Today I'm linking up with Emily over at Jones Design Company. This week, all of her posts were devoted to reading, with a different theme for each day. Isn't that fun? This came at the perfect time for me since one of my resolutions was to spend less time staring at a screen and more time with my nose in a book. So what have I been reading lately? Here's a round-up for you.
Most Downton-ish
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
4 Stars
I discovered this book whilst doing a bit of "research" on the phenomenon of wealthy American heiresses marrying land-poor British aristocrats. Hey, I was suffering Downton withdrawal! While a little lacking in character development and depth, this was a quick, easy and fun read. Cora, an American princess, travels with her mother to England where she soon marries and find herself in the role of Duchess. But is money and a title enough to earn her the respect of English society and the love of her husband?
I've actually never read Jenny's blog, The Bloggess, but I spotted the book at the library and thought I'd give it a shot. Tears running down my face, you guys! She's like David Sedaris if David Sedaris were a woman from rural Texas. But despite the sheer hilarity and utter ridiculousness of her childhood, her book is also touching and real and very relatable. Disclaimer: If you're bothered by, shall we say, "colorful" language, this may not be the book for you.
Best Series
The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
5 Stars
I just read the last book in this series and I'm sooo sad that it's over. Precious Ramotswe and her partner Grace Makutsi are such delightful characters. As the only female detectives in all of Botswana, they use their own intuition, wisdom and charm to solve their cases. Alexander McCall Smith is such a clever writer and all of these books are so funny, touching and quirky. Read these!
Most Delicious
Making Piece: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Pie by Beth Howard
4 Stars
My mouth was watering the entire time I was reading this book. In fact, I had just read it when I made these apple pies. Beth Howard actually lives in the American Gothic House, (the farmhouse made famous by painter Grant Wood) where she runs the Pitchfork Pie Stand. It's how she got there that makes up her memoir, a story of grief and survival and how nourishing the body can help nourish the spirit. Oh, and she even includes recipes! I am dying to make the french silk...
What's on my nightstand?
I'm rereading The Great Gatsby and loving it. And I went to the library yesterday and picked up:
Forgotten Country by Catherine Chung
Requiem by Frances Itani
Ten Year's Later by Hoda Kotb
I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti by Giulia Melucci
So what are you reading? Click the link below and join the party!
I've been dying to read An American Heiress. My aunts, cousins, grandma, mother, and I all swap books each time we have a family dinner...this one keeps slipping through my fingers! Great list!
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Thanks Courtney. I love your blog. I, too, have read Gone With the Wind more times than I can count :)
DeleteThanks for the list! I'm trying to read a book a week in 2013, so I'm always looking for suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across your blog today, and I <3 it already! I'm also a mama of two little boys who loves creating, so it is right up my alley. :) Thanks again for the suggestions!
Aaah, little boys. They try my patience every day but I love them to pieces :) Glad the book list was helpful!
DeleteGreat list! I also made a similar resolution! Once I hop onto the computer, I think of a gazillion things to do, and then I'm too tired to read. I've barely opened the computer up since the beginning of the year. Ummm, perhaps you've already noticed based on my lack of blogging! :) You, however, are rockin' the blog posts! Keep them up, I'm enjoying them!
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