I listened to Gaskell's "Cranford" on audio for Victober a few years ago. I reminded me that I'd watched "Wives and Daughters" and "North and South" on PBS with my grandmother 40+ years ago. I promptly bought Delphi's complete collection of Gaskell's works. So. Good. I listened to "The Housekeeper and the Professor" in 2023. Solid 5 stars for me, as well. And I just put a hold on "Stoner" based on your recommendation. You've had some good reading this year! I've also completed 57 books this year (but a lot were small poetry collections). My 5 star reads this year have included “How to Stay invisible” by Rudd, “The Murmur of Bees” by Segovia, “The Lincoln Highway” by Towles, “The Heart's Invisible Furies” by Boyne and “Foster” by Keegan.
You've got me even more excited to continue with Gaskell's works - and why has it never occurred to me to seek out the film adaptations?! Thank you for this idea!
It looks like you've had a great reading year so far, too! Towles and Foster are two of my favorite authors, and theirs are the only two books I've read in your list of 5-star reads, so I will definitely look into the others you've mentioned. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your recap and recommendations. My last three June reads have been two stars. 🤨. I shouldn’t have even finished them. I also enjoyed Summer Romance for the same reasons and Say You Will Remember Me. My favorite reads this year have been Frozen River, Broken Country, James, Great Big Beautiful Life, The Story She Left Behind and Marble Hall Murders.
Oh shoot, those 2-star streaks are a bummer! But it looks like you've had a number of winners this year too, so hopefully they're helping to balance that out. I've just started Great Big Beautiful Life and am glad to see you enjoyed it, as it looks like we might have similar reading tastes. I hope July brings you some truly great reads!
I definitely encourage the book club experience when possible! I've read so many great books thanks to my neighborhood book club. And even with the not-so-great books, we've still enjoyed great discussions!
I totally get that, Kuleigh! I actually started Stoner a few times over the years, read a few pages, and put it aside; then for whatever reason, this time it just spoke to me. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it!
I just loved it! I can't even really explain what it is about her writing that captivates me, but I enjoy it so much. Do you have a favorite of hers? I think Cranford is next up for me.
I listened to Gaskell's "Cranford" on audio for Victober a few years ago. I reminded me that I'd watched "Wives and Daughters" and "North and South" on PBS with my grandmother 40+ years ago. I promptly bought Delphi's complete collection of Gaskell's works. So. Good. I listened to "The Housekeeper and the Professor" in 2023. Solid 5 stars for me, as well. And I just put a hold on "Stoner" based on your recommendation. You've had some good reading this year! I've also completed 57 books this year (but a lot were small poetry collections). My 5 star reads this year have included “How to Stay invisible” by Rudd, “The Murmur of Bees” by Segovia, “The Lincoln Highway” by Towles, “The Heart's Invisible Furies” by Boyne and “Foster” by Keegan.
You've got me even more excited to continue with Gaskell's works - and why has it never occurred to me to seek out the film adaptations?! Thank you for this idea!
It looks like you've had a great reading year so far, too! Towles and Foster are two of my favorite authors, and theirs are the only two books I've read in your list of 5-star reads, so I will definitely look into the others you've mentioned. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your recap and recommendations. My last three June reads have been two stars. 🤨. I shouldn’t have even finished them. I also enjoyed Summer Romance for the same reasons and Say You Will Remember Me. My favorite reads this year have been Frozen River, Broken Country, James, Great Big Beautiful Life, The Story She Left Behind and Marble Hall Murders.
Oh shoot, those 2-star streaks are a bummer! But it looks like you've had a number of winners this year too, so hopefully they're helping to balance that out. I've just started Great Big Beautiful Life and am glad to see you enjoyed it, as it looks like we might have similar reading tastes. I hope July brings you some truly great reads!
Agreed, thanks and me too!
Abby has never ever disappointed me. So glad her latest made your list.
It's my fourth by her and I've really enjoyed them all so far! I'm glad you've been loving them, too.
Haven’t missed one yet. 😀
One of my takeaways: the importance of a neighborhood book club (or reading something unplanned).
I definitely encourage the book club experience when possible! I've read so many great books thanks to my neighborhood book club. And even with the not-so-great books, we've still enjoyed great discussions!
Stoner has been on my TBR for way too long! I'm eager to get back into the rhythm of reading some older classics.
I totally get that, Kuleigh! I actually started Stoner a few times over the years, read a few pages, and put it aside; then for whatever reason, this time it just spoke to me. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it!
I love Elizabeth Gaskell! North and South is so good!
I just loved it! I can't even really explain what it is about her writing that captivates me, but I enjoy it so much. Do you have a favorite of hers? I think Cranford is next up for me.
North and South was probably my favorite, followed by Wives and Daughters. I've also read Mary Barton and Cranford. She's such a great author.
Check out Fresh Water for Flowers, a gem of a book