(Autumn is definitely on the horizon) |
I recently read Grandma Gatewood's Walk and then just after I finished, saw it mentioned on Facebook in A Mighty Girl post, which in turn led to this article in the Washington Post. What an amazing and inspiring woman! Following her example would mean I'm not quite ready to turn in my barn boots. And, all those women and girls posted about on A Mighty Girl ..... how I wish I'd had regular infusions of that kind of reading material when I was growing up.
Audible enables me to put books on my iPhone, which I can slip into my pocket and listen to anywhere, and that works perfectly when I want to be on the move. Nothing makes dirty work go faster than having a good book read to you, coming through loud and clear with your ear buds. First, I listened to The Girl on the Train, which was very well written, but in the end, I felt no sympathy for any of the characters. None of them were likeable. I was left wishing I hadn't spent a credit on it. All the Light We Cannot See was a really good book. Also, I found The Nightengale quite good. I've noticed a spate of books based on World War II appearing recently. My father was a tank commander during the war. I had no idea that he'd been in North Africa and Italy, until I found his discharge papers recently. He was only seventeen when he enlisted and what he experienced had a devastating effect on the rest of his life. It's very thought-provoking to read how it might have affected others. I'm ashamed to admit that I hadn't thought much about how it was for the people of France and Italy to be occupied by Nazi troops and the cruelty that was inflicted upon them. Another Audible gem was The Signature of all Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. Though late to the party, I finally got around to Cutting for Stone and then The Snow Child. Lastly, I want to mention Our Souls at Night by Ken Haruf. I thought it was such a sweet little story and holds lessons for those of us with aging parents or are aging ourselves (that would be me).
Mike and I went to see Shaun the Sheep Movie a few weeks ago and found it to be so fun and clever. I'm a huge Wallace and Gromit fan and have collected many of the DVD's to watch with the grandchildren. (And, often by myself. :-) I'm pretty sure I enjoy them more than the kids do). I can highly recommend it, with or without kids along!
Lastly, a few friends and I went to Louisville recently to check out the new Dyescape dye garden and learn about their program. I so admire the work these young women are doing and hope they are able to accomplish all they've set out to do.
Blessedly, fall is in the air here in central Kentucky. The sheep and I are loving the cooler temperatures and clear (not muggy) days. I'm sure summer heat and humidity are not through with us, but relief is clearly on the way.
Tara and I love Shaun the Sheep!! we haven't seen the movie yet but enjoy watching the episodes on Amazon. I listen to books for free downloaded from the library. Can't stay awake long enough to actually read many, although I do read a page or two every night.
ReplyDeleteDianne, have you read any of Chris Bohjalian's books? I really like him (and kinda-sorta swooned when I actually met him at a talk last year). There is always a twist at the end of his books. I have listened to as many of his books as I have read, while on my road trips. I agree with you about The Girl On The Train...a good read, but all the characters were nuts. (And I did NOT like Gone Girl). The Signature of All Things is one I listened to; thought it was much better than Eat, Pray, Love. Incredible amount of research. Did you read The Zookeeper's Wife? Another WWII story which is very good. Sorry to be so lengthy....reading (or listening to) books is about my most favorite thing to do, besides taking daily naps.
ReplyDeleteJackie-I've just added The Zookeeper's Wife to my Audible library. I have liked other books written by Diane Ackerman and this one sounds interesting. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm always on the lookout for good books. (I thought for the longest time that I was the only person in America who didn't really like Eat, Pray, Love! It seemed awfully self-indulgent.) I did read Chris Bohjalian's Midwives, many years ago and liked it a lot.
DeleteOops, that comment above is from Jackie Jenkins. I don't know why I am "unknown!"
ReplyDeleteFunny, that's 2 people who are as less-than-thrilled with Eat Pray Love as I was. I thought it was rather intense navel-gazing, but that seemed to be all it was.
ReplyDeleteFor WW2 books, I've noticed a fair few lately, and there's a writer whose books I've enjoyed. Maureen Lee - her novels are all about Liverpool. Lights out Liverpool, Put Out the Fires, Through the Storm and quite a few more. You might try one to see if it's to your taste.
I've got All the Light We Cannot See on the coffee table for the next book, have heard good things about it, so I'm looking forward to it.
Enjoy your reading.
Chris S in Canada
Always loved watching Wallace and Gromit with you! :) Such a neat note about great-grandpa too, I'd love to hear more about it. I'll call soon! Love you and Mike!
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