Winter Reading Challenge–Finale

 

 

I didn’t get in at the beginning because back in November, December and January, I thought I didn’t have time to read … I mean, all my free time is spent quilting, dontchaknow.  But then I discovered audiobooks … and my life is changed, y’all!  I used to be an avid reader before I became an avid quilter … and now I can do both!

 

Since my last report here, I’ve read (ok, listened to) the following:

 

Top Secret Twenty One by Janet Evanovich

I’ve read all the Stephanie Plum stories … and while they are a little more explicit than I’d like, it’s always fun to see what troubles Stephanie gets into and how she manages to get out of them.  These books are what a former co-worker called “potato chips for the mind”. 

 

Sycamore Row by John Grisham

Ok, so I knew about 2/3 of the way through how it was all going to come together – in principle, but not in detail.  Even so, I enjoyed reading this … and of course, as I read (listened), I pictured Matthew McConaughey as Jake Brigance (even though I’m not a big fan of his these days). 

 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I’d heard so much about this book (between the recommendations and the local media coverage when the movie was being filmed in Cape Girardeau).  The one thing I hadn’t heard (but wished I had) was the language that was used – extensively (or so it seemed to me).  The saddest part of that was that it was so unnecessary.  The story line was so compelling and not. one. single. thing was added by the language.  But because of the language, I cannot recommend this book or give it even 1 thumbs up … which is a shame, because the story itself (sans the language) would have earned 5 thumbs up.

 

The Girl on the Train

This book is a thriller that is in a lot of ways very similar to Gone Girl … but thankfully there was no offensive language to deal with.  I had a hard time putting this book down … there were so many twists and turns … I certainly didn’t see it ending how it did.

 

 

 

I’m still trying to get through At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon, but I’ve been pushing it aside to read other books as I just couldn’t get into At Home in Mitford.  I need to get back to it and give it a real go.

 

I’m also reading Matilda by Roald Dahl … my oldest granddaughter loved it and insisted that I read it!    I am having a little trouble with it … #1 T#2 loaned me her book - a “real” book, and as you remember, I use my spare time to quilt, so it’s been hard to “find” the time to sit down and read it.  And #2 I’m put off by the way the parents treat Matilda.  But T#2 is anxious for me to read it and discuss it with her, so I’m plodding through.  Although I’m sorely tempted to get the audible version so I can actually get this read. 

 

And I’m reading (listening to) Gray Mountain by John Grisham.  Yep, I love John Grisham’s work … I’ve always enjoyed his books, and they’re perfect for “reading” while sewing. 

 

 

I managed to start the binding on T#3’s quilt.  I probably should have waited another day as it might have taken a little more effort than I had … wrestling that quilt (it’s 82”x103”) to get the binding sewn on was a lot more work than I remembered.  I can’t imagine trying to machine quilt anything even close to that big!  But I was able to take it easy the rest of the day, as I sat in my recliner hand stitching the binding to the back while watching my Cardinals and my Blues win.  I’ll be taking it easy today, too, as I finish up the binding and then get back to work on my hexies.  I’ll start the Kiss quilt on Monday.

 

 

I hope that whatever you have planned for today includes a little something that brings you joy ... have a great day!
Kathy