Friday, December 22, 2006

Catch Up

The later part of the year slowed down my reading and then somehow sped it up again.

I just finished reading some delightful books and continue to read one that I've not quite finished but still love.


"A Short History of Nearly Everything"
by Bill Bryson"

This book is seriously a short history of nearly everything. Bill Bryson is a fantastic storyteller who engages you in the telling and along the way teaches you everything you ever wanted to know. I've read quite a few of his books and this was one of my favorites (if it is possible to choose just ONE!) I'd highly recommend this book to everyone.

Next I received a book for my birthday and loved it so much that I read the entire book in just one day (a work day at that)!


"A Three Dog Life"
by Abigail Thomas"

When Abigail's third husband, Rich is hit by a car and suffers a head injury, she must learn how to live with a husband who doesn't remember his last action, yesterday or even last year. Along the way she gains two more dogs to her one and learns how to survive with a husband that doesn't always remember her. Rich ends up in an instituion and Abigail moves to a house closer to him so she can visit more often. It's amazing to me that through all this, she never thinks of leaving Rich. He would most likely forget her in due time but she remains true to her husband and through that creates a life as rich as possible. A lovely book.

I picked up this next book when I popped into Third Place Books to grab a book on South America. Instead my eye was drawn to this cover and an author's name that seemed very familar to me.


"The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories"
by Susanna Clarke"

Susanna Clarke has published a collection of short stories which may seem like a departure to fans of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell but is really where her desires lie. This was a delightful collection of stories and I wanted books written about each and every one of the characters. Jonathan Strange even takes the time to pop in on one group of ladies, making for a delightful addition. Wonderful collection!

I continue to read Hunger's Brides and this is quite a novel to read. With over 1,500 pages, it takes dedication to get through this novel but I am so interested that I will continue learning about Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.