The Monday Salon and The Week in Books (10/22-11/5)

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…

The Monday Salon and The Week in Books (10/22-11/5)

It's been a while! Though not for no reason this time, as it was on previous occasions. The husband and I are thisclose to closing on our first house and I say thisclose because it's been delayed by a week plus now. ~angry fists~ We were to close last Monday, which didn't happen because some of the pre-closing requests we had were not met, and then the Wednesday deadline didn't meet because in the post-Sandy situation, the mortgage company wanted to do a disaster inspection (if only we got some storm in the region), and we missed the Friday deadline as well, because although they did receive the inspection report, they do not do same-day closings. So now, our fingers are closed for a Tuesday closing that the banker is hinting on but is not confirming because understandably, they do not want to make any promises. I'm in the mental situation where I will know we have the house only when they actually give us the keys. I know this is a small nuisance compared to what Diane had been going through or what anyone in Sandy's path went through, but it's still a frustrating matter for me.

Speaking of Sandy, my brother was scheduled to arrive at my place three days after Sandy struck, and although he did make it by his original schedule, it took him two buses and two trains to get out of New York. It was saddening following the news of the massive devastation - I hope all who suffered bounce back soon. Both the husband's and my brothers were here this weekend, and we had quite a fun time overall.

Lately, most of my reading has involved going through links and articles regarding home decor. But when I'm not reading those, I've been reading a few books.

This week I read...
- American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis: Finally, I finished this book! I did finish it in time for the Dueling Monsters, but I didn't quite get the time to put up a post on my thoughts. I do concur with the general population that Patrick Bateman is a sicko who has made me queasy and jumpy for a few days after reading this book. Even though half the book contains a running commentary of what everyone and his dog is wearing, the other half dwells on his horrible (too mild a word) actions. Ugh!

Currently I'm reading...
- The Casual Vacancy by J.K.Rowling: Finally, I received this book last week and started thumbing through it. My first thought was that J.K. Rowling's typical writing style is very evident here - that's one of the things I loved in the Harry Potter books - a silent funny writing style, and that's very much present here. I've only read a couple of pages, so I can't wait to dig in.

Arrived for review
- Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

Picked at the Library
- The Casual Vacancy by J.K.Rowling

Comments

bermudaonion(Kathy) said…

What an exciting time for you! I hope you get to close on your house soon - I'm sure all the delays are frustrating but it will be worth it in the end.

November 5, 2012 at 8:00 AM

zibilee said…

I hope that the closing happens soon, and that things go well for you and for your brother. I remember when we bought our house and things were so slow. It can be agonizing, how slow things go...but you will get through it, I promise!

November 5, 2012 at 1:17 PM

Tina Reed said…

Just wait until they had the keys over. It will all be worth it!

November 5, 2012 at 2:19 PM

Helen Murdoch said…

Oh, I hope your house closes tomorrow, that is so exciting! Do we get to see photos when it is officially yours?

November 5, 2012 at 4:32 PM

Judith (Leeswammes) said…

What a to-do about the house! Hope it all happens really soon. Will you be able to move in straight away? Some people here buy a house then first redecorate for a few weeks before moving in. How exciting to have a new place and make it your own!

I bought the Rowling book at the weekend. It's good to read that you're enjoying it.

November 6, 2012 at 1:55 AM

Stephanie said…

Did you actually like American Psycho? I had very mixed feelings about it, but overall I gave it a positive rating and review. :) I am really looking forward to Flight Behavior and The Casual Vacancy.

Steph

November 10, 2012 at 7:19 PM

Coffee & a BookChick said…

I hope you enjoy The Casual Vacancy. There are a TON of characters, so it's a little all over the place as far as remembering who is who, but once you dig in, it's a treat. Just remember that there really aren't any redeemable characters.

November 12, 2012 at 9:28 PM

Athira / Aths said…

We are decorating our house a bit before moving in. Hopefully we can get it set up too!

November 16, 2012 at 6:17 PM

About a fortnight after reading it, I've realized that I didn't like the book much. There's one scene that is just not leaving my head. Ugh.