Month: March 2014

Book Club: March Edition

It’s that time again…Book Club time!

Next up: Advice to a Young Wife from an Old Mistress // Michael Drury

I’m really looking forward to reading this. Written back in the sixties, it sounds super interesting and totally something I would never have picked up on my own (one of the best benefits of book club). Plus, it sounds like it will inspire some great conversation amongst us ladies, yay.

Last month: And Then There Were None // Agatha Christie

You may recall our last book club assignment was the incredible Ms. Christie. Although I had read this book many years before, I couldn’t remember whodunit…and, oh, was it fun. I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy reading Christie’s mysteries. They’re just so easy to slip into, and so satisfying since she’ll always tell you who did it and exactly how they did it…and there’s never any diddledaddling. As Mindy pointed out, “The first person died within the first 20 pages!” She ain’t messing around. Bring it on Agatha, bring it on.

Oh, and we played Clue. Yes, the board game. It was great.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

PREVIOUS BOOK CLUB POSTS:

Book Club: February Edition

What I’m Reading This Week – Chapter Three

This week I’m reading the beautifully magical The Ocean at the End of the Lane // Neil Gaiman. This is actually the first Gaiman book I’ve read since I’m typically not into the whole fantasy-sci-fi thing…but this I’m really enjoying. We’re definitely getting into some strange magical situations, but it’s done delicately enough to feel real…and special. As per usual, I’ll let you know my final say next week.

Last week: Burial Rites // Hannah Kent (3 out of 5 stars)

As I was saying from the last post, Hannah Kent’s first novel follows the story of the real-life character Agnes who was accused of murder in the early 1800s in Iceland. Interesting story that is well crafted. Not the greatest book in the world but definitely worth the read, especially if you’re into historical fiction.

Read anything good lately?

On the List – February Edition

Do you ever get that worried feeling that you’re going to die before you read all the books you want to read? No? That’s weird. Call me crazy, but I’m way too obsessive about reading. I just want to read everything (!!) all the time (!!). Like right now? I’d rather be reading. Slap it on my car like one of those boring bumper stickers. I’m always on the hunt, looking for my next fix. I get worried that my new favorite book is going to pass me by. I apparently have the book-nerd version of FOMO*. Its totally ridiculous, but totally what makes me…well, me. So, it’s not surprising that I could never possibly catch-up to my to-read list since I’m always finding new things to add…but I try. I really, really try.

So, here’s a compilation of the past month’s most exciting additions to my every-growing to-read shelf.

1. The Hundred-Year House // Rebecca Makkai – You had me at eccentric family.

2. North of Boston // Elisabeth Elo – Boring cover but they mention Dennis Lehane (one of my all-time favorite authors in the whole world).

3. My Life in Middlemarch // Rececca Mead – Never read Middlemarch (nor do I have any desire to), but this intrigued me.

4. The Dark Road to Mercy // Wiley Cash – A Land More Kind Than Home was great, fingers crossed for the good ol’ sophomore attempt.

5. The Best of McSweeney’s Internet Tendency – Because the cool kids are doing it.

6. The Book of Heaven // Patricia Storace – Love the cover.

7. Martian // Andy Weir – ‘Cause sometimes you just need a good thriller.

8. Thirty Girls // Susan Minot – Young teenage girl in war-torn Uganda, made to witness insufferable tragedies? Sure, why not be depressed for a week?

9. Orfeo // Richard Powers – Hoping it will make me look and/or sound smart.

10. Take This Man // Brando Skyhorse – ‘Cause I pretty much want to read anything written by someone named Brando Skyhorse.

What are you looking forward to reading next?

*For those who may not work in or around super-smart marketing professionals such as myself (not), FOMO is just a really irritating way to describe the affliction of “fear of missing out”…which pretty much every millennial suffers from.

What I’m Reading This Week – Chapter Two

This week finds me in Iceland in 1829. Totally not something I would normally pick up, Burial Rites // Hannah Kent follows the final few weeks of a woman accused of murder. Inspired by a true story, Kent retells the story of Agnes, a murderess charged for killing her former master. Honestly, I think I was a little duped into picking the book up because I liked the cover (and I totally judge a book by its cover) and didn’t realize it was historical fiction…which I typically despise. But, I think Kent has done a fine job in recreating the lives of Icelandic villagers from the early 1800’s. I’ll let you know the final verdict next week.

Last week: Innocence // Dean Koontz (3 out of 5 stars)

If you remember from last week’s post, I was reading Koontz’s latest novel. Although not my favorite, I still enjoyed it and true to form, dove right in and sped right through. He never fails to deliver a page turner. For me, the plot seemed a little weak but the protagonist was unique enough to leave a lasting impression. Worth the read.

Read anything good lately?