A More Normal Month - September Books
1. The Man In The Rockefeller Suit, Mark Seal (library, audio) - Surprise, surprise! A Books on the Nightstand recommendation! This one is non-fiction, and I must say I was rather appaled with the events of this massive - and rather nutso - con. Can't believe what people will do, can't believe what people will believe. It got a bit old, though, as most of it was built on repititious fictional stories built by "Clark" for his various audiences. Must have been fascinating to research!
2. The Devil In The White City, Erik Larson (library,ebook) - felt like I should read it as everyone else has. Not so enamoured. I understand what Larson was trying to do with the juxtaposition of the World's Fair and the first serial killer...but I personally would have enjoyed it best as two separate books. Again, Larson's storytelling style is not my favorite.
3. The Language of Flowers, Vanessa Diffenbaugh (library, ebook) I'm grateful that I read this book (Books on the Nightstand recommendation again), and while I did check it out from the library I will be buying my own copy. Diffenbaugh has created a very realistic story of a girl aging out of the foster care system...but she also brings in a healthy dose of hope. Once upon a time I worked as a fundraiser for a group home, and while I was insulated from the actual horrors of the girls' lives I know enough to see the truth in this book. I also must say that I admire Diffenbaugh for using the book to raise awareness of the difficulties kids face when they age out, and would recommend that you all look into The Camellia Network, the nonprofit she's created to help. Besides all of that, it's a beautifully written book.
4. Dreams of Joy, Lisa See (library, ebook) Confession: I didn't make it all the way through the book. I didn't even make it through part. Joy was my least favorite character in Shanghai Girls, and I found her downright detestable as a lead.
5. The Mask of Zorro, Johnston McCulley (Classic Tales Podcast) Another confession: after several years of the Classic Tales, I'm getting rather tired of B.J. Harrison. He's a phenomenal reader, but after a while his characters and voices are becoming tiresome and repetitive. Nevertheless, it's a great book.
6. The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss (ebook) - Man oh man, am I ever enjoying this book! I'm not done yet....but it is the first time in a very long time that I've found a new fantasy author to love. I'll tell you more when I finish!
7. Love Over Scotland, The World According to Bertie, Unbearable Lightness of Scones, Alexander McCall Smith (library, CD) This concludes all of the current books in the 44 Scotland St. series. Good lighthearted reading...BUT for a few things. 1. My Bertie I was starting to notice serious inconsistencies. (A room that was painted was back to original color, another character claims to not have received a gift when she did in the book before....) Also, while I appreciate the serialization I have to admit that I'm growing tired of the fact that there's so little movement and resolution. And I really can't stomach much more of Irene.
8. Bellwether, Connie Willis (audio, library) I actually read this book years ago, but to be honest I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. It was even more fun in audio with a fantastic narrator. Willis is - in my humble opinion - a genius. I love the details in her book, and I love the way in which every single word is relevant and every single idea is connected to every other idea. Extra bonus, there are sheep in this book!
2. The Devil In The White City, Erik Larson (library,ebook) - felt like I should read it as everyone else has. Not so enamoured. I understand what Larson was trying to do with the juxtaposition of the World's Fair and the first serial killer...but I personally would have enjoyed it best as two separate books. Again, Larson's storytelling style is not my favorite.
3. The Language of Flowers, Vanessa Diffenbaugh (library, ebook) I'm grateful that I read this book (Books on the Nightstand recommendation again), and while I did check it out from the library I will be buying my own copy. Diffenbaugh has created a very realistic story of a girl aging out of the foster care system...but she also brings in a healthy dose of hope. Once upon a time I worked as a fundraiser for a group home, and while I was insulated from the actual horrors of the girls' lives I know enough to see the truth in this book. I also must say that I admire Diffenbaugh for using the book to raise awareness of the difficulties kids face when they age out, and would recommend that you all look into The Camellia Network, the nonprofit she's created to help. Besides all of that, it's a beautifully written book.
4. Dreams of Joy, Lisa See (library, ebook) Confession: I didn't make it all the way through the book. I didn't even make it through part. Joy was my least favorite character in Shanghai Girls, and I found her downright detestable as a lead.
5. The Mask of Zorro, Johnston McCulley (Classic Tales Podcast) Another confession: after several years of the Classic Tales, I'm getting rather tired of B.J. Harrison. He's a phenomenal reader, but after a while his characters and voices are becoming tiresome and repetitive. Nevertheless, it's a great book.
6. The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss (ebook) - Man oh man, am I ever enjoying this book! I'm not done yet....but it is the first time in a very long time that I've found a new fantasy author to love. I'll tell you more when I finish!
7. Love Over Scotland, The World According to Bertie, Unbearable Lightness of Scones, Alexander McCall Smith (library, CD) This concludes all of the current books in the 44 Scotland St. series. Good lighthearted reading...BUT for a few things. 1. My Bertie I was starting to notice serious inconsistencies. (A room that was painted was back to original color, another character claims to not have received a gift when she did in the book before....) Also, while I appreciate the serialization I have to admit that I'm growing tired of the fact that there's so little movement and resolution. And I really can't stomach much more of Irene.
8. Bellwether, Connie Willis (audio, library) I actually read this book years ago, but to be honest I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it. It was even more fun in audio with a fantastic narrator. Willis is - in my humble opinion - a genius. I love the details in her book, and I love the way in which every single word is relevant and every single idea is connected to every other idea. Extra bonus, there are sheep in this book!
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