Read another southern-type book, which was Backseat Saints, by Joshilyn Jackson.  This was pretty good, though a little bit violent, considering the fact that it chronicles domestic abuse in the main character's life.  Although it was sort of a heavy read, I was glad to have experienced this book and this memorable character, who does get saved at the end.  I might read another book by the same author.

I also read Pattern Recognition, by William Gibson.  Although it was probably just a tad longer than it needed to be,  I really enjoyed the conclusion that was entertaining and well, thought provoking.  It does make you question modernity as it currently has been manifesting,  though in a somewhat heartwarming way by the end of the novel.  I would say that I liked the book.

So, back to the housecleaning.  For now.  Who actually reads this ridiculous blog anyway?

Just finished Bound South by Susan Rebecca Wright.  This was recommended to me, and I did enjoy it, especially the fine ending.

Of course, it did make me think of the experience of living in the South, the book specifically referring to residents of Atlanta, of which I'm not technically a part.  The closeness of my relatives to Atlanta, though, enabled me to find qualities of the story that were familiar.

So living in the South can be a curious thing, but I do enjoy it.  Fortunately I've never once said "Co Cola"   not in jest, which I suppose makes me less Southern than  some. The characters so tenderly depicted were not annoying, and the three person narratives were interesting, to say the least.  The recommendation to read this book was a good one, prompted by a shared appreciaton of Looking for Salvation at Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore.  These were both natural and very good, especially if the one reading is a Southern resident and happily reading about familiar turf.

Y'all should try these two books. :)

Well, read a few books.  The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck was really nice for a faith-based visit to wedding land.  I enjoyed this one very much.  Also read The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes, which was quite good, but not necessarily faith-based reading.  It was actually somewhat confusing, with the feeling of needing to read it over again immediately after finishing it.

Am losing interest in this blog again, and find my attention to reading already strengthened enough to let it go.  I guess if I told some folks about the blog, it might be more entertaining, and maybe there would be comments.  Actually very happily told one library patron about it, so maybe she's checking it out, in which case I would recommend the first book mentioned today.

Am still wrestling with The Sense of an Ending, and would like to read other books by the same author, just to understand this one.  Don't get me wrong, it was good, but dreadfully tragic, with much attention to the concept of remorse.  Reading so much lately only makes me want to read more books, though the housecleaning is important, too!  Wishing anybody reading this a happy weekend!

Just finished a book that I ended up devouring once I got into it.  The Breakdown Lane, by Jacquelyn Mitchard, is a very thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of a lady going through a hard time along with her MS diagnosis.  The characters are endearing, like in every book that I like, and I think maybe books written for women are more my speed than crime fiction.

What particularly drew me into this book was the fact that the protagonist got very sick, but then got very much better.  It's funny how the world works that way, in good faith.  The book was favorably enhanced by naming scripture verses before specific chapters, that upon looking up added to the engaging story.

Probably chick lit is better for me since there are usually very happy endings.

Next I'm reading This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz.  Very excited because of the satisfactory book length and attractive cover and author.  Hopefully after this I'll finally read The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.

Visiting the public library is the best.  My heart goes out to all of the books on the shelves.   I can't read every book, but I can, at least, carry a bunch around with me.

Finished How It All Began by Penelope Lively today.  What a lovely book.  I certainly did enjoy it, and was satisfied by the moral resolutions of the stories contained within.

After attending a used book sale this morning, I'm eager to peruse my new additions.  Didn't buy any fiction, though.  I think I'll either read a religous book or self-help.  Thankfully I collected some art books that will be enjoyable.

Really, I fell in love with Penelope Lively's book of action and consequence.   I really can't explain what made her characters so endearing, but I was very concerned as I read, slowly but surely.  It was excellent for lunchtime reading, though today I sat down and finished it, happily.

In appreciation of the season, I will pick up the religious book.  I hope that it is good.

I'm thankful for my favorite and devoted reader!  Happy positive attitude, everybody!

I just read a sweet little book! The Bird Sisters by Rebecca Rasmussen caught my eye, both for the cover art and for the appeal of the title.  It turned out to be quite beautifully written, with a tender and heart filling plot.  It made me so happy that so much was contained in such a well-tended space, and it held the appeal to me as of a singularly good album of music.

Frankly, I take very seriously the album barometer test, and this book passed so worthily that I wished it had a soundtrack.  But how to describe its sweetness?
Maybe that's just it.  The book was just so sweet and tender and lovely, that I daresay it had a melody.

So what to pick up now?  I grabbed a book by Penelope Lively called, "How it All Began."  I've never read this author, but it seems charming from, you guessed it, the cover art and the compelling title.  The title gives me hope that this book just might bring me understanding of the world at large.  I'll keep you posted.

In this Lenten season, I might be switching churches and outlook, but hopefully I'll keep reading and reporting on this silly blog.  Why do I do this, except for the love of typing and no current paper writing. 

Just finished The Casual Vacancy, by J. K. Rowling, and must say that I did find it to be quite good.  It's so very not fantasy, yet the grim reality is so tenderly portrayed that
I just wanted to give J.K. Rowling a hug.   Because the novel is so intertwined with individual stories, I cannot say much more than that about it, because it is part of the adventure of reading the book to unravel all of the fine threads of change of heart.

Okay, so I'm no J. K. Rowling, and I dropped out of college once, but it's a good book.  I'm glad that I have read it, and am left with the expression of a hug.  One of those hugs that life is so serious, but there's no having it any other way. No less significant at least.

Next up, who knows.  I think I'll read some books about yoga and exercise for awhile, with hopefully some good workouts inbetween.  Also, Rowling really does draw up memorable characters, does she not?  I wonder if she likes to exercise.

Also, because of the time of year, I might like to do some devotional reading as well.  That's for my quiet time rather than for my audacious blog.

The homework assignment now is to find and distribute a genuine hug.  With a full heart. :)