I’ve been homebound for two weeks, which has been great for my reading and recovery, but not so great for my cabin fever. I was definitely ready to venture out and in true Bookgirl fashion my first outing yesterday was to the bookstore for book group. It was so nice to hang out with friends, books and a cafe mocha.
We met to discuss Wolves Eat Dogs by Martin Cruz Smith which follows investigator Arkady Renko as he tries to uncover who killed a successful businessman. His superiors claim it was suicide but lots of signs point to foul play. I hadn’t read anything by this author before and while I thought the mystery was a bit anti-climatic, I have to say I was really drawn into the story of The Zone, the radioactive wasteland surrounding Cheronbyl.
I hadn’t really thought much about what happened to the land since the disaster. I just assumed it was a barren wasteland but through reading the book and of course discussing with the members I’ve learned that all kind of wildlife live there now and it’s actually considered a wildlife sanctuary. Can you believe that?
Anyway, a great evening. Next month we’ll be discussing The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny which I’m very excited about as that’s a series I really enjoy. In the meantime, I did start a new mystery this morning, Pretty In Ink by Karen E. Olson. I’ll tell you more about it soon.
I’ve been thinking about you, and hope everything is OK. I enjoyed Wolves Eat Dogs, if not for the actual plot, but the atmosphere and location of the story. I thought it was fascinating. I will really want to hear about The Brutal Telling!!!! Hope you will soon be back in business!
Glad you’ve been able to get out and about a little. And what a great reason to get out!
I’ve been thinking about you too, Iliana. I hope things are going on well with you. Can’t wait to hear what you’ll think of those books!
Glad you’re feeling a bit better and have been able to get out and do some bookish activity! I read Gorky Park years ago and really liked it and have always meant to read more. Not too long ago I bought some other Arkady Renko novels and look forward to reading them. Louise Penny is also on my list!
I read Wolves Eat Dogs not long ago and was myself fascinated with what happened at Chernobyl. I actually had to do some research afterward to satisfy my curiosity.
AND – I have The Brutal Telling in my stack RIGHT NOW. I know, all caps is ridiculous, right? I’m just excited. That’s an odd coincidence. That’s the first of Penny’s I will read, but it was on the discount stack, and I can’t pass up a $5 hardback.
I read about Cheronbyl being a wildlife sanctuary in The World Without us by Alan Weisman. I was impressed too!
I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to be able to go out, Iliana!
I am glad to hear that you have felt a little better and were able to get out and about. I get cabin fever after a couple of days in, so you much have been climbing the walls.
Amen to good reading time! I would be stir crazy too, though. Glad you enjoyed your book grouping!
Will be interested in hearing how you like The Brutal Telling. I read it recently and have very mixed feelings about it and the direction the series may be taking.
Sandy – I’m doing well just have to rest up a lot still. And, yes, the book was a bit blah when it came to the mystery but I loved the whole Zone stuff. I had no idea!
Anna – I know right! I was so excited. Hopefully I’ll be back to date nights at the bookstore soon. I so miss the bookstore!
Melody – Thank you so much. I’m recovering well and just following doctor’s orders so resting a lot. I have so many reviews to post it’s not even funny. I love it. I only read two books in February but I’ll definitely be making up for it this month 🙂
Danielle – Getting out was wonderful. I was ready and think that did a lot to lift up my spirits. You know, I’d like to read Gorky Park. I think if I had read this series in order I may have gotten more out of this book. Hope you give Louise Penny a try – her books are great.
jrav – Great coincidence! I got it off the remainder table at B&N too 🙂 I am really looking forward to it. I have read all the others and have really liked them so I want to see what happens next.
Nymeth – Me too! And, you know, I tried “listening” to the weisman book but couldn’t do the audio. I should check out the book though because I thought that was a fascinating topic.
Vivienne – I am really not a homebody so this has been quite the lesson for me. Thank goodness I love to read but still. Hopefully I’ll get to my studio soon too to pass the time.
Andi – I really think it was time to get out. The next day I felt stronger and same today. I am already planning my next outing to the bookstore of course 🙂
Karen Olson – Oh no… really? I was not too thrilled with book 4 because of the setting. I thought where is Three Pines?! I’ll have to keep you posted on what I think of it.
Glad you managed an outing and that it had something to do with books! I hope you are feeling better and am sending loads of positive thoughts your way!
Kathleen – Thank you so much! That definitely was good for me and I’m already planning my next outing. Hopefully a whole afternoon at the bookstore 🙂