Reading Review
It's been a few months since I've talked about the books I've been reading, and I've read some great ones lately so I thought I'd share.
West of Here by Jonathan Evison
I chose this book because it's historical fiction that takes place here in Washington, over on the Olympic Peninsula. It's the story of a fictional town (but is loosely based on Port Angeles), alternating between the town's early beginnings and present day. I wasn't totally in love with it, but enjoyed it because of the local flair and history. Evison's writing style was appealing to me, too, so I'd love to read more of his work.
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
I gave this book a pretty simple review on Goodreads after I had finished it:
"Absolutely delightful! One of the most enjoyable books I've read in a while."
It's about a young, unemployed man who takes a job in a 24-hour bookstore after leaving the dot com world. I was hooked after the first few pages and loved it right up to the very end. It's a wonderful mix of current technology and old world romanticism. The characters are fun and the story moves quickly. Definitely recommend!
Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
"Absolutely delightful! One of the most enjoyable books I've read in a while."
It's about a young, unemployed man who takes a job in a 24-hour bookstore after leaving the dot com world. I was hooked after the first few pages and loved it right up to the very end. It's a wonderful mix of current technology and old world romanticism. The characters are fun and the story moves quickly. Definitely recommend!
Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
I completely adored this book! It's super quirky and full of dark humor. It follows Bernadette's daughter and husband as they investigate Bernadette's sudden disappearance (but not at all in the same way as Gone Girl).
It takes place in Seattle (mostly) and I love all the references to the city's neighborhoods, Microsoft, and the culture of Seattle in general. I also have a strong urge to visit Antarctica after reading it - if you've read it, you'll know what I mean.
The Holden Age of Hollywood by Phil Brody
It takes place in Seattle (mostly) and I love all the references to the city's neighborhoods, Microsoft, and the culture of Seattle in general. I also have a strong urge to visit Antarctica after reading it - if you've read it, you'll know what I mean.
The Holden Age of Hollywood by Phil Brody
I've always had a fascination with Hollywood and this book got right into the underbelly of the movie industry. It's a story of a notoriously reclusive screenwriter and a young man on a quest to find him. It's filled with mystery, vengeance, and romance.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I got it for $0.99 or something like that and it remained in my Kindle library for a long time before I tackled it. I'm so glad I finally read it because I absolutely loved it.
The Roots of the Olive Tree by Courtney Miller Santo
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I got it for $0.99 or something like that and it remained in my Kindle library for a long time before I tackled it. I'm so glad I finally read it because I absolutely loved it.
The Roots of the Olive Tree by Courtney Miller Santo
It's a story of five living generations of women and the relationships between them. It takes place in the Sacramento valley, on the family's olive grove.
This book was pretty 'meh' for me. I slogged through it and was disappointed at the end. Generally I like slowly building stories of family dynamics over the generations, but I was bored by this one. I didn't like or relate to any of the characters and found the writing to be uninspired.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
This book was pretty 'meh' for me. I slogged through it and was disappointed at the end. Generally I like slowly building stories of family dynamics over the generations, but I was bored by this one. I didn't like or relate to any of the characters and found the writing to be uninspired.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
I can't believe it took me this long to read this book. Most everyone I know has read it at least once and I don't think I've ever heard a bad review. It's a classic for a reason. It tells the story of a young, poor family living in Brooklyn at the turn of the century. It's a beautifully woven story of the highs and lows of poverty and the bonds of family.
The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
This book was ridiculous and delightful and hilarious and poignant and everything a good book should be. It's the story of Allan Karlsson, who, as the title suggests, climbs out of his window on his one hundredth birthday, and the adventures that ensue. Partly set in present day, and partly throughout Allan's century-long life, it's tall tale meets revisionist history and it is just...so wonderful.
It was originally published in Sweden/Swedish, but the translation was phenomenal. The humor is dry and quite subtle at times, which is right up my alley.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think? What are you reading these days? Let's connect on Goodreads!
It was originally published in Sweden/Swedish, but the translation was phenomenal. The humor is dry and quite subtle at times, which is right up my alley.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think? What are you reading these days? Let's connect on Goodreads!
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