Update on Reading

Since the last post, I managed to read Madeleine L'Engle's Certain Women and I enjoyed it. Some of it went past me as I was unfamiliar with the intricacies of King David. I know David and his slaying the giant and his relationship with Bathsheba, but that is it. I walked away from this story not thinking very highly of David and all his wives and concubines. I guess there is a larger point here that escapes me. I know I should want to understand more, but I do not. Even though it has been several days since I finished this book, it keeps popping up in my mind. The characters have not left me as yet. I think that is a sign of a good book.

I moved on to Mollie Panter-Downes and then Dorothy Sayers.* This was the first time I had read either authors. Panter-Downes' collection of stories is published by Persephone Books. This press is devoted to reprinting "neglected classics by C20th (mostly women) writers." The books also have a lovely binding. I managed to read these last two because of our return trip to the Midwest. I, however, did not read these aloud to my husband as we drove. I think he was okay with that. Someone recommended Sayers to me. I love when someone suggests an author or a book and it turns out to be wonderful. It is very disappointing to read something a friend has suggested that I do not like. How do I report back to my friend that I did not like the book? What does it say about me? Or what I think of his or her taste? Then, I wonder if all the books I have recommended to others have been flops for them? What if I am burdening my friends with reading they just do not like? I doubt it will stop me from giving books to people.

But, now vacation is over and I must turn my attention to all things historical and serious. I often think that I will read fiction in the evening before bedtime, but that does not seem to happen. I usually am too tired to concentrate on more than a few sentences. It is a bit sad that I have to wait until Christmas to pick up a fiction book again, but I will comfort myself with all the lovely history I get to read.

*See the list of books read for titles.