A Rave Review for Bill Bryson - Author Extraordinaire

The next selection for our book club is Bill Bryson’s “I’m a Stranger Here Myself” and I can’t wait to read it!

I’ve heard adoring reviews of his writing for years but have never picked up any of his books, not even his bestselling “A Walk in the Woods” which my sister raved about.

But because I hate to read things out of order, I’ve decided to start with his book “Notes from a Small Island” which is a sort of love letter to the UK where he lived for +20 years and started a family.

He writes it because he’s preparing to move back to the U.S. where he subsequently writes, “I’m a Stranger Here Myself”, which discusses the many American traditions which suddenly appear so quirky after being away for 2 decades.

While it may seem a bit premature to write a book review when I’ve only read 45 pages…I can’t help it because it is that fabulous and hilarious! He’s definitely got a great sense of humor and I’ve caught myself laughing aloud at times because of how great his writing is.

Below is a brief excerpt from “Notes from a Small Island” which neatly summarizes the book and his (hilarious) reasoning for returning to the States:

“I had come to Calais because I was about to embark on a grand tour of Britain and wanted to reenter the country as I had first seen it, from the sea. After nearly twenty years in England, my wife and I had taken the decision to move back to America for a while, to give the children the chance of experiencing life in another country and my wife the chance to shop until 10 P.M. seven nights a week. I had recently read that 3.7 million Americans, according to a Gallup poll, believed that they had been abducted by aliens at one time or another, so it was clear that my people needed me. But I had insisted on having one last look at Britain – a kind of valedictory tour around the green and kindly island that had for two decades been my home.”

So if you’re looking for a holiday gift for one of your favorite readers, or you’re looking for books to read during your holiday break – I highly recommend checking out Bill Bryson!

To Sleep or Read...That is the Question

It took sheer willpower not to fall asleep tonight while driving home from work. I think it may have had something to do with the time change and driving home in the pitch dark with my car heater slowly pumping out warm air.

Even after dinner, when I usually get my second wind, I could barely keep my eyes open while watching TV with my sister.

But even though I clearly need the extra sleep, I can’t go to bed yet because I have to finish my book first. I have about fifteen pages left and I just can’t leave it for tomorrow…it’s too good!

If you haven’t yet read “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett, I highly recommend reserving it at your local bookstore immediately and picking it up when you have some free time. You won’t be able to put it down!

Now enough writing, I have a book to finish!

Cupcakes, Popcorn and Books

Today was the second gathering of our book club. Aside from the lively discussion, my favorite part of the meeting was the assortment of snacks: popcorn, cupcakes, Brie cheese with crackers and brownies as thick as a book.

Yummmm…my favorite kind of lunch!

And even though I finished our book selection yesterday at midnight, I promise I did not procrastinate reading it. I had actually wanted to start reading the book as soon as it was chosen last month. But, afraid that I would remember nothing for the next meeting, I made myself wait till the week before in order to retain as much information as possible.

While I still couldn’t remember all of the character names (there were a lot!), I am proud to say that I was able to contribute a lot to the discussion.

And as I sat there munching on snacks and listening to everyone else talk, I realized how grateful I was that I hadn’t disregarded the opportunity like I would have in the past.

Instead, I had chosen to Live Love Life Now™ and to try something new…and so far it’s paying off in spades.

Virginia is for (Book) Lovers

I am officially a grown-up.

I have joined a book club.

And crossed off something else on my bucket list. I know it may sound silly but I’ve always wanted to join a book club. It always seemed like a very adult thing to do.

Now we haven’t read any books yet, but if it’s going to be anything like the first meeting – I’m definitely hooked! Our inaugural gathering consisted of having a picnic under a tree at the National Arboretum, enjoying the gorgeous spring weather...oh and talking about books.

My only concern about being a part of a book club though is having anything to say at the next get together. You see, my reading level is high but my retention level is low, very low.

But maybe I won’t have anything to worry about because everybody knows that most book clubs are actually fronts for wine tasting…so we’ll see how much discussion about books actually happen.

But I don’t really care because I’m just looking forward to having an excuse to read something besides emails and magazines.