It's been a while since my last review, but here are some of the books I've read lately (just in time for cozy evenings spent curled up with a book):Lonesome Dove, by Larry McMurtry
5 (out of 5) stars
This is a classic western novel. I think I caught the western bug from These is My Words and Lonesome Dove did not disappoint. It is so well written.
I loved it.
Peony in Love, by Lisa See
1 star
This book follows Peony, a young woman in 17th century China, into the afterworld. I had hoped it would be as good as Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, but I was really disappointed. It was hard to finish.
I hated it.
Portrait of an Unknown Woman, by Vanora Bennett
3 stars
This book takes place in 16th century England and is about an adopted daughter of Thomas More. It also slightly touches on Hans Holbein and two portraits he painted of the More family. It was kind of boring.
I thought it was just ok.
The Welsh Girl, by Peter Ho Davies
4 stars
Set in North Wales, just after D-Day, this book tells the story of a young Welsh girl and a German POW. It was good, but I wish it had been a bit more romantic.
I liked it.
The Thirteenth Tale, by Dianne Setterfield
4 stars
This book has a ghost, a gothic english home destroyed by a tragic fire, and a surprise ending. If you like mysteries, this is a good one.
I liked it.
Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, by Laurie Viera Rigler
4 stars
This is a light, quick read. It is about a self-confessed Jane Austen addict who wakes up in Jane Austen's time. It is fun.
I liked it.
Green Darkness, by Anya Seton
5 stars
Anya Seton is one of my favorite authors and this is the kind of book that you never want to end. I think it is even better than Katherine. It takes place in 1968 and Tudor England, following a young woman who travels back in time to relive her past life.
I don't believe in reincarnation, but I really loved it.
How about you? Have you read any good books lately?
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How wonderful to read! I am afflicted with a condition where once I pick up a moderately enjoyable book I am incapable of putting it down until it's finished. Since I consequently don't get anything else done, I hardly ever read. Maybe next year when all the kids are in school I'll read more (not that I'm looking forward to them all being gone during the day!)
ReplyDeleteI was wondering where you got the idea to read these particular books? Referenced from friends and relatives? Favorite authors? Great reviews!
excellent questions, sara. my mom is an avid reader and whenever she comes to visit, she leaves a few books for me. others just catch my eye at the book store, and some (like lonesome dove and green darkness) have been on my must-read list for years.
ReplyDeletetoo bad about peony in love. that's on my shelf unread still. i just finished "love walked in" today. it was pretty good. also enjoyed "the story of forgetting" a couple of weeks ago. our book club's next pick is "the memory keeper's daughter," which i started today. i've heard it's great. how bout we do a switch? i'll mail you love walked in you mail me green darkness. (i'll return it.)
ReplyDeletei thought the thirteenth tale was pretty good, too. i'll have to take some of your recommends. i'm like sara when it comes to reading, but there's no better hobby. (only bummer is that books aren't rated. i wish someone would look into this. for now, i'll just watch for your recommendations.)
ReplyDeletethanks for the recommendations! i always appreciate suggestions on what's worth reading and what i should avoid.
ReplyDeletei know we read completely different types of books, but you should go to to McKinnon-Read-A-Thon. that's where i give my reviews of recent books i've read and there are a few Philippa Gregory books i've read that i've loved. and i know you liked 'the other boleyn girl' so you might like these others as well.
ReplyDeletei know we read completely different types of books, but you should go to to McKinnon-Read-A-Thon. that's where i give my reviews of recent books i've read and there are a few Philippa Gregory books i've read that i've loved. and i know you liked 'the other boleyn girl' so you might like these others as well.
ReplyDeletethanks for the book recommendations - so glad you read and loved Lonesome Dove - it's one of my all time favorites. don't you love how human and wonderful the characters are?! have you seen the film?
ReplyDeleteGinger loved Green Darkness as well. Be sure to add those to your Good Reads shelf! That is were I get a lot of my book recommendations. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved "the secret life of bees" I'm glad I read the book before the movie came out.
ReplyDeleteI love how much you read! But how in blazes do you find the time?! I am actually looking forward to some "new baby" time where I can nurse the baby in one had, and hold a book in the other. I have resorted to reading the Harry Potter series from beginning to end again--it's the only thing I can read in 15 minute snippets and grasp the plot. :)
ReplyDeleteHave you read Life of Pi by Yann Martel? I probably recommended that before, but I loved it.
Thank you for the recommendations! I loved "These is my words" and "Snow Flower" too! So I am glad to see we have similar tastes.
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