Reading Round-Up
A mini-goal of mine is to do better about writing and posting reviews of the books I read this year, but since doing better in terms of past performance just means posting at least once a month, I thought I might also post on Fridays a recap of my week in reading and movie watching.
Books Read:
A Finders-Keepers Place, Ann Haywood Leal
Happily Ever After, Nora Roberts (the last of the Bride Quartet)
Bellfield Hall, Or, The Observations Of Miss Dido Kent, Anna Dean
The Year Of The Flood, Margaret Atwood (audiobook)
Movies Viewed:
Alice in Wonderland (Disney, 2010) — The Tim Burton version
This Week I Acquired (through the library or through purchases):
Cranford, Elizabeth Gaskell
Birthday purchase of the lovely Penguins Classic volume with cover designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith. I’ve never read Cranford, but Elizabeth Gaskell has been on my radar for a little while and I am looking forward to setting aside some special time for savoring this title.
The Steps Across the Water, Adam Gopnik
Library book–plucked from the new book cart, so I should read it quickly and return it so it’s available for the kiddos while still actually new. I’ve always enjoyed Gopnik’s writing in the New Yorker and I’m intrigued to see how his talent and style translate to children’s literature.
The Clockwork Three, Matthew Kirby
Another new book. It looked interesting, but has the potential to be anywhere from awful to just blah. Cover and storyline fall neatly in line with the spate of fantasy novels currently published in children’s lit–hence the potential for, well, anything.
The Wonder of Charlie-Anne, Kimberly Newton Fusco
Children’s book set during the Depression/Dust Bowl. Charlie-Anne is a tomboy trying to keep things from changing too much despite the huge changes happening in the world around her. The is not an unknown archetype and I wasn’t sure about cracking the cover, but I have been drawn in by the strength of Charlie-Anne’s character, which is a definite mark in Fusco’s favor.
Readers’ Advisory for Children and ‘Tweens, Penny Peck
Professional development. From a quick perusal, it appears to have a number of really great book lists.
Catherine of Sienna, A Passionate Life, Donald Brophy
Biography of St. Catherine. I enjoy religious history and biographies and picked this up while browsing the new books (in the adult department this time).
The American Catholic Revolution : How the Sixties Changed the Church Forever, Mark Stephen Massa
See above, plus I am really intrigued by the Catholic Church.
Oryx and Crake, Margaret Atwood (audiobook)
I just finished listening to The Year of the Flood and want to find out more about this strange world. Great for my commute.
The Damage Done, Hillary Davidson
New mystery involving a stolen identity and drug addiction.
Silent Auction, Jane Cleland
Cozy mystery set in the world of antiques and furniture.
