Sunday, February 5, 2012

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (95)





It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.


I only managed to finish one book this week because I had a very busy week and not much time for reading. Sadly I did not finish rereading A Thousand Splendid Suns and realized during the book discussion group meeting that I'd forgotten a lot of the story between now and when I read it in 2007. Someday I may pick it up again and reread it but right now I feel that I need to concentrate on getting through my giant pile of books for review.







This week I did post my Downton Abbey Reading Challenge. Participants only have to read one book to be entered in the prize drawing. For those who are Downton Abbey fans, please check it out! You'll at least find links to some books that might interest you. (Please forgive my BSP, just had to mention the reading challenge in case there was any interest)


Can't wait till Tuesday when Season 2  of Downton Abbey is released on DVD! I may not get much reading down this week after all...




Books read:


The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey

This novel is inspired by Jane Eyre. The Flight of Gemma Hardy is set in 1960s Scotland and while it is not completely faithful to the original story, the changes work in this setting.




Books reviewed:


None-but I am in the process of writing reviews for Cinder by Marissa Meyer and The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman hopefully to be posted later this week.




Currently reading:



Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves

I am really enjoying this novel as I learn more about the Jack the Ripper killings and Whitechapel. Abbie reminds me of Amelia from The Vespertine and Mary Quinn from The Agency: A Spy in the House.


The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes

I read a little more of this book over the weekend and learned quite a bit about servants' lives. Poor Daisy (just like the real kitchen maids on whom the character is based) gets up at 4:30 every morning and works till 9:45 at night and she only gets a half day off each week! I also found out why Carson spends so much time pouring wine through a funnel and what O'Brien is supposed to be doing when she is not plotting with Thomas...


What I plan to read next:


How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

I am eager to start this book and I've read so many positive reviews (it received several starred reviews from trade publications and a lot of good reviews from the blogosphere) but I'm a little worried it won't live up to my expectations.


The Springsweet by Saundra Mitchell

I hope to get to this book soon as it is a Vine request and I really liked The Vespertine. Sadly I can't remember it very well after all the other books I've read since then. Hopefully there will be a recap in The Springsweet...


The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomons

Some reviewers have said this is a book that fans of Downton Abbey would like. I think the premise sounds like something Eva Ibbotson would write as the main character is a girl born into wealth and privilege who must leave that life and become a maid (similar to The Countess Below Stairs). 


The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak

I probably won't get to this book yet but I have read a few chapters already and thought it was really good, reminiscent of Michelle Moran or Philippa Gregory.


Have you read any of these books? Which ones should I move up my TBR pile?
What have you been reading lately?

18 comments:

  1. Enjoy your reading week-I have not read any of these.

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  2. I haven't read any of these books. Always fun to learn about different books, authors and challenges as we visit. Have a great week.

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  3. I've also heard good things about How to Save a Life. The Flight of Gemma Hardy is popular. I've seen it alot this week. I have to admit, I'm a bit curious now.

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  4. I am going to heck out that Downton Abbey link.... I also got the Flight Of Gemma Hardy this week but have not even opened it yet.

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  5. I've been wanting to read How to save a life by Sara Zarr. I hope you enjoy it (:


    Book Nerds are Pretty Too

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  6. I haven't watched Downtown Abbey.

    My daughter's homework requires reading out loud to me. Come see what she and I read together. I also got some other great books finished on my own time.

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  7. I'm excited about that Downton Abbey book-I gave it to my mom for Christmas but haven't had a chance to look at it myself. Also psyched for our copy of the second season DVD to arrive (scheduled to arrive in just over a week!) I'm just super into it.

    Personally I didn't like How to Save a Life but I was definitely in the minority; while I really loved Zarr's writing, I hated the two MCs. Hopefully you'll have better luck.

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  8. I think I love Jane Eyre to much to be happy with a retelling though I am glad you enjoyed it.

    Wishing you a great reading week

    Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out

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  9. I love the cover of The Springsweet!

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  10. The Winter Palace is one I'm dying to read, I've heard such good things about it. Love the cover of Flight Of Gemma Hardy and you can't go wrong with a Scotland setting :)

    I'm so tempted by your Downton Abbey challenge even though I swore I was not going to sign up for any more challenges lol

    Have a great week and happy reading :)

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  11. Wow! Looks like you have a great week ahead of you! Good luck and happy reading! :)

    Mine:
    http://mustreadfaster.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-are-you-reading-monday-5.html

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  12. The House at Tyneford looks tempting...and The Flight of Gemma Hardy is on my list.

    Enjoy your week! Wish I could get Downtown Abbey, but apparently the channel isn't in my package! Boo-hoo.

    Here's MY MONDAY MEMES POST - and if you’re interested, here’s
    MY WEBSITE

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  13. I have Winter Palace on my TBR shelf...AND it's a book club book. So I'll be gettin' around to it soon. :D Good luck to you, it looks pretty fun. Have a great week!

    http://brunettelibrarian.blogspot.com

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  14. These are all new titles to me. Have a great week!!

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  15. I really want to read The Flight of Gemma Hardy after I finish this re-read of Jane Eyre. It sounds really good!

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  16. Some really great sounding books you've got lined up. Have a fab week! See what I'm reading here.
    Tasha @ A Trillian Books xxx

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  17. Thank you for the Downton link. The Natasha Solomons book and the Winter Palace both look good reads. Await your reviews.

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  18. Looking forward to seeing what you think of The Springsweet! I loved The Vespertine!

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