Yet another Monday! (April 18, 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 18, 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!

I love weeks like last week when I get a lot of reading done. Especially when each of the books have 300-odd pages!

Books completed in the last week

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry: This was a sweet read! It was my first experience reading a fiction title with a foodie background, complete with recipes.

The Uncoupling by Meg Wolitzer: I actually enjoyed this more than I expected to. I've been saying this all day yesterday - Meg Wolitzer's writing is so beautiful that even if this book was missing in plot and characters (which it wasn't), I would have still remained hooked to the book.

News from over my blog

Reviews up!

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

A Thread of Sky by Deanna Fei

Other posts

Something for Harry Potter fans and those who loved Deanna Fei's A Thread of Sky

Books on my nightstand

In a sense, I'm glad April is winding up. I've had a strenuous reading month and I'm eager to read for pleasure next month. Reading new and upcoming titles is cool, but that is stressful too, you know?

The Coffins of Little Hope by Timothy Schaffert: I haven't been able to read much of this last week, because of other books calling my name, but I still have just 40% left in the book, so I should be done in the next couple of days.

Far to go by Alison Pick: I know my review of this book isn't up until Wednesday and I still have half the book to go, but can I gush already? It's not often that I come across a book that hooks me from the first page and makes me sure that this is a WOW book even before I know where the book is going, but this one is IT.

The Long Goodbye by Meghan O'Rourke: There's going to be a lot of death and grief to handle here, so I hope I'm up to it. Still, I've heard good things about this one. I only hope it grips me quickly because I will have just a couple of days to devote to this one.

Comments

Knittingmomof3 said…

You enjoyed The Uncoupling far more than I did. I adored The Coffins of Little Hope and I will be reading The Long Goodbye this week. Happy reading and enjoy your week. My Monday: http://www.rundpinne.com/2011/04/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-35.html

April 18, 2011 at 12:21 AM

Sandra said…

I loved Bel Canto (I read your review). Hearing so many good opinions of Coffins, and death and grief makes O'rourke's sound like my kind of book. My recent reads have been posted. Have a good reading week.

April 18, 2011 at 1:05 AM

Nicole said…

I was just re-reading some of the passages in The Uncoupling and marveling over Wolitzer's writing. It was so easy to get caught in reading what I had just read. It's a book I continue to think about.

April 18, 2011 at 2:42 AM

Samita said…

I'm not familiar with these books, I hope you enjoyed them :D

April 18, 2011 at 5:17 AM

Juju at Tales of Whimsy... said…

I like the Far to Go cover. It makes me think of that film, What Dreams May Come.

April 18, 2011 at 6:55 AM

bermudaonion (Kathy) said…

It looks like you're in for a good reading week.

April 18, 2011 at 8:37 AM

hcmurdoch said…

Wow! I cannot wait to read your review of Far to Go (and the, of course, add it to my TBR list). Way to set the anticipation! Have a great week

April 18, 2011 at 8:42 AM

book journey said…

I can not wait to read The Kitchen Daughter! My library does not have it.... I may suggest they order it :) Have a super week!

April 18, 2011 at 10:08 AM

Young1 said…

I really want to read The Uncoupling i have seen it about almost everywhere! Have a great week! :D

Oh i updated my PIE list!!

April 18, 2011 at 10:21 AM

Darlene said…

Hi Aths, I just followed your great blog! I'm just reading The Uncoupling now and I'm still not sure what I think of it - it's definitely different. I'll go and read your review after I finish it. The Kitchen Daughter I hope to read soon! Now I'm off to find your review of A Thread of Sky since I just finished that one recently. Have a great week!

April 18, 2011 at 5:46 PM

JP said…

Wow! Far to Go looks amazing... I'm adding it to my Amazon cart now!

April 18, 2011 at 9:46 PM

Misha said…

I can't wait to read The Uncoupling! Far to go by Alison Pick sounds great - I will be looking forward to your review.
Happy Reading!

April 19, 2011 at 10:58 AM

Athira / Aths said…

Thank you! I'll be looking for your thoughts on The Long Goodbye. So far, I really like it!

April 19, 2011 at 8:28 PM

The Long Goodbye is pretty good! I'm surprised because I assumed it will be monotonous, but it's really intriguing.

April 19, 2011 at 8:29 PM

I know, right? It's the kind of book you should read to savor the writing at least, even if the themes don't agree with you.

April 19, 2011 at 8:30 PM

I did! Thank you for dropping by! :)

I haven't heard of that film. I need to do that! :)

April 19, 2011 at 8:32 PM

I hope so. So long as it goes like last week!

Yes, you will have to add it to your TBR! Watch out for a totally gushy post coming up tomorrow! :)

April 19, 2011 at 8:34 PM

You should definitely suggest that they order it. It was a cute read!

April 19, 2011 at 8:36 PM

I am going to check out your PIE list right now! Yay!

April 19, 2011 at 8:37 PM

I agree, Uncoupling is certainly different - it's not something I would usually pick up, and it's not something I completely identify with, but oh, that writing - it's so beautiful!