Books

Hi everyone.

Today I want to do my March book post. I write these for my own records, but as I have said before, some of you enjoy book posts, so if you do, read on. If not, I get it.

March was a weird reading month for me. At the beginning of the month,  I came home from our New Mexico trip and finished up a couple of books from February. Then I got sick and didn't read at all. Then we went into Covid-19 mode, which mean I went to home online teaching. Some of you had lots of reading time, and I certainly did read some, but working from the computer all day really cut back on my desire to read at night and also made it hard to listen to books as I can't concentrate on a story as well as work at the same time.
Plus, I found it hard to get into certain books. I tried several this month and ended up just putting them aside as I couldn't get into them. Think it was all the stress. I just want something that is only slightly challenging but is mostly just fun and almost but not quite brainless. I must say my concentration is off.

So here's my list. 

My 2 books I listened to.

I started the month with this non-fiction history. I have read some Erik Larson before, and I've enjoyed how he presents history. When his new book came out, I decided to read/listen to it. It was all about Winston Churchill and his family and friends in the first year of the war. (World War 2 that is).  It was a really interesting listen, enough about the war and enough about life in general that I would recommend it. That's what I like about his books, they give a picture of history more than just a history book style of history. (Although it is a history book so did I just contradict myself? smile) I just wish the narrator was different. He didn't bother me as I got used to him, but he did sound a lot like those World War 2 news clips narrators. 

And my second listen was this classic which I think I might have read but didn't remember the story at all. 

This book was voted best 20th century gothic mystery. I get why, and I liked it, but I had a hard time with the passivity of Mrs. de Winter for the early part of the book. I had to remind myself that the book was written in the late 1930's and times were different for women then. But the author did create lots of mystery and tension, and it is a really well written book.  And I didn't see the ending coming. I also recommend this book if you haven't ever read it.

And here's the books I actually read.  

So this first book by Barbara Pym is not a romance. I read this back in a women's lit class back in college (in fact I still have my original paperback and that's what I read). It was published in 1961 (I believe) and is about several women in London and their lives. They are all connected to the main character, Dulcie Mainwaring. It isn't funny but there is a certain dry, slightly witty look at women and love in those days. I must say I enjoyed it as much as last read. 

And then I am currently reading this other British novel set in the late 1930's and published in the early 1990's. It is all about an extended family, and I must say the author did a great job of introducing them all  so I could keep them straight. It is the first of a 5 book series that I understand takes the family and progresses them through time. I like the characters; no I don't like them all but I like that I don't like them all. It's not a hard read. It is a very atmospheric read so I do feel like I am there and enjoying their summer family holidays in the country as they enjoy the beach and have dinner conversations. I also like that the characters go all the way from 6 year old kids up to their rather old fashion grandparents. 

And lastly, this book.

Who knew Queen Victoria was such a talented artist? This book is a biography of her life but as shown through her art. I must say I really enjoyed this oldie. I don't think it is even published any longer but I had found this used copy on Amazon awhile back.

I just noticed how I was on a British book kick this past month. (And nothing wrong with that.)

So as you can see, I haven't even read any of my normal mysteries. Like I mentioned, it has been a weird reading month for me. I am hoping April and some nice weather gets me back into a book groove.

If you have any book suggestions I'd love them. I'm always looking for new things to read.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!