flight paths discussion

cold rain chill wind
brightened by tiny lights
reflected in gratitude within
for warm friends and hot tea
and reading cosy in bed

Magdelanye, the poem conjures up peaceful moments. It's lovely.

I only read two books last month: Shift and Cousin Rosamund.

I enjoyed Shift quite a bit. It's sort of a prequel to Wool Omnibus, telling more about how the silos came to be. I'm looking forward to continuing the trilogy with Dust.

Cousin Rosamund was the final segment of the Aubrey trilogy. Sadly, Rebecca West didn't live to finish it. It has a satisfying ending but it leaves, I think, some large unanswered questions. The reason for Rosamund's choice remains a mystery, for example.
The trilogy could be a look at the choices women make regarding relationships, marriages and remaining single. It could be a look at how the various relationships unfold. It could also be about forgiveness and acceptance.
All in all, I enjoyed the trilogy. Rebecca West's writing style is easy to read, interesting and brings the characters & settings alive. I will read more by her.

I am currently reading a short sci-fi story, A Curious Orb. It's a simple story that hasn't had any surprises yet. But it's an easy read and quite interesting in it's own way.

I continue to listen to The Gene: An Intimate History. I had to return the audio book to the library for awhile but now have it back. I am quite enjoying it.

That's it for me right now.

Petra I loved Wool and I believe I have read at least two of the volumes. not shift but I see I will have to I am still curious. I got so wrapped up and attached to the characters. How did they all get in there?
Reminds me of Engine Summer.
Never actually read Rebecca West. I did have a book of hers, Virago addition, slightly damaged by fire. It's with the rest of my things in storage.

Yay for the library! Last week I read Marguerite Duras's second novel. It was heavy but I wrote my review right away- today in fact and that gloom has given way to the gloom of Paul Harding's This Other Eden, and this one's based on a true history. It's fitting that I am also reading The Case for Rage by Myisha Cherry which is engrossing. Finishing up

with Shella Heti. Eager to hear from Ellie what you think.

I did finish it though which was good because I was able to get over my immediate reaction of revulsion to be able to appreciate what Sheila Heti was attempting.

Also finished Other Eden. It really is a heartbreaking story that is handled masterfully by Paul Harding. Atrocious that it's based on historical facts.

Now Ive begun Time Shelter, which I requested in the little spree I went on when the Booker longlist was announced. Apparantly it won.
But I was intimidated not for that but for a review from someone I most respect professing some difficulty in making sense of this book. I was braced but o joy! Wherever it might go off the rails, I am loving it so far.

And The Case for Rage is compelling.

Ellie I came across a book by Kellerman on walking New York. Do you know it?

Slowly chipping away at reading, whilst discovering more books in the house sort. Found Little House on the Praire Set of 5- Little House, the Long Winter, These Happy Golden Years, By the Shores of Silver Lake and Little Town on the Prairie, bringing back memories from the TV series many eons ago.

Currently reading a book I am not liking, but stubbornly will finish and discard any more books in the series. Tbr holding at around 44 books/series - focus next year on the one off reads.

what book would that be, Ice? I know that stubborn feeling: sometimes I'm glad I powered though but that's not always the case.

I ended up loving Time Shelter. Do check that one out Ice.
I'm now reading We Meant Well by Erum Shazia Hasan
which is such a fitting title on the whole concept of international aid.
I've also started another book on pilgrimage and rather sluggishly finishing up Natasha Lum's Conversations on Love.

its a little scary how quickly time has speeded up. It was a quiet new years eve for me spent reading in bed.

I did finish tomorow ×3 and loved it even though i could barely imagine these games that we certainly never had.
And the pilgrimage to Rome was a definite inspiration.

The dark horse was Grace, historical fiction about the famine in Ireland by Paul Lynch whose book the Prophet recently won the Booker or maybe it was the Giller.
Anyhow apologies for being late posting and one last Hurrah for the new year. May it bring us the luxery of lots of ininhibited reading time

re Grace
I knew it would be a long wait for prizewinning book and im glad i decided to read this first, even if it broke my heart