Weekend Reading Notes

I always look forward to Carol Goodman's novels.  They are perfect summer beach reads.  Usually they are set in upstate New York, and there is generally some sort of mystery involved in the story--though the books are not traditional mysteries, more a mixture of mystery and suspense.  I was hooked with her first book, The Lake of Dead Languages (which I am told--as I have not read it, I can't guarantee--is reminiscent of Donna Tartt's The Secret History).  I have read each new novel as it has come out, and while I think the first remains my favorite, I still have enjoyed her subsequent books.

Her newest novel, The Sonnet Lover, was just released this month.  I try and not buy hardcovers, but this is one case where I know I will actually have it read within the month after I buy it (unlike other hardcover books that I buy and later get peeved about when I see them in the bookstore in paperback--and I still have not read the book!--an annoying habit I am trying to break).  This novel is set yet again in New York, but also in Italy.  According to the description on the book jacket:

"Did Shakespeare pen a series of passionate sonnets, unknown to modern scholarship, ardently praising a mysterious dark-haired beauty? This tantalizing question is raised in a letter to literature professor Rose Asher. But the letter’s author, Rose’s star pupil, is not telling. A troubled, enigmatic young man, he plunged to his death in front of the college’s entire faculty, an apparent suicide. Determined to find the truth, Rose journeys from New York to Italy, back to the magnificent Tuscan villa where as an undergraduate she first fell in love."

When I was at the bookstore I also spotted two interesting nonfiction books (which I managed to not succumb to buying!); Privilege and Scandal: The Remarkable Life of Harriet Spencer, Sister of Georgiana , by Janet Gleeson, and A Mirror Garden: A Memoir , by Monir Farmanfarmaian.  I read Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire , by Amanda Foreman a few years ago and enjoyed it, which made me pick up the Gleeson book.  I was so close to buying it, but knowing how slow I am to get to books sometimes, I set it back down (yes, it is a hardcover).  I am not sure why I am so attracted to reading about British aristocrats, but I can't help myself.  I guess if there is a life as different than my own--that would be it.  And it is always interesting to read about what you don't have I suppose.  Farmanfarmaian's memoir sounds exotic.  Yet another privileged life--she was born in Iran into a prominent family, she later came to New York to study as an artist.  Two books I will be looking for at the library!  Yes, more books to add to the neverending queue.  Can't you just see all those books lined up one after the other waiting patiently to be read??

Comments

[Melanie]

I just finished this one! It is wonderful. Carol Goodman is one of those authors for me too; anything she writes I'll read as soon as it is available. I liked The Seduction of Water best so far, but this one comes close. This one reminds me of Susanna Kearsley's "Season of Storms"; if you haven't read Kearsley you might want to give her a try.

[Danielle]

Melanie--I'm glad you liked it--she's one of those authors who's book I will buy whenever she has a new one. I think Seduction of Water is my next favorite after Lake of Dead Languages. But really I have enjoyed all her books. I have not heard of Susanna Kearsley--thanks for letting me know! I hope to start the Goodman as soon as I finish one of my other books!

[tara]

I do the same - discover paperback releases of books I own in hardcover and haven't read yet. I used to be quite bad with this but have gotten better. Now I've something new to add to the list - the Gleeson book. I also enjoyed Georgiana - and have an ongoing addiction with these sorts of books.

[Danielle]

Tara--I try to avoid buying new hardbacks by checking them out from the library, but that causes problems of its own! The Gleeson book was very tempting. Maybe I can hold out until it comes out in paper...

[jenclair]

I'm excited to hear that Goodman has a new novel out! I've enjoyed the ones I've read--still haven't read The Seduction of Water, though. So, two Goodman books I need to read.

[Danielle]

Jenclair--I enjoyed The Seduction of Water--though really I have enjoyed all her books. She seems to publish a book a year, so I try and watch for her new books each summer.

[Kate S.]

I didn't know that Goodman has a new novel out. Thanks for passing on the news! I'm a big fan of her work as well. "The Seduction of Water" is my favourite so far, because it's an excellent book of course, but also because there's something about that behind the scenes at a resort setting that never fails to intrigue me. "A Northern Light" by Jennifer Donnelly is another along those lines that I love.

[litlove]

I love Carol Goodman's novels too. How good to know there is another one headed my way eventually!

[iliana]

I'm another Carol Goodman fan! I just got a note from the library saying this one came in so I'm off to pick it up tonight!

[Danielle]

Kate--I totally agree with you! I loved the Donnelly book. I actually like that Goodman's books tend to be set in upstate New York. I guess when you find something you like you just want to read more!
Litlove--Hers are really great summer reads--too bad I don't have beach I can go to to really enjoy them. Oh well--better to enjoy them in the air conditioning!
Iliana--You are good--I always break down and buy her books! I wouldn't mind going back and rereading the earlier ones. I think it has been long enough now that I have forgotten details.