Since I started this series on my blog, it has been almost like a whole other world has opened up for me. Knowing I will be doing this every week, writing these thoughts down, has inspired me to read more than I have in a long while. In fact, in the break room at work today I was so intent on reading my newest book that it prompted one of my coworkers to say I was in the “zone.” That feels good to me, to be in that zone.
I’ll start this week’s edition with the books that I’ve Checked In this week:
- The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. This book started off with so much expectation, but it was an utter disappointment. It was my book club’s March book of the month, and I fought hard just to find a copy. When that finally paid off, I read the first 100 pages, and it was so difficult to slog through, the pace is so slow. I kept waiting for some genuine action, or for some connection with the protagonist, but I just didn’t get there, and there were so many other books that were worthy of my time that I did something I rarely do. I quit the book, and I don’t plan on going back to it. 771 pages is just too much to slog through.
- Discretion, by Allison Leotta. I honestly never even got a chance to read this one, and the library came calling to have it back, so I returned it. I did, however, put it on my to-read list so I’ll get it back out again another time when I’m not deep into two other books.
And now, for the books I’ve Checked Out:
- Missing You, by Harlan Coben. I absolutely enjoyed the previous two books I read by Coben — Stay Close, and Six Years — so I was happy to see that his most recent one was in the small library a town over. I am currently on page 71 even though I just started yesterday and really haven’t had much time to read. That’s one thing I can count on from Coben, the fact that his books move along swiftly.
- U2 By U2, by Neil McCormick with U2. This book is so chock full of amazing pictures and interesting anecdotes. I just wish I didn’t have to return it to the library in three days. Time to move quickly when I really just want to savor. I’ll have to get back on the list to get the book back soon.
- The Spymistress, by Jennifer Chiaverini. This is from the author of the critically acclaimed Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker. I didn’t read that book, but this one actually looks interesting to me. I hadn’t even planned on picking up this book, but it called out to me like books sometimes do. It is next on my list.
- Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison. I have to get started on this one soon to refresh my memory. Only a month to go until the discussion group.
Oh, and our book club book of the month for April is Little Bee, by Chris Cleave. I’ve returned to picking books that aren’t brand new so everyone in the group can get their hands on a copy easily. I read this book ages ago, but it will be very good to refresh my memory by tackling it again. I highly suggest it for you and for your book group as well, should you be in one.
Until next week.
Sam
Sam's Online Journal 