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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Wendy Heath
I too thought on and off for weeks after Anthony took himself off for reasons only he knew .. fuck! fucking shithead! I miss you! Why!
Well, I know those mental expletives were generated from a selfish desire to want more from him. So, you know, selfish selfish selfish on my part.
However. I have read Kitchen Confidential twice all the way through and long years before he offed himself. Not counting all the many times I reread paragraphs and while going through the book and even rereading entire chapters because I couldn't get enough of his amazing energy and whip-smart observations. Not to mention the frequently occurring hilarity to the maximonium (my invented word).
So Karen .. you must read it! Put aside your grief and anger, let go of your selfish desire to have him still and just go for it. You will experience a poignancy upon first reading that I did not experience and I, for one, am definitely going to read it again. To get to the poignancy.
Sandy
I can't help but to add another author whose work I especially enjoy when I'm looking for a pleasant escape from reality -- Sarah Addison Allen (of North Carolina) has written at least six novels and a short story or two, so if you enjoy "magic realism" I would suggest starting with her first book and go from there.
Garden Spells (2007)
The Sugar Queen (2008)
The Girl Who Chased the Moon (2010)
The Peach Keeper (2011)
Lost Lake (2014)
First Frost (2015)
Here's a link if anyone wants to read a little more about this author.
https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/sarah-addison-allen/
Sue
"Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens. LOVED it, best book I have read for a long time and so well written!
Dawn-Marie
I just finished The Clockmakers Daughter by Kate Morton-it's fantastic!
Emma
Me too...wonderful book!
Sherry (BTLover2)
Karen,
You know these book posts are one of my favorites (oh, you didn't? Now you do).
First, I can relate to your feelings about Anthony Bourdain. I felt that way about Prince. Was shattered by his passing and it bothered me far more than it should I think. But I will say this: when you are ready, please read Kitchen Confidential. It's an excellent read. He was brilliant (as you know) and just "real."
My wish list is now much longer thanks to your suggestions and the comments of others. Yay! But now I need a day to be 48 hours.
I'm never one to recommend books, though I read a lot of them. Fear of disappointing someone I guess. Nothing worse than being told someone hated a book you truly enjoyed. No thanks. But I'll come here whenever I need to add to my stash.
Karen
Oh come on. Be BRAVE! What's your favourite book? That's why I like it when someone also includes other books that they've liked because it gives you an idea if that person has the same general taste as you. ~ k!
Tina W
I found the Death of Mrs Westaway to be boring and rather too ridiculous. I absolutely loved Meet Me at the Museum (Youngson) (a book of letters sent between a married woman and a widowed man who works at a museum - that makes it sound boring but it's fabulous). The Lewis Man trilogy (Peter May) is definitely worth reading also, if you want a good mystery series. Transcription (Kate Atkinson) was very fun to read.
Amanda
Leslie Crewe is an author from Cape Breton. Her books are funny. Her latest, Beholden, is a good, finish it in two days, kinda book.
Avril
Jeffrey Archer - 6 books in the series
Only Time Will Tell
The Sins of the Father
Best Kept Secret
Be Careful What You Wish For
Mightier Than The Sword
Cometh The Hour
Riveting and many twists to the ongoing family story. I have the last 2 yet to read.
Currently reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Exceptional read! Story of a boy who loses his mother, then goes to live with his father, and everything that happens to him along the way. The next page is always a surprise!
Leslie Barnard
Gone Girl and Girl on the Train were written by Gillian Flynn I believe. I read her novel, Sharp Objects (now a series with Reese Witherspoon?) and really liked it!
Leslie Barnard
I read 11-22-63 by Stephen King and loved it!
I also read The Woman in Cabin 10 (Ruth Ware)- good story but with ridiculously tired dialogue.
Idaho Girl
Love all the great book ideas - thanks to everyone for sharing. In good weather I'm usually in the yard and garden, so I also read more during these cold months. I love history, and read to relax and escape, so I won't usually read anything suspenseful or deep. My favorites are usually historical fiction, with my all time favorite author (for several years) being Diana Gabaldon, who wrote the book series that became Outlander. Anyone who likes history, romance, and a little time travel thrown in should start with Outlander and read the entire series. I've reread them all more than once.
And since you brought it up, I was in my high school senior class play 40 years ago, and it was that which is now known as "And Then There Were None"...
SF
My parents had an old hardback copy of the Agatha Christie book, with the original title, displayed on a shelf in their house. A little shocked, I said "you can't have that on the shelf in your house where people can see it!!!" Thinking of it more as a timepiece than an offense, I think they moved it to a less visible but still visible area. Oof.
Karen
"Thinking of it more as a timepiece than an offense", I could see that. I couldn't do it, lol, but I can see the logic. Like having Nazi memorabilia as a constant reminder of the horror and how far we have (or haven't???) come. But still. Couldn't do it! ` karen!
NinaMargo
Two very-different life-saving recommendations (go figure...):
The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs by Elaine Sciolino. A beautifully written historical-cultural-social exploration of a single 1/2 mile long street in this wonderful city. I walked every step with her last month during my cat-sitting gig!
And: The Recovering: Intoxication And Its Aftermath by Leslie Jamison. “A strangely exhilarating book about recovery, but it is more resonantly about desire, consciousness, kindness, self control and love - hence a Tolstoyan study of the human condition.” An important book if you think you have a problem or think you might want to help someone who does.
Dana
I'm a librarian 4 hours a month at our tiny local library filled with amazing books, so I've just finished a huge stack over the holidays. I enjoyed A Truly Remarkable Thing by Hank Green. it's a little bit sci-fi, but the plot was captivating. I also liked Dear Mrs Bird for the snapshot of life in WWII London.
Currently reading Into the Water by Paula Hawkins. It's pretty gloomy.
In the tbr pile:
The Plus One by Sophia Money-Coutts I don't know what it's about, but looks like a cheery book to counter Into the Water.
The Marrow Thieves by Cheri Dimaline
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
What I am not planning to read is this month's book club choice, 12 Rules for Life. I've read some reviews and it mostly looks like it's not how I want to spend my reading time.
Karen
I picked up Dear Mrs Bird but put it back down again because it felt too ... I can't remember. Something, lol. I think I just wasn't in the mood so I've shelved it for trying again at another time. ~ karen!
Sandy
Check out what Bill Gates is reading:
http://www.openculture.com/2019/01/bill-gates-book-critic-names-his-top-5-books-of-2018.html
Then check out this free little library (tis indeed magical)
https://www.boredpanda.com/dead-tree-little-free-library-sharalee-armitage-howard/?cexp_id=14884&cexp_var=4&_f=featured&utm_source=shutterbean&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=organic
Karen
That tree is GREAT. ~ karen!
PMMK
I'm working on a Horticulture Diploma at UoG so, although there are some juicy who dunnits sitting on my Kindle, I thought it best to keep it at least botanical so, instead of studying, I'm reading TulipoMania: The Story of the World's Most Coveted Flower and the Extraordinary Passions It Aroused, by Mike Dash. I thought it would be about as interesting as dust but I was waaaay wrong. Again. I'm learning about a lot more than tulips; some weird and crazy history about people and nations too. Not a riveting page turner but interesting tout de même.
Susan Lawson
Robert McFarlane and his books on walking in nature. A lyric, almost poetic writer who fascinates with a combination of facts and word pictures that draw you into his landscape with uncanny accuracy. Both moving and uplifting. Recommend The Old Ways and The Wild Places.
Jacquie
"Life is too short for books you don't like". SO true. Why slog your way through a book when there are so many you'll never have time to read in your lifetime?
Life is also too short to wash your own car.
Susan Warder
I am binge listening to Inspector Gamache / Three Pines mysteries by Louise Penny. They'd been recommended to me in trade for my recommendation of the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. Both quite engaging and multi-faceted.
Jane
I work at a Mobile Crisis service for suicide counselling, and I’m still angry at Antony Bourdain. And that his lovely friend had to find him.