The best book I’ve read recently is My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picolut (?). I’ve read some of her things before but this book was especially moving. I wasn’t as thrilled with another one of hers, The Pact.

Just finished The Da Vinci Code – yes, I am the last person on earth to read it. It’s hard to decide whether I enjoyed it or not – I’m always a little disappointed after something so hyped. But, I found the historical “facts” in it fascinating.

I’m about to start Jennifer Weiner’s In Her Shoes (without having seen the movie). I liked the first one – Good in Bed – although I found it to be uneven.

Even I’m getting sick of reading my own comments ….

I also read On Beauty by Zadie Smith. Still trying to process how I feel about it. I thought the writing was beautiful but some of her characters did not ring true to me. I’m going to try and post it about later in the week.

I just started The Brambles by Eliza Minot. I’m a fan of her sister’s work and am enjoying this book as well.

Ms A, I’m finding that I’m reliving the experience too, remembering things that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise; actually it’s making me think I should read a bit, write a bit of my own experience as it comes to mind before I forget everything. Old journals only recorded so much!

Alexmom, those sound great. My Italian-themed book right now is D.H. Lawrence and Italy, a collection of 3 of his books on Italy. I’m not very far along yet though.

Christine, I admire the fact that you’re reading anything at all while on break. I don’t think I read a book for fun outside of the summer in those 3 years of hell, er, higher learning.

TOG, yeah, I didn’t like Bonfires either. I’m not really fond of the writing in this book either at this point…lots of telling, not showing IMHO. Of course, I’m reading more at this point for the story, so I’m letting a lot of the technique slide. I guess.

Stacy, I have been meaning to get “Eat, Pray, Love” forever! That’s next on my list. Thanks for the other suggestions too.

R, I’ve found I’m the same way with names and authors these days. I used to remember everything like that. Seems my brain is making room for more important stuff, I guess. I hope.

Shan, too funny that you complained the whole way through the book! I do that too, which leads to cries of “Um, why don’t you just STOP reading?” They don’t understand. They never will. The first step is admitting we have a problem though. Are we even there yet?

I also can’t stop reading a book once I start. Mike bought me a book for my birthday last year I think. Anyway he picked it simply because it had an “Oprah Book Club-esque” looking cover. It was the most horrendous thing I had ever read, but I read the whole thing. Complained about how bad it was the whole time too.

I need help too, maybe we could start a support group.

Currently, I’m reading “eat, pray, love” by Elizabeth Gilbert; “In the Company of the Courtesan” by Susan Dunant and just finished “Kleopatra” by Karen Essex. I’m liking the first, haven’t read enough of the 2nd to form an opinion, and loved the 3rd. Can’t wait to get the sequel “Pharoah” – was a very interesting take of Kleopatra’s childhood (fiction based on research).

I’m not really reading anything right now and I never did finish that damn Hotel Bemelmans. It’s looking like a good candidate for abandonment.