Bookgirl Caught Reading
Vacation helped me catch up on a lot of my reading and I finished 10 books. I was even able to make a bit of a dent in some my challenge reads. Here’s the rundown (click on the titles to go to my reviews):
Three books were Advance Reader Copies: The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani, Mademoiselle Victorine by Debra Finerman and Sword and Blossom by Peter Pagnamenta and Momoko Williams.
Two books were for the R.I.P. II Challenge: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray and The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason. I cannot wait to read the second book in each of the series.
Two other books were also for challenges: A Year by the Sea by Joan Anderson was for the Armchair Traveler Challenge, and Evening by Susan Minot was for the Book to Movie Challenge.
Two random reads: Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda and Hurting Distance by Sophie Hannah.
One book group read: A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. I’m saving my review for this one until Tuesday when I meet with my book group so stay tuned.
And, believe it or not I did take Don Quixote with me. I didn’t finish it so I’m not counting it but I’m getting closer to the middle. Sigh, still such a long way to go but what a tale.
In case you are wondering which book was my favorite it’s a toss up between The Blood of Flowers, A Fine Balance and Evening.
Have a great weekend everyone. I’m going to try and catch up with all the magazines that have been piling up while I was away.
That’s such a cool picture! Congrats on how far you got on your reading. *sigh* I heart reading.
Welcome back, Iliana!
What a lovely,lovely picture!
And how wonderful you were able to catch up on so much reading! “A Fine Balance” is one of my all time favorite books and Rohinton Mistry is one of my favorite authors…I just wish he was more prolific, it’s been over 6 years since he wrote his last book *grumble,grumble*
Good to have you back!
Great reviews! You did get a lot of reading done while on vacation. Can’t wait for the review of A Fine Balance.
Hmmm … I have A Fine Balance, and somebody recently mentioned liking it, and you now mention it … maybe I should read it!
Great reviews. My to-read list just got bigger.
Loved the pictures.
Have fun plowing through the magazines!
aka Nik – I’ll pass the pic compliments to my husband who took it. I honestly don’t remember him taking it so I must have been very involved with my reading!
Lotus – Thank you so much. And, I have to ask is his other book, Family Matters, just as sad? I wonder if he’s got a new novel in the works. Six years does seem like a long time.
jenclair – Thank you! That is the best part of all that train travel we did – lots of reading time to enjoy.
Dorothy W. – It was super but a word of caution – it is very sad so you may want to have a lighthearted book afterwards. I felt just empty after reading it.
Claire – Just trying to do my job in fueling the book madness 🙂 Thank you for stopping in!
Isabel – Thanks girl. I have so many magazines to look through. I’m looking forward to them.
That’s a great picture! The reflection. The rain.
It’s been years since I read A Fine Balance, I’ve forgotten so much. I really should read it again at some point.
Hunting and Gathering sounds fun. I love the film, Amelie.
And The Blood of Flowers sounds very good. I’m adding it to my wishlist.
Well done on finishing 10 books while on holiday!
I love that photo. I’m not sure how the photographer did it (outside the train looking in or inside at just the right angle?) but it is so nicely done!! I loved reading your reviews–I always get a good sense of what the book is about and have added a few to my own book list. As for Sword and Blossom–I also had my reservations for what Arthur felt. I was very disappointed in him, but there were pretty good explanations in the end. It sounds like a very heartbreaking love affair. Considering the times, I guess it is very probable that he did love her, it just couldn’t work out. But you always want a happy ending…
I love the photograph. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews. I’m looking forward to your thoughts on A Fine Balance – I recently picked that up.
OMG how many suitcases did you have to bring to accommodate all the books, eh? 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading your review of The Fine Balance, a book that I’ve wanted to read for a while.
Sword and Blossom is flagged for my annual home-coming trip to Asia. I have to keep my hands off it until I head out to the airport in late Nov!
Wow!! 10 books! I’m so jealous! Lately, I feel like I’m just spinning my wheels! I’m glad you had a good vacation, and I’m looking forward to jumping in and reading all your reviews!
Great reveiws! I loved A Great and Terrible Beauty and The Rest Falls Away too!
Oooh, Rohan Mistry! Good one.
Tanabata – Have you read anything else by Mistry? I also couldn’t believe that such a long book actually read very quickly. I never felt like it was plodding.
Danielle – Exactly, I totally expected a happy ending with the book. I was just fascinated by all the letters they wrote. And, oh regarding the pic. My husband was sitting across from me on the train and he took the picture towards the window so as to catch my reflection. Sneaky 🙂
Tara – Thank you – so glad you enjoyed those. I am also looking forward to what my book group has to say on the book. Should be a great discussion.
Matt – Ha,ha. I know, you’d think I took tons. I only take one mid-size suitcase and a regular backpack. My secret is that I leave quite a few things at my in-laws so I always have clothes, shoes, and other essentials when I go to Germany. Saves packing room!
Stephanie – I kind of feel that way now. I haven’t really been reading much this week so hopefully I’ll get back to all my books soon.
Nicola – Thank you so much. Weren’t those great? Have you read any others in the series yet? I plan to definitely.
LK – Indeed! I would like to read something else by him.
You got some great reading done. Sounds like a perfect vacation.
I love that picture.
Great pix, Iliana. Ten books? Wow…I was away for 3 months and only read 2. Ack! Haha!! And I’m amazed your brought that brick of a book, Don Quixote with you and still read it. I was wondering how many suitcases you brought with you at first, what with all the books you’ve listed. Storing stuff at the in-laws is a cool idea. Hmmm…think I’ll do that with my sister the next time I’m there, that way I can have a near empty suitcase to fill with books and loot.
Hope you’re having a good weekend. I know I am…*wink* Borders is missing some books. ;-P
The only other book by him I’ve read is the book of short stories that I’ve forgotten the name of.. oh yes, ‘Tales from Firozsha Baag’. I couldn’t tell you anything about them now. My memory really is terrible!
finally, a glimpse of you! wonderful photo … and what a great reading list! glad to have you back.
You’re smart and seasoned traveler.I do the same in Hong Kong where my family is. But I always make room for books, since you never know if you’ll find books abroad. 🙂
Nancy – It was and of course I wish it wasn’t over yet.
Kisane – Ha, too funny. I need to stop over at your blog and see what you bought at Borders!
Tanabata – I like that title. I hadn’t heard of it. I definitely need to look for more of his work but I may need a bit of a break. Fine Balance was such a gut-wrenching book.
Aloi – Hee, I know! I’m trying to be all secretive 🙂
Matt – Leaving room in the suitcase for books is definitely a priority! I’m pretty sneaky too as I’m always asking my husband to save room in his suitcase for my stuff.
10 books finished! Wow! I need one of those vacations!
In regards to your review of A Great & Terrible Beauty, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the book. The second one in the series is quite good too. 🙂