More flowers blooming. And the hydrangeas are looking better. They’re not entirely back to normal, but they are much better than they were yesterday morning, post-deluge.
Today will be the coolest day of the week – 84 degrees – so mowing is on the docket. The back forty has been woefully neglected.
A short post today, as we have to do some grocery shopping this morning before the rest of the chores. By the way, I’m late to the party, but I’m reading a mystery by Kate Atkinson. I’ve known of her for a long while but somehow I never read any of her books. She’s quite wonderful! I have two other books in line after this one – which is One Good Turn – that I checked out from our local library. She’s incredibly good at character development and juggling several plot lines. And she has a wry sense of humor. Always a good thing!
I hope your holiday weekend went well, my friends.
Time to ask my favorite question: What are you reading?
Happy Monday.
I like Kate Atkinson altho I’ve tried one or two that I couldn’t get into. May work my way back around to them. She’s a talented writer. I’m finishing a heart-breaking but very well written book called After the End. Parents make an agonizing decision about their child’s life and at a certain point, the writer splits the outcome–parallel plots each following a different decision. I’m terrified to find out which one is “real” and wondering if she will reveal it. Very different.
Sounds interesting, Nora. And heartbreaking.
I just finished Gone with the Wind this morning just in time for my book club discussion tomorrow. I read it the first when I was in high school—40 years ago!
I read it junior high, Sue – and that would be well over 50 years ago!
I’m trying to read Louise Penny’s Gamache mysteries in order, but got a bit ahead of myself and so now am back tracking. Currently escaping into 2009’s A Rule Against Murder. A few more to read until I get to the 2014 one I already read.
Finished The Salt Path, though. It was well written and I applaud the writer for reaching into her painful experience. But I can’t say I enjoyed it as it was just a bit too close to home for me. Still, I am amazed that someone could revisit their journey in such detail.
I sometimes avoid books that I know will be too close to home.
I wonder if she journaled on the trip? That would make sense in terms of all the detail.
Twenty some years ago my brother recommended Atkinson’s ‘Behind the Scenes at the Museum’ and I’ve been enjoying her ever since. Be sure to go beyond the Jackson Brodie mysteries, good as they are.
I’m going to do the Jackson Brodies first, then eventually, I’ll move on to her other books. Thanks, Margaret!
Dear Claudia, I’m so glad you asked. I have been reading “Postcards” by Annie Proulx, of “Shipping News” fame. This was her first novel. Brilliant writing, gothic characters, amazingly detailed and evocative descriptions of time and places. Not a sunny book, but a really good read
She’s such a wonderful writer. I’ll have to find a copy, Leslie!
enjoying your recent pictures of Tiger Lilies and other flowers. Recent Reads: “Down A Dark Road” by Linda Castillo (a different type of mystery/thriller). “A Stranger in the House” by Shari LaPena; “Maybe You Should Talk To Someone” by Lori Gottlieb (a therapist’s story of herself & her clients), “That Night” By Amy Giles (fiction, but realistic, a YA book about healing after death of sibling). I’m a sucker for the library’s displays/shelves of new books or 7 day check-outs, and also the grocery store book displays that are New York Times Bestsellers… and your posts of books to read.
Lots of good ideas here, Jan! Thank you. Darn – our grocery store doesn’t have a display of NY Times bestsellers! Lucky you!
Rainy here today again. I’m snuggled up in our warm bed with the tail end of a cold. And working on our music festival that launches in our community in 11 days! Glad I got sick now and not then. On my bedside table is Quintland Sisters and I’m quite enjoying it. Fast fact: Dr. Dafoe who delivered the 5 Quints back in the early 30’s was my great uncle!
Next on my list is The Salt Path. I’m ordering it today as online is always cheaper than buying in the store. Go figure!
Hope your mowing goes well today.
X Chy
So interesting that you have a family link to the quints! I remember reading a lot about them when I was young. Enjoy!
I am actually reading 2 books. In fact it would be rare for me to only be reading one at a time.
I am reading “Letter from Alabama” by David L. Workman
It is a true story how this one letter saved a life and changed a family. It is narrated by the author as if he were speaking directly to you about this topic. Very interesting, but sometimes hard to read, because It can get depressing.
I am also reading “The Ice Maiden” Doug Bateman Book 1 by BD Smith. So far a grissly murder mystery. A serial killer killing with the rituals of the Spanish Inquisition.
Oh my! The Spanish Inquisition! That would be quite grisly, Trudy!
Well, pre-earthquake when I was calmer (!), I was reading a book by a local author in my town about our war veterans, some of whom I’ve known thru the years, like sending a wave or a hello, or maybe even fathers of my friends, whose service heretofore has been unsung; got into this around the time of the anniversary of D-Day. I’m having trouble fastening on fiction these days, although I think the escape of fiction might do me some good.
Wow, 84 sounds hot to me; this will be our coolest day and we’re fogged in with blissful cool but, then, SoCalif is supposed to warm up by midweek and we’re looking at a hot weekend ahead; inland valleys in the triple digits (I’m thinking where I am, get ready for humid 90s).
Have a wonderful day of reading, Claudia!
I just went through a long stretch of non-fiction, the Kate Atkinson is my first fiction in a while. Fiction is the perfect escape. (Besides a trip to Paris.)
84 is hot and the rest of the week, it will be at least 90 and humid every day.
Kate Atkinson is on my list so I guess I’m later (?) to the party. I just started the newest Robert Galbraith Cormoran Strike mystery. I really like them but I’ve always been a big JK Rowling fan. I just finished up the last 2 Elizabeth George Inspector Lynley books. I stopped reading her for a few years after a couple of the previous ones made me so upset! I think I take my books a little to seriously but come on! Who kills off a main character that way? Sigh, anyway I have forgiven her and am now up to date.
I’ve read all of the Cormoran Strike mysteries and I really love them. I, too, took a break from E. George for a while – partly because they’re so long! But I’ve been reading her again lately. She’s such a good writer.
Another mystery writer that I loved killed off a main character right at the end of one of her books. I was so angry with her!
I have been catching up with you Claudia. shed tears over a beautiful man I didn’t even know.
and celebrated the wonderful first meeting with your own thunderbolt. your photos of the cottage and garden and porch are as always… simply glorious.
about three weeks ago I was diagnosed with COPD. they put me on an inhaler. it’s medicated ‘powder!’ that you suck into your lungs.
the very thing everything in you would say NO! don’t do it! she (doc) told me I would get used to it.
but as in all meds… the side effects for me attacked and I am not a good candidate. I don’t have the ‘thrush’ they talked about but my entire mouth and throat feel like I’ve eaten a bushel of raw chili peppers. or as if I swallowed a spoonful of boiling water! the pain is finally subsiding.
because as soon as I realized it was the medicated powder… I quit it. just going to enjoy life.
trying to keep cool in our blazing heat and high humidity. have become again a happy MONK!
I just finished reading the most amazing little series by the master storyteller… Avi. he won a Newbery award for it… and it’s not unlike Wind in the Willows in its overall enchantment for children and adults alike. there are 6 books in the series. and it’s about Poppy. she’s a deer mouse. it was just EXACTLY what I needed. the world has been too much with me for a long time now. and this was the perfect solution for that. an enchanting world. full of beauty. and courage. and yes… even laughter! hope you check it out.
Tammy J,
Just wanted to say that I hope you find a solution that works well for you.
thank you. I am going to be more regular in my yoga practice. I’ve recently returned to it.
used to practice each day and always felt better! isn’t it odd the things we give up when we know they were beneficial? am doing the Vedic breathing again too. it will help I’m sure.
you’re so thoughtful! just taking one day at a time. living in the NOW. :)
Oh, Tammy! You’ve been through so much! I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with this.
Yes! An enchanted world is just what we all need! Good for you, my friend.
to tammy j …
i, too, hope you find something that gives you relief and you feel better soon! will pray for your improved health.
glad you found some just-right books and can enjoy yoga.
kathy in iowa
what a wonderful and unusual community we have here! thank you guys. so much.
I’m in a better place now. at first was overwhelmed. now I consider myself lucky in the scheme of things… I mean 7point + earthquake in California! oh my. no matter our situation
it could always be worse! words Gram taught me that never fail! :)
A few months ago I decided that every so often, I would read a book that I’d read in my younger days and see whether it lived up to expectations. I’ve just finished The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe and enjoyed it again.
Not so successful was Green Darkness by Anya Seton , a tale of reincarnation but I am hoping Katherine set in medieval times will fair better.
It got me thinking of your previous post when someone mentioned Victoria Holt that I must have another look at Susan Howatch’s novels. They are such good sagas – Penmarric, Cashelmara, The Rich are Different and Sins of the Fathers. She takes an historical dynasty and then each character is based on an historic figure and events that took place within their lifetime although the novel is set in a different era e.g.
Penmarric is Henry the Second and Eleanor of Aquitaine (as in The Lion in Winter play).
Sorry for waffling on a bit
Happy Monday
I’ve read some Susan Howatch. Not any of those titles, but perhaps some earlier ones that were more like gothic mysteries – which I was really into when I was in my teens. Then she started writing the ones you mention. Since I’m not into historical fiction, I didn’t read them. Though Penmarric sounds awfully familiar – maybe I did read it?
I’m just finishing The Line Becomes a River: Dispatches from the Border by Francisco Cantu. It’s riveting and disturbing, written by a former Border Patrol Agent whose mother is of Mexican heritage. NPR named it a Top 10 book of 2018.
Oh, I must grab a copy of that one, Linda. Thank you for sharing it with us.
You know how much I love these posts, Claudia!! Last week I re-read 84, Charing Cross Road and finished Wunderland by Jennifer Cody Epstein. I just started Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher. I know I read it many many years ago, but I love the way she writes so much. It is actually soothing to my soul. Something I need in these ridiculous times.
Take your time mowing. We have had a couple of gloriously beautiful days with temps dropping into the upper 50’s at night. Amazing!! Due to warm up and throw in humidity for the next 8-10 days, so these days are diamonds!!
I love Rosamund Pilcher. I’ve read many of her books. She had a lovely style. Yes – I find her books comforting. Thanks for reminding me of her.
Thanks, Chris.
I’m behind on reading the two books I had started…What to Eat With What You’re Reading and Aging for Beginners. I got caught up in reading magazines instead.
I can rarely find a magazine I want to read these days! I miss doing that because I loved reading them!
Since I’m in between books…I really appreciate this post. I got some great ideas. I just finished reading the 17th Suspect…a Women’s Murder Club mystery by James Patterson.
Thanks for all the suggestions everybody! And…enjoy your day! ;)
It helps, doesn’t it? I love learning about new-to-me titles! Thanks, Donnamae!
Just finished ‘The Salt Path’ which I’m on the fence about. I enjoyed Kate Atkinson’s first novel ‘Behind the Scenes at the Museum’. Currently rereading ‘White Teeth’ by Zadie Smith – hard to believe it was a first novel. Sometimes reading contemporary English authors feels like looking through one of my family albums.
I’ll most likely explore more of Kate Atkinson after I finish the Jackson Brodie series, Barbara. I haven’t read any Zadie Smith yet. I’ll have to remedy that.
I loved Kate Atkinson’s Life after Life . Just read Transcription which I didn’t like quite as much. I’ve heard about her mysteries, though, and want to try them. I recently finished Kate Morton’s The Clockmaker’s Daughter which was great. I’ve read all of Kate Morton’s books and this may be my favorite so far!
I’ve read good things about Morton’s book Carol. Glad you enjoyed it!
I finished Call the Midwife: a true story of the East End in the 1950’s by Jennifer Worth last week; and this week I’m reading Pawley’s Island by Dorothea Benton Frank.
Hope you enjoy Pawley’s Island, Carol!
Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie mysteries are excellent — very detailed and wonderful characters. They do evolve so while reading in order isn’t essential, it can be helpful if you have the chance.
I’m reading a book called “To the Manor Reborn” about the BBC’s efforts with the National Trust to recreate Avebury Manor in England to four different periods. Right now I’m in Tudor. I just finished the most recent Maisie Dobbs mystery by Jacqueline Winspear. These are my favorites and I love this period and her characters. (Read in order — definitely). And am starting “Swerve” which a friend recommended. Can’t remember the name of the author (Greenblatt, maybe?) Tis the season to read!
Stephen Greenblatt is one of Don’s favorite authors. He wrote a great book called Tyrant which examines Shakespeare’s tyrants and relates all of it to what’s happening in the White House.
I have followed Kate Atkinson for a long time and enjoy her. This month I’ve read Paper Wife by Laila Abraham- about a Chinese woman who is immigrating to the USA , her detainment on Angel Island CA and her life. Happiness fir Humans by PZ Reizen- an amusing book about artificial intelligence and matchmaking-slow start but worth it. The Other Americans by Laila Lalami- about a Moroccan business man’s accidental death and the fall out for his family.
All of them sound very interesting, Betsy! Thanks for the titles!
I just finished “Wives and Daughters” by Elizabeth Gaskell. It was 652 pages. It was quite enjoyable. I was surprised to read at the end a letter from the editor. Ms. Gaskell died before she finished the book. The editor said we have to assume the ending for certain characters. It was first printed in 1866. I am now going to start “Growing Up Fisher” by Joely Fisher. My sister and I worked in the back yard. It still needs a lot of work. We manage to get four bags of weeds and overgrowth.
Marilyn
That’s quite a long book, Marilyn!
The weeds are insane this year. I feel like I’m constantly weeding.
thanks, claudia, as always for intriguing book (and movie) suggestions and for asking the question. thanks to everyone else for book suggestions/descriptions, too.
i haven’t made much time for reading in a long time and what i’ve read has been the Bible. no other recommendations yet.
claudia, i have decided that i am finally(!) going to read some jane austen books, starting with “sense and sensibility” (unless there’s another one you’d suggest i read first).
hope the chores are done and you all have a good night.
kathy in iowa
Either that or Pride and Prejudice. She wrote several wonderful books, but those two are my personal favorites.
I’m reading “A Great Reckoning” by Louise Penny. I am putting Kate Atkinson on my list. I have never read any of her books. I trust your judgement. I also want to read “The Salt Path” you reviewed last week. Have to look back to get the author’s name. Have a good day.
The author is Raynor Winn, Tana. Enjoy!
Hi Claudia,
I like Kate Atkinson. My first book was Left Early, Took The Dog; it was the title that sold me. I am going to London, England at the end of November and am starting to do some reading. I started London, by Edward Rutherford. This is a re-read, but it’s been years since I read it last. And I have been feeling like a meaty saga too.
Don’t let the heat get you down,
Cindi
I’ve got Left Early, Took the Dog sitting here by my side. I have to read another Atkinson before I get to that one. You’re right, it’s a great title!
I just finished Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. It was incredibly well written, and while I have nothing in common with Kya, the main character, she really resonated with me. Now I’m struggling with what to read next, after such a good book. Fortunately, I have a pile, both physically and in my Kindle! Have a great week.
I’ve heard really good things about that book, Jayne.
I just finished reading We were killers once which I thought was good and the story told in an interesting way. Right now I’m starting a Jane Austen for our book circle. Persuasion is my favorite and it’s a good excuse to reread it. I also recently read The comforts of home, a Chief Superintendent Simon Serrailler mystery by Susan Hill. It was the latest in the series. Fabulous as always. She’s a wonderful writer.
Stay cool everyone. I keep telling myself soon I’ll be wishing for summers return while driving through the snow.
I’ve read all of that series, Colleen. I love Susan Hill.
I do too. Her ghost stories are so unsettling and unforgettable too.
Yes, indeed.