Ahhh...the quiet solitude of a Monday morning after a busy weekend. But this is the end of the peace and tranquility for me for a while! My oldest son comes home from college this week, my youngest son has two weeks of school left, then finals, and then another knee surgery. So, I am trying to make the most of this last bit of quiet, productive time!
Good reading this week:
- I finished The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson and was blown away by this recent Pulitzer Prize winner! The story completely pulled me in, and I never wanted it to end. I'll try to review it this week (before things get hectic!).
- I am now reading American Pastoral by Philip Roth for my neighborhood book group, but I waited too long to start it because I was so engrossed in the Orphan Master's Son! There is no way I can finish it before Wednesday - it is over 400 pages of very dense prose - but I am giving it my best try. It's a strange story with a strange format, but I am enjoying it so far.
- I am also still reading (a bit at a time) The Art of Nonconformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World by Chris Guillebeau, which was recommended by a friend of mine.
- I finished listening to an amazing middle-grade audio book, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. Its Newberry Medal was well-deserved. I posted a review last week.
- And I started a new audio book, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. I know, I am way behind on this one! I can see why it got such great reviews when it first came out.
- My husband, Ken, is still reading A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin, book 3 in his A Song of Ice and Fire series. At over 1200 pages, this novel definitely meets the criteria of a Big Book. It's almost time for my annual Big Book Summer Challenge! Look for details this weekend.
- Jamie, 18, is still reading The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan, though I suspect he had little reading time this week, in the midst of final exams.
I did write two reviews:
A Short Guide to a Happy Life and Being Perfect, two slim nonfiction books by Anna Quindlen, perfect for graduation season.
The One and Only Ivan, an award-winning middle-grade novel by Katherine Applegate that I listened to on audio.
What are you and your family reading this week?
(What are you reading Monday is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, with a kid/teen version hosted by Teach Mentor Texts.)
Enjoy the quiet while you can. I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery to your surgery!
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading!!
Thanks, Lori...but I'm not the one having surgery - it's my son! This one will have a long recovery time, so rough summer for him.
ReplyDeleteSue
I want to read The One and Only Ivan. It has been on my list for a year now but I keep forgetting to request it from the library. Ivan was in a store in Tacoma, not far from here, so we all know about poor Ivan and visited him occasionally.
ReplyDeleteHave a fun week with your book group. Both my book clubs meet this week and I'm swamped with school stuff. Eek!
Sounds like you have some good books on your list this week. I really need to put The Orphan Master's Son on my TBR list because it sounds good!
ReplyDeleteIs Jamie re-reading The Lost Hero or just picking it up for the first time? Hope he enjoys some time off from school work so he can do some reading for pleasure!
Enjoy your remaining peace and quiet!!
Julie -
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time Jamie has read The Lost Hero - he bought it ages ago but hadn't had time to read it yet.
Sue