I started the year off with Adrienne Rich's poetry collection, The Dream of a Common Language, and The Art Forger, and very much enjoyed both of them. Then I couldn't seem to find or start and stick with anything else. Until I picked up Orphan Train, which I devoured. Historical fiction is easily my most favorite genre, and I very much enjoy when stories from the past and present are being told simultaneously and are intertwined.
Now I'm on to Cold Mountain. The Baker's Daughter is next up, along with The Great Gatsby, which I've never read (unless I'm just forgetting a high school assignment, but I don't think so).
What are you reading?
I loved Orphan Train AND the Baker's Daughter. I had never heard about orphan trains before. What a crazy part of our history. I'm hoping my book club will want to take on Orphan Train because I think everyone should know about what happened.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of them either! definitely an incredible and crazy part of our history. It's hard for me to imagine what the conditions were like in New York and other large eastern cities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries- must have been pretty terrible in some areas to have lead to hundreds of thousands of children being shipped away on trains!
DeleteI've read all, but the Baker's Daughter, will have to check it out. Have you read The Kitchen House?
ReplyDeleteYES. in fact, The Kitchen House is probably the book that got me started on historical fiction. I LOVED it, even though it ripped my heart wide open and left me sobbing. how incredibly moving and intense.
DeleteI'm finishing up fly away, and the captain's wife, the fault in our stars, and almost French are up next. (Although that make take a long time). I'll have to check out cold mountain and the baker's daughter.
ReplyDeleteThe only one of those I've read is The Fault in Our Stars, which I really liked. I'm making notes of the others- thanks!
DeleteI am struggling with reading at the moment I can't seem to find a book that is holding my interest.
ReplyDeleteI find it so annoying when that happens! argh! hope you settle in with a good one soon.
DeleteI just finished The Firelight Girls and am still soaking in the goodness of it. Not quite sure what is next on the reading front.
ReplyDeletedefinitely will write that one down~ I love it when I finish a book and have to soak it in for a bit before moving on. one of the signs of a really good one, I think :)
Deleteps- haven't forgot your swap, just thinking about it a bit...
I don't read a lot of fiction so I haven't read any of your books. They look interesting though. I've just finished The Kitchen Diaries ll by Nigel Slater (fabulous) and Home Grown by Ben Hewitt. I'm writing my third book at the moment so I guess you could say I'm constantly reading and re-reading that too.
ReplyDeleteI like food writing too- I'll check out The Kitchen Diaries. I recently read Home Grown and really liked it- I very much enjoy Ben Hewitt's writing style. His newest book is just out now- The Nourished Homestead- and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
DeleteI looked at your books on your blog- how fun! And how great to be on your third- best of luck with that! I've got ideas for books in my head and hope that one day I harness them and get them written.
Ah. I just "read" the Great Gatsby on audio. I think I "read" it in high school.... I know I wrote a book report but the whole thing was new to me. I def recommend it on audio. :) Looking forward to hearing your reviews of these new books!
ReplyDeleteI've only tried audio books on road trips and always get distracted and lose my place with them! I have high hopes for Cold Mountain- it is set around here and I'm thinking that will help me immerse myself in it even more.
DeleteI just finished Flora by Gail Godwin (local author) and Cataloochee by Wayne Caldwell (another local author). Orphan Train sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of or read either of those, but I'm adding them to my list! I enjoyed it~ you are welcome to borrow my copy if you'd like :)
DeleteI too love historical fiction. I have read Cold Mountain and Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier and really enjoyed both of them. I am currently reading a book set in the early 1700s near to where I grew up in the South of England, it is based on events which actually happened. My absolute favourite historical novel is Katherine by Anya Seton.
ReplyDeletethanks for the recommendations!
DeleteIt took me forever to read Cold Mountain. The beginning was slow but I did like it after that. I'm reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle right now.
ReplyDeleteI too found it a slow start, but I'm getting into it now and quite enjoying it~ I loved Animal Vegetable, Miracle. it's one I'd like to reread.
DeleteOh, I loved Orphan Train, too. I read it last year during a historical fiction kick that included The Signature of All Things (Elizabeth Gilbert) and Euphoria (Lily King), both of which I loved, too. Right now I'm reading Lark Rise to Candleford and loving it. And wishing I had more time to cozy down and read (and more attention when I do--I'm afraid the internet has eaten away at my attention span)
ReplyDeleteI've not read The Signature of All Things (started it and for some reason it just didn't work at the time, despite it sounding like something I'd really like- think I'll try again soon) or Euphoria. I've heard great things about Lark Rise to Candleford. thanks for all the great ideas!
Deleteand oh yes- the internet, ugh. I meant to be reading right now and here I am!