Good morning, lovely readers! A new week and a new month. Monday is usually the day I post a review of a book I loved but last week I was stuck with reading that left me either riled or meh—not what I look for in a Monday book. I don’t know about the rest of you, but indifference is the kiss of death when describing a book (actually, it’s the kiss of death for a lot of things in life). I can write reams about books I loved or hated, but those that fall someplace in between? Words are hard to come by. A shoulder shrug is the most I can muster and that doesn’t translate well.
Having said all that, this weekend I did finish a book that was outstanding—another 5 star from me. It’s Circe by Madeline Miller and it’s not being released until April 10th so I’ll be reviewing it next Monday.
I chose this because I’ve got some heavy non-fiction going on and needed something light to balance it. The Goodreads synopsis for this novel includes debut, English major, book loving, and a reference the Devil Wears Prada. That comparison is starting to wear as thin as Gone Girl, but I haven’t given up on it yet.
Multiple blogging friends (Eva, Sarah, Ellison) have read this book and said it owns the ‘can’t-put-down’ space. And then they add, “But you cannot read it at night.” I’m taking them at their word and am reading this midday only. I don’t read much true crime, but so far it is disturbing but extremely well-written.
Remember when I mentioned (above) that I was reading chick-lit to counter balance too much dark reading? Well, this is the other book I’m reading. OK, not reading, but listening to. Which, I know, isn’t the same thing, but you get my drift. I listen to it while I’m on the treadmill at the gym and I can’t tell if that’s a good thing—gets me into my target heart rate faster and I work off the rage—or, it’s not healthy—my head may explode. So many details, I could share, but I’ll save them for when I’m finished.
Since I’ve totally blown the whole “reading” concept I’ll go all in and share what I’m watching. My husband and I have always loved Garry Shandling’s work (if you haven’t watched The Larry Sanders Show you ought to). He is one of the funniest comedians in our generation and I rank his early death in 2016 right up there with losing Robin Williams. This documentary was made by Judd Apatow, who was mentored by and worked for Garry, and it is marvelous so far. I’m learning a lot about the man behind the humor.
What are you reading/listening to/watching this week?
Post header image from: Lovely Books
It’s still Sunday 1st April in the UK. Everybody is exchanging chocolate eggs and playing April Fool’s Day pranks!
I know- I guess I pranked myself by inadvertently scheduling this to post on the wrong day!
i have tried listening to book on the treadmill but i find that i tend to zone out while walking so i have to stick to music lol
I’m the exact opposite! It’s a voice talking I think I have ti payy attention but if it’s music I drift.
Ooh, I did not know about the Garry Shandling doc. I may need to subscribe to HBO GO for a month just to watch it. Thanks for the heads up. I have been burning to read the McNamara for what feels like forever, but I also feel I need to wait for the right time, which isn’t now. I’m currently in the midst of three non-assignment books in Project “Clear the Damn Shelves.” Kevin Canty’s Underworld, The Chalk Man and working through JLBurke’s Robicheaux on audio with The Glass Rainbow.
The Shandling doc is so good. I realized I knew almost nothing about his life- including things that happened to him professionally. Judd Apatow does a great job.
You sound like you have a reading overload! I’ve heard good things about The Chalk Man.
I did, too, from trusted sources, and it is not disappointing. I am just hurting for reading time this week, unfortunately, because I think it is one that can be powered through fairly quickly.
I really liked Garry Shandling, saw him live a million years ago, so that is right up my alley. When he died, I went and watched his Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee ep with Jerry Seinfeld and it was really bittersweet.
I remember that episode because he talked about dying. It felt a bit surreal.
YES. Totally surreal.
Up until reading Sarah’s Book of the Month Club post, I hadn’t really considered Circe, but she mentioned how much you loved it and I was sold. I put in a request, but we’ll see how that goes so close to its release date. I’m glad you’re liking I’ll Be Gone. It really is a fascinating story of his obsessions and hers!
The creepiest part is he was never caught.
I loved Circe- my review goes up next week. It swept me away.
Oh, I hear you about being in a “meh” frame of mind with some books. I absolutely DETEST going through those periods. Glad you enjoyed CIRCE and I can’t wait to read your review. Also, hubby and I have watched part of the GS documentary of HBO and found it so compelling. Amazing to hear how he came up and what he overcame. And lastly, I’m still feeling creeped out over Michelle M’s book. Didn’t help that I watched the three-part series on ID Discovery…..
I loved Circe. Much needed beautiful prose.
I had no idea what GS went through with that lawsuit- or his personal life. Such a complex life.
So far, so good- only reading Dark during the day!
I don’t watch a ton of HBO (or television, for that matter) lately, but I’m not sure how I missed the promos for this special; thanks so much for saying something about it! I’m going to add it to my HBO list when I get home! I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying I’ll Be Gone in the Dark; I listened to it (to and from work because several folks told me not to listen while running alone – ha!) and was very captivated by both the story and her intense research.
No way to listening to it while running! It was creepy enough reading it while at home in the middle of the day. I can see how she got obsessed- who was/is he?