SUMMER READING LIST
30 06 2009Usually I’m reading at such a rate that I don’t really have time to sit down and blog about it. I just pick up whatever by who ever, read it in a day or two and move on. But this summer is really a busy one for me and I haven’t had time to go through the books as quickly as before. And then I hit that spot where I’d read everything I had and was on the verge of a library visit.
That’s when Zelda loaned me a collection of books by Barbara Kingsglover. I had loved the Poisonwood Bible. And the collection so far hasn’t disappointed. I’ve read two of the four in the collection: Pigs in Heaven and Animal Dreams. Both stories take place in desert type places, though Pigs in Heaven travels all over and most of it ending up in Northeastern Oklahoma. There’s something about reading them during the summer that really makes you feel the stories.
Also, what I really like about the books is that I have to take my time with them. I can’t zoom through them like regular airpot fiction. I feel like the stories move slowly, but with an intentional slowness. She makes you savor the words. As I neared the end of Animal Dreams, I started sobbing. Chris made me put the book down. I had to read that chapter three times to get all the words.
I have two more books to go. I’ve started Homeland which is a collection of short stories and then I finish it off with The Bean Tree. I’m kind of thinking at this rate, these may last me through the summer.
I listened to The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven on tape when I was on tour, but I’ve never actually read anything by her.
I will definately put that on my list.
I love anything that causes inconsolable crying.
Um. Its been years but yes, she is lovely.
I am working on The Time Traveler’s Wife… I didn’t read it back “when” it got buried under the To Read book pile.
Its a nice piece of Fiction that tugs a bit at the heart but not too much so far.
It was good to see you yesterday…
its all bits and pieces these days but I will take them all!
I tried and tried Timetraveler, but couldn’t do it. it was five years ago, and clearly my mental health was not conducive to anything good…would like to try it again.
I meant to ask you last night about the Kingsolver stuff…so glad you likey. I’m still stuck. After THE BOOK, I dont think I can pick anything else up for a bit.
I loved the Time Traveler’s Wife and in fact consider it to be in my top ten of favorite books (right along with the Life of Pi). Zelda, I think I had the same problem as you. After finishing THE BOOK, everything I picked up for a while just couldn’t hold my interest. I think I’m going to move into non-fiction for a while after the Kingsglover books. Maybe biographies.