historical fiction – Xine's Pack

Beyond A Farewell to Arms: 6 Facets of Hemingway’s Women in a Subtle Narrative

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Welcome to the Lit Lounge! Thank you for joining me in this cozy literary hub, where we’ll be exploring the fascinating world of books. Today, I’m thrilled to delve into the classic novel A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway. Published in 1929, this timeless story has touched the hearts of readers for decades.

I must confess that I hadn’t read this classic until now, so I’m excited to embark on this journey with you and discover why this book continues to captivate readers of all ages. A Farewell to Arms by paints a complicated picture of love and loss amidst the turbulent landscape of World War I. Inspired by Hemingway’s own experiences as an ambulance driver during the war, this novel weaves together the human cost of conflict with raw emotions.

Since its release, this book has garnered both applause and critique. In fact, his friend F. Scott Fitzgerald critiqued the typescript and praised the book as “beautiful.” However, he expressed concern about the portrayal of the character Catherine Barkley. He felt she was the weak link in the story.

Hemingway responded by writing “Kiss my ass” in his copy of Fitzgerald’s critique. That was Hemingway for you. What I found particularly interesting was the way in which he portrayed women in the story. So let’s explore A Farewell to Arms, a captivating novel that takes us to a different era where women were still fighting for equality and recognition of their abilities. Get ready to delve into the beauty and complexity of Hemingway’s characters!

Complex Catherine

Sometimes, Catherine Barkley was enough to make my hair stand on end. I was so frustrated at times I wanted to grab those luscious locks that Hemingway couldn’t get enough of and give them a good yank! But who could deny the allure of Catherine’s hair? As Hemingway himself aptly described, “She had wonderfully beautiful hair and I would lie sometimes and watch her twisting it up in the light that came in the open door and it shone even in the night as water shines sometimes just before it is really daylight.” Ah, the power of enchanting strands of hair!

Now, don’t get me wrong, Catherine was a nurse’s aide during the war, so she had some guts. But dang, she seemed so dependent and submissive in her personal life. It’s like she needed a man to cling to for stability rather than real love. And the way she called Frederic “darling” all the time? Ugh, it just felt so outdated and irritating. But I have to cut her some slack and remember that her behavior was shaped by the norms of that time. Back then, women weren’t exactly encouraged to be independent and assertive. So, her clinginess and flowery language may have seemed over the top to us, but it was kind of the norm back then. And let’s not forget her past engagement and the loss of her fiancé. Maybe her feelings for Frederic were genuine, but maybe they were also driven by wartime desperation. It’s hard to say for sure. I can see why Fitzgerald had a problem with her.

Challenging Norms

Hemingway’s writing style is renowned for its exceptional ability to convey complex ideas through understatement. In this context, Hemingway masterfully demonstrates how women fearlessly challenge societal norms through his nuanced portrayal of the character Catherine. Instead of forcefully highlighting her unconventional actions, Hemingway tactfully allows Catherine to defy and surpass these expectations, leaving readers in awe of her spirited rebellion. By portraying Catherine as a nurse’s aide during a time of war, Hemingway boldly showcases her courage, strength, and unwavering determination to break free from traditional gender roles. This deliberate choice emphasizes Catherine’s resilience and her significant role in shattering gender stereotypes with confident flair.

I’m not brave any more darling. I’m all broken. They’ve broken me.
Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell To Arms

Furthermore, Catherine’s submissive demeanor seems kind of contradictory to her professional strength, which hints at the complexity of women’s roles during that era. Hemingway wanted readers to question the societal expectations placed on women and to uncover the intricacies and limitations they faced.

One of the most fascinating examples of Hemingway’s subtle approach is Catherine’s expression of desire when she tells Frederic, “I didn’t want to marry him. I don’t know what I wanted. I wanted to go away with him, and I wanted him to stay alive. That was a really big thing to want.” Here Catherine is referring to her dead fiancé, who was killed in the war, expressing her regret that she never got the chance to be with him the way she wanted to. She wanted to travel with him and experience new things, but he was taken from her too soon. Her expression of desire is a reminder of the power of love and the loss that comes with death. She loved her fiancé deeply, and she will never forget him. Even though he is gone, she still wants to be with him in spirit. Hemingway’s subtle approach allows Catherine to express her desire in a way that is both honest and understated. She does not need to say anything explicitly. Her words speak for themselves.

Hemingway masterfully showcases Catherine’s character, highlighting her remarkable actions that challenge societal expectations. His subtle storytelling allows us to ponder the complexities of gender norms at that time and appreciate the courage of women navigating through wartime struggles.

Emotional Undercurrents

In Hemingway’s story, he shows us how Catherine, the main character, deals with her feelings during World War I. It’s a journey of finding comfort, forming real connections with others, and showing vulnerability. We see that Catherine’s choices and actions are affected by the war’s emotional impact. Hemingway’s story helps us understand the complicated emotions and pressures that women like Catherine faced during that time.

Beyond Catherine – Rinaldi’s Affectionate Yet Superficial Treatment of Women

In Hemingway’s novel, there’s a character called Rinaldi, a smooth-talking Italian surgeon. And his views on women are pretty awful. Rinaldi seems to think that he can impress women with his money and charm alone. He says, “I must make on Miss Barkley the impression of a man of sufficient wealth.” It’s like he sees women as objects to be won over, and it’s not cool at all.

What’s interesting is how Hemingway portrays this character. He does it so well that you actually feel frustrated with Rinaldi’s attitude. Hemingway’s writing style is admirable, no doubt. But when it comes to Rinaldi and his thoughts on women, it’s just exasperating. Rinaldi goes on to generalize, saying, “Women are like that. You never know what they’re going to do.” It’s a narrow-minded and sexist perspective, plain and simple. But it’s important to remember that the novel is set in a time when women had limited rights and faced societal expectations. But that doesn’t excuse Rinaldi’s behavior and outlook. Hemingway offers a complex character in Rinaldi, but we can still admire the writing while being critical of his views on women.

Unsung Heroes: The Stoic Nurses

The nurses in the novel embody unwavering dedication, resilience, and strength. Hemingway’s subtle descriptions and masterful storytelling brilliantly illustrate their extraordinary role during wartime. As the ambulances rolled in every day, the nurses worked tirelessly, providing critical medical care to the wounded and displaying remarkable courage. “The nurses worked just behind the front. The road was shelled sometimes, and the ambulances came in every day.” Their unwavering commitment to their duty was evident as they braved dangerous conditions, working relentlessly close to the front lines, even amid shelling and gunfire. Their selflessness and willingness to risk their own lives to save others is nothing short of heroic.

Despite their exhaustion from long hours, the nurses remained compassionate and kind-hearted. “The nurses were very tired. They worked all day and were always in a hurry. But they were very nice and they always smiled.” Their genuine smiles and gentle demeanor provided solace and comfort to the wounded soldiers amidst the chaos of war. Hemingway’s portrayal of the nurses highlights their often overlooked contribution to the war effort. Although their inner thoughts and feelings are not explicitly explored, their actions speak volumes. Their stoic and professional demeanor, coupled with their unwavering dedication, make them indispensable characters that personify the resilience and strength of women during wartime.

In A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway not only pays tribute to the unsung heroism of these remarkable women but also sheds light on their crucial role in supporting the soldiers. The nurses’ presence, bravery, and unwavering commitment counter the male characters’ experiences, emphasizing the significance of women’s contributions during times of conflict. Something he undoubtedly learned firsthand during his time as an ambulance driver in the war. Hemingway’s portrayal of the nurses highlights their admirable courage, unwavering dedication, and compassion in the face of adversity. Their representation serves as a powerful tribute to the countless real-life women who played a vital role in supporting the soldiers and embodying the indomitable spirit of humanity.

Resilient Female Characters: The Loss of Innocence and Youth

In the midst of the story, a riveting scene unfolds where our narrator, Frederic, finds himself retreating alongside a select few of his fellow soldiers: Bonello, Aymon, and Piani. As the chaos of war engulfs them, Hemingway skillfully introduces us to two captivating characters during the retreat. “A retreat is no place for two virgins. Real virgins. Probably very religious.” These young sisters serve as powerful symbols of innocence and purity, casting a powerful light on the devastating toll that war takes on individuals and their cherished ideals. By seamlessly incorporating their presence into the narrative, Hemingway deftly creates a profound exploration of the loss of innocence amidst the brutal realities of conflict. The portrayal of the sisters not only adds depth and texture to the novel’s atmospheric landscape but also prompts us to reflect upon the immense challenges faced by those who find themselves on the fringes of war. Furthermore, in a poignant moment, Bonello’s seemingly harmless gesture of repeatedly placing his hand on one of the girls’ thighs serves as a painful reminder of the objectification and disrespect that women often endured in vulnerable circumstances. This striking detail further exposes the intricate dynamics and difficulties that women confronted during those tumultuous times.

When you love you wish to do things for. You wish to sacrifice for. You wish to serve.
Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell To Arms

A Farewell to Arms is a powerful book that shows the true cost of war and how it affects people. It’s also a tragic love story. The characters, Catherine and Frederic, try to find happiness in a world torn apart by war, reminding us that love is important, especially during hard times. The book is still relevant today, as we see conflicts worldwide causing suffering and displacement. It’s a timeless classic that helps us understand our complicated world. I highly recommend reading it if you haven’t already. Here is the link to the Kindle version of A Farewell To Arms for your convenience.

As our journey through Hemingway’s magnificent A Farewell to Arms comes to an end, let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of his writing style. With every stroke of his pen, Hemingway effortlessly transports us to a world of heart-wrenching emotion, profound introspection, and breathtaking beauty. It’s truly a literary experience like no other!

Hemingway’s nuanced portrayal of women in A Farewell to Arms reflects a complex duality that captures both admiration and the societal norms of his era. His depiction of the courageous nurses on the war’s front lines reveals an admiration for their unwavering commitment and resilience in the face of adversity. These women, serving as unsung heroes, shine brightly amidst the chaos, reminding us of their vital role during turbulent times. However, Hemingway’s personal struggles and relationships with women, evident in his own life, often mirror the prevailing attitudes of his time. It’s this delicate balance that makes his writing truly remarkable – a subtle dance between admiration for women’s strength and the sobering reality of societal norms that influenced his interactions. Hemingway’s ability to reflect these layers of complexity in his characters, while maintaining a respectful yet honest portrayal, is a testament to his mastery of the written word, inviting readers to appreciate the intricate interplay of women’s roles during that era.

So, my dear readers, let’s raise our glasses to Hemingway’s genius and the eternal magic of literature! Let the pages of this landmark novel inspire us to seek out new adventures, delve into the depths of our emotions, and embrace life’s most unforgettable moments. Cheers to the power of storytelling!

The Lit Lounge: A Reflective Review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Last week, Netflix announced their plans to adapt Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2017 hit novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, for the small screen. The news of the upcoming film adaptation has generated tremendous excitement among fans. As a devoted follower of Reid’s previous works, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to revisit the book that garnered such widespread attention. With anticipation and curiosity, I plunged into the pages, eager to immerse myself in the captivating world of Evelyn Hugo. There’s always a lot of fanfare and hype surrounding a new release from TJR, so I was keen to see if this popular historical fiction book would live up to its growing reputation.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As a fan of Reid’s other works, I had high expectations for The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. The book’s premise is undeniably intriguing and captivating as it revolves around the enigmatic and iconic Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo and her scandalous life with seven husbands. The allure of exploring the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood, combined with Evelyn’s mysterious persona, kept me engaged and curious to uncover her secrets.

Evelyn Hugo herself is a fascinating character. Her complexity and multifaceted nature add depth to the story, and I found myself deeply invested in her journey. The exploration of her relationships, sacrifices, and the lengths she went to protect her career were undoubtedly the highlights of the book. Evelyn’s narrative was a strong driving force, capturing my attention and imagination.

However, my enjoyment of the book was slightly hampered by my feelings towards the character Monique. From the beginning, I found her lacking in depth and complexity. While the intention might have been to contrast her ordinary life with Evelyn’s extraordinary one, it fell flat for me. Monique’s interactions with other characters often felt forced, and I struggled to connect with her on a deeper level. This lack of depth also extended to other supporting characters, leaving me craving more nuanced portrayals.

Furthermore, while the premise held promise, the execution of the plot fell short of my expectations. Certain twists and turns seemed predictable, and I yearned for more intricacy and surprises along the way. The story’s pacing was generally steady, although some parts felt slow, hindering the overall momentum. Exploring themes such as love, ambition, sacrifice, and identity could have been more profound and emotionally resonant.

It’s worth noting that I experienced The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo through the audiobook version narrated by Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, and Robin Miles. The audiobook offered a captivating listening experience, bringing the characters to life with their performances. The narrators did justice to the story, enhancing the overall enjoyment and immersion.

While The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo didn’t fully meet my expectations, it is still a book worth considering, especially if you’re captivated by the allure of old Hollywood and drawn to complex, flawed characters like Evelyn Hugo. The audiobook offers an engaging listening experience. While it may not be the most amazing book in Reid’s repertoire, it held my interest for the most part, even if it didn’t leave a lasting impact.

As the anticipation for the Netflix film adaptation grows, it’s important to approach the book with an open mind, appreciating the nuanced portrayal of Evelyn Hugo’s character and the glimpses into the glamorous yet often tumultuous world of fame. As Evelyn said, “Don’t ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box. Don’t do that.” I eagerly look forward to seeing how this captivating story translates to the screen. With Leslye Headland directing, Liz Tigelaar writing the script, and the talented team of 3Dot Productions’ Liza Chasin and Circle of Confusion’s Brad Mendelsohn producing, the film adaptation holds great potential. Many fans have been vocal about their wishes to see Jessica Chastain portraying Celia St. James. With Taylor Jenkins Reid and Margaret Chernin serving as executive producers, I have high hopes for the film’s outcome. Let us embrace the complexities of this story and eagerly anticipate the cinematic adaptation.

That wraps up our time in the Lit Lounge for now. I want to express my gratitude to all the readers who have joined us here at the Lit Lounge. Whether you have read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or are intrigued by the upcoming film adaptation, I appreciate your time and engagement. If you have read the book, I encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Let’s continue the conversation and celebrate the power of literature to captivate and inspire. Thank you for being a part of our community, and I invite you to join us again for more book reviews, recommendations, and discussions. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me.” Let us continue to embrace the transformative magic of reading and its ability to shape our lives.

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The Lit Lounge: A Resplendent Journey with Cleopatra in “The Memoirs of Cleopatra”

Welcome to the Lit Lounge, a literary haven where books come alive and reviews ignite the imagination. Today, our spotlight shines on a mesmerizing masterpiece, The Memoirs of Cleopatra, a book that transported me to ancient lands and immersed me in a narrative brimming with passion, intrigue, and the indomitable spirit of a legendary queen. Let’s dive into the rich tapestry of Cleopatra’s memoirs and uncover the treasures hidden within its pages.

When I decided to listen to The Memoirs of Cleopatra, it was primarily driven by my desire to fulfill various reading challenges that I actively participate in. This exceptional selection satisfied multiple criteria for the PopSugar 2023 Reading Challenge and exceeded my expectations in several ways. Firstly, it checked the box for a book centered around a forbidden romance, as Cleopatra’s entangled relationships with both Caesar and Antony captivated me throughout. Furthermore, it fulfilled the requirement of featuring the main character’s name in the title, providing a fascinating glimpse into the life of the iconic queen herself. I love historical fiction, and this book effortlessly met that category as well, immersing me in the vividly reconstructed world of Ancient Egypt and Rome. Although it didn’t claim the title of the longest book on my TBR list, even at an impressive duration of 49 hours and 51 minutes, it found its place as the fourth longest. Given my longstanding fascination with Cleopatra’s story, the opportunity to be transported to her world, even for a fraction of time, was an absolute treat.

However, it wasn’t just the reading challenges that prompted me to delve into The Memoirs of Cleopatra. The recent buzz surrounding Cleopatra’s name in the news, notably the Netflix documentary series, African Queens, caught my attention. The controversies surrounding the portrayal of Cleopatra by a black actress and the ensuing debates among historians, Egyptian and Greek officials added an intriguing layer of relevance to my exploration of Cleopatra’s story. Despite the differing opinions and arguments, I decided to indulge in this literary route to experience Cleopatra’s world firsthand.

The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this audiobook. The thickness of the book would have scared me, but The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George is an extraordinary masterpiece that truly deserves a 5-star rating. I listened to this epic historical novel, brought to life by the incredible narration of Donada Peters in the audiobook version. It offers a captivating and immersive experience spanning an impressive 49 hours and 51 minutes which I realize would scare off many – but it shouldn’t. Don’t let it. It’s so worth it.
From the very beginning, I was transported back in time to the enchanting world of Ancient Egypt and Rome. George’s meticulous research and exceptional storytelling skills shine through as she skillfully weaves together the tale of Cleopatra from the perspective of the remarkable queen herself. It’s refreshing to see history unfold through Cleopatra’s eyes, offering a unique and original viewpoint that sets this book apart. One of the aspects that truly impressed me was how George delved into Cleopatra’s innermost thoughts and emotions, bringing her to life as a complex and multi-dimensional character. By giving Cleopatra agency over her own story, the author enables readers to see beyond the biased accounts of the victors and truly understand her motivations, struggles, and triumphs.
Despite the book’s considerable length, I never found myself bored or disengaged. George’s skillful prose, thorough research, and meticulous attention to detail enthralled me from start to finish. Through vivid descriptions and rich historical context, she effortlessly transports readers to a bygone era, where political intrigue, love affairs, and grandeur abound.
The audiobook version of The Memoirs of Cleopatra, narrated by Donada Peters, is an absolute treat for the senses. Peters’ exceptional performance brings each character to life with distinct voices and accents, enhancing the immersive experience. Her ability to convey Cleopatra’s emotions, vulnerabilities, and strength further adds to the overall enjoyment of the story.
As I listened to the audiobook, I couldn’t help but marvel at the attention to detail in both George’s writing and Peters’ narration. Their combined efforts made the journey through this remarkable tale even more enthralling and memorable.
The Memoirs of Cleopatra is a remarkable historical novel that breathes new life into one of the world’s most renowned stories. Margaret George’s storytelling prowess, coupled with Donada Peters’ exceptional narration, creates an unforgettable experience for readers and listeners alike. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a riveting, thought-provoking, and immersive journey to Ancient Egypt and Rome.

My journey through The Memoirs of Cleopatra has been an unforgettable experience, and I am so happy that I committed to listening to this incredible epic tale. I am a new fan of Margaret George’s meticulously researched writing and look forward reading more of her books and delving into the lives of Henry VIII, Mary Queen of Scots, and Helen of Troy eventually. As I bid farewell to Cleopatra and her enthralling adventures, I thank you for joining me in the Lit Lounge, the place where I come to explore and discuss books. I hope you will return for future adventures and literary treasures, but until then, let the pages turn and the stories unfold, for the world of literature is an endless source of wonder and enlightenment.

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February Reads & Listens

It’s been a rough month – it only being the second month since my father’s death; he was our sole surviving parent. My mother passed away less than two years ago. Everything is still hard to give my complete focus and attention. Grief smacked me upside the head as I stared down at a knife the other day while unloading the dishwasher. Tears sprung from my eyes as my mind taking me to my parent’s kitchen and their utensils and knives. My parents ~~have~~ had the same knife that caused this floodgate to open –if no one in the family takes it, the knife will be donated along with the rest of the cutlery and everyday plates. No wait, I grabbed the dishes. My feet sink into what feels like sand, hoping to find firm ground.

One of the rocks I’ve been able to cling to during these stormy times has been my books. My pace has slowed, along with everything else. I surprised myself as I completed reading six books, also reading a few short stories as I continue working through The Art of the Short Story. I am reviewing the individual stories but will do so in a separate post. Writing is more difficult these days.

I followed many different themes this month, helping to guide me in making my literary selections. Sometimes I find that to be one of the greatest challenges – what do read next. February celebrated Black History, and I looked to my TBR List to see what fit the bill. Octavia Butler’s Kindred had been sitting on the list for too long, and I was excited by the time-traveling aspect of the story. I love a good time-traveling tale.

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love historical fiction, and I love time travel stories. So, I was excited to read Octavia Butler’s Kindred finally. The story focuses on two interracial relationships, with the protagonist, Dana, at the center of both. When the story begins its 1976, Dana, a 26-year-old African American writer, is living in Los Angeles with her white male husband, Kevin, who is 12 years her senior. Although Dana is thrust back to antebellum Maryland in 1815, quite a shock for a 20th-century woman. The story follows the developing relationship of Dana with her ancestor, Rufus, the son of a plantation and slave owner, Tom Waylan. Kindred explores ancestry, slavery, and interracial relationships and is a riveting story about family, gender, and power. Butler is a fantastic storyteller who creates interesting characters and relationships. Initially published in 1979, it has withstood the test of time to have been made into a TV mini-series in 2022. I haven’t seen the mini-series, but hopefully, it will prompt others to read the original book themselves. My criticism about the book is that the time travel aspect wasn’t consistent, and the mechanism/portal was unclear to me; other than that, I highly recommend it. I listened to the Audiobook narrated by Kim Staunton, who successfully brings the various characters to life. 10 hours 55 minutes.

Recently I have been intrigued by reading graphic novels. There was something appealing to me about looking at pictures that told a story. Perhaps it was the inner child in me trying to reach back for the comfort of my picture books. It’s a genre I have only just begun to dip my toes into its deep waters. Robin Ho’s Almost American Girl and Isabel Greenberg’s The Encyclopedia Of Early Earth were a promising way to wade in.

Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir by Robin Ha

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moving is one of the most stressful things people do in life. We’ve all experienced it at one point or another, and if you haven’t – at some point, you will. But most people don’t move to a new country, and for those who do, the experience is even more scary and filled with barriers such as the language. Almost American Girl is a touching YA graphic novel about a middle-school-aged girl being uprooted by her mother from her home in Korea to live in America. Robin Ha’s honest and poignant portrait of her relationship with her mother is powerful and relatable on many levels. I loved Ha’s illustrative style, and the format was an inviting framework for her memoir. This story is pertinent in many ways to more than just the young adult reader. 4.5 Stars rounded to 5 for the Goodreads star system.

The Encyclopedia of Early Earth by Isabel Greenberg

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Encyclopedia of Early Earth is a graphic novel with interesting and imaginative woodcut-style illustrations by Isabell Greenberg. The nested story style is one that Greenberg is comfortable with, and I have seen her use it in other graphic novels. The story follows the journey of a boy from his home at the North Pole to the South Pole, where he finds true love. The stories are all retellings of well-known biblical and mythological tales, and after a while, I started to get a bit bored. The last two stories seemed out of sequence with the rest of the book, although it is an “encyclopedia,” which isn’t necessarily sequential. This was the second book I have read of Isabelle Greenberg’s, although this was her debut novel. There were many similarities between the two books, and what I found unique and exciting the first time wasn’t as much so the second time around.

One of my reading goals is to read my way through the collection of various favorite authors I have. My parents were both huge fans of Agatha Christie and they were the ones who introduced me to her murder mysteries when I was a teenager. This month I chose to focus on Christie; I was excited to return to the beginning with her debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sisters can challenge us like no other, and we tend to rise to the occasion when they do. Madge Christie dared her sister, Agatha, to write a mystery that the reader couldn’t figure out the murderer – thankfully, Agatha was up for the challenge. As a result, she wrote what would be her debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, which also featured the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Poison was her first weapon of choice; Christie had an extensive understanding of medicines and poisons from her volunteer work in the dispensary in the Torquay hospital during World War I.

I enjoyed reading this mystery – silly me thought I was clever enough to figure out the murderer since I have read several of her books. That is the beauty and the genius of her mysteries that make them so enjoyable. The Mysterious Affair at Styles proved to be an excellent stepping stone.

Finally, I read two more books – one on my Kindle – The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential. I have followed Wim Hof on Instagram for several years and wanted to start incorporating cold therapy into my life more than I have with deep breathing and meditation. The Life Fantastic: Myth, History, Pop and Folklore in the Making of Western Culture was a book selected by the Literati Joseph Campbell Myth & Meaning Book Club, and I was excited to sit down with this finally.

The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential by Wim Hof

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Must Read-

I have followed Wim Hof for many years now on social media, so it was a real treat to read the Wim Hof Method. It’s filled with valuable information to help teach the many techniques which Wim Hof uses. Backed by science,Wim includes the results of many of the experiments done on him – strengthening his case for why his method works. Highly recommend to all.

The Life Fantastic: Myth, History, Pop and Folklore in the Making of Western Culture by Noa Menhaim

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My To Be Read List grew exponentially while reading The Life Fantastic: Myth, History, Pop, and Folklore in the Making of Western Culture by Noa Menhaim. I love reading books like this, and although the format at first took me some time to get used to, in the end, I found the pop-up bubbles to be valuable prompts. I needed a magnifying glass near me since my eyes aren’t great. This book is all about connecting the dots in understanding where modern culture was influenced.

At the close of the month, I have completed 22% of my Goodreads Challenge with thirteen books finished. I’m currently working on a few more including Alice Walker’s collection of short stories and an interesting mystery called The Plot to name a few. Until next month, enjoy reading.

September Reads & Listens

I am amazed how quickly summer came and went and yet still parts crawled by. As I am still dealing with things which started earlier this summer, I can’t help but think that all the reading and listening I have been doing has helped time to march along. Certainly my book club selections have opened whole new worlds to me for which I am grateful to escape into as do my audiobook selections. September was a month filled with some wonderful selections, all very different from the next!

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The influences of H.G. Wells, Agatha Christie, and the writers of Groundhog Day, Harold Ramis and Danny Rubin, can be seen throughout Stuart Turton’s debut novel, The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. The English countryside setting is straight out of a Hercule Poirot mystery. Blackheath is the remote country estate of the wealthy Hardcastle family, who are throwing a party for their daughter, Evelyn, on the anniversary of their son’s murder. Family can be so twisted. The guests that have all been summoned were also present all those years ago, the night of the murder, except one. One guest, the narrator/protagonist, decided to come to Blackheath because he wanted to be there. This complex novel is further complicated by deliberately confusing the protagonist from the beginning.

Are people whom they appear to be? A question for the ages, and it’s presented rather cleverly. There is a large cast of characters to keep straight as we figure out the mystery. This gets tricky since we learn about many of them as the protagonist jumps from body to body, day by day. Each time he jumps, he has no recollection of who he is and what he learned about the murder when he was in the other bodies. So, there is a lot to keep straight.

Can people change given a chance to relive their mistakes? Would they repeat them, ever learn from them? Like the classic 1983 comedy Groundhog Day, Turton has turned this question into a darker story at Blackheath. An essential element of the story which some might find triggering is suicide.
Overall, I liked the book; but being so confused for so long throughout made following along challenging. The audiobook is 17 hours and 4 minutes long and narrated by James Cameron Stewart.

Seeing Ghosts: A Memoir by Kat Chow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect when my August Literati book from Cheryl Stray’s Wild Reads arrived last month. Seeing Ghosts: A Memoir by Kat Chow sounded like a potentially scary memoir. In ways, Chow was haunted by images of her mother’s “taxidermic self,” picturing what her mother would be doing in situations after her death from cancer. They shared a fascination with death – a subject that many find uncomfortable to discuss, but Chow discussed freely with her mother. Like many memoirs, she talks about family, loss, love, and grief, but the book goes far beyond exploring the process of her loss and grief. The mother-daughter initial focus of the story is just part of the larger story.

I was pleasantly surprised to find this book to be an intimate and poignant narrative about three generations of Chow’s Chinese American family and how we are not just affected by death but how we can grow from it. Chow delves into her family’s history through her father’s plight to reunite the remains of his parents. Her extensive research of political and historical events shows how they directly altered the lives of her ancestors and millions of Chinese. She touches upon her struggle with trying to learn Cantonese, the language of her ancestors and mother, and how essential pieces are lost in assimilating with the American culture. She shares the rituals she learned from her mother as a child, not realizing their importance until later in life(like many of us). She uses humor effectively in demonstrating the absurdities life will throw at you in the worst of times. Her story is raw in places, making you feel as if you are reading her diary, as Chow processes her grief as she writes.

A great read and relatable in many ways, which surprised me a bit. I am a second-generation Greek American struggling to learn Greek via an app. I know and have seen how as time ticks by, cultural traditions are lost or fade and how the yearning to be able to speak the language of your grandparents makes you feel closer to them. Even if you never met them. Chow’s memoir Seeing Ghosts pays homage to her ancestors and her culture. At the very core, this book is about family and the relationships within a family, a story that almost everyone can relate to on some level.

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started listening to the Random House Audio version of Carrie Soto is Back on the last day of the 2022 US Open. Serena William, age 40, had played and lost her final match before retiring, and 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz from Spain had just won the men’s singles title. I had forgotten how thrilling it is to witness athletes play at such a high and admirable level of physical skill and mental acuity.

Taylor Jenkins Reid captures the excitement of the rhythm of the game, the highs, the lows, the give and take. She shows how the best players can defeat themselves on the court if they get too much into their own heads. But Carrie Soto is Back goes well beyond being a story about tennis or the mindset of an aging athlete coming out of retirement. It’s a story about commitment, love, grief, and personal growth.

As I stated earlier, I listened to the audiobook, which had a cast of narrators – twelve exactly. Several narrators are the tennis commentators discussing the matches, which helps move the narration along. I couldn’t help but think about the 2004 film Wimbledon with Kirstin Dunst and Paul Bettany – which I loved – and the first part of the book Carrie Soto reminded me of. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a tennis fan for sure, but you don’t have to know or understand tennis to enjoy a great story about a family.

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you enjoy historical fiction, read The Dictionary of Lost Words.
If you enjoy words and are interested in their history, read The Dictionary of Lost Words.
If you enjoy reading stories with good character development, read The Dictionary of Lost Words.
If you enjoy reading stories about family, read The Dictionary of Lost Words.
And if you enjoy reading stories about love, I highly recommend reading The Dictionary of Lost Words.
Pip William wrote a masterpiece. Her thorough research about the times surrounding the period in which the words were compiled and published in the first edition of the Oxford-English Dictionary allowed Williams to create a vivid and accurate historical backdrop for the reader to follow Esme grow up in an ever-changing world. I enjoyed every moment of this book and was delighted with how Williams focused on certain provocative words to make a point about how words can be ‘lost’ depending on who oversees the editing. Narrator Pippa Bennett-Warner does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.

View all my reviews

I am currently 51 books into my goal of 58 books for this reads Goodreads Reading Challenge. Now that I have completed 88% of my goal with still ninety-one days left of 2022, I am excited to have the luxury of some time in case I opt to pick one of the longer books on my TBR list. There are some of the classics which I would like to listen to such as Les Miserables by Victor Hugo or The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. But at 57 hours and 48 minutes and 52 hours, 41 minutes respectively these selections make Dicken’s David Copperfield or Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina at 36 hours, 30 minutes and 35 hours, 35 minutes look more doable. The longest book I have listened to so far is A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara at 32 hours, 51 minutes; so I know I could get through something so long, as long as it’s a good story.

Happy reading and listening everyone!

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

June Reads & Listens

I did a lot of reading in June. I found myself making an effort to walk away from the computer and electronics to find a comfortable corner to curl up with one of my book club books. I managed to finish two of them this month! A form of my mindfulness at work. I listened to a lot of books too. The dogs, chickens and I listening to my books over the outdoor speakers as I weeded and planted the garden. It makes weeding much more enjoyable that’s for certain.

June was a mixed bag of titles ranging from historical fiction, a favorite genre of mine to supernatural mystery, a new genre I have started to explore. I read two really good memoirs. I read some authors that are new to me: Colleen Hoover and Simone St. James and continued to reread an old favorite, Kurt Vonnegut. One day I will have to explore why I am so drawn to his works.

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Hamnet is a story of a multigenerational family and their domestic life in late 16th century England, around the time of the Plague. Grief is a central theme explored. The story revolves around how the individual family members deal with their grief and how that grief affects their relationships within the family.

The narrator, Ell Potter, does a beautiful job with the lyrical prose of Maggie O’Farrell. I was somewhat disappointed in this book. I was expecting more after reading some of the initial reviews, which caused me to put it on my TBR list. I found myself initially very confused; knowing I was reading a fictional account of the marriage of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway; it was hard to recognize them. Anne is only referred to as Agnes, and William is barely mentioned by name. The title character, Hamnet and Hamlet, were interchangeable at that time. This, coupled with the multiple viewpoints which make up the narration, made things even more unclear.

However, somewhere three-quarters of the way in, maybe sooner, I became more invested in the characters and what they were experiencing. Hamnet is a story of a marriage and a family who endure life in a time when survival was at its most challenging; sacrificing themselves for others, surviving separation when it is necessary, and finding love can bring about the greatest heartbreak of all. This isn’t my favorite piece of historical fiction, but it was a good story in the end. 2.5 Stars

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read or listened to by Simone St. James, but I had read good reviews of this and other books of hers at some point and added this and a few others of hers to my TBR list. The Sun Down Motel seemed to have all the right makings for a great supernatural crime story with a perfect setting of fictional Fell, NY, and the creepy old Sun Down Motel. I’ve traveled upstate New York, and Simone St. James successfully delivers by setting the stage. St. James’ use of telling the story using alternating voices worked very well, but I would the problem was that I didn’t care about the storytellers. I didn’t find Vivian or Carly particularly likable or any other supporting characters.

Narrators Brittany Pressley and Kirsten Potter do a good job of bringing the story to life. I was disappointed overall, considering the possibilities of a multigenerational tale with unresolved family conflict, the perfect setting for an unsolved crime, and the potential for strong female characters. The story fell short and didn’t deliver for me.

Smile: The Story of a Face by Sarah Ruhl

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Smile: The Story of A Face is a memoir of Sarah Ruhl’s journey through a slow recovery from Bell’s Palsy. Ruhl is a playwriter and mother of three children who winds up Bell’s Palsy after delivering her twins. It took me longer to finish this book than it should have. In the down moments I did have in my busy schedule – the book wasn’t begging me to come back to it to check in to see how Sarah was doing in her progress. I read this book as part of my Literati Book club – it was the book chosen for February’s read. It’s June now.

I decided I was tired of having the book sit around, so I forced myself to finish it. I was 50% into the book when I picked it up again. It’s an easy read; despite not being able to hold my attention. I was interested in her journey into Buddhism and meditation, mainly since I have recently found myself on a similar path. There are many quotes from others she admires in the book. I love a good quote and added a few from this book into my quote collection. However, there may have been too much reliance on this which I felt detracted from the book.

I am glad I finished the book, as it proves to be an excellent reminder to never give up on yourself and your health. Ruhl shows how faith, whether in God, Buddha, or in ourselves, can take us far and bring us some peace.

Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cat’s Cradle is one of those books that you can read more than once. I first read it in 1985, twenty-two years from when it was first published in 1963. This time, I listened to the audiobook. Almost 60 years later, it still holds up. It’s not outdated and seems even more poignant; Vonnegut’s commentary on humanity is more relevant than ever. It’s a tremendous chaotic, weird, wild story.

I love Vonnegut’s style of writing and his dry humor. His books are easy to read, and I find myself thinking, wow was he spot on in his observations about issues that continue to plague us today: family, nation, religion, science, and technology. Cat’s Cradle focuses on humanity’s insatiable craving for knowledge and understanding of the world around us at any cost. Vonnegut recognizes the benefits of the advancements in modern science and technology but is distrustful of the destructive potential that goes hand in hand with those advancements.

The story follows the narrator, writing a book about what Felix Hoenikker was doing the day the United States dropped the atom bomb. Hoenikker was one of the scientists whose work led to the atom bomb creation. Vonnegut has a way of writing characters that, without being verbose, can tell us so much about who that character really is and what they are all about.

One of my favorite things about the audiobook was, at the very end, there is the interview with Kurt Vonnegut. It’s always so interesting to listen to him speak. I learn so much about him and what’s behind his writing every time.

Tony Roberts, the narrator, wasn’t my favorite. A bit too monotone for my liking; dry doesn’t mean monotone. Harper Audio: 7 hours, 11 minutes.

A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished reading one of the most powerful memoirs, A Three Dog Life. I’m mad at myself that this raw, gut-punching, yet beautiful book sat on my bookshelf for so long – for years, I am ashamed to admit. Then it sat on my desk for months after I used it as a sizing reference for my memoir that I am working on. I thought this one had been on the TBR list way too long. It was published in 2006. I knew it was a memoir about dogs; the title gives that away immediately. That’s why I bought the book in the first place – I love dogs and stories about dogs. Plus, the cover has a picture of the author, Abigail Thomas sitting on the couch with her three dogs was something I can relate to – I do that all the time. It looked like a nice story.

Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down, and I finished it in two days. It’s an amazing story about a period in the author’s life. So much more than a dog story. The dogs are important characters, but they are more supporting roles, as dogs can be incredibly supportive. No, this is a story about a woman and her husband and how their lives took a dramatic turn in the blink of an eye. You don’t have to be a dog person to find this book as powerful as I did. You don’t have to like dogs to get something out of this book. Her story is about love, life, and how to live a reconfigured life. Read it; just have some tissue nearby.

Buy Yourself the Fcking Lilies: And Other Rituals to Fix Your Life, from Someone Who’s Been There by Tara Schuster
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I did not like Tara Schuster’s Buy Yourself the Fcking Lilies. I stopped listening to it about 35% as there was no way I could waste more time listening to this woman. I hate giving bad reviews, but I wouldn’t want others like me to waste their time. Better self-help books are available if that’s what you’re looking for. This is a memoir/self-help book for maybe a younger audience. I’m 57 years old, and so far, what I’ve listened to was not in lightning. She had already started to repeat things so many times I couldn’t imagine nor care to find out what she possibly could have to say for another 7 1/2 hours. I found her style of giving help to be very condescending and childish. She assigns homework and says things that are supposed to be affirming, but from her, they sound trite. She has some good suggestions, such as journaling, using positive affirmations, and, yes, not feeling guilty about doing small niceties for yourself. Still, her delivery is terrible, particularly when she starts talking to the audience like she knows you and what you are going through. I am shocked that this has received as high a rating. This was just not my cup of tea. Next.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Colleen Hoover’s Verity is an absolute masterpiece that utterly captivated me. From the moment I started the Audible audiobook, narrated by the talented Vanessa Johansson and Amy Langdon, I knew I was in for a gripping experience. The narrative unfolds through the compelling voices of two characters: a young writer tasked with continuing another author’s series after a devastating accident and the incapacitated author herself.
Verity takes readers on a thrilling rollercoaster of deceit, manipulation, and unimaginable darkness. It delves into some incredibly twisted and shocking territory, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling. While it’s important to note that there is a significant amount of explicit content in this book, including sexual themes, it’s worth emphasizing that this aspect is seamlessly integrated into the larger narrative and enhances the raw intensity of the story.
I hesitate to reveal too much about the story because its power lies in the unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Suffice it to say that Hoover’s storytelling prowess shines brightly in this novel. Her ability to craft complex characters and build suspense is truly remarkable. Verity serves as a compelling introduction to Hoover’s work, and after experiencing the profound impact of this book, I am now an ardent fan eagerly seeking out her other works.
Verity is an outstanding achievement in storytelling. It grabs hold of your emotions, refusing to let go until the final page. If you enjoy thrillers with an added layer of psychological depth and are open to exploring the darker aspects of human nature, this book is an absolute must-read. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an enthralling and thought-provoking literary journey. Bravo to Colleen Hoover for delivering such an exceptional piece of fiction!

The Puzzler by A.J. Jacobs

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Puzzler by A.J. Jacobs is a wonderful book if you are into puzzles. I read the book as part of my Literati book club selection, and since I enjoy puzzles, I enjoyed reading this book and liked the book. Jacobs covers many puzzles – anagrams, crosswords, cryptics, puzzles, puzzle boxes, chess, riddles, and more. The book can take some time to go through since it includes a bunch of historical crosswords and other puzzles for the reader to try out, plus a slew of original puzzles made for the book by Greg Pliska. You end up getting sidetracked trying to solve the puzzle and putting down the book.
Jacobs includes many excellent references for puzzler fanatics which is a great resource and threatens to kick up any addiction to puzzles up a few notches.
I read the hardback copy, which includes all sorts of visuals besides the puzzles and a color insert of photographs of puzzles, Rubik cubes, etc……… I photocopied the puzzles from the book to work on so I didn’t mess up my copy of the book for someone else in the future. I saw the audiobook includes a .pdf of all the puzzles.
You will enjoy going down this rabbit hole. Just have some pencils ready.

Once finishing The Puzzler, I picked a book from my ever growing TBR list that I added to the pile last summer called The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. It looks like the perfect book to curl up with on the deck. Happy summer reading everyone!

May Reads & Listens

This month I listened to six books and continued to make snail-like progress in the physical books I chose to read. Thirty-three books at the half-year mark isn’t a bad situation, considering I am 57% towards finishing my yearly goal of 58 books. I find that I continue to either choose home runs only to follow it up with a strike or a foul ball. Ok, maybe they are base hits and just feel like strikes after hitting homers.

I began the month coming off of a strike last month with My Year of Rest and Relaxation and choose Brood to begin the month with. I figured I could relate to another chicken tender.

Brood by Jackie Polzin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed listening to Brood by Jackie Polzin and narrated by Rebecca Lowman. Brood is more than a story about a woman’s experience with her four chickens. At the core, this is a book about loss and grief. So from that perspective, the book has a depth that some may not be able to fully relate to.

Despite the sadness that the reader can hear in the author’s voice, there is humor in the story. Where there are chickens, there is usually something to laugh and smile about. I have four chickens of my own just like the author, so I can relate to her experiences with them. I learned a few new things too which as a chicken owner is always helpful. Much like parenthood, I had no idea what to expect from raising chickens, so also like parenthood, it’s helpful to see how others do things.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has chickens, loves animals, or is interested in a quick good read.

I decided that I would like to read/listen my way through the entire Agatha Christie collection. As a young girl who struggled reading, I found I was always interested in reading an Agatha Christie mystery. I have read And Then There Were None many times. So to begin my journey through the Christie Collection I thought I would start at the beginning.

The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I aim to read/listen to all of Agatha Christie’s books, starting with this early work (1925), The Secret of Chimneys. This story is filled with a large cast of characters, some of who pop up in later works of Christie’s. Superintendent Battle is introduced, although he plays a more supporting role.

A lot is going on in this book, so I found myself confused for a good portion of the story and not in the good murder-mystery way. Upon doing some reading afterward, I discovered Agatha Christie admitted that when it came to ‘Chimneys,’ she made the mistake that many young authors do by trying to put “far too much plot into one book.” This explains my confusion. Overall, this wasn’t a favorite of mine and it was just okay.

I was disappointed that one of my favorite go-to authors let me down. But to keep it in perspective, it was her first novel and there was plenty of room for improvement which we know she achieves throughout her career. We can’t always hit home runs, particularly early in our career.

I choose The Henna Artist next, as it had been on my TBR list for some time and in following along with exploring authors from other countries and cultures, I picked this novel next.

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Henna Artist submerses the reader/listener into a colorful world of saffrons and cinnamons, her words making you smell the curry and cumin wafting in the air as you learn about Lakshmi and her world. Alka Joshi’s debut novel paints a vivid picture of 1950s India and the challenge for women, particularly in a world controlled by men.

The story focuses on the life of Lakshmi, a woman who has fled an abusive husband and reinvents herself to gain her independence. Life becomes more challenging for Lakshmi as her past catches up to her and threatens to unravel all she has worked so hard for.

Trigger warning: two themes that may disturb readers/listeners are abortion and infidelity

I like this book and highly recommend it to readers and listeners. Sneha Mathan does a magnificent job narrating the book and giving life to various characters.

I felt it was time to switch things up and I discovered that Audible has a fantastic series out called Words + Music. I actually listened to one of the first in the series with the James Taylor: Break Shot two years ago. Each one is about 90 minutes long and narrated by the musician. The Who is touring this summer and I have never seen them. I don’t plan to, my concert days are behind me. But I do enjoying sitting down and listening to the artist tell their stories about the music and their lives.

Somebody Saved Me by Pete Townshend

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed listening to Pete Townshend’s Somebody Saved Me; it felt like you were sitting in a room with Pete as some instruments surrounded him while he talked about his career. I have always liked The Who’s music so learning a bit about the man behind the music and some of the songs that I grew up with is always a treat. Fans of The Who will appreciate spending a couple of hours with Pete. Well done, Audible Originals – I hope there will be more memoirs like this produced where the musician can play their music as they are talking about it. I realize ASCAP/BMI prohibits that a lot, but it adds to the overall experience of listening to the tunes, like in this wonderful Audible Original with Pete Townshend.

I decided from there to revisit a genre that I hadn’t in a while – the world of fantasy. I am a fan of fantasy books and so going back to my trusty TBR list, I checked out the Fantasy collection and selected Piranesi which had been on my list since 2020.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Suzanna Clarke’s Piranesi is a story centered around the title character, a likable man in harmony with nature and his surroundings. I was struck by the feeling of having gone through the wardrobe ala C.S. Lewis and ending up in a world like the Eagle’s Hotel California. “Such a lovely place…There’s plenty of room at the Hotel California…You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave!”
In the fantastical world in which Piranesi inhabits, the House is an ever-expanding one, filled with endless halls and marble statues, the ocean floods its basement, and the clouds engulf its top floors. The narration is mainly through Piranesi’s journals which he meticulously keeps, so we discover and untangle the mystery along with him. He is an engaging character whom I came to care about as I saw his patience and fortitude. I also keep journals, so I was amused at his indexing system and thought it somewhat clever. The few characters in the book add to the isolation of Piranesi’s world. The story is not just one of fantasy though but also one of dark mystery challenging the reader/listener.
Clarke borrows the name from the 18th-century artist, Giovanni Battista Piranesi, known for his etchings Carceri d’Invenzione, (Imaginary Prisons). It’s not essential to know this upon reading the story; however, it helps in being able to interpret the larger picture. There are multiple layers to this book, rich in imagery and symbolism; you’d probably see something you missed the first time in each reading.
I listened to the unabridged version from Bloomsbury Publishing on Audible which was wonderfully narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor. It’s a quick listen at 6 hours and 58 minutes. 4.5 stars

So far it had been a good month of listening. My dog needed surgery so I was stuck at the house for a couple of weeks since we were literally tethered to one another via a 6-foot leash the entire time. I made some headway reading Smile by Sarah Ruhl. I haven’t even touched There, There by Tommy Orange all month, as I was trying to finish Smile before moving on to another physical book. This month for my Literati club, I switched to the Atlas Obscura club and have added to the TBR List The Puzzler by A.J. Jacobs. I love puzzles and games, so I could not miss the opportunity to read this book. Which I will – hopefully soon.

To close the month I went to another book which had been on my TBR list for about a year – Hamnet.

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Hamnet is a story of a multigenerational family and their domestic life in late 16th century England, around the time of the Plague. Grief is a central theme explored. The story revolves around how the individual family members deal with their grief and how that grief affects their relationships within the family.

The narrator, Ell Potter, does a beautiful job with the lyrical prose of Maggie O’Farrell. I was somewhat disappointed in this book. I was expecting more after reading some of the initial reviews, which caused me to put it on my TBR list. I found myself initially very confused; knowing I was reading a fictional account of the marriage of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway; it was hard to recognize them. Anne is only referred to as Agnes, and William is barely mentioned by name. The title character, Hamnet and Hamlet, were interchangeable at that time. This, coupled with the multiple viewpoints which make up the narration, made things even more unclear.

However, somewhere three-quarters of the way in, maybe sooner, I became more invested in the characters and what they were experiencing. Hamnet is a story of a marriage and a family who endure life in a time when survival was at its most challenging; sacrificing themselves for others, surviving separation when it is necessary, and finding love can bring about the greatest heartbreak of all. This isn’t my favorite piece of historical fiction, but it was a good story in the end. 2.5 Stars

Oh, well – we can’t always pick winners. So where now will I turn my attention? I have a lot of things going on here. I am working on having my book published which is very exciting and a huge undertaking. I have my garden to finish planting and seeding for this season. There will also be plenty of weeding to do since it’s been raining here for the last few days and things are getting lush. I’ll need a good book to listen to as I weed, it makes that chore so much more enjoyable! I wish I had a wheel I could spin that contained all the names of the books on my TBR list that at a push of a button would spin and reveal the title of my next book to read or listen to. Sometimes I find selecting a book to be the biggest challenge of all.

Let me know what you are reading or listening to this summer. I am always looking for new titles to add to my ever-growing TBR list. Until next month, happy reading and listening, everyone!

April Reads and Listens

April was a full month where I was able to add four more books to the Read category getting closer to my goal of 58 books for the year. I am currently at 27 books completed. This month I read two fantastic books and two lesser so. I started the month off listening to The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell. I saw the title on my Goodreads feed because a friend of mine had read and liked it; so I thought I would give it a try.

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book and thought that it was a touching story about a catholic family and their ‘extraordinary” son, Sam. From the moment I started listening to the book, I was absorbed in the world of Sam, his parents, and his friends, Ernie and Mickey. Each character is well-developed and well-rounded and adds their own spark to the story.
This book is the story of a boy who spends his life being judged by appearance. Unfortunately, our society continues to look too much at the shell and not remember it’s what’s inside that makes us who we really are.
“Our skin, our hair, and our eyes are simply the shell that surrounds our soul, and our soul is who we are. What counts is on the inside.”
I highly recommend this book – it’s a great story that the author also narrates wonderfully as well.

I always find it difficult to follow up on a book that I have really liked. I tend to switch genres completely and often I will fall back on short stories. I decided to to go this route after having finished The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell. I turned to a collection by one of my all-time favorite authors, Neil Gaiman.

Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version, which was only available through my audiobooks.com account, and it did not allow me to view the chapters at all if I wanted. The book starts with a long foreward by Gaiman, where he gives a little background about each story. To his credit, he mentions that the listener may want to jump ahead, but I decided to listen anyway. I’m not sure how far into the foreward I was when I started to think about jumping ahead to the stories, realizing that I would only be able to jump away in small 15-second increments. So I continued to listen.

The short stories in this collection range from chilling and scary to sad and sentimental, many of which had been published before. There are several homages to some literary influences of Gaiman’s from Sherlock Holmes in ‘The Case of Death and Honey’ to ‘The Man who forgot Ray Bradbury.’ Then there is the tribute to Doctor Who in the story ‘Nothing O’Clock,’ which I enjoyed despite never having seen any Doctor Who before. There is also a nob to David Bowie in ‘Kether and Malkuth’. The collection wraps up with a short story called ‘Black Dog,’ which features Shadow Moon, the protagonist from Gaiman’s American Gods novel.

‘The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains’
‘Nothing O’Clock’
‘Kether to Malkuth’
‘Orange’
‘A Calendar of Tales’
‘The Man Who Forgot Ray Bradbury’
‘An Invocation of Incuriosity’
‘The Case of Death and Honey’
‘Pearls’
‘Black Dog’

Overall, I liked this collection, but it was not one of my favorites, so I was also disappointed. I am a huge fan of Neil Gaiman’s and a big fan of short stories, so I felt this collection fell short.

A good book for a long drive

I found myself wondering where to turn my attention next. I had a long 8-hour plus drive that I would have to contend with and I really needed to pick a good book for the drive. As I looked over my TBR list, I came across a book that I put on the list after having seen the book on my father’s coffee table last summer, The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. I thought this might be a good pick since I could possibly talk about the book with my dad when I was visiting with him that weekend. The long drive down to Connecticut was to see my father and celebrate Greek Easter with my family whom I hadn’t seen since last July.

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the moment I started listening to this book, I was sucked down the rabbit hole! This is the first book I have read of Kate Quinn’s and it will not be the last. The Rose Code is a masterful piece of historical fiction based around the real men and women Enigma code-breakers who worked at Bletchley Park in the English countryside during World War II.

The story revolves around three young women from different backgrounds called to Bletchley Park to serve their country by cracking codes and keeping secrets. Quinn didn’t write just one heroine but she wrote about three of them. Three strong women who I came to care very deeply about their story.

The narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, does a fantastic job of bringing to life all of the characters of which there are quite a few.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, mystery, and espionage stories.

How Do You Follow Up a 5 Star Book?

Twice in one month, I found myself having to figure out how to follow up a great book. So I pivoted to a book that I knew one of my nieces had read and thought from the cover it might be a good change of pace.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I did not enjoy this book and only managed to finish it because it was short, and I was waiting to see if there was a point or climax – which never came. The depression that the main character is dealing with is conveyed in the writing style, but the main character wasn’t someone you come to care about. I don’t enjoy books where the protagonist is a narcissist. I felt bad for and cared more about her friend, Reva. The only good thing about the book was the narrator, Julia Whelan, does a good job bringing the characters to life.

Not a great book to end the month, but not all books can be winners. The important thing is to keep on reading. Currently, I am reading Smile: The Story of a Face by Sarah Ruhl. I’ve been bad about reading my physical books lately because I have been painting, drawing, driving, and listening to my audiobooks. My Literati club books are piling up, with the latest one coming in There, There by Tommy Orange, which I am only 10 pages into. I didn’t mean to start it, but I began to peruse upon opening the box, which led me to read a bit.

There is also a stack 3 feet high ( I am not exaggerating) sitting on my file cabinet of books waiting to be read. I can’t help myself around books sometimes. I just love books. I remember the old days of hanging out in bookstores. I would spend hours in the stacks of books, particularly if they had cozy chairs and spaces for you to hang out and check out the selections more thoroughly. Those were the old days, though. Today I purchase books via my Literati book club or the Book of the Month Club or Amazon. There was a small independent bookstore in my old hometown that I would frequent, but there isn’t one near me where I live now. Now I share the books I have read with my community via the Marleywood Little Free Library, where I am the steward.

If you have any book recommendations, please leave me a comment. I am always looking for new book ideas. Happy reading.

March Reads and Listens

This month I took a small break from listening to audiobooks for a few days. I needed to step back for a bit since I had been on such a roll. I tried to make more headway in the physical reading of my Literati book club books: Smile by Sarah Ruhl and Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. I’m on page 60 of Smile, unfortunately. I need to schedule my reading time better – I always leave it until bedtime, which only allows me a few minutes before my eyelids are too heavy to feel open. Luckily the chapters are short, so I have been able to knock off one or two at a time. Four Thousand Weeks – the title alone intimidating.

When I returned to listening to my audiobook library, I decided to one of the longest titles that had been on my TBR List – The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert, which was 21 hours and 43 minutes.

The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Signature of All Things explores the mysteries and wonders of the world through its rich characters, Henry and Alma Whittaker, both figuratively and literally. Elizabeth Gilbert’s epic story spans 80 years, two generations and takes the reader on adventures around the world.
Henry Whittaker’s rags-to-riches story starts in the orchards of Kew Gardens and leads the reader along for his adventure aboard the HMS Resolution with Captains Cook, Clerke, and Gore. I was intrigued by all the history woven into this fantastic story and want to read more. The characters are full of depth. Henry is a force to be reckoned with, and I believe it was necessary to share as much about Henry and his story as Gilbert did to get the full scope of Alma’s character.

The bulk of the story is all Alma’s story, Henry’s firstborn and only biological child. Seeing Alma through Henry’s eyes gives the reader an intimate familial perspective of our heroine. Born in January 1800, the reader follows Alma through 8 decades of her lifetime. We are with her for the peaks and valleys, the unexpected detours, and the most intimate moments of her life. We learn about Alma slowly and closely, mimicking the way Alma learns about and studies her mosses. Alma is a fictional amalgamation of real-life women that Gilbert researched thoroughly for her story. Women such as Mary Treat, an expert on carnivorous plants who corresponded with Darwin, and Elizabeth Knight Britton, a respected moss expert who founded the New York Botanical Gardens with her husband. And Marianne North, who was a beautiful illustrator and botanist. These are just some of the 19th-century women whom Elizabeth Gilbert researched and used as such a solid foundation for building into her character in Alma.

I was intrigued by so many parts of this incredible story. I listened to this masterful piece of literature, and the narrator, Juliet Stevenson, is excellent. I understand the print edition includes beautiful illustrations, which I was sorry to learn were not included as a separate .pdf file for audiobook listeners.

However, I can see how this book may not be everybody’s cup of tea. It’s long, and some people aren’t capable of taking the time to share someone else’s story in such detail. I enjoyed every little detail and don’t think that Gilbert could have taken any part of this story out and been able to tell the whole story. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction.

I wrapped up the month with a short listen after having come off of my previous long listen. My son had asked me to check out The Doors of Perception a few years ago and I was finally in the right mood for it.

The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Doors of Perception, initially published in 1954, is a day in the life memoir of Aldous Huxley recounting his first experience with a psychodelic drug, mescaline, aka peyote.

“If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite.”
– William Blake

Heavily influenced by Blake, Huxley borrows the phrase ‘doors of perception’ for the title of his book.

I laughed along with Huxley during certain parts of his trip as memories of my own experiences on psychedelics were brought to mind. What’s impressive is that those memories are as vivid today as 40 years ago. Since I am familiar with psychedelics, I thought Huxley’s initial encounter with mescaline gives the reader a decent impression of what it is like to have a psychedelic experience.

He reflects on his experience recognizing that “for the moment the interfering neurotic who, in waking hours, tries to run the show, was blessedly out of the way.” His observations into his experiences on that day gave him a different perspective of the intimate world around him, the everyday objects such as a vase of flowers or the folds in his trousers.

Humankind’s search for enlightenment or transcendence to some spiritual awakening has been entwined with our beings for centuries. H.G Well’s called this The Door In the Wall, which Huxley refers to many times in the text.

I found this to be an interesting book and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Huxley’s or psychedelic fiction or anyone curious to experience what someone could be experiencing under a psychedelic drug.

I listened to the Audible version narrated by Rudolph Schirmer and was a quick listen at 2 hours, 16 minutes.

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