I thought I would share three books that I plan to read right after the holidays. They are atmospheric and wintery reads from what I understand, and I am excited to jump into them. These books are a more "literary" choice, and will be in contrast to the "fluffier" books I have chosen to read over the holidays. I have had all these books over a year, and I think it is time to take them off my TBR (to be read) list and finish them. Do you do that? Buy books and let them sit on your shelf forever until they are part of the scenery and you don't even see them anymore? One of my New Year's Resolutions is to read some of these books that have been sitting for too long.
The first book I have chosen is based on a true character, Margaret Fishbox, who worked for R.H. Macys as an advertising copywriter in the 30s, at a time when women were not often found in that occupation. The fictional character, Lillian Boxfish, is now 84 years old and it is New Year's Eve in 1984. She is going to a New Year's Eve Party and decides to walk across the city. On her stroll we revisit her life in New York from the 1930s to the time of the AIDS epidemic. Her reflections reveal her as a woman who grabs life and all it has to offer, and manages to regain it when it seems to be slipping away. I am excited to read Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney. A book about a strong woman seems like a good way to begin the New Year.
The Gustav Sonata by Rose Tremain has gotten very good reviews. The story is set in Switzerland post WW2, and is the tale of two friends, Anton and Gustav. The boys share a close childhood friendship which is torn by both the war and by Gustav's family's anti-Semitism. We follow the young men throughout their lives, one becoming a concert pianist, the other a hotel owner. Their friendship is lost, transformed and then regained-according to one review I read. Like a sonata, the book is told in three movements. It deals with the choices we make, the paths we take in life and the consequences we live with. If you enjoy a character based book, you may enjoy this. Nominated for the Bailey's Women's Prize for Fiction.
I understand that Midwinter by Fiona Melrose is a story of family, grief and bitterness. The book is set in Suffolk, England and is the story of a father and son, who work together to "maintain their property, livelihood and heritage in the face of competition from big business". The two men are also struggling with the blame and sadness they feel over the loss of their wife/mother which occurred over ten years previously and which they have never completely confronted. Under the shadow of a particularly brutal winter, they come to terms with their anger, loss and guilt. Also nominated for the Women's Prize for Fiction, this book is supposed to be exceptionally well written.
15 responses to “What Shall I Read Next?”
I haven’t read any of these. Please keep us informed on how you like them. MY reading has been lax the past couple of weeks just getting everything else together. I finally feel like it is under control until I start thinking about all the cooking that has to happen next week. Carry on!
Mary
I haven’t read any of these. Please keep us informed on how you like them. MY reading has been lax the past couple of weeks just getting everything else together. I finally feel like it is under control until I start thinking about all the cooking that has to happen next week. Carry on!
Mary
I haven’t read any of these. Please keep us informed on how you like them. MY reading has been lax the past couple of weeks just getting everything else together. I finally feel like it is under control until I start thinking about all the cooking that has to happen next week. Carry on!
Mary
I tend to read quite a bit but rather than adding a lot of fiction titles to my shelves, I use a Kindle e-reader and borrow them from our library so I don’t have to find space to keep more books. It took a while to get used to using an e-reader but I really make use of it now. And I love to take it with me when I travel. Do let us know what you think of these new books – I really appreciate recommendations.
I tend to read quite a bit but rather than adding a lot of fiction titles to my shelves, I use a Kindle e-reader and borrow them from our library so I don’t have to find space to keep more books. It took a while to get used to using an e-reader but I really make use of it now. And I love to take it with me when I travel. Do let us know what you think of these new books – I really appreciate recommendations.
I tend to read quite a bit but rather than adding a lot of fiction titles to my shelves, I use a Kindle e-reader and borrow them from our library so I don’t have to find space to keep more books. It took a while to get used to using an e-reader but I really make use of it now. And I love to take it with me when I travel. Do let us know what you think of these new books – I really appreciate recommendations.
I’m planning to read Patrick Taylor’s Irish Country Doctor series – if the person who c checked out the 1st book will ever return it!!
currently I’m reading Cora Harrison’s series set in 16th century Ireland.
My reading has been slowed down by Christmas preparations, too.
Tanks for the reviews ands I look forward to hearing how you like these books.
Hugs!
I’m planning to read Patrick Taylor’s Irish Country Doctor series – if the person who c checked out the 1st book will ever return it!!
currently I’m reading Cora Harrison’s series set in 16th century Ireland.
My reading has been slowed down by Christmas preparations, too.
Tanks for the reviews ands I look forward to hearing how you like these books.
Hugs!
I’m planning to read Patrick Taylor’s Irish Country Doctor series – if the person who c checked out the 1st book will ever return it!!
currently I’m reading Cora Harrison’s series set in 16th century Ireland.
My reading has been slowed down by Christmas preparations, too.
Tanks for the reviews ands I look forward to hearing how you like these books.
Hugs!
I haven’t read any of those 3 books, but the first one, Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, sounds like one that I would enjoy. I look forward to your review. I’ve read a few books that you’ve recommended and enjoyed them.
I tend to buy a few books at a time and I do a lot of borrowing from our local library. I was thrilled to have reached my goal of reading 30 books this year. I know, it pales in comparison to your reading list!
I haven’t read any of those 3 books, but the first one, Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, sounds like one that I would enjoy. I look forward to your review. I’ve read a few books that you’ve recommended and enjoyed them.
I tend to buy a few books at a time and I do a lot of borrowing from our local library. I was thrilled to have reached my goal of reading 30 books this year. I know, it pales in comparison to your reading list!
I haven’t read any of those 3 books, but the first one, Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, sounds like one that I would enjoy. I look forward to your review. I’ve read a few books that you’ve recommended and enjoyed them.
I tend to buy a few books at a time and I do a lot of borrowing from our local library. I was thrilled to have reached my goal of reading 30 books this year. I know, it pales in comparison to your reading list!
Thank you for your book lists, I can not always find all the books in the library but I have read different autors due to the books you have mentioned and I love it.
Thank you for your book lists, I can not always find all the books in the library but I have read different autors due to the books you have mentioned and I love it.
Thank you for your book lists, I can not always find all the books in the library but I have read different autors due to the books you have mentioned and I love it.