Look what just walked in the door. Many of these are from Holly, one is from Jenners, the others are from people in my book club. Just more borrowed books to taunt the stack of books already in line to be read that have been loaned to me from friends…
From bottom to top: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson (I have never read him), Dark Places by Gillian Flynn (loved Gone Girl!), Muriel Barbery’s The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Love me a slick Europa any day), One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell (why not?), Jeanette Winterson’s Lighthousekeeping, The Family Orchard by Nomi Eve, Yasunari Kawabata’s The Sound of the Mountain (never heard of it), The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides (Middlesex = brilliant), and Tolstoy and the Purple Chair (because I just read Anna K and purple is my favorite color)
Which should I be most excited about?
HIdeinWhitetoSkipLine
Nice haul! I have read a few of them, found Tolstoy a bit disappointing. I want to read The Marriage Plot, so why don’t YOU try that one first and let me know?
Have a good time with these books!
I know, a big haul! I don’t think I will find the Tolstoy one too disappointing because I have read everyone else’s disappointments already.
The Marriage Plot was excellent on audio, but you probably don’t want to hear about that! I still haven’t read Middlesex, or any of the others in your new pile except for A Walk in the Woods, which I read with a book club and enjoyed.
I enjoyed Middlesex very much. I can recall scenes vividly and that is rare!
I have not read any of them, so I would be excited too! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on them. Enjoy!
None? Well, not that surprising, we have lots and lots of books in this world, thank goodness.
I really liked The Elegance of the Hedgehog, but I think you have to be in the right mood for it–not too skeptical, and not intimidated, but sort of trusting, like you would go into a children’s book.
Yes, I’ve heard that this one is challenging on an intellectual level. My friend Holly thought it was fabulous so that is what I will go into it with. WHEN? I do not know.
I haven’t read any of them so I don’t know which one you should be the most excited about. I quit borrowing books because I can’t even make it through those I own. lol
I should quit borrowing! I have had some books on my loaned-to-me shelf for years. HOw do they fly by so fast?
I loved Dark Places. Read Flynn’s first two novels before Gone Girl came out and went ballistic. Bill Bryson is always wonderful. I didn’t care for Elegance of the Hedgehog…
I might take Dark Places on my trip for the Holiday. maybe. I do love to hear about a book that has both good and bad endorsements – makes me curious to know where I will be.
I really liked The Marriage Plot but you will LOVE A Walk in the Woods! It is so damn funny. You will want to buy backpacking gear and head off to the trails when you are finished. I did! I did it for over a year after reading that one!
This has gone through the group after we read Wild. SO… knowing what you thought of THAT ONE! I should like this one, right?
Enjoy your new books!
OK!
Well, I own the bottom three on that pile but ain’t read a one of them. In fact, I’ve never even heard of a few of those. So yeah, I’m of zero help as I’ve no idea which you should be most excited about.
I know, I know, you don’t like readalongs but I bet it would be fun just to email our thoughts on that Europa one.
I’ve not read any of these yet so I am very excited about all of them! Enjoy all of your new books!
I will! I’m so very excited, too. But also overwhelmed.
Bill Bryson is one of the funniest non fiction writers around, I loved A Walk in the Woods. The Marriage Plot is also excellent, though Middlesex is definitely his best work.
I want to read Virgin Suicides, too. That movie was haunting.
Dark Places!
Flynn is a Missouri girl!
Glad the book arrived safely. I’d jump into Flynn or Bryson!
Every Bushnell book I’ve read has absolutely bombed for me (sadly I read three). I loved Walk in the Woods, read it if you’re in the mood for funny and sarcastic. I’ve heard fantastic things about Tolstoy and the Purple Chair. Read Marriage if you’re in the mood for slow, contemplative.
I’ve yet to try any Bushnell book but now you have me worried! Thanks for the great advice balancing mood and title.
Hmm, I have read a few and I would be excited by:
- the Bill Bryson (love his work)
- One Fifth Avenue (more than just SATC)
- Gillian Flynn (just because I haven’t read any of hers)
- The Marriage Plot (quite interesting)
Thanks! I love knowing friends have read things I am not sure I want to dive into.
Bill Bryson!! Totally opposite Tolstoy, which may be exactly what you need right now. It’s a really fun read.
I am well past AK with my recent devouring of all things Shirley Jackson but humor AND walking sounds like a good choice.
I loved Elegance of the Hedgehog. I listened to it but would really like to read it. Reminds me I need to put it on my Christmas list! Hope you enjoy.
I also have Walk in the Woods on my shelf but haven’t gotten to it yet…
Thanks for having my novel in your pile! I love many of those books — especially Middlesex. If you read my book, and have any questions, I am happy to answer. Best, and Happy Thanksgiving, Nomi Eve