Okay…okay…I’ll admit I’m actually only half way through this book. I wanted to include it though because it’s a real treat to read!
The book reads almost like a long, lyrical poem and it’s one of those books where I want to underline every line just because it’s so beautiful. I also love it because it’s set in San Francisco and the city itself is almost a real character. It’s an absorbing read about marriage and family, and the perfect book to come to bed to every night and read a few chapters.
Need a new book and not sure what to grab? Here’s a list of my past Tuesday reviews.
The Kitchen House & The Book Thief
And here’s the “master list” of awesome books I love (I go back to this post all the time just to read your great recommendations in the comment section!).
Hannah (Culture Connoisseur)
April 5, 2011 at 1:42 pmI wish I could read in bed. I always fall asleep within the first 5 minutes if I try. Studying through college was a real pain, nearly impossible because my body would always hit the snooze.
megan @ blackberries for jam
April 5, 2011 at 1:50 pmCoincidentally, a sample of this book is already waiting for me on my kindle. After I finish my current book (Freedom – EXCELLENT!), it’s at the top of my list. Thanks for the recommendation!
Baking 'n' Books
April 5, 2011 at 1:53 pmI just love that last picture š
Oh gosh – I have books where I want to underline everything or write everything down.
I’m conflicted though because I hate to “mark up” a book unless it’s fully mine to always keep (not the case with library or a loan obviously!). But writing down everything really detracts from the reading experience! – and time.
Any suggestions -anyone?…without a Kindle of course š
Lindsay
April 5, 2011 at 2:09 pmI wanted to let you know that I am reading Pictures of You right now and I’m loving it!
Cait's Plate
April 5, 2011 at 2:19 pmNice! I’m always looking for good books to read given my lengthy commute! And it just so happens I’m in between books so I’ll be sure to get this one next! š
Natalia - a side of simple
April 5, 2011 at 2:27 pmThis sounds like just the kind of book to relax to after working on assignments and going to classes/internship/work all day. I could go for some lyric and some words to unwind!
Alexa @ Simple Eats
April 5, 2011 at 2:33 pmJust looked at your master list again, I love so many of the books you have on there! Cooking for Mr. Latte was one of my faves. I love Amanda Hesser!
Molly
April 5, 2011 at 2:46 pmI’m going to San Francisco in May and am so excited primarily due to all the wonderful things you’ve said and pictures you’re shared of the city!!
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food
April 5, 2011 at 2:58 pmThanks so much for the great recommendations. I really need to get back into reading fiction. Periodicals and health books don’t really exercise the imagination… š
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
April 5, 2011 at 3:14 pmI always read before bed! It’s a great routine and lets me shut my mind off before falling asleep. Thank you for recommending this title… adding it to my list! š
Christine @ Burning It Off
April 5, 2011 at 3:26 pmNice list… I loved Shanghai Girls and The Help too. Looking forward to reading the Paris Wife soon.
nevernotdreaming
April 5, 2011 at 4:09 pmI finished “The Frugalista Files” a few days ago…written by Natalie P. McNeal, a blogger…it was very easy, fun, and enjoyable read.
I have a bunch of “advice” and “inspirational” and “how-to” books ready to read…but have been really out of it and distracted lately…so, I went to the library and found “The Pioneer Woman” , the story of her “love” with the cowboy…didn’t think I would like it, I don’t typically do “love ” stories. But, its a goal of mine to read a wide range of books, to see the kind of things I like more and learn different things…
well, I love this book so far…its mesmerizing…and I am not the “love story” type at all…but this story has drawn me in…its like a fairy tale, but its her real life…its so , gosh, I don’t know the right word. It’s just lovely.
A good distraction for a girl who has to sit on her butt all day.
Kristin
April 5, 2011 at 4:11 pmI just read over the comments in your previous book post and I agree with you, there are great suggestions, although one of my favorite authors is missing….Maeve Binchy. Circle of Friends is my favorite book and the only one I have ever re-read (the movie doesn’t come close to touching it.) I definitely recommend and wish people gave her more credit!
Marisa Leigh
April 5, 2011 at 4:39 pmI just love reading all your book recommendations! And I have to take this opportunity to tell you that I am also a College of Charleston graduate with a degree in English. I was tickled when I discovered we had this in common after reading your blog for some time š
Here are some of my absolute favorites that I want to share:
After You’d Gone by Maggie O’Farrell – this was absolutely gutting and incredibly beautiful
The End of an Error by Mameve Medwed
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro – absolutely Gorgeous
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett (a must read for every book lover if only for this quote: “I think of literature as a vast country to the borders of which I am journeying but will never reach.”)
The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett – this is one of the loveliest books I have ever read (3 times now) and I earned an A on my essay on this in one of Dr. Carlson’s American Literature classes at CofC! Hurrah for that!
And for a lighter read I recommend anything by Melissa Nathan. She was a British writer who very sadly died at age 37 leaving her husband and young son behind. Her writing is charming and engaging.
Thanks again for sharing so many wonderful books! I always look forward to your recommendations!
Erin
April 5, 2011 at 4:49 pmYes, I admit it–I am a big nerd.
Whenever you give a book suggestion, I go right to my library website and order said suggestion. I am now, officially, the most hated patron at my public library–they’ve had to hire more librarians to keep up with all of my demands š
Lucy@The Sweet Touch
April 5, 2011 at 4:50 pmThanks for the recommendation.
I need to get a library card since we just moved but they are VERY strict about having documentation proving that you live there. Hence, I have to wait on our first bill, ugh! You would think I was going to sweep in and take every book and run for the hills!
Tracy
April 5, 2011 at 5:11 pmI love your book recommendations and have read a lot (most) of them! I have a rec for you if you haven’t already read it: Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman. It’s a heart-warming novel set in the South. I think you’d like it!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
April 5, 2011 at 5:14 pmI love your book reviews, Jenna! You are such an avid reader and so I love hearing your perspective and reviews on books…and thanks for all the recent links.
And that master list. Yes! I stalk that list and the comments section too š I admit it!
Arianna @ Laughter & Linguini
April 5, 2011 at 5:19 pmI loove your book reviews and I can’t wait to check some of these out!
Rachel
April 5, 2011 at 5:34 pmHey Jenna, I just wanted to let you know that your posts don’t seem to be updating correctly – it’s been going on for a few weeks. I can see your new posts when I click on the links from twitter, but if I go directly to your site it seems to lag a few days behind, then a bunch of posts will suddenly appear at once (for instance, now when i go to the site the newest visible post is the one announcing your trip). Just wanted to make sure you knew!
jenna
April 5, 2011 at 5:49 pmit’s an issue with Google Chrome unfortunately! I’m trying to figure it out…so sorry! š
Karen
April 6, 2011 at 7:58 amFYI Jenna – I’ve been experiencing the same snafu for the past month or so (since you updated your banner, I believe.)
jenna
April 6, 2011 at 8:03 amI know! It’s only happening to readers using Google Chrome. I’m so sorry! š
Kara
April 6, 2011 at 12:39 pmJust so you know, I use Firefox and it’s been happening to me as well!
cristin
April 7, 2011 at 12:45 pmits happening to me and i use safari
Emma (Namaste Everyday)
April 5, 2011 at 6:11 pmI’m coming straight to your website next time I want to pick up a new read!
kellyo
April 5, 2011 at 6:11 pmI am about half way through American Wife and am loving it! Thanks for the suggestions. My nook wish list is huge thanks to you and your readers! š
Dee
April 5, 2011 at 7:09 pmOoh, just added to my to read list! am still reading through My Antonia! It’s so good! š
Megan@Dirty Dishes Daily
April 5, 2011 at 7:55 pmI love books that are so well written that you just want to capture and remember every line. I just started reading “The Great Perhaps”…so far I am already hooked.
Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down)
April 6, 2011 at 3:35 amI love the sound of this book! I’ll need to check it out, as I’m already zooming through The Happiness Project. It’s a frilly, simple book, but I love it for that fact. š
Beth @ DiningAndDishing
April 6, 2011 at 4:47 amHey Jenna! Last night there was a “Sonoma in the City” event here in DC with a bunch of Healdsburg wineries! I recognized a lot from your blog :). You guys have a lot of awesome wine, I must say!
Mackenzie
April 6, 2011 at 5:28 amthis looks so amazing! i’ve been wanting to read it for a while, so now you just peer pressured me into getting it on my kindlecrack… i mean, my kindle. (i’ve gone on over to the dark side too… and i like it. )
Kara
April 6, 2011 at 6:34 amJenna, are you on goodreads.com?? You should be! Basically every time you post about a new book, I add it to my “to read” list. Also, I started reading Pictures of You while in Spain for vacation and finished it in two days… what a great, great book!!
Chelsea
April 6, 2011 at 1:49 pmJenna, I’m enjoying your book reviews! My boyfriend (also an Aggie) works in College Station and has access to a much better library than I do in Waco; so I just found The Paris Wife at A&M, and he’s bringing it this weekend. Looking forward to it! š
caitlin
April 9, 2011 at 4:28 pmI’m always looking for new books to read! Thanks for doing these book reviews.
Chelsea
May 11, 2011 at 9:49 amI love your book reviews! Have you read any of the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear? They’re set in post WWI England, and I think you’d like them. Maisie’s character is wonderful.
Chelsea
May 11, 2011 at 9:51 am*they’re mysteries!
Chelsea
May 11, 2011 at 9:53 amAnnd I just commented on a post I’ve already commented on…days ago. This is what I get for using my phone for the web.
Novel Impressions. | joy blossoms.
June 5, 2011 at 4:34 pm[…] on each one as I complete them now that Iām back in the swing of things, inspired by Jenna, of […]
Francesca
September 16, 2012 at 12:29 pmI just finished this book yesterday….I didn’t care for it. It was a struggle to get through it. Very dry.