February 15, 2009
9:00AM
Winter has been late to arrive in Northern California, but it is here now. We are anticipating heavy snowfall through tomorrow. Sounds like perfect reading weather to me!
Since my last Sunday Salon post, I’ve finished reading two books:
1. Matrimony by Josh Henkin (read my review) – to win a signed copy of this book, leave a comment on the give-away post. The contest ends February 21st.
2. The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel (read my review) which really grabbed me. I love to read about historical finds and the lives of people from a personal point of view. This book is a fascinating study of a young girl’s life during the 1920s and 30s. I’m giving away FIVE copies here on my blog. To enter, visit the post about the giveaway. The contest ends February 22nd.
I started reading Jhumpa Lahiri’s collection of short stories Unaccustomed Earth last night and so far I’m enjoying Lahiri’s beautiful writing and the way she constructs a story. This is my first taste of her writing and I feel as though I am the only person in the reading community who has yet to read a book by her! What about you? Have any of you experienced her stories before?
I am making some changes here at my blog – the biggest being that I am planning to close my blogspot blog The Lists: Books for The Obsessive Reader and move all the lists to Caribousmom under the tab Reading Journals. I’ve already started the process…you can go to this page to see what I’ve done so far. Hopefully by mid-March the move will be complete. I realized I needed to streamline my blogging to keep my life sane…and this is one step toward that end. Are you making any changes in 2009 which will help reduce stress in your life?
Several people have asked me if I am planning to change the name of my blog now that Caribou is gone. The short answer is “no.” Caribou remains an inspiration to me, and people know me as her mom, so the name will not change. To be honest, even if I wanted to change it…I have no idea what I would call this blog! When it comes to titles, I am terrible at creating them.
I plan to stay inside where it is warm and dry today and continue reading Unaccustomed Earth. I also have a few magazines I need to flip through (they are piling up unread on my coffee table). What are your plans for this Sunday? Whatever they are, I hope they include a good book!
= Excellent
= Good/Very Good
= Okay read
= Not recommended
= Ugh! Don't waste your time.
Oh, I agree, you have to keep the name Caribou’s Mom.
I’ve read all of Jhumpa Lahiri’s books, and even though they’re all wonderful, her novel The Namesake is my favorite.
I’m glad you’re keeping Caribou’s name in the title.
You have to keep the name! (I’m like you, though, I struggle to come up with cool titles and things)
I haven’t read anything by Jhumpa Lahiri, but I’d like to at some point. Enjoy your day of reading, Wendy!
I’ve never read anything by Jhumpa Lahiri but have her books on my TBR list. The Red Leather Diary sounds great and I’m off to check out the giveaway. Enjoy your week
I’m glad you’re keeping the name.
Happy Sunday!
Unaccustomed Earth was my stand out read of 2008 – I absolutely loved it (especially the last 3 stories in the collection). I started to read The Red Leather Diary last year bit for some reason I just couldn’t get into it so I put it aside. Will have to go back to it soon as, like you, I normally really love these types of books.
I’m glad you’re keeping the name. Although Caribou is no longer with you physically, it doesn’t erase the fact that you are still her mom or the memories that you have with her.
I’m happy to hear you won’t be changing your blog name!
If you’re currently getting snow, that means we have more coming our way. We had a decent storm on Friday (dumping 4″) with big huge flakes falling all day. The walks and driveways are clear, but there’s still quite a bit in the yards. Thank goodness the sun’s shining or I’d be whining!
I’ve been busy writing book reviews, but plan to get off the computer and go curl up with my current read (Jodi Picoult’s latest, Handle With Care). Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, Wendy!
I loved Unaccustomed Earth. The feelings of those who have left their native land seem very true.
I’m glad your keeping the name. I read Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies and loved it. Unaccustomed Earth is on my list.
I’m glad you’re not changing the name. It help keep her memory alive.
The weather over here in Nevada is lousy too. I am reading Spook by Mary Roach and loving it!
Glad to hear you are not changing the name of your blog; it is a lovely tribute to your friend.
I’ve been trying to simplify this year too. I had a family blog last year that I’ve taken offline because I spent most of my time on the book blog anyway, and ended up feeling guilty about neglecting the other one. Enjoy what’s left of your Sunday!
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri is my absolute favorite book of short fiction! I use to say that I didn’t like short stories until I read this book! The only reason that I read it was because of my f2f book club. Thanks goodness, it is not to be missed!
Wendy it wouldn’t make sense tom me either if you changed the name of your blog. You will always be Caribous Mom! Death doesn’t change that.
Kathy: It was never really a question for me…but so many people were asking, that I decided to address it!
Priscilla: I have Lahiri’s other books on my TBR mountain…so eventually I will read The Namesake! Thanks for the recommendation.
Amy: Thanks! I can’t even imagine ever changing the name on my blog – it would feel so weird.
Samantha: Good luck winning the book!
Yvonne: Happy Sunday to you too
Karen: I’ve put aside books because they didn’t strike me at that time; only to go back later and love them. Hope that will be the case with the Koppel book.
Shonda: I agree – in many ways it still feels like she is with me (I sense her spirit still around sometime).
Les: The weather here is horrible today…sleet and snow and wind. *sighs* I will look forward to your thoughts on the Picoult book (I love her books usually!)
Debbie: I am really enjoying these stories!
Gavin: I also have that book on my shelf…so will be reading it at some point. Glad to hear you loved it.
Jeane: I agree – I feel like I will always be Caribou’s mom…she was so special.
Sari: At least this weather helps with the drought!
Alyce: I got carried away with too many blogs to keep up…I think it is better to stay focused in one place. Glad you agree!!
Teddy: I agree! I still feel her with me sometimes. Glad to hear that Lahiri changed your mind about short stories…I will eventually get to her first collection!
I wouldn’t change your name! I don’t know if I could call you anything else. I’m hoping to make changes to my blog this year as well. Mostly with layout and functionality. It takes some time.
I’m glad you’re not changing the name of your blog! It’s a fitting tribute to Caribou.
Natasha: *laughs* People definitely know me as Caribousmom…the name stays! I agree, making changes is time consuming…but it can be fun as well. Good luck with your changes!
S. Krishna: I think so too