Hauls and Reads

I hope you’re all having a great week so far. It’s almost time to wrap up the month but I just had to talk about a few other items before doing my wrap up post.

First, I think I mentioned that this month I bought A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. Aside from the digital ARCs I get from NetGalley every month, I also got two additional review copies in the mail.

One is A History of Burning by Janika Oza. This historical novel is set in 1898. Pirbhai, a teenage boy looking for work, is taken from his village in India to labor for the British on the East African Railway. Far from home, Pirbhai commits a brutal act in the name of survival that will haunt him and his family for years to come.

The other is Austin Noir edited by Hopeton Hay. This is part of Akashic Books Noir series which is a series of original noir anthologies set around the world. I have several of these and have really enjoyed them. Of course when I was offered this one, I couldn’t pass up as it’s set in this great city I call home (I hope it doesn’t scare me about my surroundings! – ha).

Then, I just wanted to say just how much I’m loving Love & Saffron by Kim Fay. I had recently read a review by Les and she raved about it and JoAnn also mentioned it as one of her favorites last year. I needed something good after a very disappointing read and boy, is this one wonderful. I’m almost done and almost don’t want to finish it.

Aside from it being a friendship story it is also about the wonders of food and cooking. It especially reminded me of my childhood when lived in Monterrey, Mexico and we would often go to the Mercado Juárez to get veggies and fruits. I especially loved going there around Christmastime as you could find colorful piñatas and displays of candies. I believe the market is still around but quite different from when I was a kid.

And, reading about the food stalls reminded me of the travels my husband and I have taken where we’ve gone to really great food halls in Rotterdam and Vancouver. I wish I was at either of these now! So yes, not only has this book made my mouth water with some descriptions but it’s also made me smile just reminding me of all the great experiences we’ve had.

Alright now to get back to reading and maybe I can finish up a couple of more books this month.

2 Comments
  1. March 30, 2023
  2. April 6, 2023