Sunday, September 25, 2022

The Sunday Salon: Fall is Here!

 


Hello again from central New York. We drove back yesterday for today's birthday celebrations. Both my mother and nephew had birthdays this past week. Tomorrow we'll go with Mom to her doctor's appointment, then head home on Tuesday. The photo above was taken on the first day of fall at our town beach in Connecticut... low tide and a brisk, chilly wind!

Meanwhile, it looks like Ian will hit somewhere along Florida's gulf coast. We're keeping a very close eye on the weather reports and I'm thinking of all my Florida friends as you prepare...


Recent Reading//

I finished two books this week, both were read/listen combinations.


by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, narrated by Lauren J. Daggett

Set in 1970s Alabama, This book is about a young, idealistic black nurse, Civil Townsend, who takes a job at a family planning clinic in Montgomery. Among her first patients are two young black sisters aged 11 and 13. Civil is shocked to learn she is responsible for administering birth control shots to the girls. When she stops, something even worse occurs and Civil finds herself involved in a lawsuit against the government.  Based on a true story, this book broke my heart.





by Elizabeth Strout, narrated by Kimberly Farr

Lucy Barton is back. In this novel, Lucy and her ex-husband William flee NYC at the beginning of the pandemic for a house on a cliff by the ocean in Maine. I loved everything about this book and did not want it to end! 

I borrowed both the ebook and audiobook from the library and, once again, Kimberly Farr's narration was excellent. After finishing, I went out and purchased a copy to keep on my shelf... along with a hardcover edition of Oh William!  Lucy by the Sea  may just be my favorite book so far this year.


Up next//

I'm not sure. Shall I start Hamet by Maggie O'Farrell for an October book group, George by Alex Gino which was banned by our Florida county school board, or The Trees by Percival Everett which just arrived from the library and is on the Booker shortlist? Decisions, decisions...




The week ahead//

We'll head back to Connecticut on Tuesday. Our oldest daughter and her fiancé (they got engaged in Napa last weekend!) will  arrive on Thursday for a long weekend. Of course we'll also be keeping an eye on Ian. Stay safe, friends!

How was your week? What have you been reading?


The Sunday Salon is hosted by Deb at Readerbuzz.
It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.









41 comments:

  1. Sounds like you have a lot of good stuff going on!! I hope you enjoy whatever you read next :)

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    1. Cindy - It has been a good few weeks! I'm going to read a little bit from each of the books and decide which to start first.

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  2. As for what to read next, I've only read Hamnet of those and I absolutely adored it - great historical fiction though maybe I loved it so much because it wasn't set during WWII. lol - I found it very evocative. And you've piqued my interest in Lucy - I'll have to go check it out. Have a great week.
    Terrie @ Bookshelf Journeys
    https://www.bookshelfjourneys.com/post/sunday-post-17

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    1. Terrie - I'm pretty excited to try Hamnet after enjoying another of O'Farrell's novels earlier this year. Lucy by the Sea is wonderful, especially if already know Lucy from the earlier novels.

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  3. I am glad you liked Take My Hand, it really is heart breaking. I would read George (which is now called Melissa) since Banned Book Week is ending.

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    1. Helen - Interesting that they changed the name of George... I noticed both covers in the library catalog. The first chapter was pretty compelling. I'm going to read it next.

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  4. Things are really hopping in your part of the world. Congratulations to your daughter! And happy birthday to your mom!

    I love Lucy By the Sea, too. Lucy is such an excellent observer of the world, and she has grown into a wise old woman. Such a good book.

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    1. Deb - It has been an exciting couple of weeks! Elizabeth Strout is probably my favorite author writing today... her books keep getting better and better.

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  5. Congratulations on the engagement! I've never read Elizabeth Strout but your enthusiasm on Goodreads was pretty compelling!

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    1. Thank you, Audrey... we are so happy and excited for them! I love Elizabeth Strout's writing. She just keeps getting better and better.

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  6. Happy Belated Birthday to your mom and nephew! We've been watching Ian's path and it keeps changing. Enjoy your books. They look good. Hope you have a great week!

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    1. Thanks, Yvonne. We'll keep watching the forecast from afar, but continue to worry about the house. Take care down there!

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  7. How did I not know there was a new Elizabeth Strout? I have to say I didn't warm to her husband in Oh William but maybe he has improved! Look forward to reading this.

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    1. Vintage Reading - Yes, a new Lucy!! William is not my favorite of Strout's characters, but he is growing on me. You're in for a treat with this book.

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  8. I’m hearing lots of great things about Lucy By the Sea. I’ve read two of her previous books but find them to be a little depressing. Perhaps I’ll give this one a try. Have a wonderful week ahead.

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    1. thathappyreader - Strout's books do have a slightly melancholy tone to them and Lucy by the Sea is no exception. Her insight into human character is amazing though.

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  9. Congrats to your daughter, how wonderful! I loved lucy By the Sea, I know it will be on my tops list as well. Take My Hand was a tough one but excellent.

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    1. Diane - Thank you, we're so happy about the engagement. He's a great guy! I'm already hoping Elizabeth Strout has another novel in the works, but may reread The Burgess Boys in the meantime. I forgot some of the fine points of Bob Burgess's story. Hope you have a good week.

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  10. Congrats to your daughter and her fiance! How exciting!

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    1. Angela - Thanks you! We could not be happier.

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  11. How long is your drive to Central New York from your place in Connecticut? Great that you can visit as often as you like. I hope your place in Florida survives this hurricane season!

    Take My Hand sounds like a powerful read. I may wait and give it a try later next year. Doesn't sound like something I want to dive into as the holiday season approaches.

    I was not a fan of My Name Is Lucy Barton, but I'm willing to try all the others in the series. I own two, but not this most recent release. I have high hopes since I absolutely loved Olive, Again. Strout is a great writer, isn't she?

    Oooh, read Hamnet! It is sooooo good!!

    Congrats to your daughter and future son-in-law. How exciting!

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    1. Les - The drive from the CT coast to central NY is about 4 hrs and 15 min, without traffic around Hartford, CT. Not too bad since we've become used to driving between FL and NY, lol!

      I'm getting more concerned about our house now that the storm surge estimations are coming out. Our main living space is on the second floor, but the garage, car, and guest areas are all on the lower level... and finally got completed just before we left. Sigh. Sanibel issued a voluntary evacuation last night, but I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes mandatory.

      The first time I read My Name is Lucy Barton I didn't love it, but I reread it before Anything is Possible was released and appreciated it much more. Lucy is growing on my as she older!

      I started George (Melissa) last night and am already halfway through. Hamnet is definitely up next!

      We are looking at a long engagement (2yrs!) as out daughter is planning to so the IronMan triathlon in Lake Placid next summer. Can't plan a wedding an train at the same time, I guess. ;-)

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  12. We are reading Take My Hand for October book club. I hope I can manage to listen to it and drive at the same time as I'm planning on listening to it on an upcoming trip. The Elizabeth Strout book is one I've got my eye on. I will move it up the list now after you review. Lovely weather in CT. It's been a lvely long summer here right now. Ha!

    My Sunday Salon post. I've been busy.

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    1. Anne - I will be curious to hear what your book club thinks. Can't believe I never heard anything about this, especially coming so soon after Tuskegee. Very sad. Hope you can get to the new Elizabeth Strout soon... it's excellent!

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  13. Wow engaged, wedding ahead for you all! Congrats!! And so glad Lucy by the Sea is another winner. I love Kimberly Farr's narration on the other books. She's always terrific. I will try for the audio. It's best to steer clear of Florida right now .... poor eastern Canada just got walloped by Fiona ... scary stuff. stay well.

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    1. Susan - Yes, lots of excitement around here! Very happy about the wedding, though it will be nearly 2 years from now. Kimberly Farr's narration was so good, I'm tempted to just recommend everyone listen... but I had to go back and reread so many beautiful passages, too. Things are not looking great for FL this morning, The storm surge estimates have me especially worried... I'm sure evacuations are coming.

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  14. Congratulations on the engagement and happy birthday to all! Happy reading.

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    1. Nise' - Thank you. He is a great guy! The birthday party yesterday was a lot of fun, too.

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  15. Congratulations to your daughter! I would love to be farther north right now and enjoy the cooler temps. Enjoy :-)
    Thanks for mentioning Fellowship Point, I have a hold at the library. Keeping an eye on Ian and hoping it doesn't cause too much damage. Ugh.

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    1. Thank you, Tina. We are really happy about the engagement. Ian is looking worse by the hour... ugh. Stay safe!

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    2. I'm glad you and your family are in CT - this storm is horrendous. Have you heard any news about your home and the area from anyine there? Thinking of you.

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  16. Interesting assortment of books! Enjoy your trip back to Connecticut. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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    1. Kathy - Tomorrow is our drive day. Happy reading this week!

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  17. How did I not know about Lucy by the Sea? I'll put a hold on the audiobook. I've listened to most of Elizabeth Strout's novels on audio, but have read Olive, Kitteridge and Olive, Again in print also.

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  18. The Elizabeth Strout looks wonderful! I loved Lucy Barton and the book of short stories and am looking forward to picking this one and Oh William up. Congratulations to your daughter and her fiancé. How exciting! Have a wonderful week.

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  19. Congrats on the family time and birthdays, and enjoy your time up north. Stay clear of the hurricane! Enjoy your week.

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  20. Thinking of you and was hoping you'd be N-awth instead of on the FL coast this week. I just finished Lucy By the Sea <3 LOVE! and I would recommend Hamnet, if you are going to have an eye on the weather channel. But The Trees! WHAT an amazing punch of a book. I don't know about George but I'll look into it. Happy Hurricane Season?!

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  21. My father has been on vacation in Florida and I called him Monday and told him he needed to start heading home. He thankfully began heading north and made it close to home last night. I am glad that you are in a safe spot north as well!

    Lucy by the Sea looks awesome. I need to read it!

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  22. I've been offline for a while but wanted to stop by and see if you are still in Connecticut. I'm glad you're still there and avoiding this storm but I hope your home in Florida is okay! My in-laws chose not to evacuate Naples so we're anxiously waiting. Their condo weathered Irma a few years ago with minimal damage so here's hoping....

    Congratulations on your daughter's engagement! And I recommend George (Or Melissa as it's been retitled recently). It's a heartwarming story of acceptance. School boards and politicians are so out of bounds lately.

    Enjoy your week!

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  23. Yes Lucy by the Sea is by far my favourite novel this year. I even gre to like William!

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    1. Vintage Reading - William grew on me, too! At the moment I'm torn between Lucy by the Sea and a new release by American author Dani Shapiro (Signal Fires) for my favorite book of the year. Maybe I'll reread both before deciding! ;-)

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