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Infinite Country by Patricia Engel | Thoughts

   Published : 2021   ||    Format : print   ||    Location : Colombia ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆   What was it about the country that kept everyone hostage to its fantasy? The previous month, on its own soil, an American man went to his job at a plant and gunned down fourteen coworkers, and last spring alone there were four different school shootings. A nation at war with itself, yet people still spoke of it as some kind of paradise.. Thoughts : Infinite Country follows two characters - young Talia, who at the beginning of this book, escapes a girl’s reform school in North Colombia so that she can make her previously booked flight to the US. Before she can do that, she needs to travel many miles to reach her father and get her ticket to the rest of her family. As we follow Talia’s treacherous journey south, we learn about how she ended up in the reform school in the first place and why half her family resides in the US. Infinite Country tells the story of her family through the other protagonist, El

It's Monday! What are you reading? (Or the post in which I plan my vacation reading) -- December 20, 2010


It's Monday! What are you reading this week?

This is a weekly event initially hosted by J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog, now by Sheila @ One Persons Journey through a world of Books, to celebrate what you are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week.

I haven't done this meme in a long time, due to certain personal events. I was initially planning to resume next year, but then I wanted to write a post about my reading for the next couple of weeks. So eventually, I decided to post some of the books I managed to find time to read in the last two months, while also trying to decide what to take on my vacation, starting this week. (There's nothing like writing down things to help clear your mind, as many claim. Of course, I just needed an excuse.)

Books completed in the last couple of months
-  Room by Emma Donoghue: I am yet to review this book, as I read it just before I disappeared temporarily from my blog, and now I'm trying to find time to review it. In short, I enjoyed it. (Enjoy might be the wrong word, rather I did find it page-turning.) On the other hand, I'm done with books on kidnapping. Chevy Stevens' Still Missing kept coming to mind as I was reading this, and I find my reading tainted when memories of another book intrude forcefully.
-  Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella: I find myself opening a Sophie Kinsella book whenever I want to be cheered up. Her books are either funny or hilariously sad, depending on how you look at it. Either you can laugh at her heroines, or feel sad because you've been in the same situation. I enjoyed this one a lot, but not as much as the previous one.
-  Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane: I can finally say that I read a Dennis Lehane novel. I assumed his writing would be deep, but I just zipped through the pages. I really loved this book, and followed it with watching the movie as well.
-  The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien: I reviewed this book here, but I really hate to say that because I missed the total point of this book - all because I had no clue that this was "A Work of Fiction", as noted in its titular page. In my defense, my nook copy doesn't carry that phrase, and I had avoided reading all the thorough reviews of this book. After realizing that, I felt the same way I feel after watching a Christopher Nolan movie - you feel you understood everything, and then you realize that you understood nothing.
-  Everything I Never Wanted to be by Dina Kucera: This book, which I reviewed here, is one of those books that leave you totally surprised - not because of content but because it was the opposite of what you expect. I went in expecting to sniff every few seconds, but ended up laughing and smiling more. A really wonderful and hilarious way to tell a depressing story!
-  A Secret Gift by Ted Gup: A wonderful historical nonfiction about a Samaritan's monetary offer during one Xmas in Depression. Read my review here.

Books in my carry-on bag
Well, technically, I still have four more days before my vacation starts. But my next few days are going to be really busy, so it will be Thursday before I can open a book. So for my eight-hour one-stop flight (and I'm only going to the other coast of the US!), and for my almost two-week stay, I wanted to plan my reads. I don't expect to have much reading time during my vacation, but what if I do? Better to plan than feel sorry!

In the Wake of the Boatman by Jonathon Scott Fuqua: Halfway through this book, I had to put it down because of other review commitments, and also because, the plot seemed to slacken a bit in the middle. It started off very well, plus the writing is engaging, though not exciting enough. Now that I am free to read what I want for the rest of the year, I want to finish this one.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales by Oliver Sacks: I've been seeing a lot of Oliver Sacks around now, which probably has to do with his new release, The Mind's Eye. Browsing further, I found this fascinating book with a really interesting title. I will have to pick this one from my library this week if I wish to read it.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand: I did read a couple of chapters of this book at B&N the other day. I found it so intriguing that I sat at the affiliated Starbucks to read. I haven't read Hillenbrand's previous book, Seabiscuit, although I've heard a lot of praises about it. I had instead watched the movie and found it wonderful. I'm not much into horse-books, probably has to do with an overdose of the TV show, Black Beauty, growing up. But this one was awesome, so it's one of my must-reads for this/next month.
Our Kind of Traitor by John le Carré: I don't have much of an idea about this book, except that I've seen a few raving reviews. I'll probably read this book, without reading much about it. It's great sometimes to just read a book without knowing what it's about.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg from my want-to-read-during-vacation list. Though they remain the most likely candidates. Other books waiting in my nook are The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives, To the End of the Land, How to Read the Air, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, Ape House, Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, and Tinkers. Sigh, it sure is hard to decide!


Comments

Jennifer said…
We have a lot of books in common and it looks as though you had a wonderful week and a brilliant line-up. My Monday: http://www.rundpinne.com/2010/12/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-18.html
BLHmistress said…
I have wanted to read Unbroken since I saw it on the release list. Can't wait to hear what you think. Happy Monday.
What I'm Reading
The1stdaughter said…
I love the "Books in my carry-on bag", that's great! I hope you have a fantastic trip! It sounds like a well deserved get away as well.

I'm so sorry you didn't absolutely love Room. I'm still up in the air about when I'll read it. I know I will eventually, but yeah... And yes, I completely agree with you about Sophie Kinsella, perfect read when you need a pick me up!

Have a fabulous reading week, a happy holiday week and if you get a minute stop by to check out what I've been reading at There's A Book!
pussreboots said…
Shutter Island is on my wishlist. I had fun reading wishlist and TBR books.
Maree said…
Have a great holiday - happy reading!
Jan von Harz said…
I read Shutter Island a while back but have yet to see the movie. I did really enjoy the book though and maybe I will rent the movie soon and see how it compare to the book. Hope you enjoy your vacation and have a very Merry Christmas!
Welcome back! ROOM is hard to describe isnt it? I always feel bad when you read something like that and you say it was incredible. It is hard to come up with words, but I know what you mean.

I loved Shutter Island the book way more than the movie. Glad to see you enjoyed the read as well.
heather said…
I enjoyed Ape House so I think you should read that one. The information on language studies in bonobos was fascinating.
Alayne said…
I like your variety. :) I heard Room is really good. Happy reading! My post is up at The Crowded Leaf.
Aleetha said…
I think it's nice when you have a lot of book option to read. XD

Have a great holiday and happy reading

My "What are you reading?"
I am a new follower! I love what you have read in the past few months. I look forward to adding some to my TBR!
bermudaonion said…
I hope you have a wonderful holiday and do get the chance for a little quality reading. I'm excited about Unbroken too.
Anonymous said…
I get to read Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter as soon as my friend finishes it - unfortunately for me she is working 12-15 hours a day.

I loved Tinkers because of the language and how it evoked feelings. The author was able t convey so much in just a few pages.

Happy holidays and enjoy your reading.
I can't wait to hear what you thought of Room... I thought it was so haunting and well done!

Your vacation books look good too. Have a wonderful time
Glad u loved Shutter Island; the movie was terrific as well and follows the book closely.

Happy Holidays Aths.
Anonymous said…
I finished five books so far since last weekend and I plan on doing more holiday reading.

Happy holidays and enjoy your awesome books.
I read Room shortly after Stilling Missing, and I also kept comparing Room to Still Missing while reading it... I'm glad you like Shutter Island! I almost gave up because of the writing style / voice of the protagonist. But I am glad I didn't as I love the ending.

I'd been meaning to read The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales by Oliver Sacks. So can't wait to see what you think of it.