I sort of accidentally started reading three books all at the same time. I really didn't mean to. It just happened. But I kind of do this a lot...start a few books at one time. I don't recommend this reading method.
Although, back in my "Book-It" days, when I was reading for pizza, I would sometimes tackle a few books at a time and it was a really effective way to fill my button up with stickers. I really liked those personal pan pizzas. Who am I kidding...I still like the personal pan.
Anyway, here's what happened: I had just finished My Life in France by Julia Child, which I borrowed from my Mama and very much enjoyed. (Thank you Mama, I'll get it back to you soon!) It was a great light hearted biography. Julia is very funny. When I finished the book, though, I did not have anything lined up to read next, so I just grabbed this book off our shelf. It's the complete novels of Carson McCullers and I wanted to read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. I'd heard good things.
But then, I was substituting in a middle school English class (don't be jealous) and I found this book on the teacher's desk. I think I had heard about it on Oprah. If it's good enough for Oprah, it's good enough for me. I picked it up and began reading. It was a really easy quick read and I was substituting in that class for two days, so I finished this guy up while I was there.
It is a about a relationship that develops between a homeless man and a rich art dealer, who is reluctantly volunteering at a shelter at the behest of his wife.They authored this book together, each giving their side of the story. Good book.
Now while I was reading that book, I mentioned to David that I really really wanted to read The Help, because I had heard so many people say how great it was. We also know someone who knows the author, Kathyrn Stockett, and so I feel like I basically know the author, right? I was very interested in getting my hands on a copy.
The next night, when I went to climb into bed and read a few chapters (I always read before I go to sleep. I can't fall asleep otherwise. Insomniac) I found this beautiful hard cover book under my pillow.
YAY! Sweet Dave.
Well, obviously I had to start reading this immediately. And I did. And it is amazing. It is a story about maids in Jackson, Mississippi and their relationship to the people that they work for. I'm not done with it yet. I've only read about 200 pages. It's 500ish pages long. I love it. It's still only available in hard cover, but it's totally worth it.
So if your looking for a book or three to read, I would recommend any of these...but maybe not all at the same time.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
Melissa
I've read Carson McCullers' "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," but it's been a while. I remember not liking it very much, but I don't remember why I didn't like it. I'm pretty certain that I read it when I took A.P. Lit in high school.
ReplyDeleteMel!! I JUST read the Help! As in, I finished it last night in bed, reading by headlamp, at 1:30 am. I cannot wait to have a book review session with you. Dying for your thoughts. Loved it. Couldn't put it down. Obviously. Let me know when you're finished, oh, say, maybe tomorrow?? :)
ReplyDeleteemily with too much time on her hands.
Melissa, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter touches a deep part of a person. It made me sad, but then again, true life has a lot of sad people struggling to hang on. I will now read The Help. David and you are always my next sources for my next book.
ReplyDeleteI adored The Help. It's in the top five reads of my life. Adored! I found myself thinking in Aibileen's dialect. I was fully immersed...I did not want it to end!
ReplyDeleteI read The Help and finished it all in one day - it was compulsive! I had a headache for a week and it was so worth it - I love it. Plus now that I'm living in the South South - I could relate a little better.
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