What I'm reading right now is not as much as I thought I'd be reading on my extended weekend. But isn't that always the case? I always have these visions of lolling around on the sofa with a book in hand. But that never actually seems to happen. I have these fantasies of finishing two or three books (books that are nearing completion--let me qualify that statement). In reality I think I tend to read more when I am working (and have time away from home where I am stuck with nothing else to do--like on the bus or before work or on breaks). When I am home there is always something that needs to be done, which generally doesn't involve reading. Yesterday we got a new driveway. Actually yesterday my husband put in a new driveway. I've never seen this sort of work before--not close up anyway--and it was really interesting to watch. And since he was working so hard outside, it felt wrong for me to laze about. I'm terrible with guilt! I have been reading here and there, however!
David Copperfield. Poor David. What a life. I feel so sad for him right now. This is a wonderful book and I am almost done. Will he find happiness? Dickens called it his "favourite child". He considered it his best work. Maybe I shouldn't have started with it? Will all his other works pale in comparison?
Katherine Mansfield's Journal. Why can't I read more than a few pages of this book in one sitting? I just can't. Don't get me wrong. It is really interesting. It is just snippets of journal entries and bits and pieces of short stories. Maybe if I had read more of her short stories? Of course, perhaps the format doesn't call for a straight through reading? Still, I've had this sitting on my nightstand for far too long. I need to finish it. I think that after I read more of her work or biographical material about her it will all come together.
Some time ago I picked up P.D. James's Devices and Desires, and never even added it to my sidebar. I didn't get very far into it before it was set aside. I picked it back up a week or so ago. She's great! Actually I read Children of Men earlier this year and enjoyed it. I've heard that is nothing compared to her mysteries, so I knew I was in for a treat when I finally did get around to it. She reminds me a bit of Ruth Rendell or Elizabeth George, two of my favorite mystery authors. But she doesn't just reveal things to you. You sort of have to fish around for the facts and piece it all together like a puzzle. There are several different storylines, which I am sure in the end will connect up. The main thread around which everything else I am assuming will revolve is a serial killer murdering young women who find themselves on lonely stretches of road. I only wish I knew more about Adam Dalgliesh. I am jumping in on the series probably towards the latter end, so I only know bits and pieces about him. I may have to go back to the beginning after I finish this one.
I already know which books I am going to read this coming week (as soon as I finish two of these that is)--I am finally going to get to Wilkie Collins's Armadale. I may have to skim the first part, which is as far as I got when I started this. Who was it that told me I would have a hard time keeping track of all the Armadales? You were right. I think I might have to make a flow chart to keep them straight. This is definitely a book that deserves close attention and steady and constant reading, which I am finally prepared to give it! I also feel like getting back to the Daphne du Maurier biography as well.
Eight more books left to read. Hopefully two more titles will be ticked off soon. I'm not sure I'll be able to finish the other six in the remaining five weeks left in the year. It will be a bit of a squeeze, but at least it is an enjoyable sort of challenge.