This is always such a fun question to ask. I love learning what people are reading. It is so fun, especially when someone is really excited about something in particular. Unfortunately, my answer is, “I’m still looking.” It’s my fault, not the book’s! My mind has been so preoccupied by a project that I haven’t had the ability to focus, which has resulted in reading constipation. So – please! – share what is literarily exciting!
I am a very big re-reader and have just gone on a Jane Austen binge. Once I finish the six novels I am considering continuing on with the smaller stories and possibly a book of letters, primarily between Jane and her sister Cassandra. Reading the novels makes me very sad that she didn't live to write more. They are like candy. One thing I love is that her books make it clear that people don't change, even over hundreds of years. Teenage girls now act exactly like teenage girls in 1800. The technology may change, but people's personality quirks and foibles remain the same.
Ahhhh, Jane Austen. How wonderful! I agree with your candy analogy. I often refer to it as "Mind Candy." Thanks for sharing!
My Book Bunch group meets tonight and we are currently reading and will be discussing the biography, "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Prophet, Martyr, Spy" by Eric Metaxas. It is about a man of principle and faith who is a German and a Lutheran, born of an aristocratic family of scientists and doctors on one side, and theologians on the other. He and like-minded companions work from within toward bringing down the Third Reich and the Valkyrie that is Germany. They do not flee, nor do they hide, and Bonhoeffer is not a Jew. By the end he is jailed; then the order for his execution is issued by Hitler himself minutes before Hitler takes his own life, and also just three weeks before the War's end. We are reading and discussing it over two months time as it is quite a tome, but very interesting.
Sounds fascinating, Carolee. I am drawn to anything and everything having to do with WWII. Thanks for sharing!
I just finished "The Hare with the Amber Eyes." It's non-fiction and a family memoir… not usually my style. But it is just a fascinating tale of a quest to discover the personalities behind family heirlooms — Japanese netsuke — ornate carvings. It captivated me, especially the section that depicted Vienna's Jewish community just prior to WW2. Such a very personal portrayal of that painful time, followed by the family's rejuvenation.
Yipppeee, Betsy. Thank you! I feel inspired to go to Tecolote bookshop today. 🙂
Hey there…".The Time in Between" encompasses the Spanish Civil War and WWII, by Maria Duenas. Main character is a seamstress from Madrid, who ends up spying for the Allies. However, the story of how this happens is riveting. AND, designing couture clothing for wives of Nazis among others.
Also, "The Lost Wife" by Alyson Richman, WWII again, taking place in Prague, Terrzin, USA, and Auschwitz. I could not put this down, finished in a day. It's only 334 pages.
I know you share my obsession with WWII stories…..
Xo
Fantastic, dear Diane! Thanks so much for sharing! Love it. xx