February Reading

At the beginning of each of these I always seem to say what a great month it has been for reading. Tired, right? All I can figure is I’m manifesting good books, kind of like the same way I said to J yesterday that we hadn’t gotten a Bed Bath & Beyond coupon in the mail yet this year (when they used to arrive several times a week). Today? Boom- a coupon. Kind of cool but if I have the ability to manifest things I want then where the hell is a decent job? I think about that all the time. Feel free to get all psychological on my ass while I tell you about 7 wonderful books you should read.

The Weight of Heaven

 This book reminded me very much of The House of Sand and Fog, in that the character truly believed he was doing the right thing but you, as reader, as groaning as he heads further and further down a path with no return. Beautifully written.

The Dovekeepers

 Unless Hoffman or her publisher is going to pay me there is not much more gushing I can do about this book. A must read.

The Language of Flowers

 One of two debut novels I read this month and both were stellar. This one deals with what happens to a foster child when she reaches 18 and is left on her own. Sad because you’re pretty sure this is not unusual but ultimately inspiring.

Heart of Darkness

I haven’t read this since college but remember now why it is a classic. I was so drawn to this paragraph I read it repeatedly and have to share it here.

“Droll thing life is- that mysterious arrangement of merciless logic for a futile purpose. The most you can hope from it is some knowledge of yourself- that comes too late- a crop of unextinguishable regrets. I have wrestled with death. It is the most unexciting contest you can imagine. It takes place in an impalpable grayness, with nothing underfoot, with nothing around, without spectators, without clamour, without glory, without the great desire of victory, without the great fear of defeat, in a sickly atmosphere of tepid skepticism, without much belief in your own right, and still less in that of your adversary.”

Who writes like that?! It is no exaggeration to say I would give up a kidney to be able to write like that (you can get by with just one, right?) Read it.

When She Woke

Reviewed this one as well. I’m not saying it’s a masterpiece or the most finely crafted novel I’ve ever read but it will hold your attention. If you’re a woman you need to read it.

 

I’ve Got Your Number

Sometimes when I’ve been inundated with words that drill down into my brain, that take me over, I need a little mental sorbet and no one does a better job than Sophie Kinsella. Fluffy and fun.

The Art of Fielding

Another debut and a home run- which is the only baseball metaphor I’ll use because that’s cheap, cheesy, and too easy. The book is wonderful and I’ll be yammering about it some more in the near future.

What did you read this month? I’m always looking for new ideas! And if you’re a book buyer all of these titles are available in my Amazon shop(click on photo on the right)- no extra cost to you (just sticking it to the man by letting me have a teensy slice of the pie).