Tuesday Twaddle

I was in Illinois for my nephew's wedding, this past weekend, and too tired for Malarkey. So, Tuesday Twaddle it is.

Recent arrivals:

• The Gown by Jennifer Robson - from William Morrow for review
• The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib - from St. Martin's Press for review

Books finished since last week's Malarkey:

• The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash
• The Sadness of Beautiful Things by Simon Van Booy (reread)

The Last Ballad was so good it was hard to put down. Beautiful storytelling. This was my second reading of The Sadness of Beautiful Things. Also, beautiful writing, of course, but I prefer to read short story collections slowly and let each story roll around in my head for a bit before moving on to the next. I hope to get Beautiful Things reviewed as quickly as possible. I loved it so much that I wish I had time for a third reading (always true of Simon's books). 

Currently reading:

• News of the World by Paulette Giles

I've just started rereading News of the World for F2F group discussion -- a bit last-minute, but fortunately the book is short. I also read the intro to 1968 by Richard Vinen but I think I'm going to set that aside and read a book about D-Day, instead. I'll decide tonight. 1968 offers a unique perspective on the time period -- more of a world view rather than a strictly American look at the happenings during and around the year 1968. I'm just not sure it's what I'm in the mood to read, but if I set it aside it will only be temporary.


Posts since last Malarkey:

• Mac B., Kid Spy: Mac Undercover by Mac Barnett (book review)

Yes, just one post. I was too bent on getting ready for my weekend trip to give much thought to the blog, last week. 

In other news:

I love weddings. We arrived in Bloomington, Illinois to snow -- just flurries -- and that alone was a thrill for us. I think that's the earliest snowfall I've ever experienced. Prior to this snow (on the 12th), our earliest snow experience was on Halloween, when we lived in Michigan. The greeter at the airport gate said, "Welcome to snow!" I think she was just as surprised as we were. The wedding was held outdoors, in the evening, and it was probably in the 40s outside. Amazingly, the bride wore a sleeveless dress without a jacket. Blankets were available for guests. It was a truly unique and beautiful wedding.

We went to a farm with apples, pumpkins, some farm animals, a play area, a ride and a slide for the kiddies. It would have been a great place to take the grandchild if she'd been with us.

We also went to LaSalle, where we took a boat ride on a canal. The boat is pulled by a mule. Well, that was quite an experience! We enjoyed it immensely. I loved the historical information we learned from the crew and I had no idea that a mule is a cross between a horse and a donkey. How'd I survive half a century without knowing that? This is my favorite photo, from inside the boat before the mule was hooked up and took us for a gentle ride.

Yes, they really are stubborn.

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