Summer Reading

Much like an ostrich, when thing go awry I look for a place to stick my head.   It seems I've spent the last few weeks waiting on someone.   Just when I thought things were back to normal I find I am once again the one waiting for plumbers, contractors, and landscapers.   

In the past I might have pulled out the knitting needles and knitted away or spent time working in the garden (too hot for either), but this summer I have enjoyed keeping a book in my hand.    I have opened several the last three weeks only to find they were unable to slow my brain and  pull me into their web.   I am certain they are all fine books; I will open them again another day.   It just wasn't our time. 

 I keep a running list of titles on my iPhone.  Or, when browsing bookstores, I will snap a picture of  the books I might want to read.  My book titles are mixed in with names of plants and flowers I want to research for the garden.  I dislike not being able to think of the title of a book or an author's name if I happen to unexpectantly stop by the library or bookstore.  

This is on my to-read list

How and where do you keep lists of things you want to do or read?

With the help of many of you, and by searching the library shelves I did find three books to end my summer reading. 

I was intrigued by the book cover of 13 rue Theresa.  A found box full of artifacts having belonged to a unknown French woman who lived through two world wars?  Having recently uncovered an old camelback trunk given as a gift to a great great aunt myself, I was immediately intrigued with this tale.    The story is told through the writings of the finder of the box, Trevor Straton, an American professor working in Paris.   With each treasure he builds an imaginary story around the life and relationships of the mysterious owner,  Louise Brunet.  Are his imaginings fiction or does be come eerily close to the truth?  And what is the result of his ponderings.  I found this book often times confusing, but well worth the time spent untangling and putting the puzzle together.

I was not at all familiar with The Enchanted April or the author Elizabeth Von Armin.   I will admit I almost passed on this one when I read a review describing it a "ChickLit"  I am so glad I didn't.   This is story of four women wanting to escape their everyday lives.   They combine their resources to rent a castle in the Italian Riviera found in a "for rent" ad.    During their stay bonds are created and attitudes altered.  I found this novel just as intoxicating and magical as the women found San Salvatorie.  This is just a delightful read.  I am hoping to find a copy of this book and the author's other books.  I think she could become a favorite.

A Room with a View  is a favorite of so many of you.  I read it too many years ago to admit; I believe I was in high school.  Picking it up again was like uncovering a new treasure.  There was a sense of deja vu, but I couldn't decide if I was actually remembering or just anticipating.   I fell in love with Lucy Honeychurch as she innocently worked her way through the social rules of the time.  Would she do what was expected or follow her heart.   So many characters to enjoy.  I won't wait another 40 years to reread this wonderful book again.  I've actually added it to my library.

You might notice I took some suggestions from the comments I received on a previous post.   

I'm putting together my list of suggestions for my book group and trying to decide what to take to read on the plane to Ireland.  James Joyce maybe?  Maybe, but probably not.

A few titles I'm looking at for the many hours I will be in the airport or on the plane.

Sleeping With the Enemy

Coco Chanel's Secret War

Hal Vaughn

The Age of Desire

Jennie Fields

The Chaperone

Laura Moriarty

Thank you for all your comments on my last post.  It just is what it is.  Life is an adventure.  I am so blessed in so many ways, this is just one of those hiccups.   I might sound like a bit of a Pollyanna, but I can't let things out of my control and ultimately fixable consume me.  (I do have my fretful moments)   There are just too many good things to acknowledge.   I'll just use this inconvenience as an excuse to escape to the bookstore or out with a friend.

I hope you are having a wonderful week!