While I finish it up, I thought I'd share a few other books that I've read lately. I really love to read, and good books are definitely something that I am thankful for. I love that quote that says when you read you become a thousand men and yet remain yourself. It is so true. When I read a good book, I live another life, full of fascinating people and interesting places, all while staying put in my little living room here in Arizona. And as grateful as I am for my own good books, I am even more grateful for children who love to read. Sometimes I feel like the best part of our day was spent reading together on the couch.
May the Road Rise Up to Meet You - Oh, I loved this book! It follows four different characters, from very different places, as the country is heading into the Civil War. To see the different story lines finally come together was so satisfying. A must read. Five stars (out of five).
The Snow Child - This is the interesting story of an older, childless couple and their adopted "snow" child in the wilds of Alaska. Sad and sweet and full of love. Four stars.
I'll Watch the Moon - This story takes place in a boarding house during a polio outbreak, soon after the end of World War II. It is touching and tender. Four stars.
Jim the Boy - I had read the sequel to this book, The Blue Star, years ago without knowing it was a sequel. I was so happy to finally read this first book. It is quiet and sweet. I loved it. Four Stars.
Mrs. Mike - I mean, I had to read this one, right? It was a fun, quick, romantic (but clean) read, following a handsome Canadian Mountie and his young bride. Four stars.
The Shoemaker's Wife - This is the sort of book where you wonder if the main characters (two Italian immigrants) are ever going to get together. And then they do! And they have a happy life. I really enjoyed it, but felt like the last quarter or so was rushed. Still, it was a great story. Four stars.
The Sandcastle Girls - This book dealt with a subject that I was completely unfamiliar with - the Armenian genocide that occurred right before WWI in Syria. It follows a modern-day woman of Armenian descent as she uncovers the history of her family. The story is well-told, and manages to be hopeful despite such tragic circumstances. Three stars.
What have you read lately? I love hearing your recommendations.
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Loved Lark Rise (have you seen the BBC production?). And I remember reading Mrs.Mike almost 20 years ago and am still haunted by the thought of 1st and 2nd families; a great read. I'll definitely check out some of your others.
ReplyDeleteI am reading "May the Road Rise up to Meet You" right now and I'm really enjoying it. Here are 3 of my favourites;
ReplyDelete"The Dirty Life: A Memoir of Food, Farming and Love" by Kristin Kimball
"The Birth House" by Ami McKay
"The Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill...I believe in the USA the book may be named "Someone Knows my Name" instead of The Book of Negroes..
Happy Reading!
Thanks for the good suggestions. I read The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran and thought it was so good. I don't know anyone who has read it. It is set in the late 1800's in New Zealand. A husband loses his wife and kids and is grief-stricken but eventually moves on and remarries. But his first wife and children reappear and then he must face his past love with his new life. It is interesting to see how the two wives handle the situation. The book is partly narrated by the women. (This book was based on newspaper accounts)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite book I picked up from the library quite randomly. It is no longer in print but you can borrow it from your local library. The Castle on the Hill by Elizabeth Goudge. It was written in 1941. She is a British author who has written quite a number of books and for children primarily.
I really enjoyed The Poisonwood Bible :)
ReplyDeletei love this image. few things are as pleasing to the eye as book lined shelves. and there are a quite a few spines i recognize! thanks for the recommendations -- i trust your opinion at a level few have achieved. i've made more room in my life this past year for reading and i'm so happy about it, though if the truth be told i need more. a book club has helped me -- i function well with deadlines.
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