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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

A Monday Salon for a change


Before it becomes too late - (Belated) Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it! I hope all of you are having a great holiday season.

After almost two weeks of running around like a headless chicken, I've finally got a morning to myself. I'm typing up this post from India, where I arrived early morning yesterday. It's been more than 2.5 years since my last visit, and I was curious about how much this place has changed since, or most importantly, how much I have changed. There are a lot of things that once used to be familiar, which now surprise me. It's kind of refreshing that way, considering how many things I used to take for granted. But by the time, everything just settles down, I will be back in the US.

I had very optimistic illusions of doing a lot of blogging during my last week in the US, but as I expected, there really wasn't any time. I'm not going to assume the same thing again, now that I have a lot of family (extended, included) around me. Of course, when I need some breathing space, I'll be checking out some of my favorite blogs, even though I may not have the time to leave comments. True, planning a wedding doesn't really leave much free time, but if mornings like today come, I can get some brain fodder.

Right now, I'm in Chennai - in South India, staying at my favorite aunt's place. I'll be here for another couple of days before leaving to my home in Palakkad. After staying through cold temperatures of 20-40F in Virginia, wearing sleeveless clothes feels really weird, and we're still in the northern hemisphere!

On the bookish front, I haven't read much at all, but I have a few graphic novels I want to check out soon. Also, we're in the last week of the Indie Lit Awards nominations! If you have a 2011-released book that you loved a lot, don't forget to nominate here! I'm really looking forward to seeing which books made the shortlist for the awards. There are a few of my favorites that I hope to see on the list.

What have I missed in the bloglandia?


Comments

Marce said…
Nice to hear from you Aths. I hope your brother is able to fly also, not sure if he can. Happy Holidays

This week we will see all the fav lists etc hope toy have time to participate. Enjoy all your moments in India, share pictures.
christa @ mental foodie said…
All the best with the wedding prep!! I hope you'd be able to share pics later :) Don't worry about blogging / reading, you'd have plenty of time later for that (though we'll miss you!) christa @ mental foodie http://mentalfoodie.blogspot.com/
bermudaonion (Kathy) said…
How exciting that you're in India getting ready to get married!!!  I'm sure you'll be super busy but I look forward to your posts whenever you can get to them.
Helen Murdoch said…
I hope you are having a wonderful time with family, friends, and all the wedding planning. India is so different from Virginia, I am sure it's going to take a couple days to adjust. Then you won't want to go home :-)
zibilee said…
Oh, you are so lucky to be in India! I would love to visit there someday! I know you are busy, so I will keep it brief. I hope that you have a wonderful time, and that you enjoy yourself every moment! Have fun over there, my friend!
epkwrsmith said…
This is a special time for you!! Enjoy yourself and I can't wait to hear all the details when you get some time :)
Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com said…
I had my baby :) Happy Holidays! Enjoy your trip and safe travels.
Leeswammes said…
Good to hear from you! I'm sure you're very busy. Hope you don't get too overwhelmed by all the wedding preparations. 
Hope you are having a wonderful holiday. Enjoy your time in India, it must be so wonderful to travel often. Have a happy New Year!
Kim @ Sophisticated Dorkiness said…
I hope you're still having a great time in India -- it sounds like a fantastic trip. Enjoy yourself!
Athira / Aths said…
My brother also flew in with me - I'm so glad he is able to make it too.

I finally put up my end of the year favorites list - took me a while to write it. I've been reading everyone's favorites posts too though I haven't been getting the time to comment on them.
Athira / Aths said…
I keep telling myself to stay off blogging for a while but it's pretty hard, lol. It is kinda busy here, but the mornings are pretty free.
Athira / Aths said…
Thank you, Kathy! The wedding's just a week away and I'm super nervous, lol! But I'm done with all the preparations, so I can't wait to get back!
Athira / Aths said…
It took me a while to adjust, but I'm still ready to get back, lol! It is crazy busy sometimes, but the mornings are relatively free, at least for now.
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks so much, Heather! I can't wait to get back and return to reading and blogging! For now, I will enjoy my time in India!
Athira / Aths said…
Congratulations again!! I'm so happy for you. :)
Athira / Aths said…
Luckily for me, my parents are organizing the whole thing. So I just need to be sure I'm present, lol! Ok, it isn't that simple, but over here, the parents arrange the event (if they are capable of doing it), so it's a lot less worry for me. :)
Athira / Aths said…
Thank you so much! I hope you have a fabulous new year too!