catching up with reading

so during the time between the holidays when things were relatively quiet I caught up with a bit of reading- when I wasn't finishing my blog from the latest trip or doing the massive photo scanning project. so I have some book reports to give-

I last posted in August about my desire to finally get around to reading the paper books in my home- in this blog entry-

http://semifreelife.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-retirement-project.html

and just as we headed off to Italy I had finished the fluffy but fun Rococo-

and I brought a few book-books (as opposed to e-books- LOL) down with me- and have plenty more - some of which I may consider shipping next year as this does seem to be a way to whittle away at that goal... but since I have been south I have read the lengthy but excellent (took me three weeks to do it) Girls Like Us.  A fabulous work about the early feminist era and three iconic women songwriters. Recommended for all and HIGHLY recommended for those of you who may be fans of one or more of these women....

then I turned my attention to two books my reading friend Mick passed along - they were both by Nancy Mitford and originally published decades ago- I found the first one The Pursuit of Love mildly amusing and decided to go along and do the second, Love in a Cold Climate as well.  I am so happy I did because I can HIGHLY recommend Love in a Cold Climate- it is a little gem of black humor and satire that should not be missed! It was absolutely perfect... and I loved reading it.

then I went on to Crazy in the Kitchen, one of the ones I sent down and which has been sitting on my shelf in Chicago so long I don't even remember why I bought it. But I am happy I did- a memoir- about the author's growing up with immigrant grandparents and an exploration of how their history ultimately became her history... with an emphasis on the part food (or lack of food) played such a major role in shaping several generations lives.  Extremely well written and very very touching. Also recommended.

and now I am on to - A Perfect Red (from the shelf at home) - not sure how this one will be but I do remember I bought it because it was well reviewed...

so I will get back to you on that later- however since classes start next week and I am taking 3 this term I may not read this one in a just a few days as I did the last two... but if it is good- it won't take long...