1Here we are Friday already and my week has flown past. Trying to stay informed with world events while minimizing the articles about the mentally deficient criminal in chief. So that means more reading and I can't complain about that :-)
Currently reading / I am engrossed with two chunksters right now. Both are on my Classic Club list as well as being buddy reads. Sweet.
Earlier in the month I started The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, with Deb at Readerbuzz. The publication year is 1977, 692 pages. I'm around the 70% mark now. Such tragedy in this family saga.
Wednesday I started reading Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain, an autobiographical historical account of Brittain's early life and encompassing the first world war. Publication date of 1933, 688 pages. I am buddy reading with JoAnn at Gulfside Musing.
I'm impressed with your chunkster reads, way to go! I have not heard of the Vera Brittain one but now you have me interested. We must keep reading as the criminal in chief is getting worse (is that possible?) and has sunk me quite a bit. Seeing Loki pics make me smile. What a cute dog and personality he is. Our dogs here are keeping me busy: with walks and pats. Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I wasn't planning on reading two fatties at once but it's working out well. If the genres weren't so different I might get confused. You would laugh to see the stack of books I have on my shelf to read and donate! I am trying to reduce and only keep the most treasured of books.
DeleteMarch is Read Ireland month, I saw that on Jinjer's blog, so I have quite the stack for next month. Hope all is well with you. Avoid too much news and please pet Stella and Willow for me.
The Story of a Heart will surely be an emotional read. I look forward to reading your review of it. ☺️
ReplyDeleteJodie, it sounds like a good book and i will hopefully get to that very soon.
DeleteWhen I tell people I'm reading Thorn Birds, everyone says how good a read it is. Many people tell me they read it when it first came out. I'm glad we are reading this together. I'm at 41% and the family has just experienced an awful tragedy.
ReplyDeleteYour dog is great at Vanna White-ing your books.
Deb, I think I know what you mean...the Paddy section. So much tragedy. I do love a family saga and big fat book. Loki thanks you for his presentation skills :-)
DeleteI reread The Thorn Birds a few years ago and was surprised that I'd forgotten so much about the story. I didn't like it as much as my first read, and I'll share my reviews with you once you've finished. I'll bet The Story of a Heart is very touching. I have The Rose Code in my stacks. Guess I should move it to my nightstand. It's gotten such high praise since it first came out.
ReplyDeleteLes, I liked The Rose Code quite a bit. All of her books are good. I am really looking forward to the nonfiction and may start it after I finish the Aussie novel.
DeleteThe Thorn Birds is an Australian classic! And a bit controversial really! I haven't read it for many years but remember it fondly!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week
Marg, I can see why it's considered controversial! I am enjoying it.
DeleteOh man, The Story of a Heart would probably make me bawl -- that kind of thing always does! Hope it's a good read.
ReplyDeleteNicky, I will probably post on that one mid February. Definitely a get-out-the-tissues book.
DeleteLooks like a good reading month! Adding The Rose Code to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteOlivia, hope you enjoy it. She's a favorite author of mine.
DeleteI read Thorn Birds when it first came out and there was a GREAT mini series with Richard Chamberlain as the hot and sexy priest. LOL Us teenage girls were hooked. Do the book and series have the same captivating effects on grown adult women?
ReplyDeleteJinjer, Richard Chamberlain was quite the dish back in the day, but I have not seen the tv show. I'll look into THAT after I'm done!
DeleteSo glad to be finally reading Testament of Youth with you, and I remember lovingThe Thorn Birds. Pretty sure there was a TV miniseries, too. The Rose Code was another really good read. Hope to read The Briar Club sometime this year.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I want to get The Briar Club as well. I have so many books planned right now but if that one comes up in my library holds I will make time for it. It's nice reading with you too! Brittain is quite the scholarly writer and the intro took me some time to get through.
DeleteI watched Thorn Birds when it was on tv years ago.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post I went to Amazon and got a copy of The Story of a Heart.
Vicki, I hope you like the book you bought, I bet it's sad but I am interested in the process and what the families go through. Life for one comes at a cost for the other. I will have to watch Thorn Birds afterwards!
DeleteIt's been years since I read The Thorn Birds, probably time for a re-read. The Rose Code was very good.
ReplyDeleteClaudia, Kate Quinn writes some good books and the research she does is amazing. As you are waaaay closer to Australia than me, have you ever takena trip there? I'm sure it would be a long trip from Hawaii too.,
DeleteTestament of Youth looks really interesting. I haven't read Thorn Birds, but I may have seen the miniseries years ago. Not that it's the same thing. The Story of a Heart does sound like a tear jerker. I hope you like it! Have a good week, Tina.
ReplyDeleteWendy, I didn't think I could balance two big fat books at the same time but they are so very different so, no confusion. Hope your week is great too!
DeleteI have a signed copy of The Thorn Birds from when my parents were guests at a function at her home on Norfolk Island.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a lovely reading week
Shelleyrae, that is so cool you have a signed copy AND your folks met her. I was reading that is where she died after quite a few health problems.
DeleteI read The Thorn Birds ages ago and I liked it. My daughter loved The Rose Code!
ReplyDeleteMary @Bookfan
Thanks, Mary. Oh, Kate uinn books get me reeled in with her intricate plots. Glad to have found you via Mailbox Monday.
DeleteSaw your comment - The Girl on the Train in play form is fantastic! I suspect I wouldn't like it as much in book form as the characters are all terrible but it makes for a great play.
ReplyDeleteThe Kate Quinn looks really good and is on my TBR. I've never read Thorn Birds but I do want to at some point. I'm looking forward to seeing your thoughts on that and the other books you have going.
Katherine, the book did have me reading steadily. A page turner, for me anyway. You'd like Kate Quinn books for sure!
DeleteI LOVED The Thornbirds. :)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I am enjoying it very much! Love being immersed in the atmosphere there and family sagas are a favorte of mine,
DeleteIt looks like you have some really good reading happening!! Enjoy your week. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erin!
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