What is better for the almost “ides” of June to talk about knitting and reading?
Up first, reading… I have lots of books to update you all with! I have completed three books since week:
- Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This book was recommended to me for my “about a homecoming” square on Summer Book Bingo. And, like Carole, I wanted to give this book 5 stars, but I also felt like parts were very tedious. However, I loved the viewpoint on an immigrant view on “white America” – it was powerful and one I will think of for a very long time. Perhaps, I will listen to this book as Mary did, because I am sure my thinking on name pronunciation is way off! I gave this book 4 stars
- The Likeness by Tana French. In the far-fetched category, this book takes top billing. I really wanted to like it, I promise. But, the entire story line is so implausible…I had narrowed down the killer to 2 people very quickly and my guess was proven correct (although, they never really have a “true confession”). The writing is good, but this book could have been so much better if any of the story line had any hint of being believable. In short, the entire story fell a bit flat for me and I am not sure I will continue with this series. I gave this book 2 stars.
- Marie Antoinette: The Journey. This book filled the “biography of a royal” Summer Book Bingo square. I knew absolutely nothing about dear Marie (outside of cake and the guillotine). This story is well narrated, and well written. It is interesting, endearing, and educational. I enjoyed being immersed in the French court pre-revolution, and the ending was as I expected – moving and sad. If you are looking for a wonderful “listen” I highly recommend this! I gave this book 4 stars.
I am currently reading The Girl with the Pearl Earring to fill my “about art/artists” square. I have just begun, but thus far I am enjoying it.
I will start listening to The Hanging by Lotte and Soren Hammer today.
And, did you hear about the Big Library Read? No? I love the concept of this: “Big Library Read (BLR), facilitated by OverDrive, is a reading program through your library that connects millions of readers around the world with the same eBook at the same time without any wait lists or holds.” And, the first book is The Other Einstein. I have downloaded it and will be starting it shortly – reading time began on Monday the 12th and you have until the 26th to finish. There is discussion and a little podcast to hear from the author, Marie Benedict! Summer reading is simply the best!
Summer Knitting has been equally good, especially when there is no unraveling. I am cruising along on Stillwater. I love that the pattern within the pattern is not overly challenging and it makes for a very interesting knit. I have divided for the sleeves and the “removal” of those stitches should make the rows speed up a bit!
What about you? How is your summer going?
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Your iced coffee matches your knitting perfectly and they both look wonderful! I wish I had Biography of a royal square as you’ve made Marie Antoinette sound terrific. I loved Girl With a Pearl Earring and can almost guarantee you’ll enjoy it more than The Likeness!
I loved “Girl with a Pearl Earring”!
I am slowly working my way through “The Secret History.” I’m really enjoying the writing, particularly the way it reads like something written almost 100 years ago, but the chapters are long!
I like your Book Bingo Card better than mine! ;-((. Making progress on my selections – will elaborate on my blog, later today …
Read and Knit On! And the Big Library Read sounds like fun – off to check it out!
Cheers~
I love how your iced coffee matched your yarn! And HOORAY for Overdrive and the Big Library Read!
I cant even commit to ONE book. But I’m going to try! Reserved at the library. cant wait for it to arrive. Knit knit knit
I’m with the rest…love the matchy match above! I’m wondering if The Girl with the Pearl Earring could go in my “should have read” square…
That makes me sad that Tana French’s latest book isn’t up to her usual standard. I have it on request at the library and will read it, but still.
I also did not care for The Likeness, but I thought her other books made up for it.
I love your Stillwater! It’s so lovely. I’ve been doing a lot of frogging lately, and I’m in a bit of a reading rut. But I think I might check out Marie Antoinette as an audiobook, since you enjoyed it so much!
I love the Latté (and the sweater)! …and like others, disappointed to read your take on The Likeness. I really enjoyed the first book in that series and have that one on audible. Girl with a Pearl Earring was the 2nd book my 1st bookclub read … February 2000. I have fond memories. wonder if they’d hold up to a re-read? (Memoirs of a Geisha was our first book!)
Thank you for the tip on the Big Library Read! I went in and got the book and hope I can get it read in time.
Nice Book Bingo progress. I have listened to a few other Tana French books. Guess I won’t add this on to my list
I love the global book club idea! What a way to connect with people! Thanks for sharing