I heard from Joyce G. - the 2 books she recommends:
- "The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel", by Garth Stein (the evening book group discussed this one in the past)
- "The Boston Girl", by Anita Diamant (author of "The Red Tent")
I heard from Sue S. in a message - did you know that "The Light Between Oceans" by M.L. Stedman ( a book we discussed in 2013) is being released as a movie this September!
I talked with Kim in the library today, and here are her summer recommendations:
- "My Brilliant Friend" series by Elena Ferrante. Translated from the Italian, the first book begins with childhood and adolescence, it is an exploration of friendship. (The library has this series.)
- "A Meal in Winter" by Herbert Mingargali. A short book, a "profound" book. (in the library's new book section)
- "Greenwillow" by B.J. Chute. A short book, beautifully written, "lyrical". (Available as a inter- library loan.)
It is hard to keep track of all the books one reads. Kim keeps a journal, recording not only a story summary, but a listing of characters & favorite quotes or passages. What a great idea! I'm inspired but am I organized enough?
Sometimes reading a book once is not enough. Kim has read "Gone with the Wind" three times in her life: as a teenager, as a young mother and once again a few years ago. Her teenage self felt that Scarlett and Rhett did reunite in the future; whereas, her adult self felt that the relationship was done and over. I remember as a sophomore in high school, an English teacher raving about her favorite book: "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy. In my 20's, I finally read it and felt let down. But today,
with greater life experience and a greater appreciation for writing - I know my second reading would be entirely different.
Another book to read, on Kim's radar after listening to NPR, is "The Trials of the Earth: The True Story of a Pioneer Woman," by Mary Mann Hamilton (released July 2016). Near the end of her life, the author (1866-1936), began to record her life story as a female pioneer. She survived tornadoes, floods, fires, bears, panthers & snakes, managed a boarding house, ran a logging camp and raised a family. After 50 years her descendants have found and given her story to the world. The library has this book on order.
The pile of books to read or re-read just keeps getting taller...............
Book member Pamela L. has made it to the Seattle Library. We will take a look at that library next time.