Friday, February 21, 2014

let's talk about books.


Can we talk about books here today? I'm always ready to talk about the books I'm reading, and I love, love hearing what you guys are reading even more.

This school year has been busier than usual, and I haven't been reading as much as I normally do. And I hate that! Reading is so relaxing and fulfilling to me, and I'm determined to get back in the habit.

Here are some of the books I've read and loved over the past several months. Some are old, some are new, some are ones I've read over and over again. Have you read any of these? Anything else you've read lately and loved? I want to hear about it!!

Right now I'm reading Alice Munro's Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage, a collection of short stories. Munro is a tremendously talented writer. I would recommend anything she has written, but this book is really special.

If you haven't read Where'd You Go, Bernadette, get on it. It's hilarious and weird and fun. 

Friends recommended Gilead to me for years, but for some reason it took me a while to get around to it. I read this book for the second time recently and am still simply enchanted by its quiet beauty. It reads like poetry.

Jhumpa Lahiri is one of my all-time favorite writers. Her characters are incredible, and her storytelling is so bold. My professor in college called her writing "lyrical," and I think that's just perfect. The Lowland is her most recent book, and I have no words other than: "read it."

Elizabeth recommended Bread & Wine to me, and I'm so glad she did! I devoured this book. It's sweet and inspiring and lovely.

My mom gave me Flannery O'Connor's Prayer Journal, and it is every bit as wonderful as you would imagine. It's so amazing and humbling to read the intimate hopes and prayers of such an incredible talent.

I re-read Pride & Prejudice for the millionth time this fall. It makes me laugh out loud every time. Emma does that to me too.

Heartburn! I love this book. Love, love, love. Nora Ephron is her most witty and sharp and perfect self in this book. Bonus: the main character writes cookbooks for a living, so there are some great recipes in here as well. Another bonus: Meryl and Jack are fantastic in the movie adaptation.

And here are a few on my to-read list. Let me know if you've read any and what you thought!

That's it for now! Hope you all have a fantastic weekend! xo

17 comments:

  1. Love these recommendations - thank you! I've got to check out Bread & Wine, among others. I recently bought a collection of Austen's books and keep meaning to re-read. Pride & Prejudice is the best book ever! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!

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    1. Totally agree, P&P never gets old! Have a great weekend, Monica!

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  2. Thanks for these fantastic suggestions!! I'm looking for a good, good read! I loved the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. So good! Can't wait to check out Bread and WIne!

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    1. Thanks for the tip on Potato Peel Society - so many people have told me how much they love it, but somehow I haven't gotten around to it yet! Have a great weekend, Maria!

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  3. I still haven't read Bread & Wine, but every excerpt I've read from it has been amazing! I really need to read that one!

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    1. You would love it! I would send it to you but I got it on my Kindle!

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  4. i have had no time to read recently but will definitely be coming back for your recommendations. and ps we need another date possibly with the boys and the puppies :)

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    1. I know that you are BUSY right now! I'll have a brand new cookbook to read in a matter of weeks from you :) And yes, would love to - especially now that the weather is finally shaping up! :)

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    2. im thinking after march 1st week?

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    3. Yes! I have spring break the week of March 10 so maybe something then would work?!

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  5. :) You KNOW I love these book recommendations! I'm glad you liked Bread & Wine - it made me want to have dinner parties all the time! Also, loved potato peel pie society. So good and sweet. Me Before You is on my list, as well as the Goldfinch. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Ahh I know -- all I wanted to do after reading that book was sit around a table and drink wine with friends! Thanks for the tip on Potato Peel... maybe I will read that next! I've almost started Goldfinch so many times but the length is honestly psyching me out a little. Hope you have a fantastic weekend! xo

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  6. sigh! I haven't read a great book in a few months. I'm finishing Divergent next but, NOTHING beats a great read, right?!

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  7. I love hearing about what you're reading! I actually just bought Where'd You Go, Bernadette so I'm glad to hear it's entertaining. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society is a must-read; I recommend it all the time. And of course, Pride & Prejudice never gets old... best book ever. I'm finishing up The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom for the hundredth time. It's the most inspiring autobiography I've ever read- definitely put it on your list if you haven't already finished it! Man, I could ramble about books all day; thanks for sharing, Marie!

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    1. So I'm going to have to read Potato Peel because everyone is telling me it's amazing! Thanks for the tip, Katie! And I. love. The Hiding Place. So, so good!! Our 7th graders read it at school and I love hearing how much they love it. You're going to love Bernadette!!!

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  8. So, I think we have the same taste in books as well as the same taste in food!! I adore Alice Munro and Jhumpa Lahiri - I just finished The Lowlands which i loved, although I still think Unaccustomed Earth is my favourite. The Goldfinch is quite simply one of the best books I've read in years, I hope you enjoy it! I've recently discovered Meg Wollitzer, who I think is fab and you might enjoy!

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    1. Thanks so much for the tips!! I haven't read Meg Wollitzer but have some of her books on my to-read list, so I'll have to check her out. OMG, love love love Jhumpa Lahiri. Obsessed. My favorite is Interpreter of Maladies... I've totally worn that book out!

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