It's not my intention to go a week between posts, but somehow it happens. I gave up on my sick kid post, because really, who wants to read about vomit when they could not? I didn't even want to write about it when it was over and done with, personally. The new wrinkle in my life is working on night weaning, which I'm pretty sure that you're not supposed to replace a feeding with goldfish crackers, which is what we did one night (actually, early morning). The best part is reading all the Internet about what I should do, and there are these very gentle admonitions: "If your baby protests, maybe it is too soon." I am so over that, after I got past the stabby guilt pangs in my heart. I think they are referring to some roly poly babies, maybe those nice compliant one-year-olds, not 19-month-old nipple-twitchers who drive you mad in the middle of the night.
And now, for something completely different: I realized I didn't update my February reads here, and I do so want keep up with this new tradition. I read only TEN books last month, which felt very light compared to my January list, but that included some late December reads. Because they're so few, I'll just list them here and give you my thoughts:
The 19th Wife, by David Eberhoff - This might be my favorite book from the whole month. It's really informative, with two narrative threads - really like two books in one. One is the story of a modern day child of polygamy - one of the "lost boys" kicked out of the sect once he comes of age. His mother is accused of killing his father - she's referred to as wife 19. The second thread is told from the viewpoint of the "original" 19th wife of Brigham Young. She is the first person to come out and admit to polygamy, blowing the roof of the Mormons' silence and denial. It's truly a fascinating read, especially since I am like most of America and weirdly interested in the whole polygamy world.
Waiting for Birdy, by Catherine Newman - A reread. I am surrounded by friends preparing to have their second child, and I want to give all of them a copy of this book. Catherine Newman is magic, as any good blogger knows, and she is crazy in love with her kids. She really articulates the reality of what a second pregnancy is like, the exhaustion yet with a darling child zooming around, cramping your nap style, the ambivalence of introducing a new baby into their happy family unit. It's honest and real and a perfect counterpoint to Anne Lamott's Operating Instructions. I wish she had a handful more books published, I would eat them up just like I want to snarfle up her yummy recipes.
Here's Your Hat What's Your Hurry by Elizabeth McCracken - I read an essay of McCracken's in Oprah Magazine last year, it was excellent, despite the heartbreaking topic of having a stillborn baby. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I remembered she's a friend of Ann Patchett. I love it when writers are friends, and when they are friends, I make them my friends, too. This short story collection was on the display shelf at my library and I loved the title. The stories are fun and quirky and light - not like chick-lit light, but not-take-this-short-story-seriously-heavy. Now I have her novel The Giant's House in my stack of books beside my bed and I can't wait to read it. I would love to own a copy of this for my very own, definitely worth a re-read.
Born Standing Up by Steve Martin - I have loved Steve Martin since I was a tween. I even went on record as thinking he was handsome, with his white hair. He's probably the first 'older man' I had a crush on, if you must know. Of course I am too young to remember his standup work and Saturday Night Live stuff, so this was a really fascinating read. He puts so much thought into his process and work and is a total Renaissance kind of guy, but not stuffy. I still have a crush, after reading this book.
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunnant - If you love historical fiction, this is for you. I'm a little behind on all the popular bestsellers so many of you may have read this by now. What I love about historical fiction novels is that I learn so much from them. It's a good story (art! forbidden love!) and educational, all rolled into one. It also makes you very thankful to be a woman in the 21st century.
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry - I wanted to like this book more than I did. I liked parts of it, elements per se, but the twist at the end is a little implausible. The tradition of lace reading is fascinating, and I'd never heard of it until this book. Not a bad read, but not my favorite.
Chocolat by Joanne Harris - Continuing with my new love for Joanne Harris, I picked up a copy of Chocolat for my very own on the library sale shelf! Of course, I've seen the movie, but the book is somewhat different. It's definitely lighter than some of Harris' other work, but a fun read and full of delectable French yummies that are frustrating to read about. I want to sit around with a pot of chocolat, thank you very much!
At Home In Mitford & A Light In The Window by Jan Karon - Somehow, I've never managed to read this series. I picked up the first two off the library sale shelf, and really enjoyed being ensconsed in the world of Mitford. I love the gentle Christian air it has and all the town characters. Book three is also in the stack on my beside table, and I've had to resist temptation to pick it up in the middle of my current read. I can tell this will be a "comfort" series for me.
The Carousel by Rosamunde Pilcher - Total comfort reading. Last month when I was on my Rosamunde Pilcher kick I saw this title in the list and couldn't remember what it was about (usually I can remember the plots immediately). I love how most of her novels end up in Cornwall and as Tina Fey says, "I want to go to there."
This month, I am only on my SECOND book, if you can believe that. It's sad, but somehow I have picked up big long books and am only reading at night before I fall asleep. Hopefully I'll catch up when I go out of town and have less time to sit around on the Internet.
Now, like last month, I'll ask you if you have any good books you recommend. I'm keeping a handy list in my notebook so I can pull it out in libraries or bookstores when I can't think of what to look out for! Until then, my little bookworms, read happy and well, always with a good snack by your side.
