Where do I start?
April 25, 2011 | My Jottings
I hope you all had a blessed Easter.
Yesterday was the end of my 46-day Lenten fast from books. I’ve never gone that long without reading a book before. It was not as disorienting as I thought it would be, and I’m glad I did it. Now, I’m happy to dig in to the piles of books I’ve had stacked near my desk and bed for the last seven weeks.
The trouble is, I’m not sure where to start!
All of these books were either generous gifts from friends, or books I bought myself because of enthusiastic recommendations from fellow readers I trust. I wish I could go away now for 46 days to read these 21 books!
But my time is limited, so where shall I begin? What three books would you put at the top of the list from these piles? You can click to enlarge the photo to see the titles more clearly.
Have you read any of these? If so, what are your thoughts about the one/s you read?
Tonight when I go up to bed at the unheard-of hour of 8:30 p.m., my knitting will stay in its bag, at least for a day or two. My Sudoku book (I’m trying to keep my brain exercised) will sit unopened on the nightstand.
Montesquieu said, “I have never known any distress that an hour’s reading did not relieve.” I could use some “distress-relief” and tonight I’ll put that quote to the test.
Looking forward to your comments,
No contest. I’d start with the one called ‘Weird’. Sounds like something I could relate to.
:0)
;). Then I think “Radical” and “The Chosen” could be books you relate to as well, going merely by the titles. I had “Thereby Hangs a Tale” half read when Lent began, so I believe I will start with that. 🙂
Chaim Potok is brilliant. He’d be first on my list. 😀 Then the 2 Celtic ones because I’m sorta strange that way. Enjoy.
You’re the second person today to tell me “The Chosen” would be first pick – the other friend said “The Chosen” is my favorite book of all time. That intrigued me! What are you reading Ganeida?
Horrible Saxon wars. lol More Bernard Cornwell. I’ve decided this has gotta be the most horrible period of English history ever. Foster still. Mary Wesley. Am deciding whether The Horse Boy is worth perservering with & White Rose Rebel which Star got me & which is too awful for words but you know, the girl chose it for me sooo…..Eclectic but heavy on the history side just now. 😀
What a book list! You must be a speed reader to accomplish all you do. 🙂
So many books…so little time! Actually, I would advise that you start with something other than Kristin Lavransdatter. The book is well written – pulls you in right from the get go, but I can’t say that I actually liked it. By the time I reached page 1100, I had too much time invested to just put it down and walk away. It was a relief to finish it…but not a satisfying relief. Never have had this happen before when reading. We’ll have to talk more about it once you’ve read it!
Now I know what not to start with, Carey. I am anxious to read it though. Maybe after Ben Hur? 😀
I did Lit at uni & yeah, I read fast. Besides most of the year I do boats & choir waits so I get time.
Amazingly I haven’t read any of these at all – so I’ll be interested to hear what you think of them. My only advice would be to read something that looks nice, not too heavy and uplifting!!!
Good advice, Helen. I need uplifting!
I’m catching up on my blog reading and loved seeing your pile of books!!! It makes me happy to just to look at it!! I read The Chosen many years ago and remember enjoying it even though it’s a bit vague in my mind at this point. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE Francine Rivers so I would have to recommend starting with anything she has written.
You are the third person who has told me they read The Chosen, Jessica. The Francine Rivers books were recommended by a friend who’s an avid reader and she said, “I. Could. Not. Put. Them. Down.” And they’re set initially in Switzerland, one of my Calgontakemeaway places. What are you reading right now?
Well, I’m going to be the odd one and suggest “Diana” just because you’ve had it awhile now and have not yet read it! It’s going to be very different from all those other books and certainly not as spiritual. Nevertheless, it is very well written and is quite the love story.
And guess what, Pat? I have my own copy now! So I can return yours! 🙂 See you tonight!