It was wonderful to have a week off last week and spend a bit more time with books. I started several books and wanted to mention a bit them.
The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis. In this dual narrative, I’m immerse between the walls of the Barbizon Hotel for Women, past and present. This is the story of Rose Lewin, a journalist who decides to write about the women who lived in this famous hotel for women in the 1950s. I’ve read The Address by this author, which was also a dual timeline novel, and really enjoyed it. I think she does a good job of writing both the past and present and so I’m equally invested in both stories. I am about half way through this one.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. In the spring of 2020, As Lara and her three daughters are gathered at the family orchard during Spring 2020, Lara shares the story of her romance with a famous theater actor. Despite this being set at the start of COVID-19, I’m so glad the focus is not about the pandemic but about the parents’ love, the family relationships and the story of the orchard. Such a great story and will more than likely finish this one soon.
Dearly by Margaret Atwood. I picked this collection up in April for National Poetry Month so it’s taken me a while to get through but I usually take my time with poetry collections so I’m not complaining. I’ve read a lot of Atwood but not her poetry so this has been really interesting and this collection offers a wide range of topics.
Finally a new book I’m starting tonight is Death in the Holler by John. G. Bluck. This is a small town mystery about a game warden who is about to lose his job and has a chance at redemption solving a murder mystery. This is not a typical mystery I would choose but it’s for my Mystery Book group discussion this month so let’s see how it goes.
Let me know if you’ve read any of these. What about you, what good book(s) are you reading this week?
Good to hear that you had a nice reading week, Iliana. I’ve not read any of the books you mentioned, but I hope you enjoy the ‘Holler’ book and have a good discussion. We had a really good Mystery Book Group meeting on Tuesday evening. We read ‘Mystery Award Winning or Nominated’ books for 2023-24 and lots of different books were tried and shared about. Think we all came away with some great suggestions. Try to stay cool and hope you have a good weekend!
I am glad you enjoyed your time off, Iliana. I took a few days off last week too. It was so nice not to have to worry about work–and I tried not to. Tom Lake is a favorite among many of the bloggers I follow who read it and I am glad you are enjoying it too. I haven’t read much by Patchett, but what I did read, I really enjoyed. I like her writing style. I’m curious about Dearly. I didn’t know Atwood wrote poetry. I will have to check that one out. I hope you continue to enjoy your reads, Iliana! Have a great weekend.
I haven’t read any poetry recently and it’s something I hope to get to more often. Tom Lake sounds like a good book for summer.
All of these sound good, and though I was recently considering Tom Lake as my next Patchett. Hope your summer offers more good reading!
I’ve only read one of your selections (Tom Lake), which I enjoyed very well. I would love to reread it sometime in the future, but switching to the audio production with Meryl Streep’s narration. I hear that’s an excellent audiobook.
Have a great weekend, Iliana!
I’ve read several books for Fiona Davis, and I’ve enjoyed them all. I thought Tom Lake was well done, a well-paced book centering on the pandemic and the past. I had a copy of Atwood’s poetry book, but I think I shared it with someone.
Kay – I just started the Holler book this morning. I think it does feel a bit like a first book but keeping an open mind. Are you looking at Edgar winners? We nominate books every few months and I do like to look to Edgar lists for ideas.
Literary Feline – Hope you had a great week off as well. I didn’t realize she had poetry collections either! So far I really like this one but I’m taking it slowly. I do enjoy Ann Pattchett a lot and this book is wonderful!
Harvee – I’ve been trying to be more intentional about reading more poetry and it’s been great to discover more poems/poets I enjoy. So far Tom Lake is great!
Jen Mullen – I haven’t picked up one of my 10 books for summer yet but so far these book are really good!
Lesley – I remember you talking about this one. I forgot Meryl Streep does the audio narration. Oh I bet that is good! I’ll have to see if I can find it at my library. Enjoy your weekend!
Deb Nance at Readerbuzz – This is only my second book but I can already tell it won’t be my last! Tom Lake is like the perfect summer read isn’t it? Really enjoying it!
I just finished reading The Other Mothers…I loved the first part, felt it bogged down a little in the middle, and I got frustrated with the main character more than once…so it turned out to be just a 3-star read for me. Here’s hoping my next summer thriller is better. 😀