February 8, 2009
I missed last week’s Sunday Salon. My reading pretty much stalled out in the wake of Caribou’s sudden decline and death and I am slowly getting back into my reading as my heart begins to heal.
I completed The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker (read my review) earlier this week. I enjoyed this debut novel, but it did not blow me away like it has some other readers. In fairness, I wonder if it was just my mood. There is some darkness in the novel, and I had trouble concentrating while reading it. You might note in my review that I gave links to several other reviews…and they are mostly raves; so I would trust them more than mine right now!
Yesterday I finished Joyce Hinnefeld’s beautifully wrought In Hovering Flight (read my review). Wow – the writing in this novel is simply gorgeous. I found the novel soothing – it is filled with stunning insight and imagery of birds and is a slow and thoughtful examination of love, loss and the relationship between mother and daughter; and husband and wife. It was the perfect read for me at this moment in my life. Hinnefeld also has published a collection of short stories, and I can tell you right now that I am planning on getting my hands on that book one of these days.
I started reading Matrimony, by Josh Henkin last night. This one is long overdue for a read and review and I will be offering a giveaway on my blog (compliments of the author) beginning February 14th (Valentine’s Day). For those of you who have not yet managed to win a free copy of this highly marketed book, make sure you come back here to throw your name in the hat.
Thanks to Marcia at The Printed Page who gave me a heads up, I discovered that my blog A Novel Challenge was featured in the March edition of Romantic Times Book Reviews on page 22 under their regular feature: WebBrowser (I could not find it on-line, it seemed to be only in the print edition of the magazine). They also highlighted the 9 Books for 2009 Challenge being hosted by Isabel at Books and Other Stuff.
Yesterday I went to the Redding Library Book Sale and was pleasantly surprised when Library Thing member Linda walked up to me and introduced herself! We exchanged phone numbers and hope to have lunch one of these days. My trip to the sale was also lucrative in that I picked up several books (mostly hardcover) for only $3.25. Here is what I got:
- Kill Me, by Stephen White
- Drowning Ruth, by Christina Schwartz
- Don’t Look Now, by Daphne Du Maurier
- Never Change, by Elizabeth Berg
- Crazy Ladies, by Michael Lee West
- A World Away, by Stewart O’Nan
- A Theory of Relativity, by Jacquelyn Mitchard
- The Bingo Palace, by Louise Erdrich
So what are you reading today? Whatever it is, I hope it enthralls you and takes you to some wonderful place.
= Excellent
= Good/Very Good
= Okay read
= Not recommended
= Ugh! Don't waste your time.
I’m so impressed that your other blog was featured in a magazine and I’m thrilled that you got to meet a fellow LTer. That is so cool.
I have just read about your dog Caribou and I wanted to say how sorry I am for you. I lost my grandmother last Friday, so I know how upset you must be feeling. My pets are part of my family and they are just as important to me as my other family members. I hope the pain eases for you soon. Best wishes.
Congrats on having your other blog featured-that’s great. I hope this week will be a good one for you…
I’m glad to hear that you are getting back to your reading. It is hard when we lose a loved one to get back to our normal life. Enjoy your Sunday and Matrimony!
Kathy: I was pleasantly surprised by that! And yes, it is always cool to meet a “friend” from on line…I am always so delighted!
Vivienne: Thank you so much – and I am so sorry to hear about your Grandmother. Grief is one of those things that goes along with life and loving others…
Darlene: Thanks!
Samantha: It has been a rough time, and reading just felt so “trivial” for awhile…but I am happy that I am able to read again.
I hope that you find this week a little easier to get through and that your heart is starting to heal…I went through your archives the other day and read your posts and photos of Caribou. My fondest memories when I was a kid have always involved a dog and they certainly are man’s best friend aren’t they? When I looked at her face I could see such wisdom reflecting back. German Shepherds are magnificent animals.
I really enjoyed your post today and I did like your review of Little Giant, reading is such an emotional journey and no one can ever be faulted for staying true to their own tastes. I look forward to your thoughts about Matrimony…I’ve been on a huge graphic novel binge this weekend and truly enjoying it!!
Thank you so much, Staci. I agree – animals are so important in our lives. Caribou was my 4th German Shepherd – I love the breed…they are wise, loyal and very “present” at all times. Glad to hear you are enjoying the Graphic novels – I am getting ready to read Persopolis soon
Caribou – take your time in the healing. Take care of yourself.
Thanks for the heads up on the article. Congrats on having your Challenge site being highlighted!
And thanks for letting me know about the 9 for 09 blurb.
I will try to go to Borders tomorrow to check it out.
Ooh, I’m definitely curious as to what you think of Matrimony! I enjoyed that one. And aren’t Library Book Sales the best?
I’ve just read about Caribou and I am so sorry. Caribou sounds so special.
You picked up some good books there. Sorry to hear about Caribou
The Borders didn’t carry the magazine. Boo Hoo.
I’ll keep an eye for the on-line version.
I just found your blog through Sunday Salon, and I am so sorry to hear about Caribou. My blog is named after my kitty, so I understand (like may of the other readers) what it means to feel your animal is part of your family.
On a lighter note, such wonderful reviews! I’ll definitely be returning.
Isabel: Oh, I’m sorry you could not find the magazine! If you email me and send me your snail mail, I’ll send you a photocopy of the page because I do not think it was on the online version. Thank you for your thoughts on Caribou as well.
S.Krishna: I LOVE the library sales
Not that I need any more books…but that is another subject!
Booksplease: Thank you for your condolences – she was very special…I still miss her so much.
Kerrie: Thanks!
Priscilla: Thank you. I’ll need to stop by your blog…our pets are definitely like our kids, aren’t they? Glad to hear you’ll be back!