I've struggled a bit with focus this month. For bookclub I'm listening to Shrines of Gaiety. It had been recommended by a few people so I was excited to read it but it's failed to grab me. I'm 13 hours in and it still feels like exposition. As a result, it's taking me a long time to wade through as I keep listening to podcasts instead. To be fair, it could be my brain that's the problem, less than the book's fault.
I read this gem of a book - it appears to be out of print (I went to buy copies to give to people) but it's Atwood at her best. Funny and clever little stories, playing with characters from fairy stories. I can't recommend this enough. Other than Handmaids, I'm not her hugest fan, but this is delightful.
And that, I'm sad to say, is about it!
What are you reading at the moment?
Linking with #Whatsonyourbookshelf. #TrafficJamWeekend #Weekendcoffeeshare #WonderfulWednesday
Thank you for joining us for What's On Your Bookshelf. I haven't read either novels that you mentioned. Like you, when I've failed to become engaged with a book, I have often wondered how much of that had to do with the book itself, and how much had to do with my mental or emotional overload. Often, it was a combination of the two!
ReplyDeleteI do think it was probably more me than the book, as it's set in an era I'm really fond of.
DeleteI haven't read this Margaret Atwood book, but I'm a big fan, so will look out for it.
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia, thanks for joining us this month. I have read a few of Kate Atkinson's books but not that one. Listening to books can be hard and they seem to take so many hours so I speed up the reading to at least 1.2 or 1.5 speed if I can. I've not heard of the Atwood one either.
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia great to have you join our WOYBS link again this month with two interesting recommendations. I used to try to finish books I was struggling to read because 'I had to finish them' now if a book doesn't grab me then I leave and move on. x
ReplyDeleteThank you for your weekend coffee share. I'll add the Atwood book to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteAdding the Atwood short stories to my to-read list right now! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your reading list#dreamteam
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Shrines of the Gaiety, but it's not for everyone! I've read quite a lot of Margaret Atwood, but haven't read this one. It sounds interesting.
ReplyDeletePopping over from At Home a Lot.
I think it might have been your review that made me quite keen for it. THere was one at the Monthly bookworm link up. A few friends really loved it too. Was probably just my fired brain...
DeletePodcasts can be distracting. I've not read the Magaret Attwood book, I've only ever read handmaid's Tale. I want to read Shrines of the Gaiety but have a disliking for the author which I can't move past at the moment. I'm currently reading Philip Pullman, The Secret Commonwealth.
ReplyDeletePullman is on my list. I got a great copy of Dark Materials about two decades ago but never got to it....maybe these holidays? Also why don't you like the author? Now I'm curious...
DeleteNot read any Margaret Atwood and not come across Kate Atkinson. Popping by via #BookWormsMonthly
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are getting a lot out of your reading...me, still hooked on audio books and loving them. Thank you for sharing your post for Wednesday’s Words and Pics. It is great to have you be a part of this blogging community each week. Denyse.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading "Handmaid's Tale" but I'd like to read more of Atwood's lesser known works. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is a bit like me this week. How's your book going now? I'm not great at focusing when playing audio books lately, as there is so much pulling my attention elsewhere. I've just started one called The secrets of strangers by Charity Norman. Thank you for joining us for the #DreamTeam xx
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Margaret Atwood but not read that one, I find Kate Atkinson a bit wordy and long winded (sorry!) Thanks for linking up with #DreamTeam
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