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Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Let me start out by saying that I intensely dislike having to do much of anything with cars. Because of that last week proved to be stressful for me. On Monday, the oil light on my car lit up and I wasn’t due for an oil change, which sent me into a panic. I rushed my car in to find it was only a minor problem, not setting me back much. Friday, I walked out of work to a flat tire. Loads of fun on a Friday afternoon! Saturday, I took that tire in and they “fixed” it. An hour later it was flat again! This time they gave me a new one. The good news was that it was free since the tires are less than a year old. The bad news was that a tire took up half my Saturday. With the other half I got my front porch cleaned up, planted flower pots, and went for a much needed pedicure. I’m now completely ready for the huge dose of sunshine that’s coming our way.
Last Week’s Reads
I didn’t just like Circe by Madeline Miller. I LOVED it! I’ve driven all my friends crazy talking about it and forced my copy on one of them yesterday. I never expected a story coming out of mythology to be so compelling, nor did I expect to have such a hangover from reading it. My full review of Circe will be up on Thursday. Next, I turned to my first May read, The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner. It’s about a young mother sent to prison on two consecutive life sentences. It’s also about other people, both in and out of prison, most connected to her, but not all. For me, this book seems way overhyped.
Currently Reading
I’m almost finished listening to The Only Story by Julian Barnes and can honestly say this is one odd story. Even the way it’s told is odd, as it switches between first, third and the rarely used second person. Parts of the book I’ve liked, others I haven’t. There will be a lot for me to think about before reviewing The Only Story. I’m at about 15% in Paula McLain’s new book Love and Ruin and am thoroughly enjoying it so far. In this she returns to Hemingway with the story of his third wife, writer Martha Gellhorn. It’s told in first person by Martha and her voice is really working for me.
Likely to Read Next
On audio, I plan to listen to Unwifeable by Mandy Stadtmiller next. I’ve had a lot of luck with memoirs lately, so thought I’d give hers a try. A funny, raw account of a divorcee’s dating experiences in NYC sounds like a perfect companion for my commute. In my ongoing effort to use my library more, I’ve had a hold on Only Child by Rhiannon Navin for a couple weeks. The entire time it has said I was #6 on 5 copies. If it ever comes in, I’ll read it, but my faith is small. Instead, I’ll likely next read Alternative Remedies for Loss by Joanna Cantor. I’ve already heard great talk around this debut about a young woman coping with the loss of her mother.
I hope you have a great week in books!
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OMG – I’m sorry about your car – so annoying and a total waste of time! I’ve got Unwifeable on my list, so let me know what you think.
And – do you think Circe is a Summer Reading Guide candidate or too much for that? My criteria is simply books it’s easy to get immersed in…and that don’t require a lot of concentration to read.
I was completely immersed in Circe and by the halfway point was already dreading coming to the end.
Ugh, I had car issues this weekend, too! My battery died last week, and then a dashboard light came on Friday night. I thought it was the check engine light, but when we came out Saturday morning, we realized it was the tire light, and I had a completely flat tire! It’s always something!
I feel like the car things come in threes, so I’m hoping the repeat flat tire was my third!
I’m hearing about Circe everywhere! I’m not clear if it is the sequel to The Song of Achilles or if it stands alone? Did you read The Song of Achilles first?
Circe isn’t a sequel to Song of Achilles. I haven’t read Song, but plan to read it this summer and am excited to do so!
Car problems are really annoying. I am lucky that I can beg my brother to take care of them for me. He is much more interested in cars than I am. I have been seeing Circe around and you have made me very curious about it. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
Thanks, Kathy.
I usually enjoy Julian Barnes writing, so will be curious to read your review. I didn’t know Paula McLain had a new book coming out. Can’t wait to find out more. I’m sorry to hear about your car woes… such a headache!
I finished The Only Story today and I really didn’t like it. I’m not sure I’ll even review it, but if I do it won’t be pretty. The first half was pretty good, but then it just tanked.
I hate car issues too, especially when they eat up a lot of time. I have Unwifeable on my list, the new Paula McLain, and Circe. I’m still trying to decide if I want to read or listen to Circe.
I bet Circe would be a good one to listen to. It’s very character driven, always staying on Circe’s story.
So sorry for the car issues. They are similar, to me, to computer issues. So frustrating because I feel dependent on others to help fix them and you can’t use them while you’re waiting. Hope everything stays stable on the car front for a while.
I’ll be curious to hear what you think about UNWIFEABLE. I’ll save my comments until you’ve finished (I ultimately DNF’d it), but I’m guessing this one might be a good choice for audio.
I, too, was surprised by my love for ACHILLES, so I’m really anxious to get to CIRCE.
Hmmm….I’m very curious about your thoughts on Unwifeable now. I’m going to start it tomorrow, so will let you know how it goes.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy Circe just as much as Achilles. I haven’t read that one yet, but am now very excited to read it.
So sorry to hear about your car! What a pain but glad it wasn’t anything *too* major. Okay, you’ve convinced me to read Circe. I love Julian Barnes but I’m seeing mixed reviews so I’m really looking forward to reading your review. Can’t wait to begin Love and Ruin. Have a great week!
I’m on the negative side of The Only Story, so much so that I’m not sure I’d ever be willing to try Julian Barnes again. I think you’ll enjoy Circe.
Sorry about your car. Hopefully it will settle down and behave itself. Come see what I’m reading
Sometimes I’m really happy that I’ve never owned a car. They seem to have a lot of expensive problems. I’ve seen so many good reviews of Circe. I might have to read that one. Have a great week!
I wish I didn’t need to own a car, but that’s not an option where I live. Thanks for stopping by and yes, read Circe!
I’m reading Potato Piel Pie society lol Well, the title is even longer but I can’t remember now, have you read that one?
I cannot wait to read Circe, but my library holds list is sooooo long! I hear nothing but good reviews. Wating patiently now. =(
So even if I’m not too into mythology — I will enjoy Circe?? If so, I will add it the library list. I think I might pass up The Mars Room (I’ve heard not too great things), but I will likely dive into the novel about Martha Gelhorn! Thx for getting to these titles before me.