June is here and now flying by so quickly! I didn't think it possible, but life as become even more of a roller coaster ride. The world has become a vert stressful place to negotiate. I guess all the elements have come together to create a "perfect storm" of change. It feels all very painful, but hopefully when we come out on the other side some good things will have come of it all. It's hard to see that light yet, however, at the end.
To bookishness . . .
Late or not, I will press on with my prompts. If I at least fake some kind of normalcy, perhaps a better routine will follow. I AM reading, just not like I was a year ago. So prompts thus far this year and what I have "accomplished". Not surprisingly I have not written about the books I have been finishing (there have been a few, slow going though it may be), but a little accounting in any case.
January: The Ashes of London by Andrew Taylor (I've been Meaning to Read This)-- I like his writing and this was an engaging and well done historical mystery! (Have the second book in my pile, too).
February: The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner (It's a Woman's World) -- Great writing, not a happy story, but one that has stayed with me. Lately I tend to avoid 'difficult'' reads, but this reminds me why they are so rich and rewarding.
March: The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths (A Book from-an old-New Books List) -- A story of suspense right up my alley--a story within a story with a strong nod towards the kind of twisty tale as told by the likes of Wilkie Collins. I wouldn't mind if she returned to the world of DS Kaur by the way!
April: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (Read, Enjoy, Repeat) -- This is the nth time I have read this book. Surely it has to be the most reread novel in my entire collection of books. It stands up only too well in the test of time. It was in part in anticipation of reading The Testaments later this year.
May: The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy (Any Green Spine) -- This one is still in progress and with its Paris setting is perfect for my summer in France armchair reading!
And that brings me to June (Exit Stage Left). A bit late in sharing the stack of books I chose from, but see above. In the end I opted for something light and frothy but still well written, Elizabeth Gilbert's The City of Girls set in 1940s New York. Vivvie, a Vassar reject has been sent to her aunt in NYC where she becomes involved with the drama that is the Lily Theater--not high brow theater, but more theater of the people. I am not far in but enjoying Vivvie's sassy-ness.
I hope your reading is going better than my own which continues to be all over the place. I admire the readers I come across who seem to be doing amazing things on Goodreads and Instagram. I wish I could get my equilibrium back. If you have any hints, do please share. I think this year is easily going to continue on the same trend, but I hope I can still find some escape and inspiration in the books I read.