June 7, 2009
What a difference a week makes. We have gone from triple digit weather, to rainy and cold days almost over night. We’ve had buckets of rain, thunder and lightening, and temperatures dipping into the low 60s over the last few days. I’m not complaining – this kind of weather is perfect for reading.
Since last Sunday, I’ve finished reading Last Night In Montreal by Emily St. John Mandel (read my review) which I loved for the beautiful writing. This is Mandel’s debut novel, and I understand she has another currently in the works and scheduled for release in 2010.
I also read Beach Trip by Cathy Holton – but you’ll have to wait until June 15th read my review and a guest post by the author as that is when I will be touring the book for TLC Book Tours. In the meantime, I can tell you this was a very enjoyable summer read which will appeal to readers who like women’s fiction. Holton has written two previous novels (also set in the south and revolving around female characters in their forties) and I have added those to my ever growing wish list.
I started reading The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale yesterday. This is an interesting non fiction book which retells the murder mystery of a three year old boy in England. Set in 1860, the book centers on the lead detective: Jack Whicher. The case not only captured the imagination (and horror) of the Victorian public, but it is credited with sparking a new age of detective fiction.
Today is the Mystery Read-A-Thon sponsored by Kathrin and Marleen. The goal is 12 hours of mystery reading – so Mr. Whicher fits that criteria (even though it is non fiction)…and I also think I may dip into Malice by Lisa Jackson or What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman. I’ll be posting updates as I go so you can keep track of my progress. I had hoped to start at 6:00AM, but Raven is going through another growth spurt and is teething (she lost a back tooth last night), so she was pretty restless and therefore so was I. Instead, I’ll be starting in the next fifteen minutes (7:45 AM).
What are you reading today? I hope whatever it is, you are being transported to a new place or meeting fascinating characters along the way!
= Excellent
= Good/Very Good
= Okay read
= Not recommended
= Ugh! Don't waste your time.
I would love to take part in the mystery readathon, but I just don’t think I have the time this year. Enjoy the reading and I look forward to the reviews
We’ve had heavy rain the last few days here in the UK – today started like that but now the sun is shining. I thought The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher was an excellent book – very compelling reading! Today I’ve been reading The Birthday Present by Barbara Vine – I’ve written a bit about on my blog and about 2 non-fiction books I have on the go too.
I’m eager to hear your thoughts on Mr. Whicher. I’m not much of a mystery reader, but one of the Red Roomers read it not too long ago and it sounded really interesting!
I have “Mr. Whicher” on my TBR list so I’m interested in your thoughts. It’s the first time I’ve heard about the Mystery Read-a-thon so I’ll have to try it next time around. Have a great week.
I have yet to read Beach Trip for the Summer Reading Series at BOTB. I’m looking forward to your review.
Molly: The mystery read-a-thon was much more laid back than Dewey’s 24 hour one…It was pretty easy, actually. Maybe next time!
BooksPlease: I have not read anything by Barbara Vine – will have to check out your post! Glad to see you liked Mr. Whicher. I was surprised to see a wide array of ratings on the book at Library Thing…but for me it was just fantastic.
Laura: I think you’d enjoy Mr. Whicher – especially given your enjoyment of books from the nineteenth century. Summerscale references a lot of literature…it was fascinating.
Gavin: My review of Whicher is up – I heartily recommend it!
Sheri: I am dying to post my review of Beach Trip…but have to wait another week. I hope you’ll like the book as much as I did -
You wrote: We have gone from triple digit weather, to rainy and cold days almost over night. We’ve had buckets of rain, thunder and lightening, and temperatures dipping into the low 60s over the last few days.
While we haven’t hit triple digits (thank goodness!), we have had lots of hot days, but now we are enjoying similar weather to yours. Lots of rain, thunder and lightning. So nice to have a green garden and not have to haul the hose around. It was actually chilly the other night when we walked Annie. Had to wear a jacket! So odd for June.
I’m still reading Maus I and In Defense of Food. I’m enjoying both, but the yard/garden is still calling to me, as are my after-dinner solo walks. Annie likes to stroll, so I leave her home with hubby and hit the bike trail for 30-45 minutes of power walking.
I really want to take a peek at Last Night in Montreal. I’m intrigued!!
Les: It has definitely been an odd June weather-wise. Glad to hear you are enjoying Maus I – I really liked that one. You should definitely check out Last Night in Montreal – very original!