Hi all. We made it to California on our road trip and are enjoying some warmer temps. On the way south, we stopped at a donkey sanctuary in southern Utah. The owners were kind to meet with us and let us know about their interesting and adorable animals. They have about nine, and this one at left is named Homer. (He must like the Greeks.)
We are still considering whether we might get a couple donkeys in the future. Only trouble is most donkeys don’t like dogs so we would need to keep our Labradors away from them, so they don’t get trampled. Also our northern winters might be a bit harsh for donkeys, so we need to do more research and ask some neighbors who have them about how they manage. Getting donkeys remains a bit uncertain but Homer sure was cute.
Meanwhile in book news my Q & A with Irish author Colum McCann was recently published in Publishers Weekly here. I think they make you register to see the link, argh. Anyways we chatted about McCann’s new novel Twist coming in March … which is about a journalist who goes to cover the story of a crew on a cable repair ship off the coast of Africa. It’s a bit of a mysterious tale and illuminates how much of our internet communications runs in wires at the bottom of the oceans that are somewhat vulnerable to breakages. I don’t want to say too much about the story, but McCann, a National Book Award winner, is always one to watch. Look for the novel coming in March.
And now I’ll leave you with a few short reviews of what I finished lately.
Pearly Everlasting by Tammy Armstrong / Harper / 352 pages / 2024
4.5 stars. I pretty much loved this novel about a girl (Pearly) who grows up in a lumber camp in the woods of New Brunswick during the Depression-era … with her poor family and a small abandoned black bear that they take in as a cub. Pearly and Bruno (the bear) are raised together and the family is close as they endure the rigors of the camp and a new logging boss who is cruel and arrives during Pearly’s teenage years. Then something happens to Bruno and Pearly must journey away from the camp and all she’s known to find him. It turns out to be quite an adventurous trek and she winds up in a town that she must navigate.
Pearly Everlasting is a bit of a tomboy and a strong female protagonist who can hold her own. I hadn’t known of writer Tammy Armstrong before, but she’s an award-winning poet who casts a spell with her lyrical prose writing and her descriptions of the woods and the girl’s life. Apparently Armstrong grew up in New Brunswick and now lives in Nova Scotia. She’s a new favorite Canadian author to me and I will watch for whatever she puts out next.
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout / Random House / 327 pgs / 2024
4.5 stars. This is the fifth book in Strout’s series that feature the same cast of her beloved characters and are mostly set in the small town of Cosby, Maine. This one, which I listened to on audio by the superb Kimberly Farr, grew on me as it went along and I especially liked the novel’s second half that features lawyer Bob Burgess taking on a case of a hapless man who is charged with the death of his elderly mother.
Much has been made in the novel of Strout’s major characters: writer Lucy Barton meeting Olive Kitteridge, now 90, at her senior community. Olive tells Lucy some interesting stories she thinks Lucy might be able to use as a writer. And those were fine, and Olive’s directness still makes me laugh, but it’s Bob Burgess who really steals the show in this novel. Bob undergoes a bit of a crisis when he begins to have feelings for Lucy Barton, despite his marriage to Margaret, the pastor. You have to see what happens at the end with that and his law case. Bob’s a caring and generous soul and the journey with him is something to eagerly take in.
Throughout there’s many details and sentiments in these characters’ lives that Strout seamlessly weaves in and out that makes her storytelling one of the best in the business. We know Olive, Lucy, the Burgess brothers, wives: Margaret, and ex-Pam, and some of the kids quite well now that they all feel very real. By the end, Strout cuts to the heart of the matter moving us with her poignant characters and their lives. Her storytelling of the town and its denizens still casts a touching spell.
Sonny Boy: A Memoir by Al Pacino / Penguin / 384 pages / 2024
4 stars. We listened to the audio of this on our road trip south, read by the author in his raspy voice. It’s quite an epic telling of his poor childhood in the South Bronx of N.Y., his group of friends there, and how he got into acting in theater and later movies. It touches briefly on some of his personal relationships with Jill Clayburgh and Diane Keaton for example, but it doesn’t go into too many others.
What I liked hearing about were his roles in films such as The Godfather (trilogy), Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, Scarface, Glengarry Glen Ross, and many other great films. And I guess I didn’t realize how much he was into theater, which seems his first true passion, and Shakespeare. He goes into his theater world quite a bit and the plays he did. It also touches on how he had to sober up and quit alcohol, or else he wouldn’t have lasted.
Towards the end, Pacino sort of meanders on and off with various topics, the people he grew up who died from drugs, and it could’ve been edited shorter. It seems he wasn’t good with money and he went broke at certain points. Some of his willingness to keep acting at times was for money as well as what he knew how to do. Acting runs strong in his DNA, which is quite apparent throughout this. I hardly ever check out actor memoirs, but this was a good exception, and it made me like him a bit more.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read these and if so, what did you think? Happy holiday season to you.
Glad you made it safely to California! It’s a bit of a long road trip from Canada to California. And that donkey is pretty cute. I think Pearly Everlasting looks like a book I’d really like. Am adding it to my 2025 reading list. 😀
Hi Lark, thanks. It was a long trip. We took 4 days with the dogs. No storms though! It was nice in Utah after we got off the I-15.
I think you’d probably like Pearly. She’s a good character. Have a great week.
I’m glad to learn you have reached California safely.
It seems you’ve had a great week of reading, I’m intrigued by Twist
Thanks Shelleyrae, it was a long 4 days on the road. Luckily we’re here now. Twist is a quick read, with a bit of suspense. You might like it. Have a great week.
When I saw the photo of the donkey, I thought you were going to tell us you’d gone ahead and bought one! Homer is adorable.
I’ve read a couple of Colum McCann’s books and Let the Great World Spin is the one that stands out. Twist sounds interesting, too.
As I’ve told everyone (multiple times, no doubt) I absolutely loved Tell Me Everything! It’s one of my favorites this year and I’m already looking forward to another Strout novel. Considering rereading a few while I wait…
Hi JoAnn, ha I wish we had Homer; he was good looking donkey. The sanctuary we went to doesn’t sell them. That is their forever home. Homer was part of a close-knit group, so it’s nice he’s staying with them.
Twist is a short book and a quicker read than Let the Great World Spin. McCann is an interesting author. But I’ve only read these 2 of his.
I liked Tell Me Everything too. Much about Bob Burgess. I’m glad you liked it so much — I think you made me read it sooner. Have a great week!
Oh my, Homer is a cutie! I used to work with someone who had donkeys, mainly to keep the coyotes and such away from her hens. But she alos mentioned she had to keep the dogs away from the donkeys.
Glad you made it to California and hope you are enjoying some warmer weather now. How long will you be able to visit with family?
I’ve not read any of the books you mentioned but have heard good things about the Elizabeth Strout book. I’m finishing up Lillian Boxfish now and have been working on boks on the shelf. A goal I decided to just jump in on instead of waiting until the new year. I’ll probably start the classics club before December is out as well.
Chat with you soon – have fun!
Hi Tina, donkeys seem adorable to me but I’m not sure about them due to their dislike of dogs and whether it would work at our place with our girls. I need to find out a bit more.
It’s nice we’re here now. Weather in the 60s feels easy. We’ll be here till mid-January. Should be fun.
I’ll look for your Boxfish review. You’re getting organized about your reading. I need to get a bit more. I’m all over the place. talk later, Enjoy your week.
I’m so glad to see how much you enjoyed the new Elizabeth Strout book. Excellent!
Enjoy the wonderful California weather. This is an ideal time to visit, I think.
I have a friend who raises donkeys here along the Texas Gulf Coast. They are just as adorable as Homer.
Hi Deb, yes the Strout book was another winner for me. It warms slowly at the beginning but then the second half shined for me. See what you think.
And thanks it feels nice to be in California again … and 60+ degree weather feels easy to us. Much to do here.
I’m curious to know about your friend’s donkeys. Have you visited them? How many does she have? Does she have them on a lot of land? I’m still sort of weighing the possibility at this point. Enjoy your week.
Homer is pretty cute!
I was able to read the PW interview. Very nice, Susan! Sounds like an interesting novel.
Pearly Everlasting sounds like my kind of book. I love a coming-of-age story with a strong female protagonist. I’ll look for this one on audio.
I have the new Strout book in a stack of Christmas gifts for my mom, so I’ll get to it next year. I’m excited about my personal challenge to read (or re-read) all of Strout’s books in 2025.
Enjoy your fun in the sun!
Hi Lesley, thanks for reading the PW interview. It was quite a bit longer but they use what they have space for. He’s an interesting author … it takes a lot for me to do one of those, lol. They asked me if I would do it.
I wonder if Pearly would be good on audio; I am not sure, and don’t know who reads it. It’s a bit of a lyrical novel from a poet. But see what you think.
That’s nice you’ll be giving the Strout book to your mom. I enjoyed it especially the second half. I didn’t realize you’d be rereading the Strout books next year, wow. It’s hard for me to say my favorite of hers but Lucy by the Sea sticks out for some reason. I like them on audio since Kimberly Farr narrates them so well. She is the characters! Strout’s books make me think of the characters’ dilemmas.
It’ll be fun in Calif. Much to do here! fyi – Rod’s publisher was in touch with Robert and I think she plans to send the book here. We will watch for it. Enjoy your week.
I listened to a sample of the audio version of Pearly and didn’t care for the reader, so I’ll try the print edition instead. Good to know about the Strout audio narrator. I may go that route for the books I’m missing from my shelves. Glad you’re having a good time in CA. Oooh, I hope Rod’s book arrives while you’re there. I guess shipping to Canada was going to take forever, right? Take care!
Thanks Lesley, Rod’s book arrived yesterday, yay! So nice, thank you for making that possible. We are looking forward to it. And it looks great. Canada Post is on strike so we wouldn’t have gotten the book by regular mail there! It’s actually been on strike since Nov. 15, which is crazy.
I hope you enjoy the books. I really like Kimberly Farr’s narration of Strout’s books – each time she becomes the characters. See what you think. Cheers.
Hooray! I’m glad it arrived. I’ll be sure to let Rod know.
Enjoy California! It’s good that you made it there safely. I like Homer. I would love to have a farm with animals, though I’d prefer goats, lambs, ponies and cattle calves. Anyway, I’m glad all your reading was superb. Pearly sounds a lot like the girl in The Vaster Wild by Lauren Groff, a resourceful heroine. You make me want to read the five Strout novels starring these characters. I have seen these books get nominated for big awards over the years but they never piqued my interest. Al Pacino’s memoir sounds worthwhile. He’ll always be Michael Corleone to me, though I loved him in Scent of a Woman too. Congrats on scoring a McCann interview. I read half of Apeirogon but I put it aside because it was going in circles and not in a good way. I haven’t felt tempted to try another book of his.
Hi Carmen, good to know. We will see what farm animals might work. Perhaps goats or sheep might be easier since they won’t trample the dogs. Hmm.
I guess I should read the Groff novel sometime. I’m not sure if the Strout books are for everyone. I missed book 2 of the 5, but have liked these later ones. They’re pretty conversationally written and character driven, but the plots aren’t really the adventurous or action kind. And you’re right Pacino will always be Michael Corleone, lol. He talks about the making of the films and Coppola quite a bit which made it interesting. And thanks, the McCann interview was quite big for me. I have only read 2 of his books: Twist and Let the Great World Spin. Twist is short and much more straightforward a first-person narrative. It’s an easy read and not like his others. I need to finish one last PW read for this month. argh. Got to get it done so I can enjoy Calif. Have a great week.
Hope you have a good visit with your father!
Someone at our church just told us her grandson was named Sonny Boy (not a joke). I didn’t realize it was a Godfather thing! She seemed appalled.
I was in NYC for the weekend and saw the musical Suffs which I just loved! I am sorry it is closing in January but I guess sales had dropped off.
Hi Constance, good to hear that you saw Suffs. I will have to look it up. I didn’t know about it. I see it’s about the suffragists … how interesting. Looks good!
How unusual that someone would name a kid Sonny Boy. It seems Al Pacino was called Sonny Boy by his mother as a nickname and it stuck for his early life.
And thanks the visit is going well. Christmas should be nice and green here.
Have a great week. Happy reading.
Your road trip to California sounds wonderful, and visiting the donkey sanctuary in southern Utah must have been a delightful experience! Homer certainly sounds adorable.
I’m especially interested in Armstrong’s lyrical prose and Strout’s well-woven character narratives.
Listening to Al Pacino’s “Sonny Boy” on your road trip must have been a treat. His life story and experiences in theater and film are truly captivating.
Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures and book reviews. Happy holiday season to you!
Hi Lux, thanks for stopping by. How did you hear about me here?
I will check out your site as well. These three books I reviewed were all quite good this time. And I’m still thinking about the donkey sanctuary and wondering if a couple would be right for our place. Anyways it’s getting Christmas-y … and I wish you happy holidays as well. Much to do before the end of the month. Have a great week.
Hi Susan,
Homer is adorable but as you say it’s alot to consider raising donkeys if they don’t get along with dogs because I sense Willow and Stella will want to make friends with the new donkey and so it’s important that the donkey feels likewise.
Pearl Everlasting sounds really good and I didn’t know Al Pacino grew up in the South Bronx where I was born. That alone has me wanting to read his memoir and I must get to Olive Kitteridge
Hope you are having a great December and congratulations on your interview with Colon McCann. His book sounds worth reading.
Hi Kathy, yeah you’re right about the donkeys and our dogs … it is a lot to consider. I would need to find out more if it would work or not … as the dogs are with us a lot. And I would need to spend time with both. hmm.
Pacino talks a lot about his beginnings in the South Bronx and it means a lot to him. So you should read it. It seems his grandparents raised him a bit when his mother passed and his father wasn’t around since they were divorced.
And thanks the McCann interview was a good thing for me. His new novel is a quick & worthwhile. I will be interested to see how it does.
Have a great week & happy holidays.
I have Tell Me Everything on my TBR shelves, but won’t get to it until early 2025. I hear such good things about it.
Have a wonderful time with your dad over the holidays!
Thanks Helen, it’s nice to be in SoCal again. It’s been a while since we were here at Christmas time. I hope you enjoy the Strout book when you get to it.
Happy holidays.
Enjoy those warm southern temps while you can–we woke up to 18 degrees F, and it felt really cold!
Home is an excellent name for a donkey–he looks like a Homer to me. I didn’t know donkeys don’t like dogs–I thought everything except maybe a cat loved dogs!
I know Elizabeth Strout is beloved as an author, but I haven’t warmed up to her as I thought I would. I love the part of the country she writes about, and crotchety is not really off-putting, so not sure why we haven’t gelled.
On the other hand, Pearly Everlasting is definitely pulling at me to make room for this book.
Safe travels as you head north, and Happy Holidays.
Thanks Jane, it’s okay I’m sure Strout isn’t for everyone. It’s a particular storytelling perhaps. Of this series, I’ve listened to 4 of the 5 audios, which I’ve liked narrated by Kimberly Farr. She does the books better than I could.
See what you think of Pearly Everlasting. I enjoyed it.
Generally donkeys alas will trample dogs because they think it’s an intruder, so I need to find out more if we could make it work. It is nice to be out of the freeze zone for once. When we get back in January we’ll have plenty of time for that but now it’s nice in the 60s. Enjoy the holiday season.
I like McCann, a lot. His new one is on my Kindle. When to read it though? I am working on four books right now and thinking about first book of the year. Hmmm.
Donkeys. Do donkeys provide land clearing like goats? Or you want them just to have them because they can be dang cute?
I loved Tell Me Everything. I was not familiar too much with those characters but I plan to go back and read all the other books with them in it.
Hi Ti, I think you’d like the newest McCann but it’s not out till March (unless you have an advanced copy?). It’s a more straightforward story than his other novels.
I think I want donkeys because they seem like fun, loving pets in a farm-like area/setting. But donkeys often have trouble with obesity so you need to limit their eating/grazing, so I think they differ a bit from goats that way. I’m still reading as much as I can about donkeys to learn what they require etc.
I’m glad to hear you liked the Strout novel. I had forgotten much about Bob Burgess until this book. He was quite endearing. Have a great week.
Publisher’s Weekly this time told me I was reading my second of five articles. So I guess after that I have to register? Very nice interview with Colum McCann (a new author to me, so I had to look him up a bit). I liked his answer about writing the story from a journalist’s perspective. Now I need to go back and reread The Great Gatsby, which I did not like the first time around.
Thanks for your review of Pearly Everlasting. I can’t decide whether to get a copy now or wait awhile. It is pretty expensive right now.
I recently purchased (almost?) all of Elizabeth Strout’s that I have not read but will not get Tell Me Everything until I have read those.
That is interesting about Al Pacino and his theater career. When I read David Suchet’s memoir about playing Poirot for so many years on television, some of the most interesting parts were about the roles he played on stage.
I hope you get some donkeys, but only of course if it best for them and you.