October 12, 2014

Sunday Salon


Yay, me! Another Sunday Salon post and it hasn't even been a month since the last one I shared. I'm on a roll! :) 

Let's catch up, shall we?

Reading:: I've just about made it to the last quarter of The Dog Stars (Peter Heller) and I'm so anxious for my husband to get some free time to read this excellent post-apocalyptic novel, which came highly recommended by a good friend. There was actually a point at which I was ready to call it quits, but as soon as I turned the next page, I was hooked! I haven't heard too much buzz about this book from other bloggers. Have any of you read it? I can't wait to see how it ends!

Finished:: Since my last SS post, I've managed to finish Ruth Reichl's novel, Delicious, and Donna Tartt's chunkster, The Goldfinch. I'm hoping to get my reviews written in the coming week, but since I'm still playing catch-up (posting reviews from August reads), I'm not going to worry too much if those don't get written until next weekend. In any event, neither of these two books wowed me, but I'm glad I read/listened to them.

Listening:: Since finishing The Goldfinch, I haven't been able to settle on a new audio book, which is a bit distressing since I've come to love audios as a way to help pass the time while performing mundane projects at work. I had hoped to listen to All the Light We Cannot See (which I loved in the print format), but my library's downloadable edition doesn't not allow for Apple products. Very disappointing! I'm currently downloading Something Wicked This Way Comes (Ray Bradbury), as well as 13 1/2 (Nevada Barr) and The Tortilla Curtain (T.C. Boyle). We'll see which captures my interest when I had out for my afternoon walk.

Ignoring:: Yes, I still have 11/22/63 (Stephen King) on my Nook, but haven't felt compelled to return to it just yet. I think I set it aside when I started East of Eden, and I definitely plan to get back to it. Just waiting for the right moment. Perhaps in a couple of weeks when I fly out to California...

Next Up:: I have a huge pile of books on my nightstand, but I'm hoping to continue with the stack I put together for my Top Ten for Spring list. That list was probably a bit too ambitious for me, as I'm easily distracted by the latest and greatest in new releases at work. I will have finished five books in that stack when I finish The Dog Stars and I'm really looking forward to diving into the remaining six books. Maybe it's time for some nonfiction... I've had A Homemade Life on my shelves for a such a long time and, who knows, maybe I'll get inspired to do more cooking from my cookbooks once I read her foodie memoir. Couldn't hurt!




Planning:: We're getting together for dinner with a friend at our favorite Mexican restaurant, so I don't need to worry about what to fix for dinner and can enjoy the afternoon, once I finish a little housework. It's a gorgeous day and I plan to head out for a walk before the rain arrives later this afternoon. I don't think it's going to be terribly warm (mid-60's), but the sun is shining and I'm anxious to see some of the pretty trees as I make my way down the bike trail. 

Anticipating:: Did I mention a trip to California? :) Yep, I'm heading out to San Diego & Manhattan Beach for a week! I'm super excited to finally meet my great-nephew...


Declan Jackson
(5 months)

... and spend some time with the rest of the family. A large group of us are gathering in MB for a cousins' reunion, which should be great fun!

I hope everyone is having a nice, relaxing Sunday. Time to head out for that walk!

20 comments:

  1. Gulf Coast Reads chose Dog Stars last year. I liked it a lot. Post-apocalyptic novels are one of my favorite genres.

    readerbuzz.blogspot.com

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    1. I really enjoyed The Dog Stars!! I've added the audio to my queue for a "re-read" later this winter.

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  2. Your California trip sounds like it's going to be filled with good fun! Which is your fav Mexican restaurant? I remember when Tico's first came to Lincoln and we thought that was the best Mexican ever! Of course, it was better than anything they'd ever had in town before!

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    1. I think my CA trip will be awesome, especially since the temps will be in the high 70s/mid 80s! Whooohoo! :)

      Wow. Tico's. So not a favorite! We tried it when we first moved here from San Diego. Very disappointing. We love the Morales family restaurants and usually go to Las Margaritas, although the original Mazatlan is still a favorite. They're probably as close to Baja Mexico style food as we had in San Diego.

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  3. I loved reading what you're reading,reading about your life. You didn't mention Tortilla Curtain, which I noticed in your sidebar, but I will never forget the ending of that book. So wonderful. Love your stack, perhaps you'll have time to read some of them on the read-a-thon next weekend.

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    1. I mentioned The Tortilla Curtain as an audio option and I'm really enjoying it! I got a little distracted at work the other morning, so I decided to start over from the beginning. I'm almost tempted to pick up the print edition, since the writing is very good. We'll see.

      Nope, no read-a-thon for me today. Too much going on to get ready for a week out of town. Rod will stay here and I want to do a little cooking so he has something to eat other than fast-food or cereal. :)

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  4. p.s. I so loved Tartt's The Secret History, and I also liked The Goldfinch. But, it was hard to read of so much despair. So much hopelessness...

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    1. I'll add The Secret History to my audio list. Yep, The Goldfinch was good (excellent reader), but so tragic.

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  5. I have The Dog Stars and Delicious on my tbr list.

    I lived in Monterey, California for a while and loved it. I'd love to take a trip back there.

    Your great-nephew is adorable!! Love that smiling face!!

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    1. The Dog Stars is outstanding. I plan to listen to the audio for a re-read, it was that good! Delicious, on the other hand was good, but not great.

      I've only visited Monterey a couple of times, and it's been years, but as I recall it was quite nice. I love that entire area! I lived in Central CA (Red Bluff and Gridley) many, many years ago, but spent most of my childhood in the San Diego area. Still miss it even though we've been gone since '92.

      Yes, Declan is a real cutie! I can't wait to meet him in person!

      Thanks for stopping by, Vicki!

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  6. I'm really struggling with Something Wicked This Way Comes... even downloaded that audio and listened on my last couple of walks, but that hasn't helped. Will give it another shot this morning, but may have to DNF it :(

    Tortilla Curtain was a favorite the year I read (listened to) it. Sometimes authors aren't the best narrators, but I thought T.C. Boyle did a great job!

    Have a great trip!!

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    1. Hmmmm, I may skip SWTWC, if it's not grabbing you!

      Yes, T.C. Boyle does a fantastic job reading Tortilla Curtain. I do find I want to look at the print edition to see some of the Spanish phrases, but other than that, I'm really enjoying the audiobook.

      I can't wait to head to CA. I just checked the weather and it should be nice and warm, which makes me very happy. I'm still not ready for our cooler temps here.

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  7. What a cutie is that Declan! Such beautiful eyes and a great smile. Hope to see more pics from your visit.

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    1. He really is a sweet little baby, Marcia. At least from what I've heard and all the darling photos I've seen. It's times like these that I really appreciate Facebook and Instagram. :)

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  8. BABY!!!! Declan is such a sweet little cutie! I hope that you have a fantastic trip out west. And yes! Pick that 11/22/63 back up.

    I downloaded the audio for Something Wicked as well but set it aside for Drood (so I can read and listen). Not sure I'll get back to it--I was having such a tough time focusing on the book!

    I'll be curious on your Goldfinch thoughts. I have the ebook but my stepmom wasn't blown away either.

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    1. Isn't he adorable?! I'm also going to see my cousin and her foster child whom she's in the process of adopting. I met Quinn this past summer when we were all together for my stepdad's memorial in Oregon and she is THE.CUTEST.BABY! I've never seen such a happy baby in my entire life. She smiled the whole time and her eyes twinkle with happiness. I'd love to post a picture, but we have to wait until after the adoption goes through. After that, get ready! :)

      Hmmm, you and JoAnn both had difficulty with SWTWC. I think that decides it. I'm gonna pass on listening to the audio. But I will get back to 11/22/63. :)

      It will be a bit before I get my review up for The Goldfinch, so I'll just tell you that I know I wouldn't have read the entire book if I had to read the print edition. The audio was worthwhile, but I can't say that I loved the book. It's such a chunkster, too. In a nutshell, listen to the audio and skip the ebook.

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  9. I love post-apocalyptic fiction, and thought The Dog Stars was a quieter, more subtle variation on what is currently a very popular theme. I enjoyed it. One part -- I'm sure you can guess which one -- even had me shedding a tear or two.

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    1. I agree, Anne. The Dog Stars is quieter, and in some ways, more gentle than current post-apocalyptic fiction. Yep, I know which part you're referring to. I didn't cry, but I got very choked up. I loved all of the main characters and can't wait to listen to the audio for a re-read. I'm missing them already.

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  10. I really enjoyed The Dog Stars, as well. I'm looking forward to Tell the Wolves I'm Home. Declan is adorable. Enjoy your visit!!! :)

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    1. Wasn't The Dog Stars wonderful? I would love to see it on film, maybe by an indie studio rather than Hollywood. I loved the relationships...

      Enjoy Tell the Wolves I'm Home. Good book!

      I'm counting the days until I get to meet Declan! Get ready for an onslaught of photos. :)

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