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A Bit of This & That

So I’m still just reading one book at a time and I think the reason is that because I know I’m going on vacation soon I don’t want to take books with me that are half way read or leave lots of books behind that are in all stages of being read.

Currently, I’m reading Testimony by Anita Shreve which I’m actually glad it’s the only book I’m reading as there are so many characters and changing viewpoints that I think this is one that probably wouldn’t hold up too well if I read it in spurts.

The story is about a sex scandal that breaks out at a boarding school and the aftermath of what happens to students, parents and basically the town. I’m nearing the end and I’ve liked the story although I have to say I’m probably just not a fan of the multiple viewpoints. Just as I’m getting used to one voice or liking one particular character, we jump to someone else who maybe only shows up once or twice more in the story. Hmm, I don’t really like that.

What else? Well I did catch up on the latest Bitch magazine and for those of you who love sci/fi, check it out as there’s an Q&A with Ursula K. Le Guin. One fo these days I must read something by her.

Also have you heard of guerrilla poetry? Check out Broadsided and see how you can help put out art and literature on the streets. I love this idea and promise to do some of it myself as soon as I’m back from vacation.

Okay I’m off to finish Testimony.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 10:42 pm and is filed under Nightstand.

10 Responses to “A Bit of This & That”

  1. Sandy http://sandynawrot.blogspot.com

    August 31st, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    I listened to Testimony on audio, and it was phenomenal. Different narrators for each character really helped the transition between one voice and another. After I finished it, I was shaken to the core.

  2. Anna http://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com

    August 31st, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    I’m looking forward to your thoughts on Testimony. Anita Shreve is one of my favorite authors, so of course, I liked it, just not as much as her others.

  3. Stephanie http://www.reviewsbylola.wordpress.com

    August 31st, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    How is it working out for you reading only one book at a time? Is it driving you crazy?

    I am not particularly a big fan of Anita Shreve, although I did enjoy The Pilot’s Wife. Testimony sounds like it may be something I would really like though, so I will have to grab a copy at my library.

  4. Danielle http://www.danitorres.typepad.com

    August 31st, 2010 at 7:57 pm

    I think I’d stick to just a book at a time, too, if I knew I would be going on vacation. It can be hard to get back into a book if you leave it too long. I’ve looked at Testimony lots of times but haven’t decided to pick it up. It does sound good, so I’ll be curious to hear what you think when you finish.

  5. Kathleen

    August 31st, 2010 at 9:00 pm

    I’ve had Testimony on my shelves at home for quite awhile but just haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. I have trouble with the multiple viewpoint novels since I only get to read here and there and those kind of books require me to have more time to read and focus to keep it all straight!

  6. Melody http://www.mel-reading-corner.blogspot.com/

    September 1st, 2010 at 3:02 am

    Testimony sounds very intriguing! I can’t wait to hear what you’ll think of the book!

  7. Bookgirl http://www.bookgirl.net

    September 1st, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    Sandy – I think for this type of book an audio version would be fantastic. I liked it a lot but wasn’t as wowed by it as I expected.
    Anna – Unfortunately I’ve had problems with some of Shreve’s books but this one I thoguht was better than the others I’ve read. I would definitely read more by her.
    Stephanie – Believe it or not, right now it’s actually kind of nice. I have so much stuff going on that I think to try and focus on one book is probably a good thing. I am not a big Shreve fan either but I thought this one was quite good so I’d give this one a go!
    Danielle – Exactly, it’s kind of hard to come back after a week or so and still feel the urgency to continue with some books right?
    Kathleen – I think I would have loved this book much more if it hadn’t had the multiple narrators. Especially as some “sounded” too similar.
    Melody – Have you read anything by Shreve? If not, I would recommend this one. It’s not my favorite book of the year but it was a good story.

  8. Natalie @ Coffee and a Book Chick http://coffeeandabookchick.blogspot.com

    September 2nd, 2010 at 5:10 am

    I really liked Testimony, but it does kind of go all over the place with different perspectives — but I’m fairly used to that since Jodi Picoult does that all the time. I just got Sea Glass in the mail so I’m looking forward to reading that!

  9. Bookgirl http://www.bookgirl.net

    September 2nd, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    Natalie – Ah, see I’ve had a problem with Jodie Picoult’s books too. Maybe it really is that sort of narration that just doesn’t work for me. I hope you’ll enjoy Sea Glass!

  10. Veens http://nidhiveens-loveforbooks.blogspot.com

    September 3rd, 2010 at 10:07 am

    I know i want to read Anita’s books. This one particularly sounds good.