Hi. Are you gearing up for Halloween? I admit I haven’t read anything spooky lately, but we had a crazy week weather-wise that reminds me of Halloween-time. I think one afternoon this past week reached a golden 75F degrees and then just days later — today — we had our first snowstorm of the season! Wow we got dumped on — maybe 10 inches, it’s still coming. I think all the wet snow could break branches so I’ve gone out to knock the snow off our trees.
Good thing I just put away the tomato plants for the year. I’m sure the snow will melt away this coming week, though it reminds me winter is just around the corner. I used to avoid winter but now I try to embrace the fun things about it like cross-country skiing, hot coco, and happy dogs, lol.
In book news, I see that Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka just won the 2022 Booker Prize for his novel The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, which is his second novel that came 10 years after his first, Whoa! The judges called it “a searing, mordantly funny satire set amid the murderous mayhem of a Sri Lanka beset by civil war.”
I’m going to put it on my list for sometime down the road. The Booker has a way of introducing me to new authors. And I might try his first novel called The Legend of Pradeep Mathew as well — which I hear is about an aging sportswriter who goes on a madcap search for a famous cricket player. It sounds like the author has both humor and depth to him, which is usually a winning combination. Congrats to Shehan!
And now I’ll leave you with a couple reviews of what I finished lately.
Natural History: Stories by Andrea Barrett / Norton / 208 pages / 2022
I was most interested to check out this book because author Andrea Barrett is known for writing so eloquently about the natural world and her focus on the early women in science is much to be admired. Yet I’ve only read her novel The Voyage of the Narwhal from 1998, which I recall liking quite a bit. So I snatched this one up as an audiobook and liked parts of it but was looking for a bit more.
This book is a collection of six interconnected short stories that includes various characters from her fiction over the years, which I hadn’t read so there were times I was a bit confused by who was who and how they were related. I was most interested in following the woman Henrietta Atkins, a school teacher and butterfly/moth collector who has a long friendship with the notable science writer Daphne Bannister and tells a lie that ends her ties to a close male friend.
Henrietta seems to be the main character in this collection with some stories moving back and forth throughout her life, following her friendships, regrets about her life choices, and those related to her. Most of them are set in a small community in central New York state.
There were glimpses for me of wonder and interest in these science-natural history-related stories and some great writing … but just as I was getting hooked on one then sometimes it would change to someone or something else without fully completing for me the event or character’s resolution to it.
So while I liked how it linked the stories of Henrietta’s life and those who knew her, I found there were a lot of characters and she lost me on some aspects of all of them. Still I liked how she showed the admirable legacy of women passing along their career interests in natural history and science to the next generation.
Thanks to the publisher W.W. Norton for giving me an advanced copy to review.
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid / Ballantine / 384 pages / 2022
This novel was on my summer list. Remember summer? My poor summer list … I only read 5 out of 10 novels on it as I snuck in a few others. Paltry I know, but I haven’t given up on those novels. They’re still on my radar.
As for this one, I picked it up because I’m a huge tennis fan, player, and even officiator … but I found the main character tennis champion Carrie Soto to be a pretty unlikable character the whole way through until the very end where she lightens up a bit. I know she’s supposed to be flawed as a tough, brash “battle axe” who knows what she wants, but she makes for a pretty cold fish.
Sure I can admire Carrie’s slice backhand, natural athleticism, and her will to come out of retirement to give the tour and the Grand Slams one more shot at age 37, but her personality and mind left me pretty flat. I like a little more spice and thought to my sports heroes.
Granted the novel is a fast read — it’s light fare — so it’s about as easy going down as pudding on a spoon, but it stays pretty much the same the whole way through — one match or training session after another. I can watch pro tennis for hours … but in this novel — not so much. The dialogue is pretty perfunctory and most of what happens is sort of obvious — as well as a few things in the story about tennis are a bit of a stretch, like her being able to beat a guy pro player (her training partner), or a graphite racket breaking after a shot, or coming back from ACL surgery like she does etc.
But I went with those things. And I admire TJR for writing a tennis novel as I love sports novels generally — and tennis even more. (I’m not against strong female characters or competitive ones — it’s just that Carrie Soto seems pretty mean — winning is everything! — most of the way through this.) But I liked how TJR inserted the band’s name Daisy Jones & the Six into the narrative (from her earlier novel) when Carrie is reading an article about them, which was fun. I guess I liked that TJR novel about Daisy Jones — which had more to it — more than this one … though I might be in the minority about not totally loving Carrie Soto.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read these authors and what did you think? Happy Halloween week.
Halloween isn’t one of my favorite holidays (no particular reason), so no. I haven’t read anything spooky, nor have I decorated for the holiday. However, I’m gearing up for Nonfiction November and have a stack of books from which to choose.
Ah, those “early” season snowstorms are very familiar to me. I remember getting a heavy, wet snow in early October when we lived in Nebraska. We did lose lots of tree branches, which was so heartbreaking. There was one year when we had temps in the 70s followed by rain, wind, lightning, thunder and snow. All in one day! I am fascinated by weather. We had a lovely day of rain showers yesterday, which we greatly needed, but I see blue sky and sunshine out my window, so we’ll get out for a walk later this morning.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Nice Lesley. The walking there must be wonderful. I think we’ll get back to near 60 degrees next weekend so the sun will return! It was so surprising to get that much snow! It felt cold since we had such a hot summer. We haven’t adjusted here. How is Rod feeling? I’m looking forward to his publication date.
Like you, I haven’t gotten pumpkins this year — first I looked and didn’t see any clear good ones. And usually they get softened & ruined by snow. But I like seeing them at houses. I’m in a bit of a fiction craze so not sure of nonfiction November … but will look to see what you have. Cheers.
We don’t celebrate Halloween here in SA, but I love this time of the year and all the spooky reads.
Your first snow! Wow!! That’s the new one thing I would like to add to winter if I have to. Happy dogs for sure!!
I’ve read Daisy Jones and Evelyn Hugo and enjoyed both, but so far I’m the only one in our Book Club who likes TJR! Granted, not many of the ladies have read her books. I will probably read Carrie Soto if it crosses my path.
I hope you are well otherwise Susan and that you will have a wonderful week to come.
Elza Reads
Thanks Mareli. All is fine here. See what you think of the Carrie Soto novel. It’s quite a competitive sports novel. I liked Daisy Jones but I guess TJR isn’t for everyone. It is a nice time of year — with or without Halloween so glad you are enjoying it. It seems your school is very busy right now … good luck with it all.
I agree with you that Carrie is difficult to like, I don’t relate to her winning is everything attitude. But, that said, I liked the book and enjoyed reading it.
The snow looks beautiful (from afar). I am not really doing much for Halloween, but you’ve reminded me that I was doing the RIP Challenge so I’ve got to finish the thriller I’m reading.
Yeah Helen, Halloween always seems to come quickly so I’m never ready for it. The snow should melt away this week and fall will return. I’m glad you liked the Carrie Soto novel … I liked the tennis aspects of it but wanted to like Carrie more. Too bad. Much else to read. I hope you have a great week in Vegas and return to a Happy Halloween.
I’ve enjoyed Taylor Jenkins Reid’s previous book and her new one is on my TBR list. The Booker Prize always seems to go to a writer I had never previously heard of and that is the case once again. But I appreciate the introduction to this author and I definitely plan to get to know him better.
And as for that white stuff in your first photo, what the heck is that? It seems to be a substance with which I am unfamiliar!
Ha Dorothy. We were surprised by all the white stuff. It should melt in time for Halloween. Maybe you’ll see some snow this winter? I remember in college in San Antonio we got some Once! No one knew what to do ha.
I’m curious about the Booker winner … so will explore his novel sometime. See what you think of the latest TJR book. hmm. Enjoy your week.
10 inches of snow is a lot for late October. We got some snow up in our mountains yesterday, but nothing that stuck on the ground down in the valley where I live. And I’m okay with that. I’m not ready to shovel snow yet. 😀
Yeah Lark: the amount of snow was a surprise here — it was a lot more than we usually get at once. And no one has adjusted to the cold temps yet. You’re in Utah right? Are you in the north or south part of the state? We have driven through and stayed a few places. I’ll likely be shoveling snow today, argh! Have a happy week.
I’m right in Salt Lake City, which is northern Utah, and close to all the best ski resorts. Although I really don’t do much skiing any more. Too expensive these days…plus, my knees don’t like it any more.
Oh Salt Lake. So you get quite a bit of snow in the winter. We once got stuck at the airport there about 5 years ago due to weather. But the ski resorts are excellent. Been to Park City & Alta but it’s been awhile. I don’t downhill ski anymore either. Bad knees as well. Cheers.
I can’t believe the snow so early (lovely picture). About 10 years ago we had a lot of snow around Halloween and several trees were damaged. I’ve enjoyed Taylor Reid books in the past but so far her latest one has not called my name. I am sure I will try it though.
Hi Diane, yeah snow like this can really damage the trees which still have leaves on them. It’s a bit of a mess right now. But pretty in some places.
See what you think of the Carrie Soto novel … and tell me if I’m wrong about it … as I trust your thoughts. Cheers.
I had been eyeing the Carrie Soto book, but now I think I’ll take a pass. A little bit of unlikable is okay with me, but this character sounds too mean for me, lol.
Enjoy the rest of your month, and any spooky books you pick.
Love the look of snow!
Hi Laurel, I think Carrie is not likable & mean … so I don’t think you’re missing much. I was geared up for it too! darn.
And thanks. I need to find a spooky read. The snow was pretty for a while!
Happy reading to you.
That is crazy that you already had a real heavy duty snowstorm in October. Looks beautiful but I really don’t like the cold or the snow anymore. Therefore we are snowbirds in Miami where its sunny and warm. The Andrea Barret book looks interesting. Thanks for the reviews.
Hey Judee: yeah I envy the snowbirds quite a bit. Do you live in the Philly area in summer and in Miami in winter? Or just Miami? You have picked good spots. And congrats to the Phillies baseball team.
Andrea Barret is a beautiful writer in many ways. Have a great week.
How did I miss the Booker announcement? This is the first I’ve read about it. My experience is that I haven’t been super enthusiastic about the winners in past years, though your review of this one is appealing.
Snow? Sorry your fall is interrupted!
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hi Mae, LOL … fall I think will return ha. but maybe not for long. This amount of snow was quite a surprise to all here. And there’s some tree damage around the area. Crazy. The Halloween weekend looks warmer.
Some Booker prize winners I’m not that into … but this one looks good. You might have been too troubled about the election & Ukraine and missed the Booker which is understandable. I have voted absentee in Virginia!
Oh, I envy you the snowfall! Winter is almost as well beloved by me as Autumn. It has a sort of hush, and sparkle, not to be found anywhere else.
I was truthfully surprised that neither Small Things Like These, nor Oh, William! won the Booker Prize. But then again, what I wish to win rarely does. ☺️ As you said, it’s good to be exposed to new authors, which the Booker Prizes always do. (I especially love the Booker International Prize.)
Thanks Bellezza for stopping by. Great seeing your thoughts. I had listened to a podcast about the shortlist and they had picked Seven Moons to win which I guess prepared me ahead of time, though Strout and Keegan were more well-known names etc. I’m curious to read Seven Moons sometime. The author sounds very talented.
I’m glad to hear you like winter. I’ve mostly come to embrace it since living here. Autumn will return for a few more weeks, which I really like. I will gear up with the clothing. Happy reading to you.
I heard on the radio today that watching scary movies is beneficial to whatever part of your brain makes us able to multi task so I guess that explains why I’m so good at organization and multi-tasking. My friends and I in school used to go see whatever scary movie was playing every weekend.
Oooo I love the snow picture! So preety!
Ha Jinjer, I didn’t know that about scary movies & multi-tasking… what a link between the two. I’m not very good at watching scary movies (and alas multi-tasking?) … but I have seen The Shining and The Exorcist while hiding in my seat. Those were the cream of the crop so I’m good. I did see Get Out which is a bit spooky… so my organization is not too lost.
Hope you have a great week.
The Booker winner was the one I wasn’t expecting. It’s the largest volume of the bunch. My reading has flatlined; I hope it improves soon. I read TJR’s previous one, Malibu Rising (I think is its title), in which Carrie Soto made a cameo as the tennis player’s lover. It was a good novel, went down easily… I just wasn’t crazy about it. I have Evelyn Hugo on my TBR but I don’t know when I’ll get to it. You seem to have the same qualms about Carrie Soto that I had with that previous novel.
Hi Carmen!! Yeah I’m starting a bit to wonder if TJR’s books are for me — I know some can be entertaining for summer fare but this one didn’t do much for me. I had heard Carrie makes a cameo in Malibu Rising and that’s where the author got the idea to expand on her character etc. It was a good idea but why did the character have to be so cold or brash? hmm. winning isn’t everything, LOL.
Sorry to hear about your reading flatlining … I go through that a lot too. A good read will make you bounce back eventually. It takes me a good while to get going at the start of a book. Like molasses & then finally it comes. Enjoy your week. ps. maybe I’ll see the new Cate Blanchett movie soon.
Good grief! A snowstorm in October? And a heavy snowstorm? We are still sweating it out here in Texas. I had to turn on the air conditioner tonight when I saw it was 79 in the house.
I was happy to hear the Booker winner was from a Sri Lankan author. The people in Sri Lanka have had it rough of late. I would be interested in reading that book.
I will pass on Carrie Soto is Back and Natural History: Stories. I don’t think I’d like either of these. I will say that I am greatly enjoying Demon Copperhead, though I’m only a few chapters in.
Yeah Deb, both of these reads that I reviewed were a bit disappointing to me which is rare but happens. So continue on with the Demon Copperhead book, lol on Kingsolver’s title.
I hope the Booker win continues to bolster Sri Lankan authors & lit. There’s quite a few titles being translated from that part of the world that look good.
And the amount of snow here was a surprise … usually we get a dusting of it by Halloween time but this was something else! I hope your temps there start to cool a bit. & Happy reading this week.
Wow, that’s a lot of snow! At least the dog is enjoying it. Halloween is my favorite holiday, but I haven’t had much time for reading. I made a giant spooky TBR, and now I’m just staring at it sadly.
Yeah we got a lot more snow than we expected, ouch! But good for the mountains.
I can relate … I haven’t done any Halloween kind of reading either. Is your park job still really busy? It’s hard to read when things are nuts. Still I hope you & your daughter have a fun Halloween ahead! Cheers.
We have had fluctuating weather here too, but no snow yet! We have had a few flakes, but nothing that has stuck. I hope it does melt this week. The Booker Prize winner does sound interesting. It is fun to learn about new authors. Hope your week is a good one!
Thanks Gretchen. Things are starting to melt here – but it could take awhile. The Booker winner might be a bit challenging a read but I might try it out. Have a great week. Happy Halloween.
I LOVE the snow/dog photo, 2 of my favorite things!
I almost got a copy of the Carrie book but decided I may not like it as much as I first thought.
Thanks Vicki. The snow was pretty the first day and the dogs Love it! They’ve been jumping around in the snow trying to find their ball, which I’ve been tossing lots lately.
Yeah I’m not sure whether you’d like the Carrie novel. Hmm. You could test out a library copy but I don’t think I’d buy it. Have a great week!
I did pretty well with my summer reading list but I have not picked up one book for RIP and it’s my fave time of the year. I just couldn’t concentrate with the knee pain but I am doing better now, just not reading anything for the season, really.
Okay Ti. I hope your knee pain has gone down. Can you take anything for it? I take a prescription anti-inflammatory which helps my knees. Sometimes summer is busy so it’s hard to finish everything on the list. It seems you are reading the Long Irving novel right? That seems mega. I look forward to hearing what you think of it. Enjoy your week.
That’s a ton of snow up your way! Wow. We got a bit of snow last weekend but it melted the next day but I can’t remember the last time we got snow before Halloween so it was very weird in our area. Happy dogs are important.
I’ve been making all the chilis for Halloween time and reading and watching the horror!
I hope you enjoy your Halloween weekend and stay warm and dry.
Thanks Heather. It should be a warm-ish weekend … so the snow is melting away. I still need to rake leaves in the yard. I will stop by to see what scary stuff you’ve been reading & watching. Halloween-time has come pretty quickly … I hope you all have fun!
Wow, you got snow?! Here in London we still had 20C last week. Not really Halloween weather. I haven’t read anything spooky, but both Carmilla (one of the first vampire novels) and Coraline (children’s story by Neil Gaiman) were quite atmospheric. Never read anything by TJR. Maybe I am the only one on the planet 😉
Ha Stargazer. It’s okay. I think I might bypass TJR in the future. Her books are a bit summer fluff. (Perhaps no one will know I wrote that … ) . There’s too much good stuff to read. Sounds like you are having a nice fall there. Today we will get another big dump of snow! Perhaps the skiing might be good this year.
Have a nice week.