I’m in the middle of three books right now, two of which I’m just loving, and I thought I’d tell you a little bit about those today.
Ferris Beach by Jill McCorkle is an ARC I received a few months ago. The funny thing is that I had mooched a copy around the time I received it after I had read a really good review of this book by Danielle. It’s been such a treat to read the story of the young Katie Burns as she grows up in the 70s. She befriends Misty a girl who is completely different from her and who’s family is also quite the talk of the neighborhood.
I think what makes this book so special is that it feels very true to the time. Granted, the 70s weren’t that long ago but sometimes there’s a feeling that the author is trying too hard to set the scene or I don’t know. I can’t quite explain it, but this novel just feels genuine.
My other read is The Complete Polysyllabic Spree by Nick Hornby, a book I bought in Germany two years ago I think. It may have taken me a while to get to it but I’m savoring it now for sure. For a bookworm this is the perfect companion.
This book is a compilation of the columns Hornby wrote for The Believer. They span two years and cover everything from books he’s currently reading, books he’s bought, the staggering amount of TBR piles and just general book talk. I love it.
“I suddenly had a little epiphany: all the books we own, both read and unread, are the fullest expression of self we have at our disposal…. But with each passing year, and with each whimsical purchase, our libraries become more and more able to articulate who we are, whether we read the books or not.”
My other read is a cozy little mystery, High Marks for Murder by Rebecca Kent. I haven’t gotten very far into this one and right now I’m not quite sure how I’m feeling about it.
Located in the English Cotswolds, Bellehaven Finishing School, is where the well-to-do send their daughters to turn any high-spirited or incorrigible girl into a refined young lady. What the parents probably didn’t expect was that a little murder was going to be happening on the school grounds. It’ll be up to the headmistress, Meredith Llewellyn, to find out what happened.
I don’t read many cozy mysteries but I was in the mood for one the other night. Like I said, still too early to tell about this one but I’ll keep you posted.
So those are my current reads. I have some library holds waiting for me though so after I pick them up I may have to dip into one or two as well. So have you read any of these? What did you think?
I’m only familiar with The Complete Polysyllabic Spree among those titles but yet I haven’t read it! I have read several good reviews on it though so it’s just a matter of time I’d get to it. 😉
Everything about the Cotswolds is cozy! I think that would be the perfect setting for just about any book.
I will definitely look up the 2nd book that u r reading, i totally love that quote! it is so TRUE!
great reads !
I’m really glad you’re enjoying Ferris Beach–I enjoyed rereading it last year. She does get the setting just right without making it feel dated! And I’d like to read more Nick Nornby, too.
I wish I had known they would compile all the Nick Hornby into one book. I read the first of that series…happy reading.
Fun reading! I’ve not read the Complete Spree but I’ve read three of the individual ones. I think there is a fourth that I haven’t got to yet. They do such damage to my TBR list but they are so much fun!
The Polysyllabic Spree was a lot of fun. It’s one I kinda wish I’d kept to re-read.
The Polysyllabic Spree has been on my TBR list for awhile. Good to get another recommendation!
I read Horby’s book, and I remember enjoying it as well. The other books looks good as well, looking forward to your reviews.
I can’t believe I still haven’t read anything of Hornby’s work! You are reminding me that I really need to read him before year’s end.
great books! happy reading 🙂
i’ve been meaning to read Nick Hornby for some time now.
Hey Everyone – Yes, if you haven’t read the Hornby book, you must! I promise you, you’ll be laughing or nodding your head going as you relate to the book madness 🙂
Love Nick Hornby! I read a couple of Jill McCorkle’s books years ago and really enjoyed them. However, without flipping through the first few pages, I can’t remember which titles I’ve read! The cozy mystery appeals to me right now.