455 pages into Middlemarch and I’m really enjoying it. It’s quite different from what I expected. I find the narrator’s voice to be pretty funny sometimes. Also, I read State of Wonder and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen. But I also liked Dutch House. I don’t think I’ve read any of Patchett’s other novels, though I have Bel Canto. I think you’ve not been a fan? I LOVED her recent book of essays. Excited to listen to the podcast episode!
I finished and really, really enjoyed State of Wonder. I didn't dislike Bel Canto, I just felt a little let down by the ending. But maybe you will love it? It's a delight to read -- Patchett always writes so well.
You'll have to hold me to picking Middlemarch up again soon. ;)
Love all these recs. Also read The Boy, Mole, Fox, Horse and enjoyed it - but felt same way - would gift it to a graduate but wouldn’t pay full price for my own bookshelf. Fwiw - Bel Canto is my fav Ann Patchett (followed by State of Wonder). Always inspired to read more after I get your newsletter!
Well that is I compliment I will heartily accept! ;)
I can totally see Bel Canto being your favorite. I very much enjoyed the nerdiness of State of Wonder. I admire Patchett and her ability to sink so deep into a vocation that is not her own -- singer, scientist, doctor... she really embodies her protagonists well.
Abigail, I always look forward to your email. You seem incredibly intentional with your kids literacy engagement. What rhythms or routines do you have with them around literacy, specifically their intake of audio or actual texts?
Hi Kate! Thanks for taking the time to read and ask this question! Seeing my kids fall in love with books has been my favorite part of parenting so far (these little kid years are not my forté!). I mostly just have books available for them. We check out a lot from library, and I have a couple of boxes in our living room where I put books for whatever subject we are reading about for school or just fun -- space, Christmas, fall, penguins -- they just live there and we read before bed and randomly at other times some days (not all). If I'm looking for books on a specific topic, I usually do a search for "best picture books ____ " with the subject and go from there. My son listens to audiobooks at quiet time while his sister naps, and we listen in the car, too, instead of to music. They also have books in their room, receive books as gifts, see mom and dad reading books... it's just what we do around here. I am not afraid to take a book that turns out to be a dud back to the library well before it's due, and try to be patient when they want to read the same ones over and over. If they ask "hey mom, can we read this book?" I try to say yes and sit down and do it as often as possible. Does that help answer your question at all?
455 pages into Middlemarch and I’m really enjoying it. It’s quite different from what I expected. I find the narrator’s voice to be pretty funny sometimes. Also, I read State of Wonder and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen. But I also liked Dutch House. I don’t think I’ve read any of Patchett’s other novels, though I have Bel Canto. I think you’ve not been a fan? I LOVED her recent book of essays. Excited to listen to the podcast episode!
I finished and really, really enjoyed State of Wonder. I didn't dislike Bel Canto, I just felt a little let down by the ending. But maybe you will love it? It's a delight to read -- Patchett always writes so well.
You'll have to hold me to picking Middlemarch up again soon. ;)
Love all these recs. Also read The Boy, Mole, Fox, Horse and enjoyed it - but felt same way - would gift it to a graduate but wouldn’t pay full price for my own bookshelf. Fwiw - Bel Canto is my fav Ann Patchett (followed by State of Wonder). Always inspired to read more after I get your newsletter!
Well that is I compliment I will heartily accept! ;)
I can totally see Bel Canto being your favorite. I very much enjoyed the nerdiness of State of Wonder. I admire Patchett and her ability to sink so deep into a vocation that is not her own -- singer, scientist, doctor... she really embodies her protagonists well.
Abigail, I always look forward to your email. You seem incredibly intentional with your kids literacy engagement. What rhythms or routines do you have with them around literacy, specifically their intake of audio or actual texts?
Hi Kate! Thanks for taking the time to read and ask this question! Seeing my kids fall in love with books has been my favorite part of parenting so far (these little kid years are not my forté!). I mostly just have books available for them. We check out a lot from library, and I have a couple of boxes in our living room where I put books for whatever subject we are reading about for school or just fun -- space, Christmas, fall, penguins -- they just live there and we read before bed and randomly at other times some days (not all). If I'm looking for books on a specific topic, I usually do a search for "best picture books ____ " with the subject and go from there. My son listens to audiobooks at quiet time while his sister naps, and we listen in the car, too, instead of to music. They also have books in their room, receive books as gifts, see mom and dad reading books... it's just what we do around here. I am not afraid to take a book that turns out to be a dud back to the library well before it's due, and try to be patient when they want to read the same ones over and over. If they ask "hey mom, can we read this book?" I try to say yes and sit down and do it as often as possible. Does that help answer your question at all?