Custom of the Country

Loved it. I can't rave about Edith Wharton enough. After reading such terrible writing as Stephenie Myer and some other YA fiction that I've picked up lately (The Magician's and Mrs. Quent, and Wings: A Fairy Tale AVOID AT ALL COSTS), it was refreshing to drench myself in incredibly beautiful writing. She is just plain gifted.

I hated Undine--the main character. I strongly, strongly disliked Ralph--Undine's second husband. I can't BELIEVE HOW IT ENDED. But, of course, it was the perfect ending because it was true to the time and the characters.

Can't say enough good things about this one. If you haven't read a Wharton--please, please, please pick one up. I also loved The Age of Innocence and as Wharton is Kami's favorite author she's read them all. She'd probably know which other Wharton's to recommend.

Books

I'm halfway through Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton and am LOVING it. She's fabulous. If you haven't read anything by her--you really should.

Also, I'm reading Just How Stupid Are We: Facing the Truth About the American Voter by Rick Shenkman in a few days (when I'm done with Custom). A friend at church recommended it and asked if I'd read it and compare notes with her. Since she's a crazy, liberal democrat, I thought it would be fun. If you want to join in on the discussion--feel free. I'll be posting about what I think.

My Two Latest Favorites

WOW! Just read the best two books in awhile.

The Book Theif by Marcus Zusack (or something like that)
BEAUTIFUL book! It was about WWII and how this one young girl found joy and power in written words and book stealing. It was one of the best WWII books I've ever read. Sad. And there is some language to get past (but most of it is in German anyway!). :-) It's just a beautiful book.

The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo
Another beautiful book. I want to read all of his others. This is about a boys search for his Personal Legend. A great philosophical read. I would not agree with the back cover's praise "as good as The Little Prince" because is was 100x better!!! :-)

Grand Idea!

I for one, think that's a brilliant idea. As you can see from my post before, I like to write my thoughts out on books sometimes and this is a good outlet. I'm all for picking up the list again next summer. Fabulous.

Reading??

I must admit I have been doing a lot of reading but mostly in regards to what I am teaching my children at the present moment, the RS book group books, and my own pleasure "need to escape from reality" reading. I do have a couple of books I would LOVE to discuss on this blog though, if we do ever get around the reading together once again.

The Book Theif -M. Zusack ??

and

The Gospel According to Larry - Janet somebody

(Sorry, I'm never good at remembering authors)

Hey, I have a suggestion . .. how 'bout for awhile we just kind of give our opinions or ideas on books we've currently read or are reading. At least right now while we're all busy? Then maybe next summer we can get started on our list again? Just a thought. OR we could totally ignore this blog and pretend it doesnt exist for awhile.

With that said, I just read North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (not the Civil War North and South). It was a very beautiful book, I thought. Very Jane Austen-esque.

Okay, that's all I have to say. Happy Reading!

JULIA

Hey, not sure why that came here. So I deleted it. :-)

Howdy

I had the Screwtape Letters from the library and never even started it. Sorry. I have a hard time reading books over. I remember liking it though. Especially after the guy was married and the devil was starting to focus on pride. Good lesson there. The Colombia book I also had from the library and wasn't able to finish it in time. I do plan on reading that and will be checking it out again. Maybe after Christmas. Lo siento.

I'm swamped

Don't count on my reading anything for the next . . . ever really. Kami, I did find a book today in my house about kids in Columbia who started a peace movement. I'll read over (it's not long) and see if it would be something good for Ana.

Any one?

Are any of you still reading? I have the next two books. I'll be honest and say that the book about Columbia is not looking like a nail-biter, but I could be pleasantly surprised. I'm willing to give it a try. Are we on hold for now? Too busy?

Hey Strangers

Okay, so I have a bit of time on my hands - - just enough to post a message here. :-) It looks like we've all "taken a break" which makes me feel oh so much better about "dropping out" for a minute. Update of where I stand on this: I just got the Thief Lord in the mail and will be reading it sometime. I'm still slightly interested in reading the Columbia book, but maybe best to catch me for that one in the summer months. And one final note on our list: I will say that I'm not so sure The House of Seven Gables is worth reading. Seriously! BUT, if you still want to read it, I will join in on the discussion when the time comes.

That is all from me. Right now I'm enjoying my own reading. Hope you're all well!

JULIA