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Hosted by Kathryn at Book Date
Happy Thanksgiving week to everyone in the U.S. This week marks the official start of the holiday season and all the craziness that brings with it. I think many of us have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the holidays. So much of the time is just plain wonderful, but the trek through shopping and increased social obligations can be daunting. Since I’m not hosting Thanksgiving this year, I’m hoping for a pretty chill start to the holidays. If all goes as planned, the long weekend will include lots of reading time with one of my very favorite books!
Last Week’s Reads
I finished Heather, the Totality by Matthew Weiner early in the week. This debut by the creator of Mad Men completely underwhelmed me. It’s the second book I’ve read in the last month that was billed as a novel, but really was more of a novella. I’ll be reviewing both of these mini-novels very soon. I loved traveling around the world with Tsh Oxenreider and her family in At Home in the World. She narrated the audio version and both her writing and narration appealed to me. As Oxenreider explored the world, she also never strayed far from the idea of home and what it meant to her. At Home in the World is half of a pair of nonfiction reviews you’ll see tomorrow.
Currently Reading
I have to admit that I was nervous about trying Future Home of the Living God by Louise Erdrich. It has only been a few weeks since I finished Naomi Alderman’s The Power and as dystopian novels go, it’s a very hard act to follow (my review). I’m happy to report that at the 45% mark, Future Home of the Living God is its own unique take on a world where evolution is working in reverse. I’m thoroughly enjoying Erdrich’s latest. In audio, I’m currently listening to Mark Lukach’s memoir, My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward. At 27, his wife had a psychotic break followed by deep, deep depression that completely altered their relationship. His honest account of life with psychosis is both fascinating and poignant.
Likely to Read Next
I NEVER reread books. It’s just not my thing. Once I know how the story ends, I’m good forever. (This quirk extends to movies, which I also never want to see a second time.) All that being said, I’ve decided to reread The Secret History, Donna Tartt’s brilliant debut for the following reasons:
- The Secret History is 25 years old this year.
- Through the years I’ve recommended this book more than ANY other.
- Every time the Secret History pops up on Instagram or Litsy, I always comment on how it’s one of my all time favorite books.
- I want to know if the novel really holds up to my glowing memories of it.
- I’m not ready to start in on 2018 releases, but am low on books from this year that are piquing my interest.
So, this could end up being a big mistake. What if I don’t like it the second time around? That scares me! Still, I want to know, so I am going to reread the Secret History. I would absolutely love it if others would join me in revisiting this much talked about novel. What else do you have to do in December? Any takers?
I hope you have a great week in books!
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I’m sorry I haven’t responded to your comment yet!! I could possibly re-read The Secret History. It’s been so long since I read it that my memories are super hazy and I too would like to see if it holds up. But, I’m not ready to start it quite yet. I have a bunch of 2017 library holds that will be coming in any minute and I’d like to sneak in a few more 2017 releases in the next few weeks.
I’m thinking possibly sometime in December for me?
I haven’t started rereading yet, but probably will over the long weekend. If enough people were reading, it would make a fun discussion post.
You’ve never read The Secret History?? You are in for a treat!
I’ve read The Secret History and loved it. My comments there were about my desire to/fear of rereading it. I’m going to do it, though and was asking if other would like to join me.
LOL! I really need to drink my coffee BEFORE commenting on blogs! I’m not much of a re-reader either, even though I vow every year to try to reread more often.
I do reread books when I can fit them into my schedule. I like to revisit old friends and always find something new in the story that I either missed the first time or that resonates with the person I am now. I hope you enjoy your reread. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
At Home in the World is definitely on my list.
I rarely re-read too – but then again my memory is bad enough that it might be like reading it for the first time all over again 🙂
I’m hoping I get that “new” feeling as I reread The Secret History.
Oh, I hope rereading The Secret History doesn’t prove to be a mistake – rereading is such fun (although that comes from a regular rereader). I haven’t read The Secret History myself, but I’ve heard such good things!!
At Home in the World is new to title, but one I’ve just added to my wishlist – I’ve really gotten into non fiction this year and love travel type non fiction.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead, and that your weekend plans turn out as hoped.
Thanks, Jade. I hope you have a great week, too. You should think about reading The Secret History with me. It’s an amazing story.
I rarely re-read (The Diver’s Clothes Lie Empty was a recent exception). But I’ve never read The Secret History and it’s on my backlist. I’m trying to get to 1 back list book every month. So perhaps next month? We’ll see how my plan works out …. or not!
From what I read about Heather, The Totality, I gave it a pass.
I’d love for you to join me in reading The Secret History. (You missed nothing by skipping Heather!)
Thanks for vetting Heather for me:) It sounds like a complete bust! If my library has The Secret History I may be able to read it this weekend…I’ll let you know if I get a copy. Happy Thanksgiving Susie!
I think the Catcher in the Rye is the only book that I’ve read twice and I recall being a bit let down the second time around. Perhaps that’s why I never reread. More likely though, it’s because I’m so distracted by all of the new, shiny books out there. I often wonder if my old favorites would hold up to my expectations all these years later. I’ll look forward to hearing about your experience!
Oh, my gosh…it is horrible to admit that I’ve never read this novel? Yikes! 🙂 Hmm…maybe I should join you, Susie! I mean, if this is one of your all-time favorites I feel like I should give it a try!