My usual bus book has been Les Misérables for so long I didn't know what to do with myself when I looked at my pile of books to choose what to read this morning. I opted for Life Studies by Susan Vreeland. It's one of several collections of short stories that I want to finish this year. Until I settle on something else to work on, short stories seems like the perfect solution.
I'm not sure I'll keep up my weekly short story reading next year like I've been doing this year, but if I do, I think it might be fun to read only (or mostly) ghost stories. I think I have enough anthologies and collections that I could easily read them over the course of the year. Even though yesterday's story was challenging, it could be fun to read a variety of them and see how they all fit together since they would all be of the same genre. I've always thought it would be interesting to do some sort of 'study' like that (I use the term loosely). I only wonder if after a while I would get bored.
Jane and Prudence seemed like a good comfort read, so I started it over the weekend. I wonder if all of Pym's novels have a woman of a 'certain age' (and just what is that age?--middle age--40s?) and a vicar? I'm not far, but I think I am going to enjoy the book! I also decided I need to read My Antonia as well, though so far it is only waiting for me on my night table.
I didn't manage to squeeze in any Lynley episodes, but I still am in the mood for them. This coming week looks to be as stressful as last, so it's good to have these comforting sorts of things in reserve. I did watch the first few episodes of a miniseries called Lilies. I love these kinds of period dramas. They would never make it on American TV, so thank you to the BBC! Lilies is about a family living in post-WWI Liverpool. The story revolves around three sisters and their war traumatized brother who live with their father, one brother having been killed in the War and their mother dead. I think it is going to be very addictive, though I am sorry to see only one season was filmed. My only difficulty is with following their accents. I find I really have to listen well or I'll miss something!
Book choices are up on the Slaves of Golconda blog. Please consider joining us. The choices look challenging in a "genre-bending sort of way" (the perfect type of book to read and discuss in a group). You can put in your vote this week, and they will be counted on Friday. We'll discuss the book beginning January 31, 2009.