March has been so busy, and full, and fun, and I am surprised we are still in it. Typically, the months fly by so quickly I hardly realize that we experienced a month, but for some reason I feel astonishment that it’s still March. Two weeks ago I was packing for Vegas, and that feels like two months ago; our houseguests left on Sunday and that feels like it happened three weeks ago.
Part of my cognitive dissonance is that March in Kelowna feels a lot like May in Calgary, but with less daylight and snow. We got back from Vegas and I excitedly thought It’s almost my birthday!, forgetting that a) my birthday was at that point five weeks away, and b) we hadn’t yet celebrated my son’s March birthday.
I’m not complaining; time goes so quickly that it’s okay for once that March has felt like it’s several months long. I realized, though, that it’s been a while since I talked about books. In the past couple of weeks, I have read five really great books! And one real dud. One of these books was a reread, two were translations, and all of them were novels.
The Friend. I first read this beautiful book about a woman who, while grieving the loss of a friend due to suicide, finds herself in possession of that friend’s Great Dane back in April 2019, on the strong recommendation of my dear friend Suzanne (HI SUZANNE). And back then, in April 2019, I liked it a lot. I saw this on the shelf at the library and thought, hey, why not a reread? After all, this is about a woman in sudden possession of a big dog, and I myself also have been in sudden possession of a big dog. It is also about grief; the loss of this woman’s friend and literary mentor becomes very conflated with the care of the big dog. This book is very literary and has a lot of detail about the writing process and the general attitude that all writers seem to have, which is a lot of doubt about the worth and usefulness of their own writing, as well as numerous wonderful references to literature. But let me tell you how differently this book hit me, this read around. In April 2019 my life was considerably different than it is now, big dog notwithstanding. I was a very busy yoga teacher who was training for a road race, I had kids in junior high, it was a year pre-pandemic, life was ticking along nicely, and, importantly, my dear Barkley was still alive and very healthy. None of those things are true now. I was so incredibly moved by this book on so many levels this time around; not only did I like it a lot, I absolutely loved it, and it resonated so much with me. Anyone who has lost a friend, particularly to suicide, will find this incredibly poignant and moving. And anyone who has had an elderly dog, well, let’s just say I found myself devastated in a way that no book has devastated me before. If you know, you know. I considered not telling you that part, but as my son (who made me this bookmark, among others, for Christmas) said, It’s a book about a dog. Those never end well. Truth. That said, this book is absolutely beautiful and completely unforgettable, even if I kind of forgot what happened the last time I read it.
Whereabouts. This book is a novel, but it almost reads like a series of very interconnected short stories: each short chapter is a vignette into itself. It is a story of a woman living a solitary life amidst the bustle of an unnamed city, and it’s exactly the kind of thing I love: such an ordinary life, with all these extraordinary details. This is very much an internal development book, so if you’re looking for a thick plot or page turning action, then no, this is not the book for that. But it’s a gorgeous book of prose about an internal journey of a woman on her own. Fun fact: this was the first book Lahiri wrote in Italian and then translated to English. This language facility fascinates me!
Commonwealth. True confession: for the longest time, I had this book conflated with another from a different author, with a similar but different title, similar but different cover, and I did NOT like that book at all. So for the longest time, I thought “I love Ann Patchett…except for Commonwealth.” Then I read an essay by her that talked about Commonwealth as the most autobiographical of all her novels, describing the plot, and I realized that I HAD NEVER READ IT AT ALL. So I had to rectify that, obviously. This is SO good. It’s the story of a blended family and all the changes and gains and losses in life. It was breathtakingly good, and I was captivated by the Big Plot Twist in the story. I think anyone who wants to write or does write is VERY aware of how the people in their lives will take the fictional-but-based-on-people-you-know characters, and the Big Plot Twist was pretty amazing. I loved this so much.
An Available Man. When Edward’s wife is dying, she tells him that they will ALL come out of the woodwork now, and by ALL she means women. This is a book about a widower who is navigating the world without his wife, and whose stepchildren put out a personal ad just for him. It’s a really good read, with a delightful look into relationships and life.
Breasts and Eggs. Have you ever wondered how a book gets on your library hold list? I know I put it there, but why? Did someone recommend this? If so, I am giving that person the side eye. Translations can be so tricky and I really feel like something was lost in the translation. Actually, I am going to be generous and say that something was definitely lost in the translation. This novel about two sisters, one who gets breast implants and one who considers donor-conceived pregnancy, two things that are viewed with a different lens in Japan, really fell flat for me. It read as clunky, repetitive, and way too long. I did not enjoy this and I kept reading to see how it would tie together. It…didn’t? Listen, I get that there are massive cultural differences between North America and Japan, particularly around donor conception, but wow, every chapter seemed to just reiterate the debate around it, in a terribly clunky way. Honestly I should have DNFed.
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise To Fame. This was such a sweet (literally! It’s about baking) and heartwarming book about a 77-year-old lady who enters into a televised baking competition (think The Great British Bakeoff). Listen, there are no surprises. There are no big twists. There is a reveal about a secret but I guessed it within the first third of this book, and you probably will too. Everything in this book is just lovely and cozy, every character is delightful, and if you need a pick-me-up escape from the fiery hellscape that is the world sometimes, I cannot recommend it enough.
I just picked up a giant STACK from the library yesterday; three holds came in and I was enticed by the lure of the “library recommends” shelf, and so I have four interesting books just waiting patiently for me to finish the one I have on the go right now. Is there anything more exciting than a good stack of books? Well, yes, probably, but there is nothing quite as cozy and joyful. Have you read anything good lately? Any duds? Tell me everything. xo
I’ve never read Anne Patchett and I keep thinking I should. Where would you recommend starting?
I checked my 2024 reads in Goodreads and I found a couple you might like because you like learning about other cultures. Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, a book of short stories from India. Very slice of life and very well written. Also, the second book in the Cairo trilogy by Naguib Mahfouz (though obviously I’d recommend starting at the beginning) for an interesting multigenerational look at early 20th century Egypt. This one is by a man, though, and in the second book the focus is almost entirely on the male members of the family. (The first one is more balanced and I can’t speak to the third yet but the title makes me think it’s more about the women.)
Bel Canto is really wonderful, as is The Dutch House. Do you like essay collections? If so, These Precious Days is perfection.
I have read – and loved – Interpreter of Maladies! I am interested in Egypt but not a lot in men’s stories…but my interest in Egypt might override that! So I’ll look into it!
I would like to add that I also loved These Precious Days, and I am NOT an essay person. However, it reads more like a memoir, with her essays feeling more like flowing thoughts about different things in her life.
No, there is nothing more exciting than a good stack of books! I’ve been on a good book roll lately, and I’m loving it. I also have lots of fun and exciting holds coming in from the library.
I read The Dutch House and liked it, but didn’t love it. So I’m hesitant to read Commonwealth, but you do make it sound good. The Friend sounds good- interesting how your experience reading it changed this time- and of course I LOVE the Rex bookmark!
Jenny, I feel like you’re a reader who likes a lot of plot, and I don’t think that’s really Patchett’s style – her books are so much more character based. So maybe she’s not for you! WARNING THE FRIEND IS VERY VERY SAD.
Sigh, what your son said about books about dogs never ending well. I’ve heard about a website called doesthedogdie.com that you can use to screen movies. I’ve never used it, but all I can say is that it’s a valuable service. I appreciate the forewarning, and I still think that I want to read The Friend…eventually. I spend a lot of time reflecting on the difference between having a very young dog and an elderly dog. Both ages are special, but the elderly dog was like a fine wine – aged to perfection.
I chuckled at Commonwealth because I DNF’d it…twice. Both time it was a few pages in, and the second time I was so annoyed when I realized that I’d started it before and forgotten it. Although I’ve never had a successful Ann Patchett, I still have ambitions to read her one day. I’m thinking about checking out Tom Lake in the nearish future.
My big reading success of the month/year is Every Last One by Anna Quindlen. Sooooooo good.
I would wait on The Friend, because hoo boy, does the author ever describe perfectly an aging dog’s final days. Woooo it was hard to read because so many things were exactly like Barks. But it is an excellent book and I agree wholeheartedly – so much difference between having a young dog and an old one, but both are so wonderful.
What a treasure stack, Nicole!! I have not read _The Friend_, and am going to put it on my list because… what could wrong in a book about a big dog, right :)?
I finished _The Bee Sting_ many days and couple of books ago and am STILL thinking about it… I’m making Big A read it so I can talk to someone about it.
Hmmm…I just put The Bee Sting on hold BUT you know my extreme bias against male writers…well, I will make the sacrifice just for you! Of course, I’m like 71 in line for this book so by the time I read it I will have forgotten this entire exchange!
I know what you mean about male authors… I almost put away _The Bee Sting_ after the second page when a character was described as having “a perfect figure,” but then I realized it was the voice of a teenager.
THANK YOU for the heads’ up!!! Noted! Okayyyy I’ll put the book BY A MAN on my list!
I didn’t have any amazing books in March, but that’s okay! I do love the sound of that baking novel. Kinda just the mind fluff I’m craving right now.
Ann Patchett is hit-and-miss for me. I LOVED The Dutch House and LOVED These Precious Days but have been kinda Meh about the other stuff. Then again, I am also the person who DNF Tom Lake, so it’s clearly just me since every other reader out there seems to adore that book.
I DNFd Tom Lake, too! It was the final straw for me in the book club that just wasn’t clicking for me. Too many other books I want to read for me to have any interest in finishing a book that I’m not enjoying.
Oh, I loved Tom Lake, but it’s exactly the kind of book I love typically. The baking book was just so light and perfect, it’s pure delightful escapism.
Tom Lake was okay, but I prefer These Precious Days or This is The Story of a Happy Marriage, which are both more memoir-like.
Commonwealth is my absolute favorite novel by Patchett so I am glad you gave it another try. I should reread it sometime. I don’t reread books generally but my love of that book means it could warrant a reread.
I abandoned “The Friend” (covers face with hands). It is raved about by so many people. I looked up my goodreads note and I abandoned it at 50% so I really gave it a good shot. It just might not have been for me? I am admittedly not at all a dog person (I appreciate others’ dogs but in a “good for you, not for me” kind of way!).
I do want to read the Jhumpa Lahiri book, though! I will have to put that on my holds list!
Oh no, this was my first try on Commonwealth! I THOUGHT I had read it but I hadn’t at all. It was a completely different book. I have no idea what I was thinking! Anyway, loved it! It was just a perfect book for me.
I finished The Friend, but did not love it. Sorry! I think it was more about the writing style than the story line… I had a dog growing up and he died and I was very sad, but this book just did not do it for me.
Kyria, we have very different tastes, I guess, because I thought the writing style was absolutely gorgeous.
I’ve been on a real roll lately with reading, which is great fun. Most recently I liked The Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser (after enjoying The Beginning of Everything from her), and a new historical mystery by KJ Charles, Death in the Spires.
I feel like I’ve maybe read that Bookshop book, but perhaps it’s a different one that I’m thinking of. I’ll have to look into my files!
I read The Friend when Hannah was in the peak of her health difficulties and I just found the whole book a comforting hug. Maybe not as comforting as Woodrow on the Bench, but those were books that made me think I could get through it. There are just books that hit us at just the right moment, aren’t there?
I DNFed Breast and Eggs, so I’m in the clear on that recommendation. Whew!
I am jealous, I wish I had DNFed it! It wasn’t worth the time I put into it. Why do I do this to myself?
I just finished All the Rage: Mothers, Fathers, and the Myth of Equal Partnership. It made me feel seen, validated, and very very angry.
Oooh, not sure if I’m in a mental space for that right now but I’m marking it down “for later!”
I recently read Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame and found it delightful! I also read Patchett’s essay book, based on your recommendation and I enjoyed it. Have you ever heard of Sloane Crosley? She writes hilarious essays, but her most recent book is about the suicide of her best friend. It’s called Grief Is For People. It was a very good read, IMO.
BIJOUX!!!! I just heard Sloane Crosley on a podcast a couple of weeks ago and based on that, immediately put Grief is for People on hold. I’m pretty close to the beginning of the queue so I hope it comes in soon.
We are leading parallel reading lives! The Grief book is nothing like her essays. You must read I Was Told There’d Be Cake! Hilarious. She’s similar to Sedaris, but less dark.
Sold! I just put it on my list!
Dog books make me too sad. I am immediately adding Mrs Quinn to my library request list. It’s exactly the type of comfort book that I want to read right now.
Oh, it is so wonderful and sweet! I hope you love it!
It’s funny that we thought we don’t like an author because of one book we read and completely change view of the same book after you read one that we love. The same happened to me with Ann. I didn’t love tom lake but love her essay (precious days). Which made me appreciate her other writing so much more. Now I want to re-read common wealth again too.
Oh, that is interesting! I have had that experience too, and sometimes I think it depends what book a person starts with!
I agree that March was exceptionally long this year! It’s always been my least favorite month, and this year didn’t disappoint! 🤣
It’s so true that any book about a dog isn’t going to end well. But I still can’t resist reading them because dogs are such great characters.
I like the month of March but I kind of can’t believe it’s still going! How is this possible?
The Friend is SUCH a wonderful book!
I did not love The Friend, but I did really enjoy The Art of Racing in the Rain. But just like your son said….dog books are hard. I am a little hit and miss on Patchett. She does do a lot of character driven writing, which is not my favorite style, but sometimes it is fine and sometimes it bothers me a little. I prefer her memoir/essay style books the most.
I put Mrs. Quinn on hold and am anxiously waiting! I am actually on a streak right now and am liking most of what I have read lately. I am currently reading The Women and it is great so far! I have a TON of great books on my loans shelf and holds shelf and can’t wait for the next month of reading to commence!
Character driven books are my very favourite kind of books; memoirs are second to that. Therefore, Ann Patchett is an incredible author for me!
I love your bookmark! I have trouble with dog books. The last one I read was Marley and Me.
March is actually flying by for me, despite everything going on with my dad. It isn’t so bad because I keep finding goodness in the midst of the sadness.
There’s nothing like a giant stack of library books. Dopamine/serotonin in the best form. ❤️
If you have trouble with dog books DO NOT READ THE FRIEND. Although it is a beautiful meditation on grief, I don’t think it’s right for you right now!
Love all the recommendations! I have put several on hold. I have read 24 books in so far in 2024 – average for you, but that’s a lot for me. Unlike you, I get stressed when too many books come in at once (I read ebooks almost exclusively) and am constantly pushing books back a week or so. My faves this year are Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea – about women who ran “donut and coffee trucks during WWII. Based on the author’s grandmother (I think?). Also loved Trial by Richard North Patterson. Finally the Surgeons Daughter by Audrey Blake – about a woman studying medicine in Italy in the 19th century. Keep the recommendations coming!
This library system lets me have books for four weeks! The ebook system (I’m still using CPL) is only three, so I have to carefully figure things out when I’m reading!
I just realized that I started reading this post yesterday and never finished. I just read a memoir that I liked. It’s called, Stealing Buddha’s Dinner. It was a quick read. There’s lots of references to TV shows and food from the 70’s and 80’s. I enjoyed it and I believe you like memoirs, so I thought I’d mention it.
I loved The Dutch House and I look forward to reading another Ann Patchett, but probably not till summer. By then, I should be done with my book club books.
Time is flying by for me too. I can’t get caught up on anything. I really need to start Reg’s graduation video (a look back, not a video of him graduating) and When, WHEN is that gonna happen?
Oh, I’ll have to look up Stealing Buddha’s Dinner! That sounds really good! Thanks Ernie!
It feels like March 2019 could not have been THAT far away but then you talk about your kids being in junior high and I’m like… dang, 2019 was 5 years ago now! Half a decade. Wild.
I have tried multiple Ann Patchett books and all have been 3 stars. I understand why she is so beloved, but her writing style doesn’t work for me. But I’m glad you loved Commonwealth! I need to try The Friend but sad dog books are hard for me.
I’ve had two 2-star reads in a row but right now I’m reading Remarkably Bright Creatures and I think it’s going to break my streak of meh books.
Oh Stephany, this is so interesting! As you know, I’m hard-core Team Ann Patchett, but I really didn’t enjoy Remarkably Bright Creatures! This means that if we are ever in a bookstore together and there is only one copy of each book, we won’t fight over them!
It is wild that 2019 was five years ago. It really doesn’t feel like that long in some ways, and in others it seems like an entire lifetime ago!
I love your bookmark; so sweet.
I have Commonwealth on my wish list; I love Anne’s writing!
I also CAN NOT with stories about pets….I always end up I a puddle of tears.
I love her writing too!
Isn’t that bookmark great? My son did such a good job!