I’ve read a few books since the last update. Last week, I received four of my library requests at once. I am pleased to say, I am on the final book (although I didn't read Freedom (see below)), and read the other three in a single week. Oh, how I love books. (Although I am thrilled to have learned that I can suspend my requests so there's not so much pressure in the future!)
Here are the latest and my comments on them:
The White Queen, Philippa Gregory
I love this historical period and the novels that so many talented authors present to us. I really appreciate this author (The Other Boleyn Girl), but the style of Alison Weir is preferable to me (The Lady Elizabeth and Innocent Traitor). If you love historical fiction and haven't read either of those, I highly recommend them.
Fall of Giants, Ken Follett
I liked it. It’s the first book in a trilogy. This first book takes place during WWI. It’s pretty history-intense, and the personal plots are a little thin, in my humble opinion. It didn’t compare to either Pillars of the Earth or World Without End in the way they captured my attention, but I did finish it and I will try the second book in the trilogy when its released.
Dirty Sexy Politics, Meghan McCain
This was a really fun non-fiction book. It’s the story of the daughter of John McCain’s experiences during the 2008 campaign. She’s a young American who is fairly disenfranchised with the Republican party. She thinks the party could use some energy and needs to try harder to keep up with the issues of the young people in this country. I like some of her ideas, and it was really fun to get a sneak peak into what happened behind the scenes and her take on the political process, and her view of Sarah Palin. I highly recommend this book.
The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
My friend Molly insisted I read this book. She's a avid reader like I am, and I've loved every book she's recommended. I read the synopsis of this book many months ago, and decided against it. But when Molly pressured me, I agreed to try again. I read a lot of books…many of which I enjoy. But it’s been a long time since I read a book that I could not put down. I was horrified at the subject matter, but there was no way I could stop reading it; and I can’t wait to read the next book, Catching Fire. There are evidently parallels to the world we live in today, but to me they are not obvious, so I'd love to discuss this in a book club someday.
Freedom, Jonathan Franzen
Ugh. Couldn’t do it. Partially because I was coming off the intensity of the previously mentioned book, but it was a total bore. I read the first 70 pages before I quit. I don’t get what the hype was over this book...I thought it was very laborious to read, and the reward wasn't worth it.
I'm currently reading Sold by by Patricia McCormick, for an online book club. I'm a third of the way through and will give you my thoughts when I finish it.
I recently thought of a book I read a long time ago, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It’s such a good read. If you haven’t read it, I strongly recommend this as well.
On reserve for me at the library are Catching Fire and Mockingjay (the second two books in The Hunger Games trilogy), Ape House by Sara Gruen (author of Water for Elephants, which I adored -- read it if you haven't!), Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman, The Good Daughters by Joyce Maynard, The House at Riverton by Kate Morton (a recommendation from my friend Krista, another avid reader), and The Red Queen by Phillipa Gregory.
3 comments:
I will have to check out Alison Weir because I love Philippa Gregory's novels about the Tudors. Yay, more historical fiction for me!
I might have to try The Hunger Games. I read Perfume which was also horrifying (but hard to put down), so perhaps I can manage it. ;)
I do have The House at Riverton and Forgotten (Garden? can't remember the word) by Kate Morton in my current stack.
:)
I have never tried a Philippa Gregory novel - will be adding your suggestions from that sections to my library list!
As for Freedom, I read almost all of it and then quit close to the end. Who wants to get 80% of the way through a book and not care one bit about what happens to any of the characters?
I discovered P. Gregory when we were living at the trailor. I checked our library here bit there selection was limited and I'd forgotten about her. I'm going to request the 2 books you have on here by her. I'm excited to have more time to read now that I'm not working. I just read a historical fiction by a man called Gilbert Morris. He's written lots, and I liked the one I just read. :)
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