You didn't think I would be back for a while did you, but I'm sitting here killing time and I've missed you! I know it IS going to suddenly go crazy round here but at the moment all is quiet. So quiet I have read two books in less than two weeks, both of them picked up at our local book exchange (in a decommissioned telephone kiosk)
I do enjoy a good Jodie Picoult and this one was no exception. As usual she does not shy away from tricky or controversial subjects and without giving too much away Small Great Things is about racial prejudice. An African American midwife tends to the new born baby of a white supremacist couple who request she is not involved in the care of their son. After a routine procedure, the baby dies and the couple are looking for someone to blame. This is largely about the aftermath and the murder trial that follows. But it is not just about the obvious racial hatred but also the covert racism that exists everywhere. Thought provoking and compulsive reading.
I also spotted At the Edge of the Orchard in the phone box, the only Tracey Chevalier novel I haven't read to date. I soon put that to right and read this in about three days, which is as much to do with the amazing weather we've been having, where I really don't feel much like doing any more than sitting in the garden reading with a pink gin, as it is about the quality of the book. Although it also happens to be a great read. It is set in America back in the days of the gold rush pioneers and is about family ties and loyalty, trees and apples. You'll just have to read it!
I've also been to London to teach a class on rag rugs which gives at least a couple of hours sitting on trains or waiting for them. Anyone else living in the south east will know how much time that involves lately with the numerous delays and cancellations. But the plus side means plenty of reading time, so much that I have almost finished the book I was planning to take to Greece with me. We fly off tomorrow night/early hours of Saturday so I'm just a bit excited... and I definitely won't be back here before then!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't feel like doing much in this weather. I long for summer but it seems to arrive so suddenly with no time to acclimatise and I become a wilting wreck. More great reads, and I would envy your trip to Greece if I had the energy! Have a great time.
ReplyDeleteThank you Heather x
DeletePink gin in the garden, it's a decadent life you lead. But a very well deserved break I think. We have a phone box book exchange near here too, they're a brilliant idea. Glad you enjoyed your reads. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteI like to give the impression that I'm busy when really I spend my days lazing around with book and drink in hand 😂
DeleteEnjoy your trip Gina, at least this amazing weather we're having will have got you in the mood!
ReplyDeleteAt least the heat in Greece won't come as a shock!
DeleteHave a lovely holiday.
ReplyDeleteJx
Thank you x
DeleteI have read Small Great things and thought it was great which is what we expect of Jodi Piccoult. Hope you have a lovely time in Grease.
ReplyDeleteMitzi
It was a great book wasn't it!
DeleteThink it may be cooler in Greece. Thanks for the book reviews-I must look out for Jodi Picoult. Have a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteThe temperature was about the same as here when we checked earlier but with the added benefit of being by the sea!
DeleteHaving gone through a period of being unable to settle down to any book, I've been on a roll too. It's about all I can manage in the heat. The watering is killing me!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful,time in Greece.
Have a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteJust back from Majorca (yes sun,sea and sangria), I finally read Fallen Angels that had been in my holiday book pile since I don't know when. I envy you going to Greece, have a lovely time and lap up that sea view.
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