I missed last Monday's post, in the midst of a flurry of activity and travel. We were out in Oklahoma, helping my father-in-law clean out his house, to prepare to move out here in September. It's been a busy and stressful time this past month or so, and my health is worse than usual.
But we still keep reading! Three days spent in airports gave us all plenty of time to read:
- I finished Endangered by Eliot Schrefer, a YA novel. It's about a teen named Sophie who is visiting her mom in the Congo, where she runs a sanctuary for bonobos, a type of ape. Sophie gets stuck there during a violent coup and must find a way to save both herself and the bonobos. It was wonderful - suspenseful and compelling.
- For the past two weeks, I have been reading my second Big Book of the Summer, Emma, my first-ever Jane Austen novel. I know there are a lot of huge Austen fans out there, but I'm struggling with it. I'm a little more than half-way and feeling a bit bored with it. The character of Emma is pompous and condescending, which really turns me off, and the whole society is completely wrapped up in trivialities and gossip. I considered setting it down, but I really feel like I should read at least one Austen novel, so I am trying to stick with it.
- I have been listening to a middle-grade audio book, P.K. Pinkerton and the Pistol-Packing Widow by Caroline Lawrence. My son and I were huge fans of her Roman Mysteries series when he was younger (it's like Nancy Drew & the Hardy Boys set in ancient Rome), and this is the third (I think) book in her new mystery series set in the Old West. I'm almost done and have been enjoying it.
- My husband, Ken, finished The Terminal Man by Michael Crichton, a modern classic, and enjoyed it.
- On our trip, Ken read Bent Road by Lori Roy, a thriller I gave him for Easter. I chose it from the bookstore shelves somewhat randomly, based on its being nominated for an Edgar Award. He liked it - said it was a bit gruesome but was suspenseful and interesting, set in Kansas, which was appropriate since we were visiting Oklahoma.
- Now, Ken is reading Raylan by Elmore Leonard on his Kindle, a book based on the character from the Justified TV show, which he loves. We recently bought this novel for both of our fathers.
- Jamie, 19, finished Ink Mage by Victor Gischler, a free fantasy novel on the Kindle.
- Next, Jamie read the first of two huge novels that he carried in his backpack through all our airport adventures, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
- He is now reading The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson, author of the Mistborn trilogy that he recently enjoyed. This one is over 1200 pages and is book one of The Stormlight Archive series.
Play Summer Reading Bingo, hosted by Books on the Nightstand podcast
Review of We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, a haunting and suspenseful teen/YA novel
Review of Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt, a coming-of-age story set in the 80's
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 Unleashing Readers.
There are still 7 weeks of summer left, so plenty of time to participate in my Big Book Summer Challenge! You only need to read one book, 400 pages or more, this summer to participate, so join the fun!
Good luck on your big book challenge! After you finish Emma you should (re)watch the moving Clueless. It is very funny to see the same situations in a modern (ok, 1990s) setting.
ReplyDeleteI watched Clueless for the first time last year, Katie, but now I don;t remember much about the exact plot! I didn't see what all the fuss was about but maybe that was because I hadn't read Emma yet.
DeleteSue
Always a nice mix of books. I think I have Bent Road on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever read a Jane Austen book either. I say I don't think, because I have a terrible memory and may have read one in high school. But that was a very long time ago... Sorry to hear you're struggling with it. I've often thought of trying as well.
ReplyDeleteI hope your stress level goes down and that you start to feel better. Have a good week!
Wow, your family has been busy reading! ENDANGERED sounds especially intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge PRIDE & PREJUDICE fan, but I never read EMMA. Interestingly, when I read one of Austen's other novels (I can't recall which one right now), I had a hard time sticking with it. Good luck!
Sounds like I should have started with Pride & Prejudice - that seems to be everyone's favorite Austen novel!
DeleteI have Emma on my classics list. I know that some readers love it, so I hope it gets better for you!!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I found Emma the dullest of all the Austin novels (and I've read them all). I rarely reread it because it's so hard to sympathize with the main character for so long. Pride & Prejudice or Sense & Sensibility are much more accessible. But if I remember correctly, if you stick with it, the payoff in Emma is worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Endangered -- I read it off last year's Cybils shortlist and now I'm eyeing the next book by the author. I should sign up for your challenge -- I'm sure to read at least one more Big Book.
Glad to hear that, Beth - so maybe I'm not crazy! Sounds like I should have started with P&P - seems to be everyone's favorite.
DeleteYes, please do sign up for the challenge! Plenty of time left for at least 1 big book this summer.
I love the fact that you talk about what your whole family is reading. Emma is definitely not my favorite Jane Austen. I prefer Sense and Sensibility or Pride and Prejudice. :-) And yes, Emma is a character who's hard to warm up to.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Irene! I feel better knowing I'm not the only one! Sounds like I should have started with P&P.
DeleteHow you feel about Emma is how I felt about Pride and Prejudice for the first 3/4 of the novel. Thank goodness it wasn't a big book or I would not have finished but the end was great so I can see why people are in love with it. I found Mrs. Bennett obsessed with social status and gossip too and it turned me off as well. Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel, short and sweet.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it's not just me, Tanya - I was almost afraid to say anything because I know how many huge Austen fans there are.
DeleteGlad to hear from you and hope you are feeling well and enjoying a nice summer with your family.
Sue
I remembered enjoying Pride and Prejudice when I was doing graduate school nearly ten years back. I think Jane Austen would resonate with the reader differently at various times in one's life. :)
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