We're at that time of year when my thoughts are consumed by books. I've been on a reading binge for the last month and thought I'd share a bit of what's been on my nightstand...
Anne Rice Revival - I first fell in love with Anne Rice when I bought Interview With the Vampire just after I graduated from high school (and then spent the next month checking my closet every night before I went to bed...just in case). I snagged Angel Time a few months ago and couldn't put it down until I was done. At the library a few weeks ago, I grabbed Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt and had the same response. I will be bringing home the other novel in the Christ the Lord series today from the library - I've never read fiction that so strongly put me in the world of Christ and it is amazing. Do I agree with her particular version of Christ's childhood? Probably not, but that certainly doesn't stop me from enjoying her writing immensely.
Random Anne Rice note:I became friends with Anne on Facebook, trying to find information on when the sequel to Angel Timewould be released (not until November), and I have to say - either she has a staff member devoted solely to interacting with her readers or that woman spends a lot of time on Facebook!
Sweden Rocks - I picked up the Girl With the Dragon Tattooat the airport in Fresno when I was flying home from my Grandmother's birthday in March. I read in the airport, on my flight to Dallas-Ft. Worth, at the DFW airport and on the entire flight back to Orlando. I got up the next morning and started reading again, and when I was done I hopped on-line and requested the second book (The Girl Who Played With Fire) from the library. When I finished that one, I decided I really, really needed the final in the trilogy (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest)...but it didn't come out until a few weeks ago. I finished that book up in less than 3 days, had a little cry because there wouldn't be anymore and decided I really need to visit Sweden some day.
It's been a long, long time since I've been this obsessed with a series of books. They're not easy reading - you have to really dig in - and the third book isn't quite as tight as the others (I'm going with the theory that the author had planned to a bit more editing before his sudden passing), but I absolutely loved them. Steig's characters are some of the richest I've ever read. I have a feeling these will be joining the Lord of the Rings and Into Thin Air as chronic re-reads.
The One I Put Down - Robert Harris is another favorite author. Fatherland is a must read for anyone who loves World War 2 history (the 1960's after Germany won the war), and Enigma made code breaking exciting. I was excited to find Conspirata on the bookshelves of my local library - Ancient Rome, intrigue, murder plots...but finally had to put it down after the I realized I was going to have to draw a map to keep the names of the characters straight. I've been feeling a bit fibro-foggy lately and I think that was probably the cause (along with the similarity of so many Roman names!), so I'm going to pick this up again one day.
Sometimes, I Read Like a Girl- I don't really read romances or too many girly books, but I do have a definite soft spot for Francine Rivers. I haven't read a book of hers I didn't love, and The Scarlet Threadwas true to form. I enjoyed the dual story lines, but far preferred the pioneer one. I went through a pioneer trail journal phase when I was in middle school, and it made me wonder what happened to all of those books. I'll have to find some new ones!
Michael Crichton Wrote It Better - I picked up Alter of Eden because I really enjoy another series by that author. It was a good read (not as good as his other series), but...I kept think it felt a little familiar. Then I remembered Prey by Michael Crichton and realized why. They're certainly not exactly the same, but there was a certain sameness to the stories. Still, it was enjoyable and made me think. Can't complain about that!
Summer Reading - here's where I need some recommendations. I've had The Hidden Art of Homemaking on my nightstand for over a year, and that's definitely on my summer reading list. Other than that, I'm looking for new books and new authors. I usually read 4 or 5 books while I'm at my parents, and I've got a few train days to add to that this year. What are you reading? What author are you really loving right now? What classic have I not read that I really need to?
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