August has been a bit of a slow month, reading wise (oh, who am I kidding…this whole year has been slow, reading wise), but I did manage to get a few things read:
Game of Secrets, by Dawn Tripp – This is a lovely book, and I promise it’ll have a post of its very own at some point. Because, hello, there’s Scrabble! And gorgeous writing.
The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood – I’ve already professed my love and admiration for Atwood, but I’ll say it again. She totally rocks, especially when it comes to this book.
Half Broke Horses, by Jeannette Walls – This is the story of the author’s grandmother, in novel form (which means Walls took the story she knew and filled in the gaps with her imagination). I listened to this on audio (is that redundant?), and I must say, the author makes a fine narrator. But I alternated between being seriously impressed by the gumption of Lily Casey Smith, and appalled by some of her actions (the time she beat her daughter, the time she repeatedly slapped a student). Granted, she lived in a different era, but she had an “I’m always right and I know best” attitude that grated at times. Still, the story was well done, and at just under 8 hours, it’s right at my ideal length for an audio book.
Friendship Bread, by Darien Gee – A feel good story, despite the darker issues of grief, adultery, death, and divorce that the characters are dealing with. I read this one after reading Heather at Book Addiction‘s post, and it was a good, happily ever after read. However, I will confess to being disappointed to learn that the recipe for Amish Friendship Bread calls for Jello pudding (I can be a bit of a snob when it comes to homemade goodies).
Madame Bovary, by Gustave Flaubert – More on this later, but in a nutshell…meh. Except the cover…LOVE this cover:
Daughters of the Witching Hill, by Mary Sharratt – I avoided this one when it first came out, because I had just read The Heretic’s Daughter, and Brunonia’s Barry The Lace Reader, and it was seeming like witches were the hot thing in literature. But I picked it up at Borders for cheap (I’m not proud) and zipped through it over the weekend and it was pretty good. A bit slow at times, but different than the other witch books, so points for originality. And research, as it’s based on true events. Except why did I think it was set in Germany? Or am I confusing it with yet another witch book?
And then this morning I started Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. I’m at the point where they’re about to arrive at the island, where the mysterious home is located. Cue Twilight Zone music. I am expecting much creepiness to follow, and THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY if it isn’t delivered. Not that I’m placing a curse or anything. I’m just saying.
It looks like you’ve been doing quite a bit of reading to me. I’ve had Half Broke Horses for a while and really need to get to it.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last [type] ..Review and giveaway: Dark Souls
I can’t wait to hear all about Miss Peregrine! I think I want to read Half Broke Horses.
Stephanie´s last [type] ..Borders Haul
I started Miss Peregrine but put it down after about 20 pages. Not that I didn’t like the story, I just got caught up in another book I was reading, and I was feeling monogamous.
Trisha´s last [type] ..Game of Thrones: 3
Walls’ parents were total idiots, so they had to come from some pretty wacky parents. I’ve got this book on my shelves, and do want to read it, after loving The Glass Castle. I also enjoyed the witch book. I never tire of hearing about the treatment of these women and being shocked and horrified at it. I curse people on a daily basis so I would have been in deep doodoo. Now the book about the peculiar children, I’ve got my eye on this for RIP. Please advise.
Sandy´s last [type] ..The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger (Audio)
I really enjoyed Half-Broke Horses (though not as much as I enjoyed The Glass Castle, which is one of my favorite memoirs). I thought she got the voice of her grandmother’s ‘character’ just right. She’s not a hero, but she’s an interesting person for sure.
Christy´s last [type] ..We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families by Philip Gourevitch
I really enjoyed Half-Broke Horses (though not as much as I enjoyed The Glass Castle, which is one of my favorite memoirs). I thought she got the voice of her grandmother’s ‘character’ just right. Her grandmother may not be wholly admirable, but she was an interesting person for sure.
Christy´s last [type] ..We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families by Philip Gourevitch
So jealous about Handmaid’s Tale…. I have had it since last years read a long and STILL have not read it.
Sheila (Book Journey)´s last [type] ..Tick Tock by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
I used to make friendship bread. A friend gave me the starter and then I felt like I HAD to make it every month (and, of course, give away a new starter batch). When I started throwing the new starter batter away and wanting to throw up when I ate the bread (too much of a good thing after awhile) I knew it was time to stop. But now… mmmm… I do remember it being quite tasty…
Wallace´s last [type] ..Indie Lit Awards : Nominations Open on Thursday!
Well it looks to me like you’ve actually been doing quite a bit of reading! I’ve got that Janette Walls book on my bookcase and I need to read it soon!
Amused´s last [type] ..Book Review: Sister
You have been a busy reader!
stacybuckeye´s last [type] ..Suicide Quiz
Great little wrap-up post. If you get lazy, you could even get away without reviewing any of these! : )
Jenners´s last [type] ..What Is Green, Freaky and Lurking On My Porch?
I’m embarrassed to admit that I started The Handmaid’s Tale last year for a readalong and didn’t get a chance to finish because I was so caught up in other book distractions. I’m a moron. I’m totally going to re-read and then finish it! I can’t be the only one out there who hasn’t read it!
I’m looking forward to picking up the Miss Peregrine book, too! Creepy cover.
Natalie ~ the Coffee and a Book Chick´s last [type] ..Saturday Snapshot…Moving and Traveling
Looks like some good reading to me! I’m damn near the end of The Night Circus and I cannot read the thing fast enough.
In fact, I’m going back to it now.
Andi´s last [type] ..Andi’s Vacation Chronicles, Day 1