Ken Lindholm > Recent Status Updates

While traveling, I’ve interrupted my reading, but will be starting up again soon.

Homegoing was a well reviewed, debut novel by Yaa Gyasi, published about ten years ago about generations of families, originating from two step sisters in Africa. I am both listening to the audiobook, narrated by the excellent Dominic Hoffman, and reading on my Kindle (which helps clarify some of the African names).

I bought this audiobook some time ago when it was on sale at Chirp books. Finally, I’m on a long drive and enjoying the story!

With 2026 being the 250th anniversary of the United States, it seems appropriate to find some relevant reading. I decided to go with Pulitzer Prize winning author Rick Atkinson and the first volume of his Revolutionary War trilogy The British are Coming.

Ruth was included on last year’s “ten best” lists of both the WSJ and Washington Post, but the low GR reader rating placed it dead last in my “to read” list. Currently a $2 Kindle deal, Ruth - which follows the life of a young woman growing up in a communal Hutterite colony in Michigan - still sounded interesting to me. I’ll give it a try!

Just starting this recent book about WWII in the Philippines, and the contrasting paths of its two generals. Very positive reviews on GR, but unknown by many readers. Currently, a $1.99 Kindle deal so I have my copy!

Raising Hare was on many “best books” lists for 2025, and was highly recommended by GR friend Stephen. I was fortunate to get a Kindle copy when it was $1.99 daily deal. It’s now back to its standard price, but maybe it will go on sale again in the future!

During the holidays, GR friend Cecily drew my attention to the last story “Santa’s Children” in Calvino’s collection Marcovaldo. Having an unread copy of the book, I took that as a sign to try it out. Italo Calvino wrote these stories in the 1950 and 60’s.

I’m just starting this well rated, Hampton Sides book about Kit Carson and the West, but I noticed it’s a Kindle $1.99 deal currently for Cyber Monday in case you’ve been considering it!

I became aware of Canadian author Robertson Davies through enthusiastic comments by GR friends Javier and Robin. Fifth Business sounded like a good starting point.

Denis Johnson’s Train Dreams is a novella that received strong critical praise when it was published in 2011, including being shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize. Recently, it’s been made into a movie that also is garnering favorable reviews. I took this as a sign to start reading!

Time for some nonfiction. I’ve found Ben Macintyre to be an excellent and entertaining author. In Rogue Heroes, he writes about the development in WWII of Britain’s Special Air Services (SAS), small groups of highly trained individuals to be focused on specific targets. This would serve as a model for similar groups, like the US Navy Seals.

Having long ago seen the movie, many times I’ve thought of reading this book. Now, having not read an Irving novel in many years, I decided it’s time to start. Right away, in the first chapter, the storytelling begins with a “little over the top” style, and many tangents to explore.

Before starting a somewhat lengthy book, I thought I’d catch up with a couple of short readings in my queue.

This was a good choice for listening over time. At 20 hours, it’s pretty lengthy, but that doesn’t matter here. We all know the overall story. It’s the individual perspectives that are interesting, and those can be done in shorter segments.

Because of his positive critical reviews, I have intended to read a Russell Banks novel for some time. A while ago, the WSJ published a list of favorite books based in small towns. The Sweet Hereafter by Banks was on the WSJ list so that gave me the impetus to finally turn to his writing.

I became aware of this audiobook through the review of GR friend Bruce. It’s currently on sale for $12 through Chirp books. That’s a good price, but if you’re interested and don’t currently use Chirp, you might be able to get a bargain at $2 if I (or someone else) refers you to Chirp - to do this just send me a message with your email address (I’m not sure if this will work if your outside the US)

Heading off soon for Washington, an oldster as protagonist, and favorable reviews by GR friends… seems like a worthwhile read!

A book club selection has worked its way into my reading queue. We’ll see how it goes!

While traveling, I’ve been listening to the audiobook. Unfortunately, the names and place pronunciation seem hard to follow, and the narrator is just adequate. I will reread some parts and switch back to the Kindle version.

Another book recommended before traveling to Portugal. This one looks promising!

Again, I’m picking up a book from my “to read” queue that’s on the low end of GR ratings. But I’ve read and enjoyed Price before (Lush Life), and GR friends Bruce and Ron (WP book critic) have given this👍. I just started, but I am again enjoying Price’s writing style.

Having recently watched the Australian tv series (on Amazon Prime), I wanted to revisit and reread various sections of the novel.

The current Australian tv series (on Amazon Prime) has me revisiting and rereading this book. I’m choosing parts to reread, and I’m “enjoying” it very much, better appreciating the writing compared with my original read ten years ago.

Portuguese author Jose Saramago won the Nobel Prize in literature. His Journey to Portugal was “highly recommended” reading for a trip we’ll be taking later this year. Saramago writes about his travels through Portugal about thirty five years ago. Unfortunately, this book has the absolute lowest GR rating in my “to read” queue so I’m approaching it with lowered expectations.

A book club selection that looks like a good choice for a group that experienced these moments.

I noticed this book based on a friend of a friend on GR. Although I avoid most physical books, I bought one (inexpensive as for a good used copy through Amazon). I’ve seen many of Clyde Butcher’s photographs and look forward to reading more about him.

On many “best books” lists, nominated for numerous awards and a solid reader rating. Seems worth checking out!

I often buy books in my “to read” queue when they are Kindle “daily deals” so I always have interesting reading material close at hand. Such was the case with Question 7. Having read Richard Flanagan’s The Narrow Road to the Deep North ten years ago, this book caught my attention. When a GR friend recently reviewed it, I took it as a sign to begin reading.

Wind, Sand and Stars just recently came to my attention through a GR friend’s review. A combination of that review, a Kindle deal price of $2, the desire to shift back to nonfiction, and a family discussion of my brother-in-law’s flying small planes in Alaska was a sign that I should read this soon.