I have been very behind in reading both my pre-publication books as well as the mountain of books that I have owned for a bit, otherwise known as #MountTBR (TBR=to be read).
As a member of three, sometimes four, in real life bookgroups, I have those books each month to read, which usually are new downloads/purchases. So....it is sometimes difficult to get to all the reading I want to do each month. In January, I have tackled five of those #MountTBR. I find that disappointing, as I'd like to read more. The first I read from my pile of clutter (really...books are NOT clutter) was a great novel by Amor Towles, "Rules of Civility". Many of you might know his more popular book, A Gentleman in Moscow. I really liked the book, as the characters were so flawed. I can relate to poor decision making so well. Set in New York City from New Year's Eve 1937 to New Year's Eve 1938, it was set against the recovering economy to pre-war Europe. 4 Stars! The four remaining books off my "not clutter" pile are "Robin "by Dave Itzkoff. A biography of Robin Williams. Amazing. Sad. Revealing. Difficult. Read it if you are a true fan, as it is detail heavy, which add to the complete genius which is Robin Williams. RIP. Reading an "Orchestra of Minorities" by Chigozie Obioma was difficult for me. While many loved this book, I sadly was not among them. I think this is a book that in the correct mindset, I may think differently. Too much magical thinking in this one for me. Told through the narrator's chi, I had difficulty relating. Lots of people love it. You might be that person. Without doubt, the best of these #MountTBR books, was John Boyne's latest book, "A Ladder to the Sky. " I want to give this book all the stars. Easily my new favorite author, John Boyne writes to show us that "The Heart's Invisible Furies" was not a fluke. Written from the main character who is simply despicable, it was a page turner and finished it in two days. At 366 pages, that is difficult to do. Unless it's John Boyne. About the publishing and writing world, it explores ethics and morality and what is an author's story. Go buy it if you can't get it from your library. 5 +++ stars! The last of the January #MountTBR reads was "Sing, Unburied, Sing." by Jesmyn Ward. Beautifully written, gorgeous language, I think I have overloaded on these type of stories in 2018. Set in Mississippi, it's about a dysfunctional family, looking for hope, and finding struggle. You will love it. There is a reason it won awards. But be prepared for ugly truths. 4 Stars. Off to work on our new RV, so that this blog can get on the road. Leave a note...what have you read off your #MountTBR
2 Comments
Kathleen W.
1/24/2019 12:16:54 pm
Just seeing this blog for the first time. LOVE it! Even more, I LOVE that you are enjoying your retirement as much as you seem to be now. Happy trails to you ! (Can you hear the music all the way from Maryland?)
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karen nelson
2/1/2019 05:20:15 pm
We are enjoying the 'tired life. I am busy with three book clubs, reading, and hanging at the pool or beach. Luke is busy with some golf, hanging with me at the pool or beach and working on this RV. We just spent four nights 2 miles away from home to deep clean, change out hardware, making minor repairs, and checking out all systems. We worked really hard but slept well each night. it will be fun when we finally get going. We are going to the Everglades for Luke's birthday for a few nights in February. Because of the government shutdown, we couldn't even make reservations!
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AuthorReader, Traveler, Reviewer. Come join us as we travel the US in our RV. I review books. Archives
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