With all of this free time suddenly on so many of our hands, books are becoming more popular than ever. People can read more, and who can complain about that?
Over the last few weeks I’ve slowly continued to chip away at my personal library of unread books (since the public library is closed and I can’t borrow any!?) ? There’s always a silver lining, if you’re willing to look.
I’m still trying to adjust my new schedule, and I’ve learned that I am most productive in the morning. I have to get up and go and keep going, because the moment I sit down, my motivation to get back into the game is flown. Which means, by the time I get home from work in the afternoon, my energy is about spent, and all I want to do is sit in front of my heater and read a book (or, you know, take a nap). I’ve been known to doze off in the greenhouse, on those nice, sunny days. . .
So, why don’t we take a look back at the last few books I’ve been reading?
Paws, Claws, and Magic Tales – This anthology of cat-inspired stories was a prize I won during the February Fantasy Month festivities. Some were witty, some were sweet, some were deeper than one might think a story about a cat could go, but all have the charm of these furry, four legged felines – snarky and otherwise – and a couple of them I enjoyed very much.
For Whom the Sun Sings – I devoured this book in nearly one fell swoop. By chapter four it dawned on me just how brilliant the writing is, and the story itself is equally as astounding. It’s technically sound, emotionally wrenching, and beautiful. I was actually crying at the end. The story is so full of wonder and heartache, and I don’t think the ending could have been any better. It prompts you to pause and think about the implications. There is so much hope in it, made all the more powerful by the sorrow and injustices suffered. Books like this are why I love reading.
Joust – The world of this book and series is highly reminiscent of ancient Egyptian culture, and I enjoyed the characters and can appreciate the conflict Vetch has between his emotions and better judgment. Ari grew on me more and more, and the relationship that developed between him and Kashet and Vetch was heartwarming. That said, it wasn’t without its plot, pacing, and text warts. Still, I plan on forging ahead to see what happens next.
The Mysterious Howling – This is the first book in the middle-grade series titled The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place , and it’s a fun and charming beginning to a story about a first-time governess and her charges: three children who were, quite actually, raised by wolves. Aside from the asides (which were fairly distracting and largely beside the point), I enjoyed the book. Penelope is an honest, kindhearted, and earnest young woman, and the kids are a riot. What’s even more interesting is that the mysterious howling for which the book is named isn’t entirely revealed at the end, hinting at a continuation of the story in the next book, rather than an entirely separate adventure.
What about you? What books have you been reading lately? Do you have any new favorites? Old favorites that you’ve returned to?
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