Hello, friends. We're well into the back half of July and summer seems to be flying. We had a good week, despite a few days of very warm temperatures and a few more of smoke-filled air. Early in the week we enjoyed an evening concert on the town green, but were mostly indoors after that. Last night's storms ushered in cooler, cleaner air today along with a nice breeze - perfect for a walk and then maybe sunset at the beach!
Recent reading//
Departure(s) by Julian Barnes
I'm glad I gave this quiet, introspective novel (which reads more like a memoir) a second chance. Barnes, now 80 and with health concerns, says this is his final novel. He opens with a discussion of memory that's sprinkled with Proustian references, but initially I just wasn't feeling it. A month or so later I tried the audio, which Barnes narrates himself, and was enchanted!
Barnes goes on to talk about his illness, and grief following the loss of his wife and later his dog Jimmie, but there's also a parallel story about a rekindled romance between two old friends. He continues to weave in aspects of the initial memory essay throughout the book, and I loved his self-deprecating sense of humor.
I've been a fan of Barnes for years, but have only read a couple of his novels and essay collections. My favorite is The Sense of an Ending, which won the Booker Prize in 2011, and I also enjoyed his essay collection, The Pedant in the Kitchen. The Only Story is waiting on my shelf. ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Current reading//
Kin by Tayari Jones
Read/listen combination - so good! 70%
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
The yearlong chapter-a-day slow read continues...
On the blog//
The week ahead//
Wednesday is my birthday! I'm planning to browse the bookstore in the afternoon, have dinner at a favorite restaurant and then, if the rain holds off, go to a concert on the town green. Thursday I'm looking forward to a mani/pedi, then we're off to NYC for the weekend. Fingers crossed it isn't oppressively hot!
How was your week? What are you reading?
The Sunday Salon is hosted by Deb at Readerbuzz.
I was only thinking about re-reading War and Peace recently. That edition looks nice,
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful birthday week celebrating yourself.
ReplyDeleteWow! We share a birthday. Have a great week and enjoy your celebration.
ReplyDeletebest… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
JoAnn, I hope you have a fantastic birthday! It sounds like you will have a lot of fun celebrating. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have some wonderful birthday plans ahead, especially the bookstore visit and concert! Wishing you a very happy birthday and a fantastic trip to NYC. Happy Reading!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful birthday and many, many new books!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your week!
Have a wonderful birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! Hope the nicer weather holds for you.
ReplyDeleteI had added Departures to my to-read list as I liked Sense of an Ending, liked Barnes' style. As a matter of fact, I watched Sense of an Ending starring Jim Broadbent and it was well done.
ReplyDeleteI have Kin on my list as well, looking forward to that. Currently I am trying to stick to my summer reading goal of library holds and anything on my Kindle. Going well so far.
Wishing you a fantastic day for your birthday! May all your meals be perfect, your gifts include books and you have the best weather!