Friday, August 28, 2009

What I've Been Reading

Okay, I feel better. Thanks for waiting for me! I still don't feel great, but if I wait until I feel great, it could be a while. So here goes...


The Help by Kathryn Stockett - Yes, it's as good as everyone says it is. Get yourself on the reserves list at the library and read it. You'll like it.






The Time Traveler's Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger - Wow, I've had a copy of this on my shelf forever, but every time I read the cover, I thought, "Time travel? That's going to be confusing. I can't cope with that right now." I finally decided to just dive in. While I enjoyed it, I can't say I really followed all its intricacies. Check out the eerie drawings by Niffenegger at her website. Spoooooky.

Evan's Gate by Rhys Bowen - I went back to basics after all that confusing time travel stuff.


Miss Buncle's Book by D. E. Stevenson - I thought this story was friggin' adorable. Miss Buncle writes a book (anonymously) about all the people in her village. A very honest book. I loved it. Unfortunately, I didn't have this vintage edition, nor did I have one of those beautiful Persephone Books editions. No, mine was goofy-looking, large-print edition from the 1980s. I felt a little strange carrying it around, but it was worth it.





Made from Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life by Jenna Woginrich - I thought this was going to be more artsy craftsy, but instead it was about beekeeping, chickens, etc. I liked how she encourages people to take even small steps towards self-sufficiency.

Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen - Okay, I found a Bowen series I don't like. At all. Boo!

Cheerful Weather for the Wedding by Julia Strachey - I've had good luck with the Persephone Classics so far, but I'm afraid this one went over my head. I'm sure if I knew more about the time period it would be wonderfully wry, but, well, I don't.

Mrs. Tim Gets a Job by D. E. Stevenson - Not as good as Miss Buncle. I want to read more about Miss Buncle. Mrs. Tim, I'm not so sure.

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella - Not bad. A notch above your average chick lit. Reminded me of a Cecelia Ahern book.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

LOVED The Help. Great book.

Snagged a few of your recommendations for my waiting list. :)

Vicki W said...

I just downloaded The Help from audible. I'll listen to it after I finish vol 2 of Winston Churchill's bio!

Anonymous said...

I first listened to The Time Traveler's Wife on audio, then I got the book and read it. I would recommend it - but, like you, I found some parts puzzling. On the one hand, it broke my heart; but, on the other, I found it amazingly triumphant, and the ending left me happy.

I haven't read the others yet. Will look out for The Help and the D.E. Stevenson you liked.

I'm glad you're feeling better.

Linda

Anonymous said...

I appreciate your book reviews. As an avid reader, I'm always looking for something new to me!

Anonymous said...

Can someone post a little something about The Help? Please?
Thanks.

Haven't read any of the books on the list, but just finished a good one. Not the normal for James Patterson and this one was a true story. Against Medical Advice. It's about a boy growing up with Tourette's (sp?) syndrome. Sad, happy, funny, etc.

Mags