Although I've been complaining about not making progress in my reading pile, I've actually finished two books recently that I won't be writing proper posts on. One book is for my postal reading group that I have mentioned here before. I don't like to write about those books as part of the excitement is not knowing what you're going to get in the mail until it actually arrives. So I don't want to spoil anyone's fun who might happen along and inadvertently see one of the books. However I will mention a few things about it. So, if you happen to be in the postal reading group, please skip the next paragraph!
This is the first book I've received in the newest round of postal books. It's a cozy mystery set in Ireland during WWII and gardens and gardening feature heavily in the story. The sleuth is a maiden aunt who gets involved in the death of a new neighbor. It's a very gentle read and one I very much enjoyed as much for the detecting aspect as for the setting and references to the war. You can see more about the author here. From what I understand the mysteries are complete in themselves and they needn't be read in any particular order. I'm not even sure the characters are recurring. I was hoping my library might have some of the books but unfortunately we don't. I'll be keeping these in mind as I love a good cozy mystery.
I've already mentioned the other book I recently read. My niece brought home Chasing Alliecat by Rebecca Fjelland Davis after I said it sounded like a fun read. She had been completely immersed in it and I was so happy to see her excited about reading a book that I couldn't not read along when she went to the trouble of finding an extra copy for me. Every night she wanted to talk about it and sit and read together. For a YA novel it tackles some difficult issues, but Davis is very matter of fact about the things she writes about--not passing judgment or moralizing to the reader. A few bad things happen in the book, but it's a story wrapped up in a mystery and once it grabs you it doesn't let go until the very end, so there is a balance between the more anxious moments and the pure adrenaline ride that the story becomes. I read very little YA literature, but I was impressed by the book. My niece, who is in sixth grade, told me it is her favorite book so far. She liked the mystery aspect of it and I can't think of another time I have ever seen her so intensely absorbed in something she was reading. I do hope she finds another book that will engage her so well.
I've been spending most of my reading time with Jacqueline Winspear's newest Maisie Dobbs' novel, A Lesson in Secrets, which I hope to finish tonight (and will write properly about very soon). Once again Winspear takes Maisie off in a new direction and I'm happy to see her grow as a character. This is perhaps my favorite book in the series yet. I've also been working on Shirley Hazzard's The Transit of Venus, which I am finding slightly challenging but very, very good. I'm glad I decided to start a little early rather than waiting until the last minute as I find it takes me twice as long to get through a few pages as I do any other book. Still, it's well worth the effort and a perfect book to read along with a group of other readers. We won't be discussing it for another week in case you might be tempted to read along. I've also just started a reread of Rebecca West's The Return of the Soldier, which is a very slim novel that I hope to finish in another day or so (also for discussion).
So this just leaves Carl's fifth annual Once Upon a Time Challenge. I don't really do challenges anymore per se, but it's hard to pass up Carl's reading challenges, or reading journeys as he calls them. I was thinking this would give me a good excuse to maybe read something by Angela Carter? I'd have to think about which book or maybe something else entirely. But I would just choose one book to read between now and June 20. Surely I could manage that, right? Are you reading along? Any suggestions?