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It’s amazing what a good strong dose of sunshine and a little warmth does for everyone’s moods. I grew up in California where sun was plentiful. It wasn’t until my first spring in Washington that I truly learned to appreciate it. Others may disagree, but here on a sunny April or May day, I would swear that EVERYONE in the entire state is happy. Everyone is smiling, enjoying the outdoors, being friendly toward strangers. It’s great and we had that almost all of last week. Wednesday was an extra special day because Catherine from The Gilmore Guide to Books and I met in person for the first time. She came down for a visit and lunch, and since we only live 40 miles apart I predict we’ll have many more excuses for getting together and talking books.
Last Week’s Reads
Grrr! I really hate to say it, but The Only Story by Julian Barnes was a complete waste of my time. The story started out with some promise, but then tanked. I’m sure someone out there must think it’s wonderful and I’d love to see that person’s review because I just don’t get it. (Look for a few other thoughts tomorrow in my April edition of Wrapping It Up!) On the other hand, Paula McLain’s new historical fiction, Love and Ruin, was wonderful. She’s truly a master at bringing real life women to life. Look for my review on Thursday, but for now, if you liked The Paris Wife, you should put a hold on Love and Ruin. Social Creature, a debut by Tara Isabella Burton, doesn’t come out until June, but this thriller seemed like a perfect recovery book after Love and Ruin. It was, and I liked it, but there will be MUCH to talk about with this one.
Currently Reading
For a few days now I’ve been listening to The Girl Who Smiled Beads a memoir by Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil. It’s a pleasure to hear about Clemantine’s life as she and her older sister were forced to flee war torn Rwanda and eventually make new lives for themselves in the U.S. The narration by Robin Miles is excellent. Following two rather dense reads, I’ve been pleased that Alternative Remedies for Loss has been a little on the lighter side. The subject matter is serious: a young woman coping with the emotional turmoil of losing her mother, but it’s delivered with humor. I’m not far yet, but was immediately drawn to Olivia and her unique ways of coping.
Likely to Read Next
I really, really hope I like Tin Man by Sarah Winman. I’d already requested and been granted an ARC. Then the publisher, Putnam, sent me a paperback copy, followed by a hardback a couple weeks later. I’m feeling a lot of pressure! I don’t know much about the book, but loved the cover and found its description intriguing. Also up for May will be Little Disasters by Randall Klein. This story about an unconventional friendship between two sets of new parents sounds like it could be a whole lot of fun.
I hope you have a great week in books!
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So 2 people have now loved Love and Ruin. I thought it dragged through 40% – should I pick it back up again? Does something change after 40%?
And glad Alternative Remedies is hitting the spot!
From the beginning I really liked Love & Ruin and didn’t find it that slow. I guess I’d say that the pace does pick up a little in the second half, but if you’re not enjoying it then I wouldn’t bother. Did you like The Paris Wife?
I love when the sun comes out after a few gray days. It was rainy here last week, and then the sun finally came out on Saturday, and I just wanted to soak it up.
I think people in Florida are generally happier than New Yorkers… at least in the winter. Hard not to smile with all of this gorgeous sunshine! Too bad about Julian Barnes book. Maybe I’ll just reread The Sense of an Ending instead.
That was my first Julian Barnes book and I’d have to really think about it before I’d try another. It’s good to know you’ve enjoyed other books by him.
My hold on The Only Story just came up. But Barnes, for me, can be fabulous or a total fail. I’ll put this one on a short leash. I’ve got Social Creature on hold. I’m on the fence on Tin Man so looking forward to your thoughts. I’m afraid The Girl who Smiled Beads might be too much of a downer for me. (Although I did like The Newcomers, so I keep an open mind.)
I’ve given up on historical fiction so passing on Love and Ruin. I just DNF’d I Was Anastasia. Besides, I’m at the limit on library holds!
I’d never read Barnes before and now don’t really want to try any others. Please let me know what you think of The Only Story. I’m dying to hear another opinion.
You’ve completely given up on historical fiction? No! I’m really picky on the historical fiction I try, but when it works, I love the genre.
We had a few sunny days last week but are back to gray again today. I’m so looking forward to summer. All of your books are new to me. The publisher must really want you to read Tin Man (or they are really disorganized ;-)). Come see my week here. Happy reading!
I think you nailed it with disorganized!
Very interesting reads indeed. And the cover of Social Creature caught my attention!
Hi there, I’m Shaye visiting from the kidlit/YAlit link-up side of #imwayr. I’m not familiar with most of these since I usually read books for a children’s/teen library, but I must say that Little Disasters looks like it will be interesting. Thanks for sharing, Susie!
I had never realized there was a kidlit/YA link-up for Monday posts. Even when I stumbled on it this morning, I didn’t realize that’s what it was…dah! I have toddler grandkids, so will check out your blog.
How cool that you met Catherine!
Glad to hear you liked Love and Ruin so well. I’m expecting my hold to come in this week. Alternative Remedies for Loss sounds kind of sweet; I’ll have to check that one out as well.
I hope you enjoy Love and Ruin as much as I did. Have a great week, Allison.
Sorry you got a bad egg. I hope the rest of your reading is wonderful. Donna from Girl Who Reads
Thanks for stopping by, Donna.
Tin Man looks interesting. Happy end of the month. Come see what I’m reading.