Looking for a good book to read? Me too! It's so exciting that we met each other here. This is going to work out just fine.
How's it goin' eh? (I couldn't resist)
Raise your hand if you like to read! Now take that hand and slap yourself in the butt because that's the last time you're going to have any feeling in it for the rest of the winter. The holidays are over, the house is cleaned up and it's January. Put your furry slippers on, the official month of slothing has begun.
It's time to revel in the fact that you have no lawn to cut, no garden to weed and no gutters to clean. Unless you're renovating your house or spending 5 nights a week taking tap dancing lessons, chances are you have time to whump your ass down on the couch and read.
I mean, I can't do that, I just fall asleep when I try to do that, which is why I only read before I'm going to bed. But YOU might have the rare talent of being able to open a book on the couch and read more than 3 sentences before waking in a pool of your own spittle. I do not have that talent.
Over the past few months I've made my way through a classic Agatha Christie novel, an adult fairy tale, a slavery novel and did NOT make it through an American classic, American Pastoral by Philip Roth.
Based on the description of American Pastoral, including the fact that it won the Pulitzer Prize, I thought I was going to really like it but within the first few pages I was drowning in a pool of my own spittle and I wasn't even asleep. I boredom drooled through the first chapter or so before I abandoned it. Life's too short for books you don't like.
The Agatha Christie classic, And Then There Were None (formerly named something I can't even type for fear Google will flag my site for racist language and also because ... well I just can't.) was good, but I wouldn't call it the greatest mystery of all time. Which incidentally is what it's considered. You can click here to read about it's original title on Wikipedia if you like.
I really liked the slavery novel The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead which also won the Pulitzer Prize. Unlike the Philip Roth novel, Whitehead pulled me into the story with his extraordinary writing as opposed to pushing me away from it. Whitehead's writing seemed effortless, Roth's seemed like he was doing everything he could to prove to me HE WAS A GOOD WRITER DAMMIT.
And My Mrs. Brown by former Vogue editor and society page columnist William Norwich is a quick, fairytale-esque book about a plain, older woman who decides to save up for a $7,000 dress. It's a really easy, silly read but is also enlightening.
So those are a few I've gone through recently. For January (the official month of slothing) I'm going to be cracking open these books. Or at least one of them ...
Good Books to Read
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson is a book I've been reading on and off for a couple of months. It isn't a novel so it's something I feel like I can pick up and put down. I put it down a LOT, not because it isn't great but because it's terrifying. Not voodoo, horror show terrifying, but HOLY CRAP terrifying. It's exactly what it sounds like. A short history of nearly everything, starting with how the universe was formed. If you ever want to sort of understand how inconceivably vast the universe is and how inconceivably insignificant WE are ... read about how the universe was formed.
Benediction by Kent Haruf is one I've been holding off on. It's the third and final book in a series of books by the late author. I know when I finish it, it will be done. Haruf's writing is poetic in the most subtle way. The first two books in the series are Plainsong and Eventide so look at those two first if you're thinking of reading the series. And you should.
Tin Man by Sarah Winman is going to be a complete surprise to me. Someone I follow on Instagram raved about it so I bought it immediately. I have ZERO idea what it's about. And I'm going to keep it that way because sometimes it's fun just to not have a clue. Unless you're performing surgery, in which case ... that's just irresponsible.
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware is the third novel of hers I'll have read in the past year. It's your basic suspense novel but I like them. Ruth Ware novels that is, not necessarily suspense novels. I didn't like Gone Girl for example and I HATED The Girl on the Train.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. I still don't know if I'll be able to read this. I bought Kitchen Confidential as a Christmas present for my mother 2 years ago intending to read it after she did. Before I got to it, Anthony Bourdain committed suicide and I couldn't bring myself to read it. I, like a lot of people really liked Anthony Bourdain and was hit hard by his suicide. Definitely harder than I should have been considering I've never met the man. For instance, at least once a week I mutter "You f*cking asshole" to him in my head for one reason or another. It may not be this month, but some time this year I will read this book because more than an interesting character, a good chef or irreverent tv personality - Anthony Bourdain was a truly exceptional writer.
Lay it on me! What are you reading right now? Give everyone the name and a short description of what kind of book it is in the comments and before you know it we'll all be slothing our way out of winter and into spring.
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Chris C
Just read "Before We Were Yours"-Lisa Wingate-a fictionalized account about the Tennessee orphans during the Depression.
"Moloka'i"-Alan Brennart-fictionalized account of the leper colony on Hawaii
Both excellent reads.
Meredith Fairbanks
Boys in the Boat is the BEST book I have read in forever. It is a nonfiction history about the men's rowing team that won the Olympics back in (I think) 1936 in Berlin. So, so good and so engrossing that I was yelling at characters while listening to the audio!
Also, if you ever want an unusual, fun series, check out the Flavia de Luce mysteries. They are unusual, not what you think, funny, sad, and everything in between.
Elaine A. Senft
this is wild...some kind of literature to get you absorbed. I was thinking, the Agatha Christie novel," And then there were none" is superb. But being cheeky, thought this title describes the American Gov"t guffaw to a tee....
Librarian Nancy
I just finished My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray, a long but terrific book about Alexander Hamilton's wife, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. Currently reading The House of Special Purpose by John Boyne - LOVE John Boyne! - a historical novel about the Russian Imperial court (I'm on a Russian book kick lately).
I'm going to Las Vegas next week for a friend's retirement party and on my reading list for the week is Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain (yes, I've been meaning to read this too); The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire (urban fantasy); Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone (suspense); and An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten (three novellas about a not-too-nice senior).
Ann Brookens
I LOVE Seanan McGuire's October Daye series! Urban fantasy and wonderful!
Lisa
Cutting for Stone...by Abraham Verghese
Bel Canto..by Ann Patchett
Life of PI...by Yann Martel
Anything by Sherman Alexie
Anything by Annie Proulx
Jean
I strongly recommend Wayne Grady's "Emancipation Day" and his subsequent
(and only second ) novel, " Up From Freedom" . Already a much respected non- fiction writer on scientific subjects, he wrote his first novel after learning in mid-life of his black slave ancestors. His very light skinned father, who had to know his background, died without acknowledging it.
When Wayne Grady came to speak about "Emancipation Day " at the Owen Sound Library a couple of years ago he shared his years long struggle to write this story as a memoir, or biography, lacking factual family history and eventually being persuaded to present it as a "novel "
An excellent Canadian writer - a fascinating , partly Canadian story.
Holly C
I recommend The Rent Collector by Cameron Wright. A story about Cambodia and living in a dump during troubled times. Sounds depressing, but it is not completely. You can cook Pho and eat it while you read. Books, like recipes, restaurants, travel destinations—can be subjective.
Sabina
As a follower of the Amazon Prime series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, I picked up Lenny Bruce's autobiography, How to Talk Dirty and Influence People as a souvenir on a recent visit to the new National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY. Published in 1965, the year I was born, I found Chapter Ten very intriguing. His monologue about drugs and alcohol are profoundly on point still today.
I am Sicilian and admittedly obsessed with The Godfather. So after finally reading the original I went on a mission to read all things Mario Puzo, including those authored by other authors with the permission of his estate. I have read The Sicilian, The Family Corleone, and The Fortunate Pilgrim. I just picked up The Godfather Returns at my local thrift store. The font on the Godfather books is unmistakable and I get a rush when I see it on a shelf and it's something I haven't read...is there a help group for this?
And the seed catalogs are starting to arrive...so there's that...
Bambi Mayer
I just finished How to Change You Mind by Michael Pollan and am now reading The Acid Diaries by Christopher Gray, both excellent books. Who knew that psychedelics are probably the best tool for fixing this messed out world or are at least the best way to our own messed up brains.
Alena
I found out long time ago that I cannot finish a single book by Philip Roth. He bores me to death.
I also no longer read Ruth Ware. I think I read 3 of her books, all of which were grossly overrated and STUPID. One review said that if you read this book you won't be able to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night because you will be too scared. I had to laugh at that.
Not worth the time. Her books are about the same thrill as unwrapping a brick of butter and finding out it's .... butter.
Sandy
I soooo agree about Ware's work. I read one of her books which was one too many for me.
Vikki
In times of stress, I always escape to the old English authors like Agatha Christie or, my favorite, Margery Allingham. I haven't read Amy Tan in a while but liked her books. An interesting, but well-done take on the same ol' Sherlock Holmes are the ones by Laurie King. I stay away from the serial killer/stalker/gory murders--if I want that, I just watch the news.
Shelagh Ryan
I ve been a voracious reader since I was a pre teen and of course over the years my favourites have changed a bit.
Always read for escapism and entertainment, and had practical parents who also loved books and were huge supporters of public libraries. You could not offer me a better rainy Saturday afternoon than a trip to the library.
Elizabeth Goudge " A Little White Horse" and " The Ship That Flew" by somebody Lewis discovered only because the library didn't have the next book in the Narnia series by C.S.Lewis.
Never saw what everyone made a fuss about in Agatha Christies books but pretty much read them all.
Then discovered D.H.Lawrence and Thomas Hardy, George Elliot, the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen.
Books poems and plays for school had the usual Shakespeare, Romantic poets, American authors and a few Canadians. "The Edible Woman" and "The Handmaids Tale" by Margaret Atwood was a university favourite along with Ayn Rand. I never saw my parents concerned about any of my reading choices until they saw me reading Atlas Shrugged.
Enjoyed the required readings for school but never picked up Chaucer for fun.
I was introduced to Gothic novels in uni and was morbidly and almost reluctantly fascinated by the darkness of them.
Then turned back to reading for escape and devoured all of Tolkien over a summmer break. Too much science in Asimov but found Charles de Lint who wrote interesting mysteries set in my home town, Ottawa. I recently had the pleasure of meeting him in person and he has a music CD out which I promptly bought. Enjoyed it tremendously.
My 20's were filled with being single, working professionally, and enjoying life....do not remember reading anything of much significance....murder mysteries that I could pick up and put down again. Had my kids between 30-40.... much the same...sleep deprivation requires a pretty simple plot line. Dick Francis and all his horse world mysteries, the occasional romance novel.
40-50 raising kids, working, volunteering in kids activities, Nordic skiing, Girl Guides, soccer....etc. That's when I discovered the Outlander series. Had already read a different historical series about a fellow called Francis Lymond.....can't remember the author...titles in that series were "Game of Kings", "Queens Play", "Pawn in Frankinscence"
Now in my 60's I read downloads from the library onto my iPad. So much easier on arthritic hands. ....and....No more overdue fees! Still reading murder mysteries, thrillers, non fiction for the first time in my life! The non textbook kind that is meant to educate but also entertain...."Mother Nature is Trying to Kill You" is downright scary!
Can't remember the title but it described a year in the life of a fellow who made a drunken bet with his mate that he could hitch hike around Ireland with a fridge in less than 12 months....absolutely loved it!
The mysteries I read are now more character based...a series where the hero/ heroine has experiences that affect them and how they grow along the way. Miss Marple and Poirot never evolved.
Lynn Johanson
The Girl Who Drank the Moon
By Kelly Barnhill
It won the 2017 Newbery
It's a beautifully crafted fairytale that had me reading out loud for the word flow. Yes, it's for 5th grade and up but, oh my, what a gift. It's also 400pgs. So many hours of joy!
Noreen McKechnie
I worked in high school libraries for years and read a lot of really good young fiction. However here are some names that I have read everything they have written. Amy McKay, Richard Wagamese, Linden MacIntyre, Joseph Boyden, Wayne Johnston. A couple of interesting single books A History of Canada in Ten Maps, Testimony, by Robbie Robertson, Beautiful Scars by Tom Wilson, The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro. I could go on for pages as I truly love a great numbers of Canadian writers but that could do for now!
Alena
Amy McKay is awesome!
Robin L Christensen
Love this post! Don't have time to read the comments to pick up more great tips, but will come back! Just finished Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penney - about the 8th in series about Armand Gamache set in Canada. Great characters.
Another great series for light, but funny reading - Chet & Bernie mysteries - Chet is the narrator - and he's a dog.
Favorite Barbara Kingsolver book - Prodigal Summer
Favorite all time book - A Thousand Splendid Suns
Jane C.
I have two shelves full of books to read, but am knitting instead this winter. Once I'm finished an afghan and a pair of mittens, I'll get to the books.
"My Mrs. Brown" sounds like Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris, a book I read decades ago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs._%27Arris_Goes_to_Paris
I hated Gone Girl - didn't finish, but made it through Girl on a Train.
Heather
I am participating in the Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/) challenge, "Around the Year in 52 books" where you read a book a week based on a pre-determined topic. It's my second year & last year I got about 20% through. So far this January I have read: Shipping News, When Breath Becomes Air, That's My Baby and Shakespeare Saved My Life. I am currently reading The Kind Worth Killing. This year I plotted out all 52 books so maybe I can make it all the way through.
Karen, I think you would enjoy Goodreads. It's a great way to keep track of what you read & what you want to read. You could probably set up a challenge for your readers.
I wonder if Anthony Bourdain had any inkling of what he meant to soooo many people. I think of him all the time.
Ann Brookens
I'm doing the Goodreads Reading Challenge for the fourth time, where one sets the goal of how many books to plan to read in a years time. My goal is 200, which I have overshot by several each year. As you may surmise, the stuff the I "do" is READ!
JodyG
Thank you, everyone, for your book reading suggestions. To me they are priceless. I am reading "A Short History of Everything" since you, Karen, mentioned it in one of your earlier posts. Actually I am reading some of it and slogging through some of it. Anthony Bourdain broke my heart, also.
Becky
I did the same with Benediction--I wanted to read it but I didn't want to finish the last of Kent Haruf's books--it was very good.
The best books I have read lately were The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng and The Bright Hour by Nina Riggs.
I'm adding Tin Man to my list of books to read--it didn't have a negative review that I could see on good reads.
Julia
Educated, by Tara Westover. Fabulous writer with a truly exceptional, pretty terrifying true life story. Don’t want to put it down at night even when bone-tired. Highly recommend!! Happy reading everyone!