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What Are You Reading?

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Just a dusting of snow overnight. A stray flake or two falling.

Perfect. No cleanup necessary, no shoveling, no chipping away at ice. Thank you!

Well, we’re back into the non-holiday days of January. Though I’m happy to have a fresh start in a new year, I do dread the expanse of winter ahead. Don and I were saying it would be perfect if we had just three seasons a year, but it seems that isn’t going to happen, and considering the horrors of Climate Change, that’s a good thing.

We had a sunny day yesterday and this is a late afternoon view of the McCoy.

I’m in the middle of Jane Eyre. I’m really enjoying it. Brontë was such a wonderful writer. I swear I read it when I was young, but perhaps I just skimmed it? I’ve seen several adaptations of it on film and television, so I know the story. But I don’t remember reading all the detail that I’m reading at the moment, so it seems almost new to me.

I’m also reading The Seine, but I’ve had to temporarily put a pause on it because of Jane Eyre. Later today or early tomorrow, I have to read the script for the production I’m coaching.

So we come to my favorite question: What are you reading?

Happy Monday.

Comments

  1. I’m reading a biography of Rodgers and Hammerstein (their lives but focus on their collaborations). I think it’s called “Something Wonderful” but I might be confusing it with the Gershwin Book I’m reading by Michael Feinstein that might be called “S’wonderful” (or maybe not…I put it down when Christmas got out of control!). The R&H is a Christmas gift. I just finished “The Dutch House” (Patchett, excellent) but that was pretty heavy and I wanted something linear, without a plot. The book pile keeps getting bigger…

    • I have several books about Rodgers & Hammerstein and Gershwin (my favorite). I started out doing musical theater and it remains my first love. When I was a teen and young adult, I read everything there was to read about the American Musical.

      I know! I’ve put a moratorium on book buying for the present! xo

      • So far, I’m pretty impressed with Purdum’s “Something Wonderful.” Another favorite composer bio of mine is Meryl Secrest’s “Stephen Sondheim.” Musical theatre was my first love, also, and like you, remains so.

        • I sang Something Wonderful in The King and I, so I’m partial to that title.

          I have read a few different bios on Sondheim. I got to work with him when I was working at the Globe. Brilliant, but not chatty. I’m a longtime fan of Sondheim. xo

  2. Kate Atkinson, One Good Turn. Thanks to your recommendations I made my way through Louise Penny, Deborah Crombie, and quite a few James Lee Burke books in 2019—forty-three of them!

    Right now I’m dealing with a right hand that won’t work, due to age and too much rug-making, so reading is about all I can do at the moment. Enjoying the reading, but feeling guilty about not producing anything! (Can’t even take down Christmas! Boo hoo.)

    • Wonderful! My work is done.

      I’m so sorry about your hand, my friend. It must be so frustrating but you know you have to let it rest, right? I had to stop doing crochet and even a wee bit of rug hooking for that reason. So rest! xo

  3. Hi Claudia. You are reading Jane Eyre, and I watched an older movie version the other (sleepless) night. Seems I’m watching a lot of Brit shows/movies these days. Have you seen “Father Brown” series on Netflix? Beautiful settings, cute stories, vintage costumes, vehicles from the 40’s. I am reading, for the umpteenth time James Herriots All Creatures Great and Small. Lovely photo by the way. Take care.

    • I have seen some of Father Brown, Penny.

      One of Don’s favorite books is All Creatures Great and Small! Enjoy!

  4. Over Christmas I read ‘Daisy Jones and The Six’ , a novel written in interview form and supposedly based on Fleetwood Mac. It was enjoyable enough.

    I’ve just started ‘City of Girls’ by Elizabeth Gilbert and think I’m going to like it. Fiction set in New York theatre land in the 1940s and certainly an improvement on Eat, Pray, Love!

    The one I’m really looking forward to reading but I’m on the library’s waiting list is Anne Glenconner’s autobiography ‘ Lady in Waiting’. If you’ve seen the third series of ‘ The Crown’, Anne was Princess Margaret’s Lady in Waiting and introduced her to Roddie McDowell at a pool party in Scotland. She was interviewed recently on Graham Norton, well into her eighties and an absolute hoot! She stole the show.

    Happy Monday

    • Oh, Glenconner’s book sounds fascinating! I’ll look for that Graham Norton interview, Dee Dee.

      • I’m reading a Margaret Drabble book, “The Peppered Moth.” It’s been so long since I’ve read anything written by her and I’m thoroughly enjoying it! I’m so glad you ask this question periodically, as it opens up new horizons for reading. I love input from other readers. Thank you, Claudia.

        • You’re most welcome, Ginny. I’ve seen about 3 references to Margaret Drabble in these comments which reminds me that I need to read some of her books!

  5. I just finished “The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, The Dresser and The Wardrobe” by Angela Kelly, which I very much enjoyed. Like penny Spencer above, I re-read the entire series of James Herriots books through the summer for the umpteenth time. And like penny I am a huge fan of “Father Brown”, and last nite starting re-watching Foyles’ War on Acorn TV. For my birthday in October I gifted myself a four book series written by Elaine Everest: “The Woolworth Girls”, “Christmas at Woolworths”, “Wartime at Woolworths”, ” A Gift from Woolworths”, and I just found out the author has release the 5th book “Wedding Bells for Woolworths”. The 5th book and the kindle only 1.5th “Carols at Woolworths” are next for me to purchase. I started the 1st book “The Woolworth Girls” over the weekend. It is set in WWII England.

  7. Just finished Robyn Carr’s The View From Alameda Island…picking up 2 from the library today…can’t wait!

  8. Well…I’m savoring A Better Man by Louise Penny. I am happily or unhappily…depending on what happens next…ensconced in Three Pines with my friends. Enjoying every word! ;)

  9. I can’t seem to find a book to read! I have started about 10 in the last two weeks and nothing is sticking. So I will put them all back in the stack for now. It is not their fault, it is me. This happens to me every once in awhile. Hopefully it will pass soon and I will find a book that wants me to read it!

  10. Rereading Dick Francis…Sherwood Smith…Sharon Shinn .Waiting ……. Louise Penny.. Daniel Silva.. Lisa Gardner…Shirley Rousseau Murphy. I read anything and everything. 150 to 200 books a year. I am retired and live in Canada and have offspring for snow removal . My first book was. ..My Friend Flicka. and have never looked back.. and was the recipient of many books many passed on to my sister and friends. . long may the pen rule ..Nidia

  11. Your home looked beautiful over Christmas Claudia, and it’s still beautiful in January
    I am reading Goschas Modern history of Vietnam- we are travelling there next month
    Siobhan

  12. This is always my favorite question to answer, since I am a voracious reader! I started The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I may be finished that by the end of 2020, ha! It’s sooo long but good so far. Since I’m able to put that one down, I just started Secrets of the Chocolate House by Paula Brackston, a sequel to The Little Shop of Found Things.

  15. lovely photos of your lovely home. i especially like the contrast of colors in that pottery and the wood.

    and lovely words (no need for you to shovel that bit of snow)!

    i feel a bit ashamed to say i have again not been reading. i love to read, but just don’t feel i have enough time and focus right now to be able to really settle in and enjoy something. i do appreciate your question and everyone’s answers. my “tbr” list gets longer!

    happy monday!

    kathy in iowa

  16. My most favorite question!! Just finished Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout. Before that I read The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek, and The Confession Club by Elizabeth Berg. All three were very good. Next up is Lab Girl by Hope Jahren.

  17. Hallo Claudia!
    This is a German sight of reading. Some of the mentioned books are unfortunately not translated into German yet. I’m reading “Schuld” by Ferdinand von Schirach. It’s part of a trilogy he wrote between 2008 and 2018 “Verbrechen”, “Schuld” und “Strafe”. Remarkable is his straight and plain speech. I hope it comes through in the english translation of the book. I sure will read all three parts, although his stories are rather disturbing and nothing for weak nerves.
    Next will be a book of the english speaking sphere (in German translation): Me, Elton John. I love very much autobiographical books. Thanks for letting me share my “mustard” on the subject.
    Yours
    Helga

    • Thank you Helga for the recommendation of Ferdinand Von Schirch’s three books – Verbrechen (Crime), Schuld (Guilt) and Strafe (Punishment). I have borrowed the Crime and Guilt from the library and have already finished Crime. His clear, plain voice is evident through each of the chapters. I second Helga’s recommendation.

  18. I *love* that collection of McCoy pottery. One of my favorite colors. That grouping is exquisite.

    Remember Simple Abundance? I just ordered and received her newest edition. Revised after 25 years! I’ve been reading the appropriate entry every day.

    I am going to be starting Ann Patchett’s book, The Dutch House today.

    xoxo

    • I do remember Simple Abundance – didn’t know there was a revised edition. How wonderful! Thanks, Melanie.

  19. Just finished reading “The Lost Man” by Jane Harper, a new to me author… quite enjoyed it!

    • I have read her first book and I have her second on the shelf. She’s a good writer. Thanks, Val!

  20. I am reading Ann Cleeves and Peter May as they were recommended on another blog and I like mystery / detective stories.
    I want to thank you for mentioning the series, “Unbelievable” – I just finished watching and it was such a powerful story. I felt so sorry for Marie and so proud of the women detectives that wouldn’t give up on their cases. What a difference was made when the rape victims were listened to and treated gently!

    • It’s an incredible story, isn’t it? We were completely caught up in it. Marie’s story broke my heart. Thanks, Ellen!

  23. I’m reading Murder on the Serpentine by Anne Perry, it’s the 32nd book in the Thomas Pitt mystery series set in Victorian England, Perry is an excellent writer.

    • I went through a period where I read about 25 of her books on the recommendation of my mom. I haven’t read the latest, but you’re right, she’s a great writer. Thank you, Jan!

  24. I just finished The Amish Sweet Shop, three different stories by three different authors. Last night I started Thomas Jefferson And the Tripoli Pirates . The Forgotten War That Changed American History, by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger. It is fascinating. There are so many things I did not know about our country’s history. Glad you did not get any amount of snow. We also only had a light dusting. We put our tree out at the curb last night. This morning the sanitation garbage pick-up took the tree.
    Marilyn

  25. The other night I listened to an audiobook version of Jane Eyre narrated by Juliet Stevenson. It’s one of my comfort reads so I was a bit apprehensive, but I thought she did a really good job.

    Finally found a new paperback copy and am currently reading Rosshalde by Herman Hesse. Another go-to author for me.

  27. That picture of all the turquoise McCoy pieces is absolutely stunning. Reading Washington by Ron Chernow.

  28. Read a Susan Wiggs’ book over the weekend. Now reading “Listening Is An Act of Love”edited by Dave Isay. Interviews from the Storycorps Project. Great book. Had funny discovery this weekend. Took our 11 year old and his new bike to an indoor bike park built in a huge old industrial building in Dayton, Ohio. Found they have two Little Free Libraries! Lots of books on their shelves. An unexpected find!

      • Discovery was exciting, but difficult for this book addict! I only brought home one book. So I’m sitting reading instead of watching the bike rider/trick demonstrator! This bike park path has ramps & hills, and goes between two floors. He came to find me at the book nook to let me know he had fallen and was injured. He knew exactly where to find me. So much for parental supervision! Luckily he was ok.

  30. I have been reading Martin Walker’s books about Bruno, Chief of Police. They are set in the Dordogne region of France. Each one is a separate mystery, however I found it helpful to read them more or less in the order the author wrote them. The series is similar in style to the Louise Penny series.

    I have just started a new series (new to me) written by Seanen McGuire about a Faerie investigator called Toby (October) Daye living in San Francisco.

    I have just returned to the library a non-fiction called Bibliostyle. It was a beautiful book about books, book collectors, public and private libraries. I am going to ask for a copy for my birthday. I loved reading about other people’s libraries.

    • I’m going to write down Walker for future reference.

      I have Bibilostyle. I bought it when it first came out and it’s well worth having in your permanent library. One of my favorite books, Miche!

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