You guys are just fantastic... thank you for all your lovely positive comments which are much appreciated and really have helped. I've decided my best approach to all the rubbish stuff going on is to ignore it all and focus on all the little good things and in particular on those snatched moments with a good book (usually very early in the morning before I get up)
My book for Circle of Pine Trees "Year in Books" project in February was Restoration by Rose Tremain. I mostly enjoyed reading this book, especially the historical setting but I didn't like the main character Merivel. I know he was very self depreciating and very much a man of his time but I found him rather too distasteful for my liking. I don't think I'll be reading the sequel.
I had thought I would choose Cambridge Blue by Alison Bruce as my March choice but I read it in about three days... long before February was over. This is actually our Book Club choice for March, chosen for its local connections. It is a thriller set in Cambridge and mostly I enjoyed it and found it quite a page turner. It was fun to recognised all the local references but if I had any critisism it was that it tended to be a bit cliched at times and rather too convoluted... but I'll happily read the others in the series for a light easy read.
And so I picked another book for my March choice The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. I had the title of this book scribbled on a bit of paper on my desk - obviously recommended from somewhere but I can't remember where! So when I spotted it in the supermarket I popped it in the basket with my spuds..... and ended up reading this in three days too! It is the story of genetics professor Don who sets himself the task of finding a wife. It is funny and an easy read but somewhat predictable. Don obviously has Asperger's Syndrome and displays every single typical Asperger trait to the upmost degree.... and therefore it doesn't quite ring true. I live with someone with Asperger's Syndrome so I know! But it was enjoyable and I finished this before the end of February too.
And so finally I have picked yet another book to be my March read... Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth which is a historical novel set in the time of Louis XIV, the Sun King. It is the story of three women, three lives and a clever retelling of the Rapunzel fairy tale. I'm not sure I would have picked this if I hadn't read Stephanie's recomendation in her blog Millefeuille... but I'm loving it already.
What are you reading in March?
You do get through your books, don't you Gina! I'm reading 'Four Hedges' at the moment and loving it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you're a bit more upbeat today. :)
V xxx
I'm reading academic papers and books, not quite the sort of thing to recommend, unless of course you want to know more about participatory development, a sense of place or wildlife management
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are ignoring the rubbish. I have just finished reading the last of Peter May's Lewis trilogy, which you recommended and I loved - all three in fact! I sall look out for Cambridge Blue and your (final) March selection as they sound pretty good too. Cheers
ReplyDeleteSo glad you've found such a good distraction, Gina, I love a good book, it takes you away into another world like no world like no other media can.
ReplyDeleteHow do you read a book in 3 days?!
ReplyDeleteMoving on ... I'm reading the book I was reading in January and February Ghostwalk by Rebecca Scott - another Cambridge historical/murder mystery with a side serving of science.
Your certainly whipping through those books Gina! Sorry last week was so awful just read the post, cake judging is very hit and miss as you have proved same recipe two different opinions, give it another go next year, I would if I was you! As for the other 'problem' hope it goes away quickly ( thinking about it I'd get Jill onto it a woman who eats Marmite Chocolate can deal with anything) x
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling more positive - a good book is a great comforter. I am still reading The Hobbit but have had many diversions. I haven't come across any of the titles you mention but will look out for some of them when I'm shopping tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see your tutorial in the new WOW - I need to brush up my machine embroidery techniques.
I'm glad you are feeling more positive Gina.I will be adding some of your recommendations to my own list.I have almost finished my Feb book so the March one will be one you have already read, The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier. I have tried to save it till my next holiday but I can't hold out any longer. I love her books.
ReplyDeleteGosh, your Year in Books has got off to a cracking start! (My own reading these days is so much slower. Not sure what that's all about.) Sounds like you've managed to park the not so nice stuff that's been happening, too.
ReplyDeleteI was interested to read your comments on RESTORATION. I agree that the main character is outrageously unattractive, but he does have a few redeeming features such as his love for his friend. You might enjoy the sequel - MERIVEL. This completes his story and makes him appear more sympathetic and well-rounded. His adventures at the French court would match your current reading.
ReplyDeleteThat cake looked magnificent to me!
Gina, reading this post and its examples of what you've been reading and your take on those books really does tell me that when I do get back over to the UK, we have just got to get together.
ReplyDeleteStitching, baking, reading...so much more just to start the conversation.
Meanwhile, I thank you for the reminder of that book that Stephanie has mentioned. Must get my request to my lovely library.
Rose Tremaine is another favorite author.
I still owe you an email about baking and other stuff.
xo
I've just read Burial Rites by Hannah Kent and The Light Between Oceans by ML Stedman - both recommendations from Fiona in Oz. I enjoyed both of them and I'm about to start Fred and Edie by Jill Dawson, a library book, whilst re-reading - by dipping in and out - Wild Places by Robert McFarlane. Makes me sound like I'm on top of my reading pile but that is sadly not so! I have a huge number still to enjoy...sooner or later.... probably later!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your reads. :) I like the look of the Cambridge Blue. I know Cambridge quite well because we stay there for work several times a year. I think I might treat myself!
ReplyDeleteJess xx
Gina, sounds like you have had a better week. Only just read the last blog, rubbish I am! That cake looks gorgeous. Nothing like a good book to cheer you up especially if you have cake as well. Keep up the good work x
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Few Eggs and No Oranges, and I just blogged about it :)
ReplyDeleteBitter Greens has just been added to my growing list of titles to try ... I read Stephanie's recommendation and wasn't sure, but if you love it too ...
Haven't read anything recently, but this looks like a good list of recommendations. Hope you're managing to stay with the positive and enjoying the spring weekend.
ReplyDeleteHi Gina - sorry to hear of your troubles but you sound like you're in a good place at the moment and your books will help you stay there! I just finished The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier, mainly read for the quilting theme, I admit. xCathy
ReplyDeleteYou have been a busy bee! I listened to Cambridge Blue on my ipod and enjoyed it. Mostly anyway. The characters are maybe a bit too stereotypical but still, a page turner (if you can say this for audio!). Cx
ReplyDeleteAh, The Rosie Prjoject, I loved that one.
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