Weekly Reading Round-Up
Happy Friday, all!
For years, friends have been recommending Louise Penny’s Quebec-set Gamache books to me (some went beyond recommendation and actually mailed them to me). Because so many discerning readers couldn’t be wrong, a few years ago I picked up the first one, Still Life— and bounced off it. Two days ago, I picked up that same book again and couldn’t stop reading it. The second it was done, I moved on to book 2, A Fatal Grace. I have book 3 queued up and ready to read.
The moral of this story? Sometimes it’s not the book, it’s you. Or maybe the moral is: the right book will come along at the right time (and if you don’t like it, maybe it’s just not the right time yet).
Either way, I am so happy to know that there are nineteen Gamache books in the world and I thoroughly intend to read all of them. Possibly by next week.
What have you been reading this week?
It must be me, because I read one of her books a few years ago, but just didn’t like it. When you are done with her series, start on William Kent Krueger. He is a genius, esp the first two free-standing novels.
Love all of her books Right now reading Keeper of Enchanted Rooms Just finished Murder Road
I finally picked up Louise Penny a year ago and have had to pace myself so I don’t burn through them too quickly! I’m on Number 13, which I think shows admirable restraint! I almost ALWAYS prefer reading actual books to audiobooks, but in the case of the Gamache books I’ve chosen to go the audiobook route because, not only are the narrators amazing (there are two – the first one died somewhere around book 10) but because it adds so much to the sense of place to hear the French names pronounced with a genuine French accent.
Having just finished Gamache book 12, I’m really enjoying Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, and now I know what all the fuss for that one was about, too.
Love that series! Read through book 13 and stopped because I don’t want to finish the series available. Reading A Botanist’s Guide to society and secrets by Kate Khavari.
I read the first 3 Gamache books but didn’t enjoy them at all. I continued to read for 3 books because my oldest friend assured me that I would love them. I’m re reading the Vicky Bliss books (thanks for the idea) and love them all over again.