I mentioned last week that I was just starting Palace of Tears by Julian Leatherdale. It is a big book so I haven't finished it yet, but I am making good progress. This is a dual timeline novel - you know I am a sucker for those books! I did find myself contemplating how many male authors there are out there in historical fiction land writing dual timeline books? Do you know of any others?
I also started reading The Silk House by Australian author Katye Nunn which is another multiple timeline book. I really meant to read her last book but I never got around to it even though it sounded great. I already know that I will be going back to read her previous books even based on the small part of this book I have read.
I finished listening to The Good Turn by Dervla McTiernan this week. When it came time to pick my next audiobook I had multiple options but the ones that I was thinking about choosing were all really long. I therefore decided to look at the books that I have had in my Audible library and realised that Normal People by Sally Rooney was there. It only goes for just over 7 hours, and it is also the starting point for this month's Six Degrees of Separation meme so I decided to go with that as my choice.
I was super excited to hear that later in the year there is going to be a new Virgin River book from Robyn Carr. I loved the Virgin River series and have read them a couple of times, but her other books haven't done it as much for me. And I enjoyed the Virgin River series on Netflix as well. It's probably smart to built on the success of the series with a new book now.
I'm watching...
We didn't really watch anything new this week that I haven't mentioned in previous posts.
In life...
It's the first day of winter! Do you know what that means? Time to break out a new toothbrush. The first day of a new season is always my prompt to change toothbrushes. Am I the only one who does this?
With our restrictions slowly being relaxed, this weekend we decided to get out of the house. On Saturday we were and had lunch with a couple of friends. They are the people who we caught up with most during social isolation so it was really good to catch up with them face to face. I did have to laugh. We took two jigsaws to her and she unexpectedly gave me four books in return. That's how it's supposed to work isn't it?
It is a bit strange to be seeing people face to face again. We have been inside for so long that I found the idea of going out to socialise a bit daunting, and I could almost have talked myself out of going, but it was fine once I got there. The other thing was that was the first time I put earrings and makeup on in weeks!
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| We do love the panorama setting on our phone camera |
Other than that, this is the weekend before we do our bathroom renovation so we've been spending a serious amount of money at the hardware store. Now we just have to hope that the choices of accent tiles and things like that all come together. There is a small issue in that a couple of the bigger items we need had to be ordered in so they might not be here in time for next weekend but we will do what we can.
Top Ten Tuesday: Opening Lines
Book Review: The Railway Girls by Maisie Thomas
Alphabet 2020: I is for Me! Me! Me!
Weeking Cooking: May Bakes
Reading Reflections: May 2020
I've linked this post to It's Monday, what are you reading? as hosted by Book Date
Can’t say I use the first day of Winter to change toothbrushes, but seems like a good day as ever.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t want to read Normal People because I learnt of the lack of speech marks which I know would drive me crazy, but I did watch it and thought it was good - though I only watched it after the kids had gone to bed.
Wishing you a great reading week
It helps my old brain remember that it is time Shelleyrae!
DeleteI'm also looking for male authors who are not into writing super macho political thriller books!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with that Harvee!
DeleteHm- I don't tend to read historical fiction anyway, but I do think it's interesting that there are not a ton of males in that sphere! I read Matt Haig's How to Stop Time and that one definitely goes way back into the past, but I don't know if it would be considered historical fiction.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of male historical fiction authors Tina, just not many who do the dual timeline style of historical fiction.
DeleteI haven't yet been out and about...they are strict here, and we will only gradually do back into the dining room, but staggered, so we are six feet apart.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if I would have enjoyed Normal People better as an audio? I didn't like her writing style, with no quotation marks on dialogue.
Stay safe and enjoy your week. Here are my WEEKLY UPDATES
"go back"
DeleteI certainly didn't notice the lack of punctuation in the audio version Laurel-Rain
DeleteThere are a lot of dual time line stories in historical fiction. Sometimes I enjoy it and sometimes I don't. I'm a wannbe recluse so socializing is always daunting. I kind of dread when I have to start going back out in the world.
ReplyDeleteI do love a good historical fiction dual timeline
DeleteI am looking forward to watching the Virgin River series. I only read the first book in the series, but I remember really liking it. The series looks good too. Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWe watched it in a weekend Yvonne. It was good!
DeleteI enjoyed Virgin River series too and look forward to the second season. We are relaxing things as well and we have a lunch scheduled for this week. Very excited.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to be able to get together with friends Nise'. Just have to not do too much too soon
DeleteI want to read that Kayte Nunn book. I've like the others I've read by her a lot.
ReplyDeleteI will be reading more by her Bree!
DeleteFirst day of winter there eh? Ohh we are glad to be done with it here in Canada. That's a pretty panorama photo. It's nice to get out of the house!
ReplyDeleteI know it is our turn to have winter and you guys should get to have a turn by still.
DeleteI'm excited about the new Virgin River book, too. I love that series and, same as you, haven't felt as attached to any of Carr's other books. I haven't watched the t.v. series yet.
ReplyDeleteWhat did you think of THE GOOD TURN? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will come out in the U.S. soon.
Loved The Good Turn Susan! So good.
DeleteYes, to Outlander and Scotland!! Looks so beautiful and now I want to visit!
ReplyDeleteMe too Leslie!
DeleteHow nice that you are able to see friends again! I do put on make up as I have lots of video meetings but I do miss putting on all my bracelets and earrings. I'm just not used to wearing them indoors! I'll be working on my Six Degrees post tonight thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteTo be fair, Iliana, I didn't always put make up on when I went to work either! I did my Six Degrees post yesterday. Looking forward to seeing everyone's new list!
DeleteBoth Palace of Tears and The Silk House sound good!
ReplyDeleteThe changing of seasons is a good way to remember to change your toothbrush out. I will have to remember that!
I am glad you were able to visit with friends. We will likely be venturing out more in small increments. We're in no hurry yet though. I did just talk with a friend about setting up a playdate for our daughters. I know my daughter would love it. We'll see.
I haven't been wearing make-up much either. Not that I wear much anyway. . . I love having something on my lips, but since I'm wearing a mask whenever I'm out, I just haven't bothered. I could wear it around the house, but it seems like so much trouble. LOL The big thing I've let go is my hair. I always used a hair dryer and now that I only go into the office once a week, I am letting it air dry more. It's probably better for my hair anyway.
Good luck with your bathroom renovation! I hope you have a great week, Marg.
I don't wear much at the best of time. Foundation, mascara and lipstick....and done! I am washing my hair less, but still drying it when I do wash it!
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