The past couple of weeks I’ve been reading a lot but I noticed that I was just reading one book at a time. Odd for me as I’m used to juggling a few books. But, it looks like I’m getting back into my old habits again because all of a sudden I’ve got three books vying for my attention.
My first read, which is the one I’m almost done with, is Roseanna by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo. This is a Swedish mystery set in the late 60s and I’m getting a kick out of the mention of typewriters, telegrams and cigarette smoking in offices. How times have changed right? I really like how the pacing of this book is a bit more slow. It’s not focused on action but more on the methods used to get the killer. Can’t wait to see how this ends.
Next up is The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. Everyone’s heard about this one right? This French bestseller features two heroines, one is a suicidal teen and the other a frumpy concierge. I thought I would love this book from the beginning and I hate to admit that so far I’m not loving it. Could this be a case of too high expectations? I guess I’ll just have to keep reading.
Finally the book I was supposed to start over the weekend but am just now starting is Vertigo by W.G. Sebald. I had my doubts about this one as I tried to read another Sebald book years ago and I think I may have a hard time with this one as well. I’ll persevere though because I’m hoping to join in on the book discussion with the Slaves but we’ll see.
So how many books do you have going on now?
I’m currently reading two books; a YA titled The Worst of Me by Kate Le Vann and Magnolia Wednesdays by Wendy Wax. I’m taking the first book to work because it’s easier to carry around as the latter is thicker, hehe. Anyway, I’m enjoying reading them and hopefully I’ll have one of the reviews up this week.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on The Elegance of the Hedgehog. I’ve heard raves about that book but just haven’t got around to reading it yet! Too many books! 😛
I am reading two at the moment. I am working my way through Un Lun Dun which was recommended by Nymeth. I have also just strarted the non fiction biography of Rosa Parks. I read a book by Barbery at the beginning of the year and loved it. It was called The Gourmet and I was hungry all the way through the book. I have The Elegance one too, so I am sad to hear it is not good.
I’ve got several going right now, some mysteries and a fantasy for Carl’s challenge. I think I’m going to abandon A Young Man Without Magic and try something else for the challenge since I have little inclination to get back to it and when I do, find myself reading maybe a chapter before finding something else to do.
I have HEARD that Hedgehog is polarizing. Some love it, and some did not. Which intimidates me just a bit. I haven’t made the decision to read it yet.
I just finished “We Need to Talk About Kevin” (and then proceeded to go into a funk!). So I picked up a Jacqueline Woodson novel “Behind You”, which is the sequel to “If You Come Softly”. Love that woman, just love her. I’m also listening to Lisa Scottoline’s “Don’t Look” on audio for my book club. The kids and I also started the 6th Harry Potter on audio.
Yay for having so many books on the go! I ‘ve got six books in progress at the moment and am tempted to start another 🙂
I *really* struggled with The Elegance of the Hedgehog too, but ended up loving it in the final quarter. There are no spoilers in my thoughts on the long process of reading it, if you’re interested…
Melody – I know, when I used to use public transportation to go to work, the smaller books were the ones that went with me 🙂 Hope you are enjoying your reads!
vivienne – Well, I’m hoping it’s just the start that is a bit hard to get into. I’m holding hope that it’ll get better for me. Oh and I really want to read Un Lun Dun. I know that one has gotten lots of rave reviews too.
jenclair – Oh yes, find another book you like more or at least are more intrigued by. I still haven’t started any books for Carl’s challenge but will try to get to one soon. I just got an ARC for one that would fit perfectly for the challenge and it sounds quite cute.
Sandy – I have We Need to Talk About Kevin but that’s another book that everyone talked about for a while that I had to put it aside until the buzz died down a bit. I do want to read it. And, I’m going to add Jacqueline Woodson to my list… Haven’t read anything by her and sounds like I’m missing out!
Stefanie – Oh, I’m very far behind you then and should add another to the mix 🙂
Buried In Print – Thank you so much for letting me know. I’m going to check your review. I hope I’ll end up loving it after all!
Mmmhmmm. I didn’t have any luck with Hedgehog either. I wanted to strangle both main characters from the beginning. I wish you much better luck than I had!
andi – Did you get to finish it? I’ll keep you posted on what I think. For now, I have put it aside just because I’m trying to make some headway into the Vertigo book.
I really want to read Roseanna and am curious to hear what you think of it. I sort of like that as many people who loved the Barbery book disliked it as well. I always feel like when I love something I am the only one or vice versa and that something is obviously wrong with my perceptions! In this case you’re odd of being right either way are pretty good! 🙂 I’ve got waaaay too many books going, but that’s no big surprise. At the moment I’m reading Blackout and The Rose of Sebastopol!
Umm, five? I think. I usually have one or two I’m focusing on but there are times I’m so scattered I just go from book to book – one chapter of one book, one chapter of another, etc. The two I’m focusing on are Anastasia’s Secret and The House with The Clock in its Walls.
I’ll look forward to reading your thoughts about The Elegance of the Hedgehog. I think a lot of us remember it as the book that was in Dewey’s sidebar when she died.
I bought The Elegance of the Hedgehog last year sometime after a customer recommended it to me. Now I keep hearing mediocre reviews for it and wonder if I’ll ever get it read. It may wind up in my Half-Price Books box. Bummer since I bought it brand new. Keep me posted!
Bookfool, aka Nancy – Ah, you are so right, Dewey had this one on her sidebar! I miss Dewey’s reviews!!
Les in NE – Well, I have read some excellent ones so maybe you’ll love it! I’m still hoping I’ll get into it but actually I got sidetracked by another book so I sort of put it off. I will get back to it though.
I am so bad about juggling multiple books. I’m only reading one at the moment and seem to be struggling to read at all these last few days…too busy at the office and at home!