A nicely balanced group of good friends and friends of friends, a steady flow of wine, all kids at home with our husbands, and a full evening of lively conversation, some of which was centered on a good book -- I loved every minute.
Our debut selection was "Water for Elephants" and I thought it was a great choice -- an easy read, but well-written. I had not read it until it was "assigned" for the club. Once again, my prejudice against unappealing titles (and covers) almost made me miss a good book (e.g., "The Stone Diaries," "Anna Karenina").
Now that I think about it, my bookshelves display some reverse discrimination as well -- books I bought because their titles (or covers) (or authors' reputation) made me want to read them and like them, but I just can't and don't (e.g., "A Prayer for Owen Meany," Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All").
Incidentally, I was grateful Matt found me a used copy of "Water for Elephants," because I am opposed to owning the new version with Reese Witherspoon and the creepy "Twilight" guy on the cover. I want to see the movie, but not on the front of my book. Come on.
On the subject of books, I did finally finish "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" that was so highly recommended by pretty much the whole world. I did not like it at all, and if it were any other book I would have quit two chapters in. But everyone kept telling me to persevere, that it had a slow start but eventually I wouldn't be able to put it down. I read the whole thing. It just didn't do it for me.
What books have pleasantly (or unpleasantly) surprised you?
6 comments:
Man, I missed it... haha, maybe I'll catch the next one. What is the next book?
Just started reading (and by reading I mean listening to on audio tape to use my time in the car efficiently - ha!) Water for Elephants. It's a slow start for me, I'm hopeful it's going to get better :)
I just bought this book at the Springfest book fair for a dollar! Will begin tonight :)
Kallie -- I'm pretty sure 1-week-old twin girls grant you an excused absence! :) The next book is TBD by Kristen (who's the next host).
Kylie -- I hope it does get better for you! I wish I could listen to books on tape but the few times I've tried the readers' voices annoyed me too much.
Renee -- Good deal! Wish we'd run into y'all at Springfest. :)
Water for Elephants is the first book our book club read a couple years ago. We had some we loved, and some we only read because we "had" to.
On an unrelated note, your new blog background is so fun!
Since I last posted I read (Iistened to) a new book... Rob Lowe's "Stories I Only Tell My Friends". I really really liked it! It is his memoir that follows his childhood and experience with The Outsiders - to his alcoholism, etc. He's led a surprisingly interesting life. Probably not for everyone, but I was taken in by it and still thinking about it 2 days later.
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