I know the fourth of July has come and gone but, honestly, are fireworks ever a bad thing? Plus, I’m hoping they distract you from the fact that this week my reading is going to be minimal at best. Last week we moved into our new house, which is still unfinished and not a home yet.
I know you stop by here for my opinion on books but today I’m going to give you my one and only piece of non-book of advice: DO NOT EVER, under any circumstances, move into a house you are fully renovating until it’s finished. If it’s just one room or even two, that’s all right. But if you have only one bathroom and a construction crew, no kitchen, and nothing but a basement filled with all of your belongings, don’t do it. It’s not an adventure, it is hell. We don’t have a crew of cretins but the noise, the lack of privacy, and more importantly, living out of boxes and eating nothing but prepared or fast food is not healthy mentally or physically. Seriously, re-establish contact with your college roommate and ask if you can crash at their place for a few days weeks months.
Let me sum it up for you: I CAN’T FIND MY BOOKS. I’m sorry to be so graphic and shocking but it is that bad. Yes, they are here somewhere but I can’t see them, touch them, or read them. I thought this kind of thing went against the Geneva Convention but apparently not. Help me out, and tell me: What are You Reading? so that I can feel better.
This is the only book I made sure to carry with me in the car when we moved. I know Kent Haruf, whatever he’s writing about, will soothe me. His prose is among the most beautiful I’ve ever read. The only sad part is that he passed away earlier this year so, there will be no more of his tender words after this novel. I almost don’t want to read it…as weird as that sounds.
Leah @ Books Speak Volumes says
July 6, 2015 at 10:15 amOh no, that sounds like the HEIGHT of frustration. Do you at least have an e-reader?
Catherine says
July 6, 2015 at 10:43 amI do, Leah, it’s mostly missing the reassurance of the page and weight of a book. Goofy, right?
Ciska @ Ciska's Book Chest says
July 6, 2015 at 10:45 amUH wow did you move into a horror house eating books?
Our Souls at Night looks really good.
I am currently reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac but I guess the nomad feeling of this book is not really what you need right now 😉
Sarah's Book Shelves says
July 6, 2015 at 11:11 amOh my – I’m laughing/cringing for you! Your current situation definitely sounds awful and I’m glad you have a soothing book with you. And – I’ll add another tidbit to your moving advice that I learned the hard way 2 years ago…DO NOT EVER move with a newborn (and especially not with a newborn AND a 2 year old).
Catherine says
July 6, 2015 at 5:29 pmOh my gosh, I can’t even imagine. You are one brave lady but NO don’t ever do that again!
Lisa @ Reading, Writing, and Random Musings says
July 6, 2015 at 11:41 amYikes! Sorry to hear the living situation is less than ideal at this point in time! Hang in there…..I’m sure it will all be worth it when it’s finished! I’ve been totally intrigued with the premise of Our Souls at Night, and I’ll be waiting to see what you think! Good luck with everything!
Shannon @ River City Reading says
July 6, 2015 at 1:22 pmUgh, I can’t wait for you to reclaim your bathroom!
And I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about that book, so I think you’ve made a wise, wise choice.
emma @ words and peace says
July 6, 2015 at 9:29 pmI love Kent Haruf’s writing and plan to read this one, but need to read the previous one before. here is what I’m reading: http://wordsandpeace.com/2015/07/05/sunday-post-17-752015/
Marisa @ The Daily Dosage says
July 7, 2015 at 9:00 amBreathe in, Breathe out. That is the only thing I can say. I’ve dreamed of doing a total reno but think that ship might have passed when reading this. I tend to romanticize everything. I hate wishing time away but in this case, hope the project finishes quickly. As far as Haruf, I had never read anything by him and picked this one up . Absolutely loved it and went out and bought Plainsong.
Catherine says
July 7, 2015 at 9:52 amThey’re all wonderful but Benediction is my favorite. So, glad you gave him a try because he’s not really well-known.
Remodel a room for sure, if you want! But a whole house while you’re living in it? No, not so much.
Jennifer @ The Relentless Reader says
July 7, 2015 at 10:29 amThe whole house thing…it makes me shudder to imagine and you have my deepest sympathies, for real! 😀
That Haruf, and his others, are flying off the shelves at the bookstore. I hope you enjoy it.