Books and other stuff I feel like discussing
By education and experience - Accountant with a specialty in taxation. Formerly a CPA (license has lapsed). Masters degree in law of taxation from University of Denver. Now retired. Part time work during baseball season as receptionist & switchboard operator for the Colorado Rockies. This gig feeds my soul in ways I have trouble articulating. One daughter, and four grandchildren. I share the house with two cats; a big goof of a cat called Grinch (named as a joke for his easy going "whatever" disposition); and Lady, a shelter adoptee with a regal bearing and sweet little soprano voice. I would be very bereft if it ever becomes necessary to keep house without a cat.
Mood:
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Books Update - Fiction
DEATH COMES FOR THE ARCHBISHOP by Willa Cather
One of the book discussion groups I attend chose this - I had read some of Cather's work before, but not this. A combination of history of the American southwest and an intriguing character study, based on the real life clergyman Jean-Baptiste Lamy, who was a key figure in late 19th century New Mexico. Another character is based on Archbishop Machebeuf, who lived and worked in the Denver area. I sometimes approach "classic" literature with the same lack of enthusiasm that followed me through most of my high school English classes. I'm always pleasantly surprised to be enjoying a very good read, and thoroughly engrossed. The other members of book discussion group concurred.
TRUE SISTERS by Sandra Dallas
As the waves of Mormons moved west, following the original travelers who settled the area around the Great Salt Lake, someone had the rather questionable idea to equip the settlers with pushcarts to carry their belongings. The people themselves would walk. When those making the trip arrived by train at the starting point, they discovered carts not yet complete, a delayed starting date (meaning they would travel in late fall and early winter weather) and a poor sense of what this trip would actually entail.
The novel focuses on three family groups, to the exclusion of the voice and point of view of the leaders and planners of the trek. Our book discussion group felt this was a real lack, and weakness in the book. We also longed for a map. Although this is a fictional account, groups of Mormons with pushcarts did make the trip from the Middle West to Utah. More factual material would have made the book stronger.
THE WOMAN UPSTAIRS by Claire Messud
An unmarried schoolteacher, who has long delayed her plans for a career as an artist, meets the family of one of her students. Over the next few months, the relationship develops into something she regards as a deep and affectionate connection between them. A pervading sense of unease kept me reading. I think I'll stop there, for fear of saying too much. I will add that this book made it on to my "best of 2013" list.
NEVER GO BACK by Lee Child
Child's continuing protagonist Jack Reacher has been intrigued by a voice on the telephone during a few conversations in the two books preceding this one. He sets off on one of his trademark jaunts across the country to meet the woman with the intriguing voice. He arrives at his old unit in the Pentagon, hoping to meet her, to discover that she has disappeared and some disconcerting allegations have been filed against HIM. As is always the case with Child's books - a real reading treat is in store.
I've got more to update you on, tomorrow or the next day.
One of the book discussion groups I attend chose this - I had read some of Cather's work before, but not this. A combination of history of the American southwest and an intriguing character study, based on the real life clergyman Jean-Baptiste Lamy, who was a key figure in late 19th century New Mexico. Another character is based on Archbishop Machebeuf, who lived and worked in the Denver area. I sometimes approach "classic" literature with the same lack of enthusiasm that followed me through most of my high school English classes. I'm always pleasantly surprised to be enjoying a very good read, and thoroughly engrossed. The other members of book discussion group concurred.
TRUE SISTERS by Sandra Dallas
As the waves of Mormons moved west, following the original travelers who settled the area around the Great Salt Lake, someone had the rather questionable idea to equip the settlers with pushcarts to carry their belongings. The people themselves would walk. When those making the trip arrived by train at the starting point, they discovered carts not yet complete, a delayed starting date (meaning they would travel in late fall and early winter weather) and a poor sense of what this trip would actually entail.
The novel focuses on three family groups, to the exclusion of the voice and point of view of the leaders and planners of the trek. Our book discussion group felt this was a real lack, and weakness in the book. We also longed for a map. Although this is a fictional account, groups of Mormons with pushcarts did make the trip from the Middle West to Utah. More factual material would have made the book stronger.
THE WOMAN UPSTAIRS by Claire Messud
An unmarried schoolteacher, who has long delayed her plans for a career as an artist, meets the family of one of her students. Over the next few months, the relationship develops into something she regards as a deep and affectionate connection between them. A pervading sense of unease kept me reading. I think I'll stop there, for fear of saying too much. I will add that this book made it on to my "best of 2013" list.
NEVER GO BACK by Lee Child
Child's continuing protagonist Jack Reacher has been intrigued by a voice on the telephone during a few conversations in the two books preceding this one. He sets off on one of his trademark jaunts across the country to meet the woman with the intriguing voice. He arrives at his old unit in the Pentagon, hoping to meet her, to discover that she has disappeared and some disconcerting allegations have been filed against HIM. As is always the case with Child's books - a real reading treat is in store.
I've got more to update you on, tomorrow or the next day.
Read/Post Comments (2)
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