Thomas Wolfe once wrote that you can’t go home again. I know what he means, but part of me says why the heck not. This week I’ve been back visiting my folks and roots again (see photo above), which I always really enjoy. I grew up in Southern, California, but my adult, married life is in Canada now, a world away. In between, I spent years in Texas, Colorado, Washington state, Virginia and D.C. All these places were great, but there’s so many memories in one’s hometown; is there not? I feel younger, and healthy here, too. What about you — do you still enjoy going back to your hometown? This week I intend to finish Kate Morton’s thick-ish novel “The Forgotten Garden” on the plane back tomorrow as I have no time to waste with piles to read. I read her book for my book club, which we’ll discuss on Tuesday. It’s sort of a light, summer read but quite enjoyable nonetheless as Morton spins an engaging tale about family secrets.
Meanwhile, I picked up two used, nonfiction books on sale here that look devourable. First, the 2010 biography of “Cleopatra” by Stacy Schiff, which I’ve wanted to read since going through a Rome phase sparked off by our trip there last fall. That was followed up by the “Rome” TV series from 2005 and 2007, which we spent the winter watching on DVD. Who doesn’t want to know more about Antony and the mysterious Cleopatra? Yes, count me in.
I also got J.R. Moehringer’s 2005 memoir “The Tender Bar,” which I’ve heard raves about for years. It seems a juicy read. Someone wrote he’s the “best memoirist of his kind since Mary Karr.” Hmm. Is this true? Have you read “The Tender Bar”? I recall Mary Karr’s “The Liars’ Club” being bleak but I’m hoping “The Tender Bar” is sweet and a bit funny, too. We’ll see. Until next time, happy reading.
I’ve only been back to my hometown once since emptying my mother’s house after she died — and that was for a funeral. It’s a tiny, dying town and I feel old and stalled there. So, yeah, precisely the opposite of you! But I’m glad to know that there are better ways to relate to one’s hometown. Maybe I’ll find a path to one of them.
I enjoyed Cleopatra — it should fit nicely with a Rome theme and may start you off on an Egypt one.
Wow that is too bad about your hometown experience. Sorry to hear that. I’m sure you’re in a better place now. And thanks for the word on the Cleopatra book. I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve never really experienced, “Going back home”, because I have spent the majority of my life right there! But when I go back to visit where my husband is from in South Carolina, I get that same kind of feeling. I love it there and we’ll be moving there once I get to retire!
As far as reading goes, I’ve heard great things about The Forgotten Garden! I can’t wait to hear what you thought! And if you still are in the mood for Rome, I would try I Am Livia by Phyllis Smith. It surprised me how much I enjoyed it and it made me wonder why I never read any books set in that era.
Thank you for sharing some great books and the beautiful photo!
Suzanne
Wow that must be nice living near where you grew up. But retiring in S.C. sounds good too! Thanks for stopping by
I read Kate Morton’s The Secret Keeper last year and loved it. I’m wanting to read her other books as well, I just need to find the time!
Gosh I didn’t realize she had another more recent one out. Thanks! She’s quite a good storyteller.
Wow, what a lovely picture. My hometown is in a tiny town in North Carolina, but we left there when I was five. I haven’t been to NC for about 10 years but when I do go back it’s so beautiful and refreshing. The mountain air, the mountains themselves, all are so invigorating. I have lived in this town now for almost 30 years, so it now has the home town feel to me as well. We moved here when I was in the second grade.
I’m glad you go to do a visit home. Heard Canada is beautiful too!
Thanks Erin. The NC mountains are beautiful. Must be great going back to visit!
I just want to get this kind of books for my reading and cutting and pasting. I am a reader and I have nothing to do but this.