I feel like I never have time to watch Netflix anymore, but I always make time to read. When the days get shorter and the nights are colder, there is nothing better.
Here’s what’s on my bedside table this month. A couple of war-slash-war dog books (research for my own book), a couple of books set in Africa (Alexandra Fuller’s Lets Not Go to the Dogs Tonight and Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. A friend lent me The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields that I’m dying to get into already, and I LOVE me some Mark Twain, the greatest writer EVAH!!!!
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There is absolutely nothing that says “home” to me stronger than shelves (and piles) of books!
The Stone Diaries are AMAZING! I loved them so much.
My friend who lent it to me says it’s one of her favorite books. I can’t wait to read it.
EVAH!
If you enjoy Things Fall Apart (allowing for a broad definition of “enjoy” – it’s not an easy book to read), I recommend Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, set during the Nigerian civil war in the 1960s. Since Things Fall Apart closes with the arrival of misisonaries and Half of a Yellow Sun opens with Britain granting Nigeria its independence, the books work together in examining the effects of colonialism on Nigeria in particular and Africa in general.
Thank you, Laura. I am really enjoying THings Fall Apart, as a matter of fact. It’s incredibly well written in its simplicity and so moving. I will make a point of checking out Half of a Yellow Sun. Thanks again!
I agree with Laura, Things Fall Apart is not an easy book to read. I read it for a history class my senior year of college and had to put it down, calm down, then come back and keep reading. If you want to read more, Chinua Achebe did write a sequel called No Longer at Ease.
Jessie – here is a MUST read! It is an incredible story -take a look at amazon.com
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
If you are not moved by her life and what has transpired since she died in 1951 I will cheerfully refund your cost of buying the book. It is simply an amazing true story.
I’ve also heard great things about this book, Bob. Thanks for the recommendation!
My book club read Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs a few months ago! We really liked it! I hope you enjoy it! I’m into graphic novels right now… check out my blog for some suggestions if you want something new! I Totally agree about shorter days + colder nights = a bite by the book worm