I’m trying to keep it simple this week with what I’m reading now because there is no knowing where my head is going to be after today. If you’re a regular reader of this blog then you already know where I stand so I won’t belabor the point. Suffice it to say, I’m not sure when I’ll be in the space to write reviews again so bear with me.
Apparently, nonfiction is my thing right now, because this is just the first of 4 nonfiction books I’m currently reading. Like many others, I’ve always loved Handel’s Messiah so I’m curious to learn more about the composer and his times.
The Victoria’s Secret brand never worked too well for me, just not busty enough, but Les Wexner was an icon in the retailing world. I’m 30% of the way through and how he built his empire is fascinating.
Fantasy has been some of my best reading this year so I was pleased to see an author I already enjoy has come out with a new fantasy duology. I’m listening to this and loving it so far.
More fantasy! This is the final book in the Daevabad Trilogy and I’m here for the resolution around an empire destroyed, magic lost, an unexpected return to the human world, and everything else going on in this fabulous trilogy.
If you ever watched The Food Network then you know The Barefoot Contessa, the show about cooking, baking, and hosting with Ina Garten. I’m willing to bet you had no idea about her life. Neither did I, but she’s a pistol, a woman who wasn’t going to let anyone tell her no.
Whether your anxiety is ratcheting up or you’re just settling into fall, I’d love to hear about what you’re reading now.
Any book that takes me away from the news!
Leaving by Roxanna Robinson
Familaris by David Wroblewski
Catalina by Karla Connejo
All 5 star books for me.
I haven’t heard of Catalina, but will have to look it up!
Reading and binge TV watching are all that can save me now.
Sending you hugs! This is a stressful time. Ina’s book was an absolute DELIGHT! It was like a warm hug or a cup of tea. She’s amazing!
I just finished! I adore her. Plain and simple.
Great variety of books, Catherine! I like nonfiction, so the book about Victoria’s Secret sounds intriguing. I am currently reading “Jayber Crow” by Wendell Berry (a lovely book about small-town life and relationships) and “A Most English Princess” by Clare McHugh (historical fiction about the daughter of Queen Victoria).
The Victoria’s Secret was really fascinating for anyone whose ever worked in retail or shopped there.
I love English history books so will have to look up A Most English Princess.
I completely understand. It is difficult for me to read/listen while I’m holding my breath, but it didn’t get impossible until today. I’ve just finished the audio of Motherless Land by Nikki May. I enjoyed it, and the narration was excellent. It would have been a 5 star read for me if it hadn’t been packaged so neatly – bow and all. I would give it 4.25 stars but
might nudge it up when I can breathe again.
P.S. Thank you for all forms of your bookishness.
Thank you for supporting my blog! Keeping it going is a form of self-help for me.
I haven’t heard of this book, but am adding it to my TBR to check out.
Working hard to avoid the news tonight. Listening to Christmas music and reading old favorites. Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers. Also listening to a favorite author’s newest release. Peter Grainger’s The Late Lord Thorpe. If you enjoy police procedurals these are marvelous. Must be read in order though! As far as I know they are only available as ebooks or audiobooks.
I enjoy your blog and your podcast appearances.
Thank you! I made it through to midday on Wed before learning the results. Now looking for a cabin in the woods where I can escape the news for the next 4 years.
I’ve not heard of this series! I’m getting so many new recommendations from readers. It’s wonderful!
I just want to check in with you — now that we’re five lousy days after the outcome. It’s been brutal and bitter and unimaginable all at once. It’s been shattering. We can’t go through another four years of that — so I don’t know how we’ll survive. I welcome you & your husband to come to Canada. You live very close already. I know I feel that Canada is actually not far enough away from those who voted in mass for that person. It’s not far enough away for what’s coming. But I hope you can find some kind of solace somewhere, somehow.
I’m not sure Canada is willing to take us in! You are right- it’s going to be an excruciating 4 years of that man’s voice and presence. The emotions have passed and now I’m at the point of just wait. Because I am petty enough to shout “I told you so” so to anyone and everyone who thinks we’re over-reacting. They have no idea.
Thank you for the kindness. At the very least we need to head to CA for a vacation. Anything to get away.
Yes I agree those voters will get what is coming to them. I’d like to shout ‘I told you so’ as well. Each day looks a bit bleaker than the next. We are driving (!) to Calif for the month of December, will see my dad and brother. Then return to Canada mid-January if the border isn’t closed …
Safe travels- both in getting there and in dealing with any of fervid winners you might encounter.