Monday, June 24, 2013

Book Report.........


I finished this book and it was good but sad and I don't really like sad books.  It was very well written and I can see why people are attracted to this author.  It has an unusual storyline and beautiful descriptions.  I also like the low country of South Carolina where it takes place and the closeness of nature but it didn't leave me feeling very happy.  I might try reading another book of hers later but not for awhile.  The whole time I was reading it I was waiting for the "other shoe to drop" and it left me anxious right before going to sleep.  Maybe I need to read certain authors/books during the day time.  Regardless, it would probably get 4 out of 5 stars.
"A troubled daughter of privilege and her secrets threaten to blow a hole in twelve-year-old Emily's beautiful world."

Still reading...........still good..........a reference book that I would highly recommend!
This book is a Pulitzer prize winning book/author but so far it puts me to sleep....boring!  It's starting to pick up a little and I will persist and read the entire book.....maybe it will get better.  What's interesting is she wrote this book and taught in the same town where I worked at the exact same time, Iowa City, IA.  In fact, I even did some work in setting up data communications between the University where she taught and where I worked at the time as a systems programmer.  Why is it I am never impressed with what most are impressed by?  Especially "great literature".  
Since there seems to be nothing on the telly in the evening and I can't get NPR on my radio here, I have decided to listen to audio books while I do handwork; crocheting, knitting, etc.  I got this one at the thrift store awhile ago and so far it is very good.
"  A woman is summoned back to the town where she grew up.  And in the house where she spent her most magical years she finds a series of letters addressed to her.  Each of those letters is a piece of a story that will completely upend the world she thought she knew----and throw her into a love more powerful than she ever imagined could be possible.  Two extraordinary love stories are entwined here, full of hope and pain and emotions that never die down."
My nickname is Sam and in the story "Sam" is also a female.  Anne Heche who reads for Jennifer is one of my favorites too.
I picked up this magazine by USA Today.  It's a special publication on retirement and thought maybe I could learn something before it's too late? LOL!  It may be already! I just started reading it last night so I'll let you know what I think.
I know this isn't reading but I've decided to go through my music to see what to keep and what to get rid of.....so each week I pick a cd and listen to it all week on and off to see if I really enjoy it still.  I have all types of music and I know some of it I may have loved at one time but it also may contain triggers to some memories I would rather forget so I'm cleaning my "musical house".   For the last 3 weeks it has been classical and all 3 are "keepers"..........
These 2 will keep you from dozing!  Peter IljitchTchaikovsky (1840-1893) has always been a favorite because of his strong, vibrant musical scores.   The top one is Symphony No.2 op.17 in C minor "Russian" and Symphony No.3 op.29 in D major "Polish".  Don't ask me what that all means because I am not a music major or even a minor! LOL!
The bottom one is Piano Concerto #1, String Serenade, Violin Concerto, The Sleeping Beauty Ballet Suite, Capriccio Italien, Swan Lake Ballet Suite and Eugene Onegin: Polonaise......just in case you wanted to know all that....(whew!).
But of the 3....this one tops the charts at No. 1............Edward Grieg (1843-1907)...I'm not writing all that stuff down again but I love his music!  One you might recognize is the Peter Gynt Suite.
Again, this music will not allow "dozing" and is great for handwork or housework! LOL!
I wish you a great week with wonderful reads and maybe some great music when you can't be reading. 

3 comments:

  1. I read James Patterson's Letters to Sam some years ago and thought it a wonderful story ! I hope you enjoy it. I find Audio books a great way to keep up with crochet and knitting and still keeping the reading going lol.

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  2. I love a good book review. I love James Patterson books. The first book review seems like it might have potential. I love classical music.


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  3. I'm a little slow getting caught up. Just wanted to say, I really enjoyed Letters to Sam and I think you will. It's a wonderful story.

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