Red's Summer Reading List

So I now have a library card and I'm not afraid to use it.
Since my last book review post I have polished off four books, and two halves, one half not worth mentioning. Here goes:

This happens to be the tv movie I worked on so I was curious about the book - also the whole polygamy as religion thing is fascinating to me. This book has two narratives going on at once. The first is a fictional autobiography of Ann Eliza Young - a real person and the 19th Wife of Brigham Young. And the second is a modern day murder mystery set at a polygamy compound with an outcast son returning when his mother is accused. It was a pretty good read with a great history of polygamy in America and plenty of shocking details of the hidden world of polygamy. My main complaint was the ending seemed rushed or incomplete. This elaborate world is painstakingly set up and the ending just sort of wraps it all up without the same level of detail.

So this was a fairly easy read - I finished it in about a day - but it was captivating and funny. The characters are incredibly rich and I can see why Hollywood jumped on it.

I also think there is a bit of who-dun-it on the author's part because she sets up the end scene at the beginning of the book and then when we get to the end, something is different. So which version is correct? Has the old man re-written his memories? I don't want to give it away but this one is a great summer read.

This one was an accidental grab at the library. I think Carrie Fisher is a hysterically funny person and refreshingly honest about the Hollywood life. And I was curious about her work as an author. The beginning storyline was amazing, but when she switched focus onto a different character I seriously lost interest. And it was very different from what I thought the movie was about. I guess I'm going to have to track it down and watch it. Note how often I read books that have a movie version (completed or in the works). My hubby hates reading a book that has become a movie but me, I think I  love it!

 

This was on the New and Notable shelf at the library. I figured it was just your run of the mill murder mystery but I really liked it. Set in Dublin it follows a detective as he unravels the mystery of his first love (a redhead of course) who he thought had left him years ago. The author certainly has a way of creating vivid characters and family relationships and the flow of the story was pitch perfect. Of course I guessed who dun it at about the halfway mark but nonetheless it was worth a read.

So I am currently about halfway through this one, written by the same author as The Other Boleyn Girl and I must say this isn't as captivating. I know once I open it again it will draw me in but it doesn't burn in my brain the way other historical novels have.

What's next on my list? I can't wait for these ones... but the hold lists are too long so I may have to make a purchase!

Hello? Where'd You Go?

Oops - sorry. Bless me friends for I have sinned. It has been over a month since my last "confession" and to be honest, I don't really have an excuse. July hasn't been crazy busy or anything - I guess I've just been computer averse.

Now, where to begin? How about a quick list recap... you know how much I love lists.
1. July long weekend in Creston while my hubby stayed home and worked on the house.
2. July 15-19th in Montreal. Fantastic trip! Good friends, good food, good memories.
3. The post vacation blahs... yeah, a little for sure. And there are no trips on the horizon to look forward to. Maybe I need to plan a VanCity trip?
4. My library card finally came in and I've been reading up a storm. Wait, can that be my excuse?
5. August long weekend in town. My nephew had his 1st birthday party and... we worked on the house. The number of times I've said that, you'd think we'd be done by now.
6. Trying to enjoy what little summer nature gives us. We also threw in a 17k hike on the long weekend and it still rained a little.

So there you have it... not crazy busy but still pretty full. Gotta keep running...