Thursday Morning, 2010It's almost time to select a new novel. I have a long list of books to read, but nothing feels quite right at the moment. It's like having a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. I very specifically want a summer read, although I'm not exactly sure how to define such a thing. I feel I'll know if it is right as I read the first few pages. It will be a novel, not a book of short stories or poems, it will not discuss the lives of vampires, and the author will take me to a landscape with wide open spaces. All of that being said, my perfect summer read might not involve any of those things. It will just feel like summer, at least to me. But where to begin? Do you have any suggestions?
I just started The Bell Jar. I read it last summer as well. It just feels like a summer read to me.
ReplyDeleteTracy, The Bell Jar is one of my favorite books.
ReplyDeleteDid you ever read A Moveable Feast?
ReplyDeleteI read it over the summer when I was 22. Lots of cafes and conversations.
knowledgeman, Cafes and conversations... You know me so well. Have I told you lately that I just might love you more than life itself? xx
ReplyDeleteI wish I had a suggestion, but I am one of those non-fiction- ies.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful light in your image today.
Happy 1st July.
For summer, One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson - http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2006/aug/05/featuresreviews.guardianreview13
ReplyDeleteThe Mysteries of Udolpho, one of the greatest works of Gothic fiction and a book Jane Austen herself loved and parodied, offers sweeping descriptions of the French and Italian countryside. For when you want to be anywhere but here (a classic summertime sentiment, no?).
ReplyDeleteI've been reading this book on and off for a couple years now. It's incredibly long, but I like to savor it over time because the prose is so enchanting. Apparently, the author Ann Radcliffe never actually visited the places she speaks of in the novel. Can you imagine?!
Food-lover that you are, I'm sure you've read the Ruth Reichl memoirs? If not, they are a great summer read. I RE-read them every summer myself....
ReplyDeleteBarbara Kingsolver's "The Lacuna".
ReplyDeleteFantastical.
I just finished The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver...it was magical and deep....
ReplyDeleteI also recently devoured the Stieg Larsson trilogy--suprisingly I loved them all...total crime stories, but compelling distractions...
I need a new book for my travel week coming up soon, so I hope your readers have more suggestions!
I know that feeling about having books to read but none of them feeling right. I am most particular about reading books in the appropriate respective season to enjoy them in. This summer, "The School of Essential Ingredients" and "Gift from the Sea" have been ideal thus far. Last summer, "Eat Love Pray" took me everywhere I couldn't afford to travel myself.
ReplyDeleteSome Jane Austen or something along those lines would be my bet. Have you read The Guernsey Literay and Potato Peel Pie Society? That would be a perfect summer read if you haven't! I just finished it and it was WONDERFUL!
ReplyDeletehow about something from Italo Calvino..."Cosmiccomics" or "If On a Winter's Night a Traveler" or maybe, "Mr. Palomar," or "Marcovaldo, or the seasons in the city" the reviews will speak of some as collections of short stories, but to me they are simply chapters. his writing style intriques me...sometimes poetic, seemingly simple, but...i don't know... see what you think.
ReplyDeleteI am usually too chicken to give book recommendations, people have such different tastes. But I wrote down a short list of titles from here ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, whenever I want a really good read during the summer, I end up rereading Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins - I don't know what it is about that book that makes me read it every year.
ReplyDeletehave you read netherland?
ReplyDeleteokay. i can't even think. cause your little comment to your guy made me forget everything else SO SWEET!!!
ReplyDeleteand i have always loved your headerless blog. so so much! :)
have a wonderful weekend, denise!
i just started east of eden, which i haven't read in years. to me it is the perfect summer book: lasts most the summer, but is still fascinating + warm + beautiful.
ReplyDelete:)
xo Alison
Have you read Divisidero, by Michael Ondaatje? It's set in landscapes that I (in my albeit limited understanding of you) believe you either do or would love. Also, I just finished The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, a sweet, easy read by Aimee Bender that features a quirky nine-year-old girl as its main character. (Love those.) FYI, The Apple Trees at Olema is on my beside table, too.
ReplyDeleteAs always, your photo. Sigh. I want to crawl into it.
WOW, you guys are great! Forget the summer, I'm set for the entire year. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCamilla, I like nonfiction too. I'm just on the hunt for some fiction right now.
Mise, I don't usually read mysteries, but this looks pretty fun. I might need to change my ways.
Joanna, I know I had planned to read The Mysteries of Udolpho at one point. I'm not sure what happened. I can imagine Ann Radcliffe writing of exotic landscapes she had not seen. I believe people had much better imaginations in the late 1700s than we do now.
Mosey, I know I've read at least two of her memoirs. I recall Comfort Me with Apples. I like that title. I read Tender at the Bone too. I liked her descriptions of boarding school. I saw the book about her mother today. She's changed the title in her latest edition. I found that intriguing.
flwrjane, I bet I'd like Lacuna. I liked Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and The Bean Trees. They were incredibly different, both good.
Christine, See above re: Lacuna. Those Stieg Larsson books are being referenced everywhere. Perhaps I need to see what I'm missing. I'm currently reading Excellent Women by Barbara Pym (Penguin Classics) and enjoying it. It might be fun for a travel week.
Stacy, We are on the same page. Over the past few years, I've read all three. I read Gift from the Sea in 2006 and pulled it from the shelf again this year. This time around I loved the beginning, found myself a bit bored in the middle, and then enjoying the end. All's Well That Ends Well...
Annette, Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen. I haven't read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, yet. I have heard good things about it. I was considering listening to it as an audio book.
countingdandelions, Italo Calvino is an excellent suggestion. I've always like the title If on a winter's night a traveler. I also like the idea of reading a book with such a title in the summer. And, the crazy premise of the book looks like a lot of fun.
Annje, You don't strike me as someone who would be chicken (and I believe you have recommended a book or two to me in the past--Borges?), but okay... Take notes, by all means, take notes.
Raina, I know I've read Tom Robbins. It's been a while, but I believe it was Jitterbug Perfume. If I'm recalling correctly, I think it was pretty crazy : )
Shari, No, I have not read Netherland, but have only heard excellent things about the book. Good call.
Leslie, Thanks. I always think it's so cute when he visits me on my blog. I got carried away.
and flowers pick themselves, East of Eden is SO good. Steinbeck is my mom's favorite author, so I guess I was genetically predisposed to enjoy his work. Whenever I think of East of Eden I think of Cathy in her dark room, not wanting to see any light. So intense.
Shae, You are very observant. You've got me pegged. I loved Divisadero. Michael Ondaatje is one of my favorite authors. I think I'll read The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, just for the title : )
What I like doing in the summer is re-reading books I adore.
ReplyDeletei'm so glad you posted this, because i've been hankering for exactly the same thing. i kept trying to explain to friends what i was looking for, and all i could say was, "you know... a summer read." can't wait to sift through this list!
ReplyDeleteHmmm the hunt for a great summer read - man alive you sure got some great recommendations! The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society is really really good - it makes you laugh, cry, and wonder at life and humanity. Not that you need anymore recommendations but I'm just finishing Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. A very gentle book about an unlikely friendship that is beautifully written.
ReplyDeleteSummer days this year found me reading a little Capote, Chekhov's short stories, Herta Müller, and Orhan Pamuk. Perhaps there is something there to suit your summer too...
ReplyDeleteI've been reading Sherlock Holmes stories lately and food essays edited by Ruth Reichl.
ReplyDeleteI have just finished Coastliners by Joanna Harris and really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteHi Denise--I just finished reading Olive Kitteridge.
ReplyDeleteLikely, you know it----set in Maine, 13 stories weave to form a novel--a study of complicated, not entirely likable, but empathetic older woman.
Mary-Laure, I re-watch movies like you wouldn't believe. I don't know why I don't re-read books. It seems so many people enjoy doing so. I'll have to give it a try. Perhaps I'll begin with After Leaving Mr. Mackenzie.
ReplyDeleteTumbleweed Woman, I hope you find some books you like. I've added a few to my bedside table. I found one today while browsing my first bookmobile.
Annie, I like your descriptions of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. I'm interested in laughing, crying, and exploring a gentle book about an unlikely friendship. Thanks.
Gracia, Oh yes, your author suggestions open many doors. I am familiar with Capote and Chekhov, but have not read Müller or Pamuk. Thank you.
Kath, Coastliners is new to me. I'll look it up. Thanks.
nancy, I just recently read Olive Kitteridge. I enjoyed it. She was such a fascinating character.
oh, you're so right! i have been feeling like i have so many books and nothing to read. hope you find the perfect bit of summer magic. -k.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've just bought Nocturenes by Kazuo Ishiguro, stories set in the twilight of summer which looks great. Scott Fitzgerald jazz age stories are also divine and make me think of hours on the beach and cocktails late at night. Otherwise, it's not set in the summer months but Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell is an absolute joy and had me laughing every day.
ReplyDeletewow what a fantastic collection of suggestions !
ReplyDeletei don't know if this is "summer" but elegance of the hedehog was a good read
Tove Jansson's Summer book. (It's not about the Moomins) :-)
ReplyDeleteKatrina, I am happily reading and now have many ideas for what's next. I hope you find something that feels right for you too.
ReplyDeleteVanessa, You know your books. Let me know how you like Nocturnes. I'm definitely interested in the beach and cocktails late at night and I've been meaning to add Elizabeth Gaskell to my list--done and done.
Lisa, Oh yes, I've been thinking about The Elegance of the Hedgehog. It looks good.
aino, Perfect. I've requested it from the library.
_The Summer Book_ by Tove Jansson. Haven't finished it yet, but I got the "right" feeling in the first few pages...yep...
ReplyDeleteoh! I am just seeing aino suggested this as well!
ReplyDeletePen and Paperie, Good call. My library request is next in line.
ReplyDeleteHi Denise, I just popped over from Bloom. What wonderful photos and posts!
ReplyDeleteHave you read Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda? I like it so much that my copy has been ready by five friends. I don't usually suggest books that freely. And one of my faves from last year's reading was Body & Soul by Frank Conroy. You seem to be very well-read.
I love going to the library and buying books for $2. I should try checking a few out-- now with the list I got from here I will.
Thanks!
PS Have you ready any of Mary Webb? Precious Bane by chance?
Hello Carolyn, I have not ready any of the books you've mentioned. Thank you for the recommendations.
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