It's colder than heck here, but sunny and clear. The dogs keeping asking to be let out into the sunshine, but soon come knocking at the door when they realize they can't feel their noses.
As for me, I just don't go out unless it's an emergency — say, we're completely devoid of a single crumb to eat or if I've run out of Diet Coke.
However, it is the perfect weather for reading, and I've been doing a fair bit so I thought I'd pass along a few good titles. I loved all three of these (very different) books (click the titles to read the Amazon summaries):
~ The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. Enchanting settings, an engaging, mysterious plot, likeable characters. Definitely a cozy read. Plus this author seems really cool. She's a fan of Jane Eyre, Roald Dahl books and claims to have read stacks of Trixie Belden mysteries as a child (oh, how I loved those books), so how could I not like her?!
~ Let The Great World Spin by Colum McCann. Wow, this guys can WRITE. Beautiful character sketches of ordinary people living in New York City in the 1970s. McCann touches on life's tragedies and triumphs, and shows us how our lives overlap and touch the lives of strangers. I plan to read more of this guy's work, for sure.
~ We Are All Welcome Here by Elizabeth Berg. I've been a fan of Berg for many years. Her books feel like a little "homecoming" to me — easy, thoughtful, kind, warm and honest. I'm never disappointed. And although this wasn't my absolute favorite of hers (I loved Range of Motion, Pull of the Moon, Durable Goods, Joy School, and her book of short stories The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted) I still really enjoyed it.
Before the New Year, I would have crammed these books into my already bulging bookcases (you never know, I may want to read them again), but the new (simplifying) me is going to send them out into the world for others to enjoy. Colum McCann's book was a loan from a friend so that one is not mine to give away, but the other two are, so . . .
I'm announcing a little GIVEAWAY! If you would like to read either The Forgotten Garden or We Are All Welcome Here simply leave me a comment here with your name and which book you'd prefer (yes, you can say either or both). I'll do a random drawing and send the recipients their books sometime next week . . . let's say next Wednesday.
* congrats to Rebecca & Jean. Thanks for playing! *
Oooo, I'd take either one. I could use a good read right now.
ReplyDeletethanks!
Katrina
Hi Jenny...after self-debating I have decided I am intrigued by the gorgeous red and white covered 'We Are All Welcome Here'. Both books sound like a good read though.
ReplyDeletepick me pick me! I will take either!
ReplyDeleteEither one works for me. I love to hold a good book, in spite of also loving my Kindle!
ReplyDeleteI love to read and spent many snowy days in Montana reading and not going anywhere! I would like to read "The Forgotten Garden"! I used to set my books free with bookcrossings.com, have you ever checked them out? Fun place to find a book and set a book free! Love your idea of giving them away in a drawing even better!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to read "The Forgotten Garden", I need something great to escape to!
ReplyDeleteAgain 'The Forgotten Garden' would be my choice. Thanks for your generous giveaway ;)
ReplyDeleteTrixie Belden! I still have all mine in the attic. My Erin is a reader but she didn't take to the series like I did. I may have read We Are All Welcome Here, but I'd love to try The Forgotten Garden!
ReplyDeleteOh, how I love books!!! I have all of Kate Morton's books so I'll go for the other! :). So happy to see you love her too! Isn't she awesome? She's one of my new favorites.
ReplyDeleteI am trying very hard to read more this year, and Elizabeth Berg sounds very like the sort of thing I'd enjoy. I think I read Open House about ten years ago. But I would LOVE a chance to win We Are All Welcome Here, thank you. x
ReplyDeleteHave just stumbled upon your blog and will be back. Collum McCann is one of my favourite authors - if you enjoyed 'Let the Great World Spin' you'll love his other work -'This Side of Brightness' and 'Fishing The Sloe Black River' are my favourites.
ReplyDeleteNot entering the give-away as I'm in Ireland and the posting costs would be too high.
Thanks for recommending your favorite McCann books. I'm really looking forward to reading more from him.
DeleteWelcome!
I loved 'The Forgotten Garden' and will now check out some of your other books. Seems like a bit of kindred spiritness going on here!
ReplyDelete