Very little knitting has happened since last week but that is not necessarily a bad thing! Instead we have been braving the windy cold weather and trekking all over Presque Isle in Erie PA! Yesterday we even “enjoyed” the lake effect flurries that joined us on a very brisk walk, lol.
However, even though I am spitting in the eye of Mother Nature on the weather this week, I would love to see an end to anything that could be remotely described as wintry anything and am really ready for some actual spring-like weather. But!! We have had some incredible sunny moments… and I will take the sunshine even if the temps are only in the 20’s!
I do have some reading updates to share with you all! I had one book I did not finish: The Paper Palace was just not a book for me. I tried, but bailed on it fairly quickly.
I did have some very interesting finishes this week – not all were great – and I continue to work through The Books of Jacob… I am about 2/3’s through it and loving every moment!
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Franny Stone… the character you love to hate… or at least I did. Or is it the story that is so uncomfortable? Perhaps a mix of both.
This story is set in the future but there is lots of focus on what happened in the past… and things you think are true, might just not be true at all.
This book just fell flat for me. (which might have been the fault of Cutting for Stone… because it is just so much better)
I do not recommend this book, but your mileage might vary.
Chouette by Claire Oshetsky
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is truly one crazy book! It is thoroughly unexpected (but not always in a good way) The heroine (?) – Tiny – finds herself pregnant yet the baby is not her husband’s… nope, she is having an Owl-Baby… dear little Chouette. The relationship between Chouette and Tiny begins shortly after conception… and so begins the reader’s wild ride on this fable. The story is very disconcerting and it made me think of how those who are not “normal” (whatever your normal is) are treated and how much effort is made on changing the “not normal” to be normal rather than accepting them for who and what they are… in all their unique beauty!
The ending…I did so not see that coming. If you would like a little time in an alternate reality, read this book!
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh my, this small story packs an enormous punch! And it made me stop and think… for a very long time after I finished listening to it.
The story unfolds in a curious way… and it poses the question…. what do you do if you see something that is wrong… do you look away? Do you try to blow up the entire system? Or do you just do what you can?
Good questions for us any day, but especially today. This is a story that I want to read again with my eyes… it was just that good. I highly recommend.
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I will be back to share some poetry tomorrow!
What a lovely break, Kat! Even though you’ve had chilly (snowy) weather, It’s always nice to just . . . get away . . . for a while. XO
Presque Isle is gorgeous as always if your first photo is any indication! I hope maybe you’ll share more photos someday. Spring is nice but so is a brisk walk with flurries!
I also read those same books recently and felt pretty much the same as you did. I’m sorry you didn’t get to read better books while you were away, but after Cutting for Stone I’m not sure that was a possibility. Welcome home and thanks for Unraveled Wednesday!
I’m sorry Migrations was a miss for you. I really enjoyed it but you’re right – everyone’s mileage varies.
Your picture is beautiful. So glad you were able to get away!
I’m sure that in any other year, getting away to Presque Isle in mid-April would have been a good idea. I just can’t believe how long winter is sticking around! I hope you stayed warm enough to enjoy the beauty of it in spite of the cold.
I enjoyed Small Things Like These but found that it ended far too early for me. I really though it could have been continued into a full-length book!
Spring will come. It will. I’m sure. But, it sure is taking its sweet time.
Glad you were able to enjoy walks in spite of the never-ending winter.
I’m trying to take a chill pill on just how much I add to my TBR…because the length has gotten a bit ridiculous and I’m actually quite terrible at consulting it anyway! That’s the kicker. However–Small Things sounds thoughtful and thought-provoking and it’s made its way onto the list.
(Yikes, your weather report! Hope none of the buds/blossoms were frozen! That’s always frustrating–and all too common in CO…)
Presque Isle looks lovely in this cool Spring but some warmer days would be appreciated too. I am glad you could get away.
Sounds like a nice getaway. This has been a crazy spring here, too, weather- wise, lots and lots of rain. I enjoy seeing your reading suggestions. At the moment I am reading and enjoying The Violin Makers Daughter.
how wonderful you got away and did a mindful reset!! I need to head up there.