Tag Archives: to read

The Monday Check-In ~ 8/30/2021

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

After a summer of gray, overcast skies, the sun finally came out this past week, and it’s been glorious! I managed to fit in a few beach walks and some outdoor reading time, and it’s amazing how little moments like those can instantly put me in a happy mood!

Of course, the sunny interlude didn’t last past Saturday… but I enjoyed it while it was here.

What did I read during the last week?

Ruin and Rising (Shadow & Bone, #3) by Leigh Bardugo: I suppose I’m glad to have read the trilogy, but overall, I thought the story was just okay. Yet another Chosen One? Ho hum. I’m interested enough in this world to read the other related books, but I can’t say I more than just liked the story.

Heroes by Stephen Fry: I finished the audiobook, and loved it. Stephen Fry is an amazing storyteller, and he’s a fantastic audiobook narrator for this collection of tales from Ancient Greece. My review is here.

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon: Lovely, moving YA. My review is here.

Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips: I’m a little late, but I finally read my book group’s pick for August! I’ll probably write up some thoughts later in the week — but first, I need to go catch up on the group discussion!

Pop culture & TV:

I finished the American-Israeli series Hit & Run on Netflix, and thought it was great, although it definitely fell outside the type of viewing I usually prefer. Check out my thoughts on the series here.

I’ve started watching Reservation Dogs on Hulu, but other than that, I’m in between shows. I suppose I could watch the season premiere of The Walking Dead, but I’m having a hard time building up any interest at all. Still, it’s the final season and I’ve lasted this long, so I suppose I should watch it.

Fresh Catch:

Once again, no new physical books! Although I have added a few more e-books to my Kindle library…

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado: I’m on a roll with reading my daughter’s recommendations, and this one just came in from my library holds list.

Now playing via audiobook:

A Killing Frost (October Daye, #14) by Seanan McGuire: A new Toby book comes out in September (yay!!), which means it’s time for an audio re-read of the previous one. I always love the Toby audiobooks — author Mary Robinette Kowal is the narrator, and she’s excellent.

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is doing a speed-re-read of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series. We’re reading and discussing 5 chapters per week. This week: Chapters 86 – 90.

Also in book group, we’ve doing a group read of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, and we’re finishing this week!

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #283: As Close To Us As Breathing by Elizabeth Poliner

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: As Close To Us As Breathing
Author: Elizabeth Poliner
Published: 2016
Length: 369 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

A multigenerational family saga about the long-lasting reverberations of one tragic summer by “a wonderful talent [who] should be read widely” (Edward P. Jones).

In 1948, a small stretch of the Woodmont, Connecticut shoreline, affectionately named “Bagel Beach,” has long been a summer destination for Jewish families. Here sisters Ada, Vivie, and Bec assemble at their beloved family cottage, with children in tow and weekend-only husbands who arrive each Friday in time for the Sabbath meal.

During the weekdays, freedom reigns. Ada, the family beauty, relaxes and grows more playful, unimpeded by her rule-driven, religious husband. Vivie, once terribly wronged by her sister, is now the family diplomat and an increasingly inventive chef. Unmarried Bec finds herself forced to choose between the family-centric life she’s always known and a passion-filled life with the married man with whom she’s had a secret years-long affair.

But when a terrible accident occurs on the sisters’ watch, a summer of hope and self-discovery transforms into a lifetime of atonement and loss for members of this close-knit clan. Seen through the eyes of Molly, who was twelve years old when she witnessed the accident, this is the story of a tragedy and its aftermath, of expanding lives painfully collapsed. Can Molly, decades after the event, draw from her aunt Bec’s hard-won wisdom and free herself from the burden that destroyed so many others?

Elizabeth Poliner is a masterful storyteller, a brilliant observer of human nature, and in As Close to Us as Breathing she has created an unforgettable meditation on grief, guilt, and the boundaries of identity and love.

How and when I got it:

I bought the Kindle edition in 2016, several months after the book was first released.

Why I want to read it:

I probably grabbed this book to take advantage of a Kindle price drop, but I know it had already made its way onto my TBR list by then.

Basically, seeing both “Jewish” and “Connecticut” in the synopsis is probably reason enough for me to want to read this book — but there’s more! I love good historical fiction, and I also love family dramas with secrets coming to the surface and complicated relationships between sisters.

I’m intrigued by the description, and now that the book has come back to my attention, I really want to know what the accident was that they all witnessed, and what happened to change all their lives.

On a more superficial level, I also find myself drawn to this book simply because one of the women on the cover (the one in the pink scarf) reminds me so much of a 1950s-era photo of my own mother!

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri



__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

Through affiliate programs, I may earn commissions from purchases made when you click through these links, at no cost to you.

Buy now: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop.org

The Monday Check-In ~ 8/23/2021

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

What a week. My husband and I were supposed to be heading up to Yosemite for a 4-night stay starting yesterday, but due to smoke from wildfires and concerns about air quality, we decided very last minute not to go. So… there goes this week’s vacation!

What did I read during the last week?

Siege and Storm (Shadow & Bone, #2) by Leigh Bardugo: I’m continuing with the Grishaverse books as they become available from the library. Just finished #2, and I liked it enough to keep going, although I don’t feel hugely invested.

The Stand-In by Lily Chu (performed by Phillipa Soo): A fun contemporary romance audiobook. The narration is a treat! My review is here.

Feral Creatures by Kira Jane Buxton: Weird and wonderful follow-up to Hollow Kingdom. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

My son and I watched The Silent Place II, and I gotta say, it was pretty terrifying! I had a whole bunch of jump-scare reactions (leading to my son being very amused at my expense). I also started the series Hit & Run on Netflix, and so far, it’s really good!

Fresh Catch:

No new books! Unless you count all the Kindle deals I just couldn’t resist…

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon: Yay, I’m finally reading this one! I bought a copy several months ago, but it took a reminder from my daughter (who just read and loved this book) for me to remember to get to it.

And since this library book just came through, I’m flipping over to this one, once in a while, in between chapters of the other:

Now playing via audiobook:

Heroes by Stephen Fry: I really enjoyed listening to Mythos last year, and was just reminded that I never got around to listening to the next book. With Stephen Fry narrating, it’s a very fun way to absorb some classical storytelling!

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is doing a speed-re-read of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series. We’re reading and discussing 5 chapters per week. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 81 – 85.

Also in book group, we’re doing a group read of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen. We’ll be done next week.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #282: The Book of Strange New Things by Michael Faber

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: The Book of Strange New Things
Author: Michel Faber
Published: 2014
Length: 528 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

It begins with Peter, a devoted man of faith, as he is called to the mission of a lifetime, one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Bea. Peter becomes immersed in the mysteries of an astonishing new environment, overseen by an enigmatic corporation known only as USIC. His work introduces him to a seemingly friendly native population struggling with a dangerous illness and hungry for Peter’s teachings—his Bible is their “book of strange new things.” But Peter is rattled when Bea’s letters from home become increasingly desperate: typhoons and earthquakes are devastating whole countries, and governments are crumbling. Bea’s faith, once the guiding light of their lives, begins to falter.

Suddenly, a separation measured by an otherworldly distance, and defined both by one newly discovered world and another in a state of collapse, is threatened by an ever-widening gulf that is much less quantifiable. While Peter is reconciling the needs of his congregation with the desires of his strange employer, Bea is struggling for survival. Their trials lay bare a profound meditation on faith, love tested beyond endurance, and our responsibility to those closest to us.

Marked by the same bravura storytelling and precise language that made The Crimson Petal and the White such an international success, The Book of Strange New Things is extraordinary, mesmerizing, and replete with emotional complexity and genuine pathos. 

How and when I got it:

I bought the paperback edition in 2015.

Why I want to read it:

I picked up this book after a friend strongly (and repeatedly!) recommended it. I’m always up for good science fiction, and stories about space travel, humanity exploring other planets, first contact with other beings, etc really appeal to me.

That said, this book does strike me as being more “literary” than I’d typically be drawn to, and it’s also over 500 pages, which is a negative for me these days. Maybe because I always feel so behind with my reading, it really takes a lot to make me want to start a book that’s this long.

But, as I said, my friend was pretty insistent at the time that I absolutely needed to read this book. I also have a copy of of The Crimson Petal and the White by the same author, which I’ve also heard raves about.

What do you think? Would you read this book? Have you read anything by this author?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri
Dragons and Whimsy
A Librarian and Her Books


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

Through affiliate programs, I may earn commissions from purchases made when you click through these links, at no cost to you.

Buy now: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop.org

The Monday Check-In ~ 8/16/2021

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

It was my son’s birthday this past weekend. My baby is 19!! Where did the time go?

Other than that, it’s been a busy week, catching up on work after being away, and always feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done and still have time to read, watch TV, and try to fit in a bit of exercise too!

What did I read during the last week?

She Wouldn’t Change a Thing by Sarah Adlakha: This time-travel thriller seems to have high ratings on Goodreads, but it just didn’t do it for me. My review is here.

Yours Cheerfully by AJ Pearce: A nice historical fiction follow-up to the 2018 novel Dear Mrs. Bird. My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

This was the week I fell in love with Love, Victor! I also managed to catch up on season 2 of A Discovery of Witches, and I’m excited to start watching the first four episodes of the final season of Grace & Frankie (the rest of the season airs in 2022).

Fresh Catch:

No new books!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

Juggling two books:

Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips: My book group’s discussion of this book is coming up this week, and I’ve barely even started! I need to get down to some serious reading if I’m going to finish in time.

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo: I’m also continuing with the Grisha books. Onward to #2!

Now playing via audiobook:

The Stand-In by Lily Chu: I didn’t have much listening time this past week, but I’m really liking this super cute story of an ordinary woman asked to become a secret stand-in for a movie star. Lots of fun!

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is doing a speed-re-read of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series. We’re reading and discussing 5 chapters per week. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 76 – 80.

Also in book group, we’re doing a group read of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen. Two more weeks to go.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #281: The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: The Henna Artist
Author: Alka Joshi
Published: 2020
Length: 384 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

Vivid and compelling in its portrait of one woman’s struggle for fulfillment in a society pivoting between the traditional and the modern, The Henna Artist opens a door into a world that is at once lush and fascinating, stark and cruel.

Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. But trusted with the secrets of the wealthy, she can never reveal her own…

Known for her original designs and sage advice, Lakshmi must tread carefully to avoid the jealous gossips who could ruin her reputation and her livelihood. As she pursues her dream of an independent life, she is startled one day when she is confronted by her husband, who has tracked her down these many years later with a high-spirited young girl in tow—a sister Lakshmi never knew she had. Suddenly the caution that she has carefully cultivated as protection is threatened. Still she perseveres, applying her talents and lifting up those that surround her as she does. 

How and when I got it:

I bought the Kindle edition last year.

Why I want to read it:

I always keep an eye on Reese Witherspoon’s book club selections — this was the May 2020 pick. I don’t read every single one of the Hello Sunshine books, but it’s a good bet that the books will at least be worth considering!

I’m always up for a book about a time and place that I haven’t read much about before. I love the sound of this historical novel, both in terms of the era and the setting in India. Plus, I always love reading about women’s struggles to set their own course and find independence in a time when such things just didn’t happen or weren’t socially acceptable.

I share my Kindle library with my husband and daughter, and so far, my family members have read and loved this book, even though I haven’t touched it yet!

A sequel was just released in June 2021, so I have even more incentive to dive in!

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

Through affiliate programs, I may earn commissions from purchases made when you click through these links, at no cost to you.

Buy now: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop.org

The Monday Check-In ~ 8/9/2021

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

Home again! I got back Saturday from a week back east visiting family. Loads of fun, and I was so happy to be able to get time with a bunch of family members and friends, and especially my dad. Now I’m back, gearing up for a return to my work/life routine.

While I was away, I was pretty bad about keeping up with other bloggers and leaving comments, but I hope to get back into the swing of things this week!

On the (very) bright side, being away for a week and having a pretty relaxed scheduled meant that I had LOTS of time to read. Check out all of this week’s books!

What did I read during the last week?

Enjoy the View (Moose Springs, #3) by Sarah Morgenthaler: The 3rd in this cute Alaska-set romance series. My series wrap-up post is here.

On the Way to the Wedding (Bridgertons, #8) by Julia Quinn: That’s it — I’ve read all the Bridgerton books! Now I just need the next season of the Netflix series. My review is here.

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz: This thriller kept me on the edge of my seat! My review is here.

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary: I just finished this audiobook, and really enjoyed it. Review to follow.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo: I’m late to the party, I know, but after watching season 1 of the Netflix series, I thought I should give the books a try. I enjoyed Shadow and Bone, but there’s actually almost nothing in this book that wasn’t shown in the TV version, so it wasn’t a particularly exciting reading experience. Still, I intend to keep going. I do like it, just haven’t encountered anything new yet.

Pop culture & TV:

I started watching season 1 of Love, Victor (on Hulu) on the plane ride home, and it’s so good! I’ve only watched 4 episodes so far — but it’s nice to have my next binge all lined up.

Fresh Catch:

No new books!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

She Wouldn’t Change a Thing by Sarah Adlakha: I don’t know much about this book other than that it’s compared to Sliding Doors in a blurb, and that’s enough to make me want to read it! As of when I’m writing this post, I’m just about to get started.

Now playing via audiobook:

The Stand-In by Lily Chu: This audiobook looked really cute and was FREE on Audible, plus it’s narrated by Phillipa Soo, so how could it be bad? I’m only about an hour into it so far, but I’m liking it.

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is doing a speed-re-read of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series. We’re reading and discussing 5 chapters per week. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 71 – 75.

Also in book group, we’re doing a group read of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen. This is the 2nd of (I think) 4 weeks, and we’re already getting into some good discussions. And, it’s nice to have a shorter classic to discuss after spending the past year on Don Quixote!

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #280: Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour
Author: Morgan Matson
Published: 2010
Length: 343 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

When you’re on a road trip, life is all about the detours. . . .

Amy Curry is having a terrible year. Her mother has decided to move across the country and needs Amy to get their car from California to Connecticut. There’s just one small problem: Since her father died this past spring, Amy hasn’t been able to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger, the nineteen-year-old son of an old family friend, who turns out to be unexpectedly cute … and dealing with some baggage of his own.

Meeting new people and coming to terms with her father’s death were not what Amy had planned on this trip. And traveling the Loneliest Road in America, seeing the Colorado mountains, crossing the Kansas plains, and visiting diners, dingy motels, and Graceland were definitely not on the itinerary. But as they drive, Amy finds that the people you least expected are the ones you may need the most—and that sometimes you have to get lost in order to find your way home.

How and when I got it:

I bought the Kindle edition over five years ago.

Why I want to read it:

This is another book that’s been in my Kindle library for long enough that I forgot all about it! I must have seen it on as a Kindle Daily Deal and decided to grab it.

I haven’t been reading a whole lot of YA lately, but this one does sound like fun. I’m always up for a good road trip story, and I’ve heard such good things about Morgan Matson. The plotline sound very cute and also like it could be touching, since it deals with loss and grief and tough family situations.

What do you think? Would you read this book?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri
Dragons & Whimsy
Vegan Book Blogger


__________________________________

Want to participate in Shelf Control? Here’s how:

  • Write a blog post about a book that you own that you haven’t read yet.
  • Add your link in the comments or link back from your own post, so I can add you to the participant list.
  • Check out other posts, and…

Have fun!

Through affiliate programs, I may earn commissions from purchases made when you click through these links, at no cost to you.

Buy now: Amazon – Book Depository – Bookshop.org

The Monday Check-In ~ 8/2/2021

Posted in The Monday Check-In by
cooltext1850356879

My Monday tradition, including a look back and a look ahead — what I read last week, what new books came my way, and what books are keeping me busy right now. Plus a smattering of other stuff too.

Life.

And back to the East Coast I go! I’m spending one week back east so I can spend time with my father at his nursing home. Apart from visiting every day, I don’t have anything in particular planned so far. I’ll need to do a little work most days, but other than that, hope to catch up with a few old friends and see some family, walk at some pretty beaches and parks, and (of course) fit in a lot of reading!

What did I read during the last week?

Mistletoe & Mr. Right (Moose Springs, #2) by Sarah Morgenthaler: The cover basically tells you all you need to know! I finished the audiobook of this light romance set in a cute Alaskan town. It’s feel-good fluff, and I liked it a lot.

It’s In His Kiss (Bridgertons, #7) by Julia Quinn: Bridgerton books are always fun, and #7 is no exception! My review is here.

Pop culture & TV:

Between the Olympics and visiting houseguests, I really didn’t spend too much time in front of the TV (other than watching swimming, gymnastics, and — oddly — rugby). But, I did manage to get caught up on season 2 of A Discovery of Witches, which made me really happy (and made me want to reread the books.)

Fresh Catch:

No new books! I mean, yeah, I did buy a couple of Kindle books and got a couple of ARCs via NetGalley… so I guess I should actually say — no new physical books!

What will I be reading during the coming week?

Currently in my hands:

The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig: I’m at close to 30%, and I hate to say it, but I think I’m going to pause for now. I’m not quite ready to call this one a DNF, but I’m just not really in the mood at the moment, so I’ll set it aside and see how I feel if I read some other books and then come back to it.

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz: After reading Barbara’s great review over at Book Club Mom, I couldn’t resist starting this book right away (and yay for my library having a digital copy available at exactly the right moment.) I’m just getting started, but I’m liking it so far.

Now playing via audiobook:

Enjoy the View (Moose Springs, #3) by Sarah Morgenthaler: Giving in to temptation and continuing straight on through the Moose Springs book!

Ongoing reads:

Outlander Book Club is doing a speed-re-read of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, #8 in the Outlander series. We’re reading and discussing 5 chapters per week. Let me know if you want to join in — the more, the merrier! This week: Chapters 66 – 70.

Also in book group, we’ve just started a group read of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, which we’re reading over the course of 3 – 4 weeks. I know I read this back in high school, but really don’t remember much about it.

So many books, so little time…

boy1

Shelf Control #279: The Widow’s War by Sally Gunning

Posted in Shelf Control by
Shelves final

Welcome to Shelf Control — an original feature created and hosted by Bookshelf Fantasies.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out my introductory post, here.

Want to join in? Shelf Control posts go up every Wednesday. See the guidelines at the bottom of the post, and jump on board!

Title: The Widow’s War
Author: Sally Gunning
Published: 2006
Length: 336 pages

What it’s about (synopsis via Goodreads):

The Red Tent meets The Scarlett Letter in this haunting historical novel set in a colonial New England whaling village.

“When was it that the sense of trouble grew to fear, the fear to certainty? When she sat down to another solitary supper of bread and beer and picked cucumber? When she heard the second sounding of the geese? Or had she known that morning when she stepped outside and felt the wind? Might as well say she knew it when Edward took his first whaling trip to the Canada River, or when they married, or when, as a young girl, she stood on the beach and watched Edward bring about his father’s boat in the Point of Rock Channel. Whatever its begetting, when Edward’s cousin Shubael Hopkins and his wife Betsey came through the door, they brought her no new grief, but an old acquaintance.”

When Lyddie Berry’s husband is lost in a storm at sea, she finds that her status as a widow is vastly changed from that of respectable married woman. Now she is the “dependent” of her nearest male relative—her son-in-law. Refusing to bow to societal pressure that demands she cede everything that she and her husband worked for, Lyddie becomes an outcast from family, friends, and neighbors—yet ultimately discovers a deeper sense of self and, unexpectedly, love.

Evocative and stunningly assured, The Widow’s War is an unforgettable work of literary magic, a spellbinding tale from a gifted talent.

How and when I got it:

I bought the Kindle edition 10 years ago. (!!)

Why I want to read it:

I got my first Kindle in 2011, and immediately began filling it up with books I found on sale or offered free. I don’t know which category this book fell in, but I do know that — according to the dates in my Kindle library — this was among the first 10 or so books I acquired.

I actually didn’t even remember that I had this until just now! But I can see from the description that this is a book that would have caught my attention. I do love a good historical novel, and I’m always on the lookout for historical fiction that either introduces me to a period I don’t know enough about or to a perspective I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Colonial-era historical fiction always appeals to me, and there’s something about The Widow’s War that catches my eye. I’m always interested in hearing the voices of women from different historical eras, particularly from times when a woman’s voice would have been silenced or subservient to the men around her. Reading the synopsis makes me want to know more about Lyddie, who she is as a person, and how her struggle for independence turns out.

I’m so glad I rediscovered this on my e-book list!

What do you think? Would you read this book? And can you recommend any other Colonial-era historical novels?

Please share your thoughts!

Literary Potpourri


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