A Book a Week – Palace Walk

I read Palace Walk because it was chosen for book club.

It wasn’t the kind of book I would have chosen on my own. It’s historical (and political) in nature. It’s about Egypt. And it takes place in 1910 to 20s. Not a location, type, or era I generally choose. But that’s the whole reason I go to book club so I decided to read it anyway. (and this author won the Pulitzer.)

And it was tough.

It took me forever to get into it and be interested enough to keep picking it up. Especially since none of the characters made me want to find out more about them. Some of them were downright loathsome. Lacking in integrity. It wasn’t fun.

But I chugged along and kept reading anyway. And I finished it. There were parts I liked but, overall, it wasn’t my favorite and I don’t see myself wanting to read the others in the trilogy.

July 24, 2013 | Books Read in 2013 | Leave a comment

A Book a Week – The War Against the Rull

I read The War Against the Rull because I promised Jake I would. Like years ago. And then finally we decided we would both read it at the same time.

This is a science fiction story. I don’t usually read science fiction but I will read if I think it’s good. I have read many of Phillip K Dick’s short stories and loved them all. This particular book was hard at the beginning but I really really enjoyed it and I am very glad I read it.

I am extra glad that it was a book that both Jake and I got to enjoy a book together and we talked about it for a while. It’s rare that we read the same book so that was an extra benefit.

July 17, 2013 | Books Read in 2013 | One comment

A Book a Week – Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore

I read Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore just cause it looked fun and had been on my list for a while.

As it turned out it was a lovely geeky novel. It got a little contrived by the end and if you’re not into Silicon Valley, you might find it really truly ridiculous. There was a lot of Google in the book and most of it was unabashedly untrue. Way over the top. Ridiculous.

But I still enjoyed reading it. It was fun, light, sweet. And not one I’ll remember for a long time.

Your mileage might vary.

July 10, 2013 | Books Read in 2013, Literature | One comment

A Book a Week – The Shadow of the Wind

I read The Shadow of the Wind for book club and I am so so so glad I did.

It’s a book I would have never picked up on my own and I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading it. It reminded me of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 100 Years of Solitude. I read it just as voraciously I read that one. This book also has a mystery in it which just adds to the layered storytelling.

I have never heard of this author before but now I know that I want to read at least one more book by him. And I also am happy to see I can get satisfaction and joy from a non-young-adult novel. And that they can be meaningful and delicious without being full of horrifying tragedies. (I mean there are very sad parts but none feel contrived to me.)

Highly recommended.

July 3, 2013 | Books Read in 2013, Literature | 4 comments

A Book a Week – All I Did Was Listen

I knew I wanted to reas All I Did Was Listen as soon as I saw it. I just felt a pull towards it. I ordered it and then was delighted when it made it here.

I took a long, nice bath and read the book at the same time (one of the advantages of not reading in digital form is that I don’t have to be worried about the water.) I loved loved loved this little book.

It’s full of profound wisdom, sweet thoughts, delights, and just so much kindness.

I really really recommend it.

June 26, 2013 | Books Read in 2013, Literature | Leave a comment

A Book a Week – Wool Omnibus Edition

Wool was gifted to me by my friend Nicholas. He said that since I liked The Maze Runner, I would most likely enjoy this one even more.

Man, was he right!

If you like science fiction at all, this book is absolutely amazing.

I devoured all five books nonstop. I wanted to just read read read. The characters, the plot, the storytelling are all fantastic in this book. I cannot say enough awesome things about it.

It’s also an awesome story of a non-famous writer who published a short-story in the Kindle store that got so popular that he wrote all the books. I am so glad he did and now he has a book deal!! Truly awesome!

June 19, 2013 | Books Read in 2013, Literature | 3 comments

« Newer Entries