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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

Yet another Monday! (June 20, 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!


It's been a great couple of weeks of reading, maybe not in quantity, but definitely in enjoyment quotient, which is probably what I should start measuring from now on. Ever since I slackened my reading schedule last month, I'm finding my reading less driven by pressure and a whole lot funner. Of course, there are still plenty of ARC books stacked here, but I'm slowly retuning my approach to them, so that they appear as just another book to me. That truly helps when you have double or triple-committed a month. 

Books completed since the last update
-  South of Superior by Ellen Airgood: A small-town story.
-  The Girl in the Garden by Kamala Nair: It's my first time reading a book set in my hometown. Nicely written, but still fell a bit short of expectations.
-  Go the F--k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach: Since the whole world was talking about this one, I wanted to discover it for myself. Samuel Jackson did the audio of this book and since it was available for free in Audible, I grabbed it. It was cute, but maybe being a parent will make one appreciate it better. Still ROFL-funny.
-  An Elegy for Amelia Johnson by Andrew Roston: Forever looking for more contemporary graphic novels, I found this one on NetGalley. The illustrations are really good, but the dialogues failed to touch me.

News from over my blog
Reviews up!
Books on my nightstand
I'm still reading Shantaram for the readalong, and will possibly post my initial impressions some time this week (when I get around to writing about it, that is). I can't believe how funny this book is - though there is some caricaturing happening in the initial pages, I'm willing to forgive them for now because everyone tends to do that initially in a new place.

The Map of TimeThe Map of Time by Félix J. Palma: This is the only other book I'm reading at the moment. It's hilarious having two huge books sitting on my nightstand. What other nightmare do I need each night? The Map of Time reads like a Victorian-era book, not surprisingly, because it is set in those days. The author has promised some famous literary characters in the book, and like a true bibliophile, I'm waiting to see when they come up.
State of WonderState of Wonder by Ann Patchett: The initial reviews I've read so far about this book have been very optimistic. I'm very excited to start this one, sometime this week, but also a little terrified, since I've loved Bel Canto and am hoping this one lives up to it.


Comments

Cynni Alders said…
I have seen the movie of the boy in the striped pyjamas but I still want to read the book :)
2Fresh_water468 said…
I would like to read South of Superior. Meant to enter a giveaway for it. Got busy and forgot. Darnnit.
2Fresh_water468 said…
I'm Tea not Freshwater. I'm sorry.
cecilia said…
just hpping through! nice blog!
fiind out what I´m reading here http://ratherbarefoot.blogspot.com/2011/06/its-monday-again-what-are-you-reading.html
Lydia P said…
I loved Bel Canto as well, and I was not disappointed with State of Wonder.  While I still love Bel Canto more, it definitely holds its own and I don't think you will be disappointed. 

Here is my Monday!
I'm disappointed to see The Girl in the Garden didn't live up to your expectations.  I had high hopes for that book.
Cinnamon Owl said…
I have been wanting to read South Of Superior - I am going to have to read it soon, everyone's reviews are so positive.  

http://quixoticmagpie.blogspot.com/2011/06/its-monday-what-are-you-reading_20.html
Bellezza said…
I have The Girl In The Garden to review for July; so fun to know that the setting is your home town! I'm anxious to read Pratchett's new book, too. And, I noticed Her Fearful Symmetry in your sidebar. That's another one I'm dying to open. Oh, I wish the summer was longer! :)
State of Wonder is on my wish list.  Enjoy all of your books!

Here's

MY MONDAY MEMES POST
Athira / Aths said…
I might end up reading State of Wonder earlier than expected. Esp since The Map of Time is going slightly slow and it might take me a while to get through it.
Athira / Aths said…
The Map of Time definitely has a strong premise! Even if it's slightly slow.
Athira / Aths said…
I definitely enjoyed the movie a lot, even if the book kind of fell flat on me.
Athira / Aths said…
Aww... well, I hope you get to read it sometime!
Athira / Aths said…
I'm so glad to hear that! I know I may end up making comparisons, but like you said, if State of Wonder is still very good, then it should be fine.
Athira / Aths said…
I did too. I know that the Indian flavor of the book felt very authentic - something I struggle with a lot in books set in India. But there were some minor aspects that bothered me.
Athira / Aths said…
I hope you get to read it soon!!
Athira / Aths said…
I know what you mean! Every time I pass by someone's blog, I'm thinking I want to read half the books listed there. There just is not enough time!
Karen Sime said…
I find I am more likely to enjoy my books if there is less pressure too. Still doesn't stop me from reading my book group choice until the last minute (although I am being good and plan to read it this week).

I'm not sure I could watch the movie version of Boy In The Striped Pyjamas. I know I will sob through it.

Love the sound of The Map Of Time. Will look out for your thoughts on that one.
Athira / Aths said…
The movie of the Striped Pajamas was certainly tear-inducing. I found it hard to watch at first, but since I already knew what to expect, it got easier.

I'm working on making my reading be less pressure. I find I keep swinging between a voracious reading phase and a reading rut. I'm trying to make it as consistent as possible.
Knittingmomof3 said…
I am looking forward to reading The Girl in the Garden this week.  Enjoy your books and your week.
My Monday: http://www.rundpinne.com/2011/06/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-44.html
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks! I hope you have a good week too!
LORI CASWELL said…
I really want to read South of Superior!!

Dollycas
http://dollycas.blogspot.com/
Pussreboots said…
Sounds like you had some good reads. This was a rare week for me in that I finished a lot of review books. Come see what I finished.
Marce said…
Yaaaay, ugggh Aths, I am having problems with your blog again, sorry :-(  I downloaded Go the F to Sleep, sounds hilarious, I am in so need of a great laugh.
celawerd said…
All sound like great books.
Bibliophilebythesea said…
So many great books. I'd like to try South of Superior this summer. Sounds good/great cover too.
Judith said…
I enjoyed State of Wonder a lot, so I hope you will too. Map of Time looks interesting - my sort of book, I think. Have fun this week!
Athira / Aths said…
I hope you do - I'll be looking for your thoughts.
Athira / Aths said…
I hope you have a good week!
Athira / Aths said…
Diane, I'll be looking for your thoughts if you get to it.
Athira / Aths said…
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed State of Wonder! I just started it last night and it's good so far!
Athira / Aths said…
Yikes! I am soo sorry. :( I need to do something about it. I did see one instance yesterday when Disqus didn't load. I'm going to try to speed it up.
I haven't read Bel Canto yet (I will this summer), but State of Wonder blew me away. It's the best book I've read in 2011. I hope you enjoy it (and your good reading streak continues!)
Athira / Aths said…
I'm so glad to hear that you loved State of Wonder! I can't wait to hear what you think of Bel Canto.
Amy Mckie said…
It can be a tricky balance with review copies, avoiding the pressure... but once you figure out that you can just ignore review copies when you have to, it all gets much more fun you are right :) I hope the fun continues!
Juju@TalesofWhimsy.com said…
Mr. Whimsy just bought Go the F**k to Sleep.
Lena said…
Great collection of books, I really enjoyed Go the F**k to Sleep as well. Samuel L. Jackson was the perfect narrator. Great book, great choices.
zibilee said…
I also loved Go the F*ck To Sleep, and played the audio version for a couple of friends of mine who thought it was hilarious. You are reading some pretty good books right now, and I can't wait to get to The Map of Time for myself. I have just read another review of State of Wonder that has me itching to buy a copy as well. Also, I loved Shantaram when I read it a few years ago, and might just have to read it again. Glad you are having a good reading week!
Athira / Aths said…
I agree - once I accept that I don't have to get to all or most review copies but just read as much as I can, then it's fine really.
Athira / Aths said…
Oh yay! Can't wait to hear what you think.
Athira / Aths said…
I agree - Samuel Jackson did a fabulous job!
Athira / Aths said…
I am glad to hear that you enjoyed Shantaram! I am also enjoying State of Wonder right now!