The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. A novel written by a musician journalist which reeks of jazz in that there are numerous references to that genre of music. The nuances of the characters and the complex tale make up this word score. The roots of jazz are not pretty but mired in the soul of America. Read if you enjoy the histories of blended families in America and Agatha Christie.
I think the only book I finished in September was 1984, which I finally made myself read because an English student of mine was reading it and needed some help with it. I don't deal with dystopian very well (especially when any sort of torture is involved) but it seemed like a book I really should have read, so now I have. Now, I'm even more worried about the possibility of ending up with a wannabe Big Brother as president again.
I'm also reading Sense & Sensibility (with another English student) which I much prefer, but I haven't finished it yet.
Orwell is a perennial gem, but I'd submit that Trump isn't interested in becoming Big Brother at all (it would take way too much work and he's incredibly lazy). He is, however, content to cheapen and degrade all of our institutions so much that no one will care about anything or have the energy to fight back.
'Marina' by Carlos Ruiz Zafón — all the Gothic vibes of his 'Cemetery of Forgotten Books' cycle mashed up with sci-fi and 1980s Barcelona. The central mystery (which is compelling) is really just a great excuse to tell stories about Barcelona characters with tendrils that reach back to WWII and the 1960s. Also, the translation is excellent.
How To Stop Time by Matt Haig. I thoroughly enjoyed The Midnight Library and this one didn't disappoint either. His latest, The Life Impossible, is currently doing the rounds in our Book Club.
My favorite fiction for September was The Women by Kristin Hannah. The main character was a combat nurse in Vietnam. Hannah tells her story both during the war and after she returns home. My favorite non-fiction was Cultish:The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell. Montell looks at religious cults, fitness culture and MLM’s , and shows the reader the important role that language plays.
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley was my favourite September read. Some seniors getting into hijinks with some daycare kids with hilarious results every step of the way. Such a joyful and heartwarming read!
My fave this month was sci-fi: "I, Robot Soldier," by Joel Dennstedt. Captivating, moving post apocalyptic tale of a robot and a little girl. Well written-- and illustrated.
Very excited for Meditation for Mortals, Burkeman's 4000 Weeks is one of the few books I return to frequently.
This month I enjoyed Lev Grossman's "The Bright Sword." It was a nice Arthurian adventure story that passed the time during long drives. And yesterday I finished the brief but excellent "Tell Them of Battles, Kings & Elephants" by Mathias Enard; a fictionalization of a young Michaelangelo's visit to Constantinople.
I didn't finish any book in September, but my favorite book I've been reading is American Tabloid. I've been enjoying the writing style- slang, tight, crass. Different and refreshing. I'm exactly halfway into the book, hoping to finish it by the end of this month. I'm a very slow reader! 🙈
Other books I'm reading on the side are The Way of Men (AoM rec), Rework (from the 37Signals guys), and The Art of Seduction (garbage or great? Guess I'll find out).
Finally finished Anna Karenina and it was my best book of September!
An all-time classic for good reason. Glad you enjoyed it!
I love Anna Karenina! Full of passages so lovely I can read them over and over.
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. A novel written by a musician journalist which reeks of jazz in that there are numerous references to that genre of music. The nuances of the characters and the complex tale make up this word score. The roots of jazz are not pretty but mired in the soul of America. Read if you enjoy the histories of blended families in America and Agatha Christie.
I loved Heaven and Earth Grocery Store as well. Makes me want to read more of his work.
I read his non-fiction - The Color of Water - which is the story of his white, Jewish mother, and it was excellent. I’ll put this one on my list.
I have The Color of Water on ti read list. I read a review that The Saturday Night book was not his typical writing style.
East of Eden by Steinbeck, but also The Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice.
Just visited the John Steinbeck Center in Salinas, Ca., yesterday. What a great homage to Steinbeck.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ah I just love Steinbeck. Great choice.
And I have Rice's book sitting next to me, actually. I want to read both in the duology.
O Pioneers
Ah, one of very favorites! Love love love it.
Willa Cather is the best. Like listening to stories from an old friend.
Good way of putting it.
I think the only book I finished in September was 1984, which I finally made myself read because an English student of mine was reading it and needed some help with it. I don't deal with dystopian very well (especially when any sort of torture is involved) but it seemed like a book I really should have read, so now I have. Now, I'm even more worried about the possibility of ending up with a wannabe Big Brother as president again.
I'm also reading Sense & Sensibility (with another English student) which I much prefer, but I haven't finished it yet.
Definitely a disturbing read.. Brave New World is in the same vein and perhaps even more poignant.
Orwell is a perennial gem, but I'd submit that Trump isn't interested in becoming Big Brother at all (it would take way too much work and he's incredibly lazy). He is, however, content to cheapen and degrade all of our institutions so much that no one will care about anything or have the energy to fight back.
Lazy is the key element.
Funny enough my book club did it in September!
'Marina' by Carlos Ruiz Zafón — all the Gothic vibes of his 'Cemetery of Forgotten Books' cycle mashed up with sci-fi and 1980s Barcelona. The central mystery (which is compelling) is really just a great excuse to tell stories about Barcelona characters with tendrils that reach back to WWII and the 1960s. Also, the translation is excellent.
Very late to the party But I’m reading Hilary Mantel and loving her trilogy about Cromwell
Still haven't read it 😬
Oh nice, I've also read Shadow of the Wind, but have long been meaning to finish the series.. glad to hear his other stuff is good too!
How To Stop Time by Matt Haig. I thoroughly enjoyed The Midnight Library and this one didn't disappoint either. His latest, The Life Impossible, is currently doing the rounds in our Book Club.
He writes lovely, life-affirming books. :)
My 9yr old read The Deathly Hallows and is in mourning that Harry Potter is finished. Ca we just call Harry Potter her favorite?
Thornton Wilder's The Bridge of San Luis Rey! https://amzn.to/47TQJRB
The Secret History was my favorite September reads!
God of the Woods by Liz Moore was so good! A beautifully written suspense novel.
Oh excellent, I just put a library hold on it last week. :)
LOVED this book!! Highly recommend!
My favorite fiction for September was The Women by Kristin Hannah. The main character was a combat nurse in Vietnam. Hannah tells her story both during the war and after she returns home. My favorite non-fiction was Cultish:The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell. Montell looks at religious cults, fitness culture and MLM’s , and shows the reader the important role that language plays.
I really enjoyed Cultish too! Great book that tackles an important topic with a lot of levity.
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley was my favourite September read. Some seniors getting into hijinks with some daycare kids with hilarious results every step of the way. Such a joyful and heartwarming read!
Ha, that sounds really fun!
My fave this month was sci-fi: "I, Robot Soldier," by Joel Dennstedt. Captivating, moving post apocalyptic tale of a robot and a little girl. Well written-- and illustrated.
Oh that sounds fun, thanks for the rec!
Very excited for Meditation for Mortals, Burkeman's 4000 Weeks is one of the few books I return to frequently.
This month I enjoyed Lev Grossman's "The Bright Sword." It was a nice Arthurian adventure story that passed the time during long drives. And yesterday I finished the brief but excellent "Tell Them of Battles, Kings & Elephants" by Mathias Enard; a fictionalization of a young Michaelangelo's visit to Constantinople.
I'll have to check out Bright Sword — thanks for the rec!
And definitely don't miss Burkeman's new book!
I read "The Bright Sword" last month and really enjoyed it. Interesting take on the Arthurian tales.
I didn't finish any book in September, but my favorite book I've been reading is American Tabloid. I've been enjoying the writing style- slang, tight, crass. Different and refreshing. I'm exactly halfway into the book, hoping to finish it by the end of this month. I'm a very slow reader! 🙈
Other books I'm reading on the side are The Way of Men (AoM rec), Rework (from the 37Signals guys), and The Art of Seduction (garbage or great? Guess I'll find out).
never heard of American Tabloid — I'll check it out!