Last year I accepted Laura’s challenge to read at least one book each month. I enjoyed the prompt to write about books and read recommendations from others. Somehow it fell by the wayside this year. I’ve lost the daily hour of reading that my old commute carved out and have struggled to find my reading rhythm without it. Despite this, I’ve enjoyed some beautiful books this year. This rainy day seemed the perfect excuse to read through my book of books and catch up on the year so far.
Last year I discovered a love of nature writing, which carried me in to January on a dark musky trail in pursuit of badgers. I now spot many more tracks and setts, but haven’t gone to the same lengths as Barkham to spot the animal itself.
In complete contrast, I read about the history of women in skateboarding and felt outraged and inspired in equal parts, by the prevalent machismo and the success of many women regardless.
It would be hard for The Goldfinch to live up to all the hype, which made me hesitant, but I wasn’t disappointed. It really was a delicious big fat read, full of life and love in its many facets. Both The Son and A Fine Balance offered up grand swathes of life on opposites sides of the globe (Texas and India) whilst Lemon Cake was a little quirky slice of a child’s life in LA (with the added magic of tasting emotions in food; what a burden!)
Despite the storm that passed through our town last night, I am optimistic in my reading, and have chosen The Prodigal Summer for this month’s read. Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is one of my all-time favourite books, but I’ve never before read any of her fiction. I’m looking forward to getting started. What are you reading this month? Why not join The Year In Books?
oooh some good books, I still haven’t read Goldfinch – was a bit worried about having heightened expectations too. I enjoyed the particular sadness of lemon cake, some great descriptions, although got a little unexpected by the end!
I know just what you mean! I still haven’t quite wrapped my head around it.
It was one of those where I went back and re-read pages, convinced I’d missed something.
Oooh, I love some of these and that makes me want to read the others. I read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake a while ago and although I don’t remember the details of the plot points, but the sense of pleasure lingers. I think you’re in for a treat with Barbara Kingsolver.
Thanks Kelly. I later remembered that I actually read the Lacuna. I suppose it doesn’t bode well that I’d forgotten about it, but now I recall I did like it at the time!