan till now?
ReplyDeleteAudrey - I hope The Children Act is just as good on audio! Atonement seems to be the book everyone loves, but I thought On Chesil Beach was excellent, too.
DeleteSounds like a great day. I'm not a McEwan fan, but I do like Fuller!
ReplyDeleteBeth F - This was my second attempt with Fuller... I stalled the first time in print, but loved the audio.
DeleteI enjoyed The Children Act, and would have loved to be in a book club after reading it.
ReplyDeleteI am eyeing Commonwealth. Enjoy them all...and your Labor Day weekend. Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Laurel-Rain Snow - I enjoyed The Children Act so much, I'll probably reread it for book club! Hope you have a great week.
DeleteDon't Lets Go to the Dogs Tonight sounds like a good read. I looked at it when it first came out but never ended up picking it up. Sounds like I should! Yay for getting back to reading! With your full house I can see why it was tough. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - It seems so quiet and peaceful around here now! I have a ton of cleaning to catch up with, but I'd rather catch up with my blogging friends today :)
DeleteI'm glad your mother is recovered enough to go home!
ReplyDeleteI read Germinal as an assignment in college and I really liked it. I would like to read more Zola someday.
I have finally started Trollope's Palliser series. I'm about halfway through Can You Forgive Her? The title is asking the reader if they can manage to forgive the main character, who does some inexplicable things. I also recently finished Wolf Hall By Hilary Mantel and it was excellent.
Patience_Crabstick - Thanks. I still worry about them, but they are happy to be back in their home. This is my third Zola novel (Therese Raquin and The Ladies Paradise are the other two) and I really like his realistic portrayals... is naturalism the term? I'm anxious to get back to Trollope. Will probably start the Palliser series after the holiday.
DeleteWow beautiful pic! Hope your mom and dad are doing well, and that you have a nice and relaxing Labor Day. Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight looks good, that cover is great!
ReplyDeleteGreg - My parents are doing well at home, but it seems kind of quiet around here now! Hope you enjoyed the last official summer weekend, too.
DeleteI can't wait for Gentleman in Moscow and am looking forward to Commonwealth as well!
ReplyDeleteSarah - And then there's the new Koch, too.... SO many great new books the month!
DeleteI just finished Homegoing and thought it deserves all the accolades it has been receiving. I'd love to hear your thoughts when you finish it!
ReplyDeleteI hope you find lots of reading time in your fall schedule!
Linsdey - I need to get right back on the library hold list for Homegoing. The first chapter/story was amazing!!
DeleteI loved the audio version of Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight! I'll have to find more by that narrator and author. I'd also like to give Emil Zola try. I have one or two of his books on my shelf but so far haven't picked any up.
ReplyDeleteTrish - I had to look up Lisette Lecat's other work... besides the No. 1 Ladies Detective series, she also narrates Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. That was already on my wish list, but now I'll definitely be listening instead of reading!
DeleteJoAnn, glad to hear that your folks are well enough to be back in their home. Hope you day has gone well. And, yes, I'm planning on doing RIP XI as well. I mean, why not? It's what I read anyway. LOL
ReplyDeleteKay - I always think that RIP is the blogging event made just for you, lol! ;-)
DeleteHappy Labor Day, JoAnn! I hope this means your mom is definitely on her road to recovery. Yep, planning to join RIP but like you just need to work on my list. Looking forward to seeing your list!
ReplyDeleteIliana - SO many possible choices for RIP this year, but I usually only read one or two of them. The more I read of Germinal, I'm starting to think that may qualify, too.
DeleteIt still feels like summer here and that makes me happy because I'm not ready for it to end.
ReplyDeleteKathy - I know what you mean... summer always seems so short! Fall is my favorite season, but I'm not very fond of what follows ;-)
DeleteFirst off, beautiful pic of the lake, JoAnn. Wow! And a heads up, The Children Act will be adapted into film with Emma Thompson on board. So good thing your book club selects it. :)
ReplyDeleteArti - I knew I could count on you to keep me informed of the latest book to movie adaptations! That would be a fun book club outing :)
DeleteI'm glad to see you are back to reading and blogging. I've been out of town too so it's good timing. My book club read Don't Lets Go To The Dogs Tonight several years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but some members struggled with it. We did have a great discussion however, so by those standards, it's a great book club book. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteMargot - I struggled with Don;t Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight the first time I tried to read it (in print), but connected with the audio version immediately. Just loved the narrator!
DeleteIt's nice to have your life back!
ReplyDeletePatty - It is.. and I'm praying you will have yours back very soon as well! Hugs!
DeleteWelcome back to reading/blogging! I'm glad your mom is doing well and that they are able to return to their home. I'm sure it was a stressful period for all.
ReplyDeleteI actually sat on the porch and read for an hour or so yesterday, but my book hasn't grabbed me yet. It's Chris Cleave's Everyone Brave is Forgiven. A coworker recommended it to me and I loved Little Bee, so I'll stick with it for a few more chapters. I've been ditching too many books these days and I'd really like to find one I can sink my teeth into.
Les - One of my friends from book club was just raving about Everyone Brave is Forgiven! I loved Little Bee on audio, but feel burned out on WWII stories. I'll be curious to see what you decide...
DeleteI am also taking part in the RIP event and I have my list of possible reads up :-)
ReplyDeleteJessica - I'll be over to check out your list... so many possibilities for RIP!!
DeleteI loved the Alexandra Fuller. I've read all three of her memoirs - the best I think is Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness which is her mother's story.
ReplyDeleteNicola - Her mother's story sounds even more fascinating! I've added it to my wish list. Thanks :)
DeleteJoAnn, I always look forward to hear about you latest read and what is on your to-read list. I'm hosting one of my book groups Thursday to pick out this years books. "A Gentleman in Moscow" and "Commonwealth" are on my to read list. Thanks for your suggestions. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteBonnie - Thank you! I've been reading some early reviews of both those novels. A couple of trusted bloggers are already calling A Gentleman in Moscow their favorite book of the year... guess I'll have to read that one first!
Deletethank goodness your back and have a nice stack of books ahead of you! what a beautiful sunset. Emile Zola is usually fantastic, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSusan - Yes, it feels go to be able to read again. And what better way to return than Zola... he's amazing!
DeleteGlad to hear that your parents have been able to return home - for their sakes and yours.
ReplyDeleteLisa - It's been a good thing for everyone :)
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