Reading RoundUp #10
This evening, Jay and I are making the trek down to Virginia for our long weekend getaway in the Shenandoah Valley. I’m praying that it doesn’t rain ALL weekend, but I don’t think we’ll get that lucky… Before we head out, I’m sharing what I’ve been reading this past week and a few fun links from around the web.
Work Book (for lunch time reading):
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin – I just finished up Our Endless Numbered Days (decent, but not one of my favorites), so I’m in the very early stages of The Happiness Project. I’m not entirely hooked yet since I’m still in the background section where she explains why she’s embarking on this journey. I’m more interested in getting to the meat of the book and how she puts her plans in place.
Apartment Books:
On Writing by Stephen King – I put this back on the bookshelf when we had guests over and keep forgetting to pick it back up! It is excellent and full of memories and writing tips. I have no interest in writing a book myself, but his advice is useful in everyday writing.
Kindle Books:
The library has been good to me lately! Practically all of the books I had on hold became available within the past two weeks. That means I’m frantically trying to read them all before they need to be returned : )
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon – Honestly, I’m a bit disappointed in this one. Even going into it with lower expectations hasn’t helped. I’m in the middle of Jamie and Claire’s stay in France and just feel like I’m slogging through it. Too many people to keep track of and not enough character development or action. I’m planning to finish it, but debating if I want to continue on with the series after this one…
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – A tale of two (polar opposite) sisters living in German-occupied France during World War II. I heard great things about this novel and it’s living up to that praise thus far. I quickly developed an affection for the characters (although one sister more than the other) and am already eager to find out what will happen to them.
The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson – I really really wanted to like this book. Almost every other one of his travelogues are witty and fun and entertaining, but I’m finding myself constantly passing over this in favor of other books. It’s a bit too much complaining about the changes in Britain over the past twenty years and too many uninteresting historical facts.
From Around the Web:
Amazon’s Bookstores: Not Really for Books – This is sad. I thought it would be neat to have a brick and mortar bookstore run by Amazon, but it sounds like it’s just a ploy to get people to buy their electronics.
Budget Travel Tips – I’m usually skeptical of these tips, but based on my experience they seem pretty solid.
Which Streaming Service is the Best? – Helpful comparison of Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, and Amazon prime (based on a few different categories of movies and TV shows)
Be sure to check out my Book Discussions page and join in on the conversations about Ready Player One, The Stand, and Outlander!
What books are you currently reading?
I’m linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy as usual!
I didn’t love Dragonfly in Amber, either, but once she got to book three, I enjoyed the series again. Maybe just put this one down and skip to the next? (That’s a heavy book to lug around if you’re not enjoying it!)
Also, I love King’s On Writing. Definitely pick that one back up. Two of my other fav memoirs are Welty’s One Writer’s Beginnings and Dillard’s An American Childhood.
Hmm good advice for Dragonfly. Thanks for the other memoir suggestions. I’ll check those out!
I agree about Dragonfly in Amber it was not my favorite. There are important plot points that happen towards the end though. I would find a copy of The Outlandish Companion and read Diana Gabldon’s summary of that book, then skip to Voyager. Voyager has lots of action and plot twists. Remember people are never dead unless you see their body. Hope you like it.
Kristen
I think I’m going to take your suggestion and just read a summary of the rest of the book. High hopes for Voyager! Thanks for commenting!
I had no idea there was a Companion book. Good to know!
I loved the Happiness Project! And I love Gretchen Rubin! Have you listened to the “Happier with Gretchen Rubin” podcast? She does it with her sister and it’s very entertaining, but also has lots of helpful advice.
I haven’t heard of that podcast, but it sounds great! I’ll check out it, thanks!
I agree with the above recommendations regarding getting to Voyager. (I did read each of these books many years ago – waiting 2 or 3 years in between. Beyond Voyager – I read them because I missed Jamie and Claire.) I traveled to Scotland last September and although I asked my husband if we could try to find Jamie’s grave, he seems to think Jamie is not real. Hmmmm.
Hahaha I laughed out loud when I read that last sentence! Very jealous you got to go to Scotland (and completely understand that you’d want to pay your respects to Jamie!)