Sep 7, 2008

The Sunday Salon: Changes



I’ve kept a close eye on the Caribbean this week with all the storms brewing out there. We Floridians got lucky with Gustav and Hanna, but Ike looks like he may be trouble for us. It was a short work week, but a week full of changes. My BFF, a fabulous first grade teacher, had her world turned upside down when the school board followed through with major cut-backs and a lot of teacher lost their jobs. Fortunately, she did not lose hers, but was moved to a different school, which changed both our lives. She used to take me to work every morning, but since she goes the opposite direction now, its not possible. Luckily, I was able to find another ride to work, although it just isn’t the same. We’re both adjusting and making the best of it but mainly just being thankful we both have jobs to go to.

Bookwise, I had a decent week. I finished CHASING WINDMILLS by Catherine Ryan Hyde. You can read my review here. This was the first book of Ms. Hydes I’ve read and I’m looking forward to reading her latest, THE DAY I KILLED JAMES very soon. I don’t read a lot of Young Adult fiction, but after hearing such positive things about it, I don’t want to miss out. It promises to be just as engaging as CHASING WINDMILLS.

I started two other books this week. OUT STEALING HORSES by Per Petterson, a Norwegian writer, and MUDBOUND by Hillary Jordan, a first time author who has won the Bellwether Award for this novel. My intention was to focus on OUT STEALING HORSES first, but I find myself going back to MUDBOUND. I’m just 80 pages in, but already I’m captivated by the story and connected with the characters. Ms. Jordan‘s prose is flawless. I love her storytelling. She takes us back to the 1940’s post-war south and the story of two brothers and an African American war hero who go home to the Mississippi Delta to much different welcomings. I think its safe to say I’ll be spending my time today reading MUDBOUND, along with watching some much anticipated football.

As far as the week ahead, I’m very excited! Why? you ask? Kathleen McCleary, author of the very popular HOUSE AND HOME will be joining me for a guest post and book giveaway! All courtesy of TLC Book Tours! Please stop by on Wednesday, September 10th!

Tell me, what book do you have your nose buried in today?

8 comments:

  1. My prayers will be with you. I won't have a nose in a book today. Gustav left us without power for a week. Today will be catching up on my blog reading. :) Missed you all!!

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  2. I hope the hurricanes don't do too much damage and you weather them ok! I really want to read Out Stealing Horses so I'm curious to see your review.

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  3. I hope that you are kept safe in the midst of hurricanes. Also, I am glad that you found another ride to work. Today, I am organizing my apartment and I read a little bit of the book "What the Body Remembers"

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  4. September has been a big hurricane month! I live on the Gulf Coast near Houston, so we're keeping our eyes on Ike, too.

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  5. J.Kaye - thanks for the thoughts, I know you got hit hard last week. :(

    s. krishna - I've had Out Stealing Horses on my TBR list for awhile. I'm looking forward to finally reading it.

    beastmomma - thanks for your kind words. It's been a rough week. I hope you get everything settled in Seattle. Good luck!

    debnance - looks like Ike is coming your way. I'll keep you in my prayers

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  6. Lisa-

    Despite not being able to ride to work with your BFF each day, I like your positive attitude about the situation. You're still grateful and that's what is important.

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  7. Change is so hard for me to deal with. I commend you on your ability to weather through the changes in your life.

    I have had Out Stealing Horses on my TBR stack for some time now - I will be interested in your review.

    Take care and keep safe!!!!

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  8. Hey Lisa!! Glad to hear you are ok with all the storms and such hitting Florida.. I've been thinking of you (and J. Kaye). I've had Out Stealing Horses on my wishlist for about a month so I'm looking forward to your review.. and OF COURSE I can't wait to read your House and Home post tomorrow!!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I look forward to hearing from you again soon!