I’ve finished 2 books in the last several days, 2 of the 6 that I checked out of the library on Monday. That’s pretty good for me, I read a lot, but this may be a new record! 🙂 Tim has been out of town on business, and it’s been really cold, so it seemed like a really good time to curl up by the fireplace with a big quilt, a mug of hot chocolate, and these books.
I thoroughly enjoyed both of these books, although they were very different from one another. First, the book by Debbie Macomber (“Susannah’s Garden”) was not one of my favorites by her, but I still liked it. It was a light, easy read, as most of hers are, and although I liked the characters and plotline, I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as her Blossom Street books or her Cedar Cove books. Still a really good book though (and it ended well, which is always a big thing for me). The Elizabeth Berg book, well, I don’t know where to begin with that one. I just read my first book by her earlier this year, “The Year of Pleasures”. I loved and adored that book. This one (“We Are All Welcome Here”) I loved also, but in a very different way. I could relate to the main character in the “Year of Pleasures” book and I really loved Berg’s flowing writing style. This book had a totally different feel to it, yet, it read like her other one in a way. I don’t quite know how to describe it. Probably because the characters and subject matter were so different, but I was equally engrossed in this book. It takes place in the summer of 1964, in Tupelo, Mississippi (birthplace to Elvis Presley), during the Freedom Summer. This is all very familiar to me, as I live in this part of the world and have heard about these events all my life. Yet, the book was really all about a woman and her daughter. A woman who contracted polio, gave birth in an iron lung, and was a quadriplegic who came home to raise her daughter, with the aid of caregivers. The book was hard to put down, and had a very satisfying ending for me, two hallmarks of a great book in my mind.
For the record, that makes a total of 11 books so far this year, with a total of 3,601 pages read. Up next is the last ‘Miss Julia” book, I think, that I have yet to read – “Miss Julia Stands Her Ground”. Another library book from the stack, and after that one, I’ll start on the “Yukon Quest” series by Tracie Peterson. Peterson is a new author to me, and I’m looking forward to reading these. After, of course, I enjoy Miss Julia, little Lloyd, Hazel Marie, Sam, Lillian and the whole gang. I have to see what light-hearted escapades they will be up to next! 🙂
There’s just nothing that can quite compare to a good book, is there? Not that there aren’t other things that are enjoyable and fulfilling, etc., but books are special! I just finished blogging about a book I read last night, too. I don’t know…books can just be downright magical, don’t you think?
I think I’ll have to borrow the other Berg book from you if you still have it.
You are really going to town here on these books!
I agree, Miss Julia, Hazel Marie and the others…too funny!
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed your second Elizabeth Berg book. I was hoping that her special writing style would be consistent across her different novels. 🙂
Wow, I’m so jealous, Stacy! Good for you!!
Wow, 11 books already this year! That Elizabeth Berg one has been in my Amazon wish list for a while, so after reading this I think I will move it to my Shopping Cart! Thanks for the review Stacy.
I think I’ve only read one Elizabeth Berg book and didn’t like it. Maybe I should give her another chance.
I usually like all of Debbie Macomber’s books, but SUSANNAH’S GARDEN wasn’t one of her best. I’m anxiously waiting for the next Cedar Cove and Blossom Street books.
I’ve never read 11 books (other than children’s books) in an entire year! Wow!
I haven’t read Elizabeth Berg for a long time. I can’t remember what I read of hers, but I have definitely read something. It’s odd (I think, anyway), but I often don’t remember much about a book after I’ve finished it. That’s even if I really loved the book. I think my brain dumps information so it doesn’t overload. I’m still working on Emilie Richards, but really enjoying it. This week has been so hectic with packing and everything, I haven’t read as much as usual. Have a great weekend, my imaginary friend!
I’ve been reading “Homekeeping Handbook” by Martha Stewart. And I got this copy from my local library. Who wants to spend $45+ for a book unless you absolutely love it? I have found alot of great tips and suggestions in this book but I’m probably going to buy it from Amazon.
Have a terrific long weekend.
Go girl with your reading! I am behind. My screaming little 13 month old has put a slow down on my reading!
I just finished a very good one as well. It is When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall. If you are on a quest to read alot of books this year you may want to include that one. I LOVED it. I am now reading a series by Beverly Lewis. So far I do not like her style nearly as much at all, but I will read on and see if she catches my attention..lol Especially since I bought the whole series.
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