Since this past week was our Spring Break from homeschooling, I was expecting to have a lot of time for reading. Then stuff happened, and I decided to move my blog. I used all my extra time that I had set aside for reading to get the new blog up and running – with tons of help from my husband.
I did get some reading done, though. I finished Watchmen
by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons – dark, disturbing, and thought-provoking.
I am halfway through Leonardo’s Swans by Karen Essex. I’m reading it as part of the Art History Challenge. Ms. Essex has a wonderful gift for writing historical fiction – I enjoyed her Stealing Athena very much, and this book is proving to be just as wonderful. The book is set during the 1490s, with the intrigues surrounding the various city-states of Italy as the backdrop to the story of two sisters. The chapters are headed with quotes from Leonardo da Vinci’s various journals and writings. I am curious to finish the book and then read the author’s note to find out how much of it was fact and how much comes from her imagination. Either way, it’s a fascinating read.
I picked up Speaking with the Angel, a book of short stories edited by Nick Hornby, at the library. I’ve read three of the stories so far, and enjoyed every one very much. The main reason I picked up this book – other than that it was edited by Nick Hornby (I’m also reading Housekeeping vs. the Dirt, a collection of his columns from “The Believer” magazine), was that it also includes a story by Colin Firth. I haven’t read that one yet, but I’ll be sure and let you know if the man who embodied Mr. Darcy can write as well as act.
I finished listening to Diana Gabaldon’s Voyager on audiobook. 36 discs long – it was wonderfully romantic and full of adventure. It was also emotionally exhuasting. For a complete change of pace – and something quite a bit shorter – I started listening to Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich. The Stephanie Plum series is wonderful on audio – laugh-out-loud funny.
So, that’s what I’ve been reading this week. Oh, and the latest “Entertainment Weekly” issue – which was a special summer movie preview issue. Lots of good movies coming out this summer – but that’s fodder for another post.
What are you reading this Sunday?
Hi Carrie,
I’m new to TSS. I enjoyed reading your post today. Like your layout, too.
Twitter: youvegottaread
says:
Yes, I’ve been slowly working my way through that EW…gotta love Hugh Jackman! I am probably the most excited about the next Harry Potter.
I think the Stephanie Plum diversion is a good call. You kind of have to rejuvenate yourself after those Claire/Jamie marathons…get your emotions back into place. I am listening to “The Thirteenth Tale” right now and wow, what a story. I’d heard so many things about this book, and I was starting to feel like I was the last one on earth to have read it. I am also reading “Night” by Elie Wiesel. Very disturbing. Going to have to get something light for my next read!
Twitter: youvegottaread
says:
I have an award for you, to let you know how much your comments mean to me! Come on over and check it out!
Twitter: unfnshdprsn
says:
Like you, I’d probably pick up the book edited by Nick Hornby also, just because it is Hornby. I admit I’ve only read one or two by him, but loved them all. Unfortunately, our library has about a grand total of two of his books.
I’d be interested in knowing what you thought of Watchmen. Myself, I wasn’t that “jazzed” by the movie, but I’d be interested in hearing what you thought of the graphic novel.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Susan – thanks for stopping by!
Sandy – yes, the new HP is definitely the one the entire family is totally dying to see – and thanks for the award – I’ll head over and check it out!
UP – I’ve enjoyed both Hornby’s fiction and his non-fiction – he’s funny and he makes me think. Two good things in my opinion. I’ll e-mail you my review of Watchmen – I posted it on my old site, but I’m trying not to give them any traffic.
Twitter: booknaround
says:
I have to laugh because I picked up Speaking With the Angel for the same reason you did, I like Hornby and was curious to see if Colin Firth (aka “my boyfriend”–and my husband is totally okay with this designation, incidentally) could write. I’d say he’s not bad but he’s a better actor. In any case, I am currently thoroughly enjoying the third of Hornby’s Believer books, Shakespeare Wrote for Money.”
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Kristen – I bet there are a lot of female readers who picked up that collection because of Mr. Darcy’s involvement.