I may not have been typing much (in fact, for about a month, I hardly even looked at my knitting - gasp!), but I have been reading. Mostly, I've been working through the fiction on my list, since it hasn't demanded much brain-engagement. Here's a quick look at what's made it's way across my nightstand:
Entwined - Very much like a grown-up's version of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. It was fine, passing the time, but not much more. Might keep you entertained poolside for a couple days this summer.
The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society - A story partially told through letters that wasn't annoying - how clever! Really engaging story centering around the Nazi occupation of Guernsey and a storyteller who falls in love with the island and it's people. Good, good book.
In the Company of Others - If you've read any of the Mitford series, you'll know Father Tim & company. Set in Ireland, many of the usual characters are missing, and there is quite a bit more intrigue than in some of the other books. If you know and like the series, then you'll enjoy this one, too, though it wasn't my favorite.
Peace Like a River - An act of one son's foolishness sets a family on a trip across the country, with the errant young man leading the way, the FBI chasing behind and seeing miracles all around. Interesting and well-written.
Romancing Miss Bronte - This was one of my favorites. Knowing very little about the Bronte family, this novel offered some engaging history as well as a great story. It's considered fiction because there is so much to the story that can't be qualified, but the author had clearly done her homework and put more than flesh (perhaps a lovely Victorian gown?) on the skeleton of known facts of the Brontes. If you are limited in reading time, this is one to make time for.
The Forgotten Garden - The granddaughter of a foundling on an Australia-bound ship decides to find out what her grandmother never could - who she was and why she was abandoned. Sounds complicated? The author does a pretty good job of laying it all out and allowing the reader to follow the twists and turns without a headache. Another good, undemanding vacation read.
Room - This was hard to read. Not difficult - it's written from the point of view of a five year old. Hard - said five year old's mother had been abducted and imprisoned for 7 years in one room. As he was born in this room, this little boy knows no other reality. It was interesting and thoughtful, but hard - I'm still not sure how I feel about it.
Left Neglected - I just finished this one last week, and it was another I really enjoyed. It examines a condition known as Left Neglect - literally where the patient has no awareness of their "left half" - from the perspective of high-powered career exec who suffers this trauma following a car accident. Without making moral judgements of the main character, it leads you down the road she must take through recovery - and what "recovery" actually means. Another book to add to your list.
At the moment, I'm working on Awakening the Quieter Virtues. I've only finished the first chapter, but it's looking really good - I have high hopes. :)
