Starting Over

January! This is the longest that I've ever gone without posting in two and a half years. What happened over the last five months? My husband had surgery and spent four weeks on crutches, my mother had surgery and major complications resulting in a two week stay in the hospital and a long recovery at home, Will had pneumonia (of course), Emma had three ear infections, I got a concussion (!), I got the news that my job is very likely going to end sometime this year due to our company potentially going under, and then there was the month of December, which was insane. So, there you go!

I was determined that 2011 would be a NEW YEAR. A brand new start. No more sickness, no more surgeries, no more stressing out about potential job loss. So, New Year's Eve was lovely; we attended one child friendly party early on that was a ton of fun, and then N. and I separately attended our neighbor's party for a couple of hours each. New Year's Day...both N. and I got the stomach flu. Unbelievable. We were so sick we had to take half hour shifts with the kids. Far too much vomit and other unmentionable things. I felt better the next day, but poor N. was sick for another two. Luckily the kids didn't get it. However, that is the last time I try to boss around the universe. Joke was on me!

I have however, been reading many, many fantastic books. Here is a quick rundown on some of the highlights.

The Other Mother by Gwendolen Gross

Fascinating story capturing the stay at home mom vs. working mom debate. I think Gross rendered the stay at home side better and with more nuance than the working mom, but overall a great read.

 

The Butt by Will Self

Wow. Inventive, insane, and chilling view of a declining civilization much like ours. A satirical but very affecting story about a man on vacation who throws his life away with the careless flick of a cigarette butt. The damage this thoughtless action causes and the nightmare journey he goes on for restitution is a true page turner.

A Glass of Blessings and An Unsuitable Attachment by Barbara Pym

Even the Pym novels that aren't her best are still a wonderful read. Luckily, both of these are great books, although I preferred A Glass of Blessings. I love getting lost in her novels. My life is about as far away from a vicar's childless wife living in London in the 1950s as you can get right now, but I just sink effortlessly into her story and become part of it.

The Heights by Peter Hedges

Tim and Kate are a happily married couple with two young boys, living in a fashionable and expensive Brooklyn neighborhood. They appear to have it all, except for some financial troubles due to Tim's small salary as a teacher at a private school and Kate's decision to quit her job and stay at home with the boys. Everything changes in their life when the wealthy and mysterious Anna moves into their neighborhood and befriends them. They each enter into her world in different ways and her manipulations in their lives almost destroys their marriage. This book is funny and sweet and an insightful glimpse into marriage and parenting. I really enjoyed it.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Intense, funny, scary and completely enthralling. I read this book nonstop for a couple of days, much to my children's detriment. Although the set up sounds very Harry Potter, this book is definitely written for adults and is quite dark. The story centers around Quentin, a senior in high school in New York City in the present day. He discovers that magic is real, and is invited to attend a magician's college. Most of the story takes place there, but culminates in a journey through a magical and dangerous world. Although magic is certainly an essential part of the book, the real theme is growing up and learning that you have to make yourself happy. Compelling reading.

I hope to get back in the swing of updating regularly again. I'd love to hear what you all have been reading too!

 

Comments

[jen]

Oh goodness it sounds like you've been having a time of it. I hope 2011 treats you better!

I've been reading the Outlander series. I am only midway through the second book. Sometimes I find myself thinking it is ridiculous the things that happen and I find myself wondering what the point of the story is...it has several peaks in action, followed by a lull and then peaks again and I kept thinking it was over when it just kept going. I'm alternately intrigued and annoyed by it. I overall like it though. I've kept reading it at least.

[Kristin]

Thanks--me too! I started the Outlander series a few years ago. I liked the first one, but only got about halfway through the second. They are completely ridiculous, but fun. You're right--so many lulls and peaks and you never really know where she is going with the story and they are just way too long. If you like historical fiction/time travel type books I would recommend The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis (be prepared to cry though) and The Sparrow by Maria Doria Russell.