March Books

I hope you enjoy my book lists as much as I do! Print: (All three recommendations from Books On The Nightstand) 1. Mr. Chartwell, Rebecca Hunt. I was intrigued by the premise - a young woman lets a room to a gigantic black dog - and I knew that ultimately this was a book about depression. I did not expect to be so completely caught up in Hunt's narrative that I would still be turning passages over in my mind weeks later. Hunt has really captured something special in this book - and I think it's a must-read for anyone who's ever been touched by depression. (By the way, this was also my first ebook, read on my Dad's kindle!) 2. War & Peace - I started a yearlong read along. I read it in college, but don't remember a word because I was only reading it so that I could say that I had. This particular translation is absolutely beautiful, and I think at some point I'll have to write more about this book. It's too bad it has the reputation for being a slog because it really is an incredible book. 3. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, Helen Simonson - It really is Austin for the modern day, and if you don't find yourself falling in love with the Major and Mrs. Ali than there really is something wrong with you. I needed a fun book after so many serious topics lately, and that's exactly what I got. In fact, I pulled an all-nighter with it because I just couldn't put it down! Audio: 1. Kraken, China Mieville - Selected it on a whim when I discovered that my library's selection of sci fi and fantasy had grown quite a bit over the last few months. Knew many of my friends like Mieville. Hated the book. In fact, didn't finish it. I think perhaps it lost a lot in the translation from print to audio...and it was at times very difficult to follow. 2. Cutting For Stone, Abraham Verghese - I fell in love within a few minutes. Quite simply, it's one of the best books I've read in a long time, and I urge you all to go out and buy/check out a copy right now! (Another stellar recommendation from The Books On The Night Stand Podcast.) I find I'm actually at a loss as to what to say about this book...other than to gush silly nonsense about how great it. It has definitely stuck with me in a very good way. 3. You Don't Look Like Anyone I Know, Heather Sellers - Another I didn't finish, although this time I think I can blame the publicity machine behind this book. A few hours into it, I realized I wasn't hearing anything that I hadn't already heard in interviews or read in the press. That was disappointing as face blindness is a fascinating topic and Sellers does have a knack for storytelling. Podcasts: 1. An Affair at Styles (Classic Tales Podcast) by Agatha Christie - Oddly enough, I've never read Christie before, so this was an entirely new experience. I enjoyed it very much, but must admit that this type of book qualifies as fluff for me, and I probably won't remember the details for long. 2. A Woman In White (CraftLit), Wilkie Collins - Again, I had listened to an audio version of this about a year ago, so I made the decision to skip the text in the podcasts and just listen to Heather's commentary. There just aren't enough hours in the day, and this is a book I know too well to really enjoy the reread right now.