Saturday, 2 November 2024

October Reading

With all the travels, it's been a slow reading month, however, I am thoroughly enjoying Humpback Highway. As did my husband. It's science (and Marine Biology) but in a chatty, interesting and accessible way. I think even teens would find it interesting and at their level. I ended up with a burning question so shot it to the author who responded. You can tell she loves whales, and shares her love with her readers. Her genuine interest is contagious, so it's a delight to read. Great book!







Note she just won an award - congratulations! 








Because I was driving around a lot in New Zealand, I went with a Ngaio March book to listen to in the car. Very similar to Agatha Christie, it's a murder in a country manor (so to speak) a house party set to play a game of MURDER that becomes a little too real...If you like those old crime mysteries, Ngaio Marsh is bound to please. I had only read one before as a teen, so it was nice to revisit.







Another New Zealand author I listened to was Katherine Mansfield. This is a collection of short stories (read by Dame Peggy Ashcroft) and it was funny and entertaining, more modern (feeling) than I expected. I really enjoyed it.














I really loved Station Eleven, and while initially it took me a bit of time to get into it, I found this fun and entertaining as the story arc wound in on itself.  I thought I'd give her new book a try soon to, when I get the chance.






I picked this book because the author is speaking at the library and I thought I'd try to go along. I am probably not the target market, and some of the essays I just feel a little too old for (the Liv Tyler one for example). I am however really enjoying the essays on social work and on the difficulty of coming out nonbinary to their mother. There is also psychology and feminism thrown in, and other ideas on parent child relationships. I really am learning a lot and keen to learn more about Harriet Lerner, one of the psychologists mentioned and quoted.  There are also some charming essays, like the one on buying a house. So worth a read, and you'll possibly learn something too.






So very short on the reading this month but a lot of interesting genres and writing styles. What's been on your bookshelf this month?

22 comments:

  1. Good book list … I’ve always liked Katherine Mansfield. I visited her house in Wellington, did you?
    best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  2. What a lovely exchange with an author. That is a fun fact!

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  3. Great reviews and books. I am adding the mystery to my reading list.
    Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!

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  4. Humpback Highway is a book that I should share with my naturalist book club. It might make a good read for the group.

    I think you did well, combining books and travels this month!

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  5. Interesting choice of books. I have trouble committing to a book (I prefer shorter stories, like those in magazines or the web) but I do from time to time. Recently I read an old book that was made into a movie in the 1991 starring Barbara Streisand and Nick Nolte. Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

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  6. You've given me some books to look into. I do love Ngaio March and believe I've read all her books, available at our library anyway.

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  7. Your books sounds interesting, especially A Man Lay Dead. Hope you have a nice week.

    https://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2024/11/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-nov-4.html

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  8. I've read a few Ngaio Marsh books over the years, they are pretty good for their time.

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  9. The beauty of being able to reach the author via social media. Interesting fact. I want to go and see the Katherine Mansfield house in Wellington. I have been saying that for awhile. I must do it this summer.

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  10. I'm definitely going to look into Humpback Highway-- that sounds like a perfect high school supplement to a marine biology text I'm thinking of implementing next year!

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  11. Interesting books on your list. I hope you enjoy them. Have a great week!

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  12. How great that Dr. Pirotta answered your (interesting) question!
    Hugs and once again best wishes, Traude
    https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2024/11/weltreise-2024-8-station-new-york-new.html

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  13. Katherine Mansfield led a sadly short life but a creative one. Nice to leave at least a legacy!

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    1. I didn't know that - I'll read up about her...

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  14. I love to read so I'll try to find some of these books. I read mostly mysteries and read a few James Patterson books this month. Enjoy your day!

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  15. On your recommendation I've just picked up Humpback Highway from the library. Ngaio Marsh is also on my list. Thanks for linking up.

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  16. Hi Lydia, I'm definitely going to read Humpback Highway. As for your NZ books I don't think I have read any books by NZ authors so I need to change this. Thanks for sharing and linking up to #WOYBS? and have a lovely weekend. Sue x

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  17. Emily St. John Mandell's family are close friends with good friends of mine. They gifted me The Glass Hotel and I loved it. I will now look for her other books, including Sea of Tranquility. Great reading list!

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    1. Read Station Eleven. It's really, really good!

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  18. A great selection of books Lydia! I enjoyed Station Eleven too so might try the Sea of Tranquility. Thanks for linking up with us for #WOYBS

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  19. So cool that you were able to have a conversation with the author about her Humpback whale book. It’s a real gift to make science relatable. I’m adding her book to my TBR list.

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  20. I've not heard of these. They sound interesting. REally late getting around to commenting.

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