I finally read this book. I bought it ages ago, when everyone bought it. I left it on the shelf, because it got too much hipster attention, but also because it’s about something very hard, and seemed to come too close to some painful situations in my own family, and sometimes it’s nice to avoid […]

Wild Decembers by Edna O’Brien This book  encapsulates so much about rural Ireland and feuding families and the strictures on women.  It’s heart-breaking and beautiful and true.  O’Brien’s language is gorgeous, and the story unfolds like a great tragedy.  Unfortunately, the audio version I listened to was of poor quality.  I’m surprised Audible did such […]

I fell down a bit with 12 books in 12 months, and now I need to catch up. I’ve read these: 1.  A Mercy: A Novel by Toni Morrison. Sighed my way through the audiobook version, and felt like I was betraying an idol. 2. Possession: A Romance by A.S. Byatt.  I think I loved […]

The Good Brother by Chris Offutt I’m a huge fan of Chris Offutt’s work, which I was introduced to as a college student with a serious devotion to Appalachian Studies.  Knowing that Offutt has been focusing on writing for TV rather than churning out stories and novels for the last several years, I just help […]

London Fields by Martin Amis. I read this book so slowly not because I didn’t love it, but because this time of year is just plain too busy for me.  I spent a lot of stolen moments reading just a few pages before returning to some pressing task or other.  It’s a mystery, sort of.  […]

I picked this for 12 books in 12 months because I’ve started it at least once or twice before and abandoned it each time, so it seemed to fit right into the spirit of the project.  I’m so glad I read it, though I can see why I hadn’t stuck with it previously.  I opted […]

In and amongst my 12 books in 12 months reading, I’ve been wallowing in Alan Bradley’s two Flavia de Luce mysteries.  My Mom, an inveterate reader of mysteries, handed off her copies so we could titter over this hilarious new mystery heroine.  Flavia is a 10 year old English girl who happens to be obsessed […]

I decided to read this first because I love Morrison so.  I have the book on paper, but when I saw there was an audiobook version read by the author, I went with that.  I loved the book, but I am not so sold on Dr.  Morrison reading the audiobook herself.  I love her readings–I’ve […]

I am in!  I am all the way in.  I have sooooo many books, and some of them have been traveling with me through life for too long without being read. The rules: 12 Books, 12 Months Challenge Pick 12 titles from your To Read Pile.  These should be titles you currently own in whatever […]