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Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Spring Break! It’s almost ridiculous how much I’ve been looking forward to having this week off. At this point in the school year the kids are getting pretty squirrelly and so are their teachers. We were all ready for a week of freedom. I’m headed out of town for a much needed visit with family. While thrilled to be going, I know I’m unlikely get much reading done. Maybe on the plane? This past week I finally started listening to S-Town after fellow bloggers, Sarah and Tara, both raved about it. Two episodes in and wow! I’m finding the story and the people so interesting and alien it makes me feel like I’ve traveled to a whole other country.
Last Week’s Reads
I’d been listening to The Book of Polly by Kathy Hepinstall and finished it on Wednesday. The narration by Jenna Lamia was excellent. She really brought the book’s narrator, Willow, to life. While I really enjoyed the first half of this story, I had a few issues with the second half. On Thursday, I’m doing a double review of my two most recent audio books, The Book of Polly along with All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg.
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck turned out to be another book where I liked the first half better than the second. This book is the story of three German women, widows, whose husbands were lost in the German Resistance during WWII. I’ve read a lot of WWII books, but never one with this focus. In that, I found much of the book fascinating. In other ways I found it a little wanting. (Though I am well aware I’m in the minority here.) My review will be next week.
Currently Reading
I was a little at loose ends trying to decide what to read next, so I downloaded a couple of samples and American War by Omar El Akkad came up the winner! It is an incredibly creative book with a fascinating premise. It takes place far in the future as a historian is recounting the second American Civil War (2074-2095) which began over the right to use fossil fuels. He provides the reader with a variety of “historical” accounts of the war; at the same time, he’s developing a more personal experience of the war through the eyes of a young girl and her family. At about 30% in, I’m very glad I picked American War.
Likely to Read Next
Next up I plan on reading Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout. I know that many of us are really excited to read this companion piece to the much loved My Name is Lucy Barton. It will be fun to revisit some of the wacky hometown characters Lucy’s mom brought us while visiting Lucy in the hospital.
Have A Great Week of Reading!
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OK – I’m glad to hear you had issues with Polly during the second half..I was second-guessing my decision to move on from it. But, now I feel better. Anything is Possible is up next for me too!
American War sounds good. I’ll have to add it to my list. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Well, looks like I’ll need to start Anything is Possible next, alongside you and Sarah – ha! I’m so glad that American War is working for you; I love the premise behind this one, so I’ll be curious to hear what you think. I hope you have a fabulous spring break!
Thanks, Tara. I just finished the 3rd installment of S-Town. Really feels like another world! Have anice week, too.
I added S-Town to my podcatcher, but I haven’t dived in yet. I’m afraid if I do, nothing else will get done. 😉 Have a great reading (and listening) week!
I’m really looking forward to reading American War once it’s my turn in the library queue. It’s fun to see other people decide on books by reading a little bit of several books, just like I do!
Have a great week, Susie!
I always resort to sampling when I get stuck on what to read!
You and I are doing the same thing — spring break trip with the kids to see family. Like you, I’m not expecting to get much reading done.
I almost picked American War for my BOTM selection! Now I’m sad I skipped the month. I was really curious how it was going to be reviewed. Must get on the library list now! Hope you have a most wonderful Spring Break!
Thanks, Stacy! American War is much different than I had expected, but I really like it.
Have a great Spring break. Just brought home The Women In The Castle. Anything is Possible is on my TBR list.
I *think* American War was one of my options for the Book of the Month Club this month. After reading your initial thoughts, I’m regretting not choosing it!
I can see what you mean about THE WOMEN IN THE CASTLE, but for the most part I enjoyed it.
Have a great reading week.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My It’s Monday, What Are You Reading
I can’t wait to read American War! I have the audiobook and will hopefully get to it fairly soon. I’m really picky about which new fiction I read (far less so with nonfiction) but I have a feeling this is going to be amazing.
I’ll be really interested to hear how it plays out on audio. I really liked the book!
I just finished STown and it was so well done!
I was on the fence about American War, but may have another look. I just don’t know if I want to get depressed about the very realistic potential future… Kind of like how The Handmaid’s Tale is everywhere and people are looking forward to the show. Meanwhile I’m thinking, yeah I tore through that book in high school but it scared the BEJEESUS out of me!
It really hasn’t been scary. I’d say it’s really interesting, and a good story, but I don’t find myself thinking that it’s very real.
We’re in the same minority once again! I ‘liked’ Women in the Castle but then not so much. I haven’t written a review yet because it just didn’t stick with me. I don’t know I can’t quite articulate it but I did not like it as much as i thought I would.