Not sure where the time has gone, but I know how I’ve spent it: reading. While I started two books at the beginning of the month, The Blind Assassin and Larry McMurtry’s collection of essays on Texas, In A Narrow Grave, I finished neither of them and instead went on to read the following:
Random Family, by Adrian Nicole Leblanc. This book has been on my TBR list no less than four years, so I finally checked it out of the library. This story covers the lives of two families in the Bronx over the span of close to twenty years. Even though it’s nonfiction, it’s probably one of the most riveting, suspenseful books I’ve ever read, and it gives a real sense of how very difficult life is in this country for so many people. I would say that it should be required reading for each and every person, but I worry about those people out there who will read it and come to the sorry conclusion, “See, people like this can’t be helped.” Grr.
Haunted Ground, by Erin Hart. This is a book for the 9 for ’09 challenge, so I’ll post thoughts on it later in the week. It was a fun read and a great get-away book after Random Family’s intensity.
A Long Way Down, by Nick Hornby. This novel follows a year in the life of four people who meet on a rooftop on New Year’s Eve. The gist: they have all come to the roof of this particular building in order to commit suicide. Instead, they go back down the stairs and into their lives–and into each other’s. Strange to say a book about suicide is a fun read, but that’s Nick Hornby for you. He gets the mix of humor and compassion just right.
Those books I completed, but I’m about halfway through two others, Confederates in The Attic, which I talked about here, and Lush Life, by Richard Price. Look for posts on those sometime in the next week.
And finally, I haven’t just been reading. I checked Gilmore Girls out of the library. I’m nine episodes into the first season, and I am completely hooked. These shows are like potato chips–no way I’ll only be able to watch one season. I’ll have to know what happens, so I’ve already put season two on hold. In fact, time to watch another one…
The Evening Reader 
Hi! You’re back! I missed you. So now I know what you’ve been up to.. watching Gilmore Girls! Although I can understand what you mean. Definitely been there, with Smallville, Lost, Heroes and Prison Break. Lol. I’ve read A Long Way Down and didn’t like it as much as High Fidelity. I’m really looking forward to his new novel, Juliet, Naked, or something. Love the fresher layout, btw. š
I’ve never see the Gilmore Girls, but I know the feeling of enjoying one show so much and you just want to keep going.
Enjoy your week!
I loved Random Family and Confederates in the Attic. I’m always on the lookout for more books like these.
I have a Northern Exposure problem myself. Own the first whole season and would not mind having them all. And glad to hear you have just been reading. Have been looking for you. But it is all about the reading after all, isn’t it? š
A Long Way Down sounds good. And I know what you mean about Gilmore Girls!
I’m glad you like The Gilmore Girls! It’s one of my favorite series! I haven’t thought about Random Family in a while. I haven’t read it but Nick Hornby had recommended it.
Have a great week and happy reading.
I’ve been wanting to read A Long Way Down for a while, but it’s always taken at the library.
And I’m glad you’re enjoying Gilmore Girls! It really is a great show, one of my favorites – especially the first few seasons. I envy you for watching it for the first time; I often wish there were new episodes I could watch!
Claire, that is quite a list you have there, and with as much reading as you do! High Fidelity is also my favorite, but I still enjoyed A Long Way Down. It was a quick read, and I laughed out loud a couple of times.
Yvonne, I would recommend it! It’s really cute so far.
Debbie, Random Family blew me away. I cannot stop thinking about it. I’m enjoying Confederates in the Attic, too. I like the way Horwitz writes.
Frances, I loved Northern Exposure. When it was originally on, I would tape it, and I tell you, I wore those tapes out! I’d love to watch it again sometime soon.
Belle, I definitely recommend A Long Way Down.
Vasilly, I am thoroughly enjoying Gilmore Girls. I’m going crazy waiting for Luke to ask out Lorelei. CRAZY. Don’t tell me what happens! š Definitely read Random Family if you can get your hands on it.
Kay, re: Gilmore Girls–see my comment to Vasilly! I know what you mean about wishing there were new episodes. I feel that way about Sex and the City. The movie was fine, but it wasn’t anything really like the show, and I wish I could just watch it all again for the first time. I hope you get Long Way Down!
I recently went on a Gilmore Girls binge, too – I had never watched it when it aired, and my best friend owns every season, so I gobbled up one after another. š
Long Way Down was a great read – in fact, I’ve enjoyed everything of Hornby’s that I’ve read.
Yay! So glad you’re back… It seems the book blogging world (ok, just me really) has been in a reading rut of late, so it’s good to have you back! I do understand how Gilmore Girls can be so very addictive. I’ve been known to marathon it!
I’d given up on Hornby’s fiction, preferring his non-fic collections, but A Long Way Down does sound interesting. Glad you enjoyed it!
Priscilla.. Oh it’s been awhile since I’ve seen those shows. Definitely haven’t watched any this year. Although I’ve followed them all till last year. š
*waves* Priscilla! It’s so great to see you posting again. I’ve missed you!
Humour and compassion…that’s Hornby indeed š
Hey thank you for the recommendation of Random Family. I love NF and am always looking for ones new to me to check out. Sounds like a good book – will check it out. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did – I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t come to that “sorry conclusion.” :0)
(p.s. – we put a little spotlight on you in our Thursday 13 Comment Love post today – stop by the next time you are out and about in blog world)