Happy Friday everyone! Hope you are all ready for the weekend. I’m sitting here with a cup of coffee and doing a bit of catching up with GoodReads and doing some serious catch up on my World Literature Today magazine reading. I’m behind by three issues. How did that happen? Of course the one downside of catching up on all those issues is that my reading list is going to get a bit longer.
Aside from that I’m wondering what to do about book group next week. We are reading The Preacher’s First Murder by K.P. Gresham but I tried starting it last night and couldn’t get into it. The mystery is set in rural Texas and I think that’s the problem. I typically don’t read a lot of books set in Texas because I already live here. I want to “see” other places through my reading. And, now that I’ve been catching up with the WLT magazine, my wish is to read about faraway lands and other voices. Does that make sense?
If I don’t read the book I will probably still go to the discussion and maybe I’ll find out I’m missing out on a good read.
Anyway what are your plans for the weekend? I’ve been doing a bit of crafting this week so I’ll do an update on some of my recent projects. I think a visit to some thrift stores might be in order this weekend and other than that, more reading. Hope you have a great weekend and more book talk soon!
Two authors that I’ve enjoyed who use the Texas setting are Julia Heaberlin and Attica Locke; I don’t read them for the setting, though –as important as it is for both authors. Texas is right next door and sometimes it is fun to recognize areas so close to where I live in Louisiana. Novels set in my own state, don’t usually attract me for location–well, sometimes New Orleans will grab my interest.
I do love reading about settings that are more distant, with different languages and cultures. It makes me curious about differences and interested in similarities. 🙂
I say go anyway even if you didn’t read the book. I always encourage our group members to come regardless of whether the book ‘spoke’ to them or not. And we usually have lively discussions. Hey, have you read BEFORE THE FALL by Noah Hawley? I’m leading a discussion at the Spicewood Library on Tuesday afternoon at 1:30. You are more than welcome to come – whether you’ve read the book or not. This is not my regular group, but it’s one I led when I worked at that branch. I often offer to moderate if they are reading a mystery. This book won the Edgar last year and so I’m going to talk about mystery awards as well.
Jenclair – Oh I really want to read the Attica Locke book. I keep hearing it’s really good. I realize I don’t really read a lot of Southern lit and although there are some great stories it’s just I’m probably always trying to imagine life somewhere else. Ha.
Kay – I probably will go. I love my group so I’d hate to miss out. I have not read Before The Fall but would love to meet you! If I don’t have anything else pop up on Tuesday then I’ll be there. As I’m on the job hunt right now my schedule can be a bit wonky as I’m trying to be open for any potential calls/meetings but hopefully I’ll see you then!
It will be cold in Atlantd this weekend, so I stay in.
I usually don’t read novels set in the US because I already “know” the country.
I’ll try to craft also. And go to lunch. I owe a friend a Birthday Lunch; we didn’t go on her birthday because of an ice storm.
I’m behind with my World Literature Today as well. Your Friday sounds lovely though. I had some time to myself for the first time in over four weeks, which was nice. I spent most of it catching up on blog maintenance. I’m still behind, but closer to being caught up. I’m sorry to hear your book club’s pick isn’t working out for you.
I hope you have a great weekend! We have a birthday party to go to this weekend. Mouse is excited–her first invite to a classmate’s party. We need to stop by the store today and pick up a gift . . .
I can definitely understand not wanting to read a book where you already are. I am not familiar with World Literature Today but I’m intrigued. Anything that adds to your reading list is a good thing in my book 🙂 🙂 I’m hoping to get lots of reading time in this long weekend!
The Preacher’s First Murder sounds good. I like reading books that are set in places I know or the State I live in, it feels more nostalgic to me. Enjoy your weekend and your crafting!
Isabel – Did you get a chance to do some crafting? What did you do? Hope you had fun with your friend. Stay warm. It’s really cold here today. Brr..
Literary Feline – I hope Mouse had a great time at the birthday party. I’m totally taking advantage of catching up in my Studio and book stuff given that I’m still not working.
Samantha – It’s a neat magazine and although I subscribe I know I’ve seen it at B&N so maybe you can check it out there one day. But you are right, it is a good thing to keep adding books to the list 🙂
Bookworm – Too true, I can see how that would feel nostalgic. Due to the weather our book group was cancelled for today so I get a bit more time to see if I can dig into the story. Hope you’ve been busy crafting too!