Yet another Monday! (April 11, 2011)

Despite so much going on over here between work, house projects, yard work, and just daily living challenges in this pandemic era, I've been able to squeeze in time to read as well, which I'm thankful for, because the news has been abysmal these past few weeks for various reasons and I'm continually worrying about where humanity is headed, even more so than I did before.

A library haul after months...My biggest highlight in books this past week was that the library opened for holds pickup. I'd been checking their website every week to find if next week was going to be the week it opened. So when the notice finally came through last week, I was beyond thrilled. I was also very unsure what books to request from the library since I had gotten very used to reading online. Still, I had a few requested when they called me to schedule a one-hour window for pickup. I did request a ton of books after that though, so I expect a bigger bag this week.

Some of these are books to rea…

Yet another Monday! (April 11, 2011)

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

Sheila @ One Persons Journey through a world of Books wants to know what we're reading. I'm only too happy to oblige!

So I missed posting this whole weekend, but I used up the time reading. I also didn't get to visit anyone over the weekend for the readathon, and part of me is now terrified to open my reader. I think it's time to use Google Reader's useful Mark All As Read button.

Books completed in the last week

Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata: I never heard of this book until a few weeks ago, but can't even stop gushing about how awesome this book is! The child protagonist, Katie, is simply wonderful.

A Thread of Sky by Deanna Fei: Yet another awesome book with excellent women characters! I can't wait to review this one.

News from over my blog

Reviews up!

Miss Entropia and he Adam Bomb by George Rabasa

Other posts

A few literary fiction titles to pine for

I'm interviewed at The Gatekeepers Post

Books on my nightstand

This week, I was on some sampling spree. I was at some bookstore almost every day of the week, and each day, would pick a new title to test. I picked up The Blue Notebook by James Levine to read, but couldn't make much progress with it. It was a good read, but the metaphorical writing was just not making an impact. I know Helen's going to be disappointed about that, so I'll be giving it a try once more. I also picked The Uncoupling by Meg Wolitzer to read, and so far I don't know what to think of it. It is certainly well-written but I'm on the fence about the unfettered writing about sex. These are the books I'm reading this week.

The Coffins of Little Hope by Timothy Schaffert: Thank goodness for egalleys and smart phones. I don't even miss a book now when I'm on the road or at work. However, this book isn't holding my interest too well. It's a nice work of writing and supposedly suspenseful, but I'm not feeling kicked enough to want to know more. I hope that changes soon.

Far to go by Alison Pick: I've had an eye on this book for quite a while. So when I saw this book on the TLC tour list, I just had to go in for it!

The Jack Bank by Glen Retief: I actually started reading this last week and love it so far. Glen's writing is really vivid and awesomely descriptive, but I found that I can only read it one chapter at a time. That helps also because I keep wanting to put it down and think a bit.

Comments

Misha said…

I was eying Far to Go on goodreads the other day :D It sounds really good. I will be looking forward to your review.

April 11, 2011 at 5:38 AM

Kristen said…

I really liked A Thread of Sky too and should have a review up tomorrow. I'm sorry The Coffins of Little Hope isn't keeping your attention better. I read and enjoyed it myself.

April 11, 2011 at 7:53 AM

bermudaonion (Kathy) said…

I'll be watching for your review of The Coffins of Little Hope - I've heard it's really good. Have a great week!

April 11, 2011 at 8:23 AM

hcmurdoch said…

You're right, I got all excited to see the Blue Notebook on your list, but if it doesn't work for you, it doesn't. I am intrigued by Kira-Kira!

April 11, 2011 at 8:42 AM

Laurel-Rain Snow said…

I've seen Far to Go around the 'sphere...and I'm curious. Hope you like it. As for The Uncoupling, I received it this week (downloaded from Amazon, actually!), and I'm looking forward to it. I'll be watching for your review.

Here's MY MONDAY MEMES POST

April 11, 2011 at 9:04 AM

book journey said…

I like it in those rare times where I just get to read :) A Thread Of Sky is in my TBR and I can not wait to give it a try! Have a super week!

April 11, 2011 at 9:23 AM

Vasilly said…

All of your books look great! Happy reading!

April 11, 2011 at 4:36 PM

Cinnamon Owl said…

I really enjoyed Kira-Kira as well, it is a book I promote at work all the time to kids.

http://cinnamonowl.blogspot.com/2011/04/its-monday-what-are-you-reading.html

April 11, 2011 at 4:46 PM

Athira / Aths said…

I can't wait to start it either. It does sound amazing!

April 11, 2011 at 10:28 PM

I'm looking forward to your review of A Thread of Sky! I'll be reviewing the day after you do.

April 11, 2011 at 10:29 PM

I've heard so too! I hope it picks up soon.

You should read Kira-Kira! I actually sent you a tweet about the book last week. I think you will find it an awesome book to recommend to your students. It's beautiful. It talks of the prejudice that Americans of Japanese origin faced - it's told in the voice of a young girl, Katie, and there's so much innocence about her. It doesn't even feel fake reading the voice of a little girl. A lot of immigrants and foreign-origin people in any country have probably felt like Katie at some point.

April 11, 2011 at 10:35 PM

I hope to get back to The Uncoupling some time soon. It was really intriguing - the bit I read. I'll be looking forward to your thoughts.

April 11, 2011 at 10:38 PM

I wish I had more opportunities for serendipitous reading. It truly felt pressure-free.

April 11, 2011 at 10:39 PM

Thanks!