It’s been a while since I’ve told you what’s on my nightstand but then again I just feel like my bookmarks are not moving much these days.
First let’s start with a really good book that unfortunately I have found hard to focus on. The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree by Shokoofeh Azar. I love the more dream-like almost magical realism aspects of this book but again it’s one that I found a bit difficult because it does take place during the 1979 Islamic Revolution so some parts have been sad and hard to read. I’m not giving up on this book but have put it to the side for a bit.
Next on my rotation is Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman. This is a thriller about a man found on the beach who doesn’t remember anything and the doctor who is going to treat him. Does he really not remember anything? But why did he call her by a name she no longer uses? Seems like he’s hiding things but so is the doctor. Good thriller so far and I’m close to the end but honestly can’t figure out how this will be resolved.
A book I started this week was The Painted Bridge by Wendy Wallace. For those of you who enjoy Victorian settings, this is a good one so far. Anna has been sent to an asylum by her husband because she did something that made him look bad to the congregation he leads. Anna needs to find a way to get out and pins her hopes on Dr. St. Clair and a new treatment.
Finally, Devotions by Mary Oliver. I love her poetry and can’t believe I don’t have any of her books. I got this as an ebook deal but honestly, I need to get a physical copy so I can easily revisit it time and again.
So those are the books on my nightstand. What are you reading this weekend? Hope you have a good one and more book talk soon!
I’m also finding it difficult to concentrate on reading recently. And that’s a shame, because I’ve started Artificial Condition by Martha Wells and I’m in love with this series.
I think The Painted Bridge sounds good. Will have to watch for it. And I’ve been meaning to pick up Mr. Nobody. I suspect most of our reading lives have not been at all like they used to be. One day mine will go back to ‘normal’ – maybe. Ha! Hope you have a good weekend, Iliana. I did make an appointment with my hairdresser for late this month – after a couple of weeks has passed. She works in one of those places where each stylist has her own room and equipment, shampoo bowl, etc. We’ll see how things go and I can always postpone if I feel iffy about going. She said some of her clients (she was contacting people to tell them how she would do things) asked if she could come to their houses or if they could come to her house. Ha! She told them ‘no!’. I’m wondering how long the Austin libraries will remain closed. Cedar Park is opening partially and very cautiously on the 18th with lots of rules and changes in the way they do things. Georgetown is already open, but has done the same with rules, etc.
Mr. Nobody is one I really want to read. Hope the ending doesn’t disappoint! 🙂
Mr. Nobody intrigues me and The Painted Bridge sounds interesting, too!
It’s hard when you are enjoying a book and just can’t seem to feel in the mood to read, isn’t it? The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree sounds like one of those books. Mr. Nobody and The Painted Bridge both sound good. I loved Dog Songs by Mary Oliver and really need to try her other work. I hope you enjoy all of these! Have a good week, Iliana. Stay safe and well.
Mr. Nobody & The Painted Bridge sound really good! I hope you enjoy all 4 books!
Mr Nobody sounds intriguing to me! I’ll be curious of your thoughts, Iliana. Happy reading!
Dorie Craig – I feel like I’m finally getting back into my novels but it has been hard hasn’t it. I have not read any Martha Wells but I just saw her mentioned on a book tubers channel. Must investigate!
Kay – I would feel better going to a hairstylist that had her own little room. My hair is so long but I’m still waiting. Needless to say it’s been in a ponytail most days. I do wonder about the Austin libraries but I haven’t heard anything about them re-opening. This is all so new to everyone. Hope you had a great weekend!
Lark – The ending was a bit iffy but still a good, entertaining read. Must do a recap soon!
Jen Mullen – I’m really enjoying the Painted Bridge but I don’t know if it’s just because it’s been so long since I’ve read that setting. Maybe I needed a change of pace from my typical thrillers!
Literary Feline – I feel so bad about the Greengage Tree because I know it’s gotten some wonderful reviews but it’s sad and I’m like oh, no give me feel good stories right now! I love Mary Oliver and realize I do have one of her books but it is a collection of Essays. Need more of her poetry books!
Vicki – Thank you… So far they are all really good.
Melody – I think you would enjoy it. It’s got some interesting background too on mental illnesses so a bit different from other psychological thrillers.
I (nearly) always have a reading schedule because I have a lot of reading to do for essays and reviews and easily fall behind if I don’t pay attention to it (nearly) every day. But since mid-March, my reading schedule has been essential. Actually, my to-do list has become even more essential, just in general. And now it contains some really strange things, which are more about making sure I keep habits that used to fall by the wayside but which are, now, a source of essential pleasure and stress-relief (e.g. watching particular shows or movies, journalling, crafting, different yoga practices other than the usual). Turns out these are probably healthier to-do lists than my usual sort, but I’m sure many would cast a shady glance at them. Hee hee. Now I think I’ll add “Read some Mary Oliver” to next week’s list. 🙂