The Unread Bookshelf Project continues! March Madness must have infused my reading goals this month. While I thought I had formulated a plan for systematically approaching the book tower of unread titles, I’m off track and losing ground. The Unread Bookshelf Project is a bit of a misnomer: my books are all over the place, not organized on a tidy shelf! GoodReads is keeping me honest, so using that site has been helpful. I just don’t like logging in and getting the reminder about being one book behind!
March Unread Book Challenge Completions
The Last Tudor
First, I began the month with Philippa Gregory’s latest, The Last Tudor. Confession time: I actually bought this through Amazon Kindle, I didn’t already have it sitting on a shelf. I have consistently read her Tudor series, and have enjoyed sharing these with my daughter. In a nutshell, we both revel in books featuring the British Monarchy circa The Tudor Age. The story features Lady Jane Grey, best known for her reign of 9 days. Upon her death by beheading, scheming machinations continued which involved her 2 sisters and the potential for taking the throne, whether through overthrow, marriage or declaration of the nobles. Gregory is apt at describing court life in general and the constant state of emotional turmoil of three sisters used as pawns for the constant power grab of family. As with all Philippa Gregory historical fiction, this one did not disappoint.
Why I Read: The Serious Pleasure of Books
Next, in the interest of knocking out that growing #TBR list, I pulled out Why I Read: The Serious Pleasure of Books, written by Wendy Lesser. I remember where and when I purchased this copy. New Orleans, September 2016, Faulkner House Books. So it’s a keeper most definitely. However, possibly I was expecting writing that appeals more to emotion than logic. Instead, I felt I was reading the notes from a very detailed course in introduction to lesser known classics. Most frustrating of all was that in many cases the author gave away the plot twist or surprise as part of the explanation of the attraction for the reader. I will mark this one off my #TBR list, as well as a few others that were covered in this book.
From Sand and Ash
Next up on the Unread Bookshelf Project files was From Sand and Ash, by Amy Harmon, another historical fiction selection. Apparently, I have quite the affinity for historical fiction. Not too surprising, but noticing this does remind me to be more intentional about reading from a variety of genres. Sand and Ash is set in Italy during WWII and reveals the story of an undeniable relationship between two friends. Eva and Angelo endure emotional, spiritual and physical separation, but ultimately realize they are meant to be together. Not even a world at war can keep them apart.
Hammett Unwritten
I finished out the month with Hammett Unwritten, by Gordon McAlpine. I’ll confess, I’m not particularly knowledgeable about Dashiell Hammett’s writings, but this was a fun introduction. Very sly, witty and thought provoking overall, due to the premise being that the author himself is the main character, trying to change the course of his writing life after years of frustration due to writer’s block. The listed “author” is actually a play on one of Hammett’s characters. Fast paced and gritty, this has inspired me to read more by both Hammett and McAlpine.
Conclusion
Remember earlier I said I needed to read beyond the historical fiction genre? I just realized I was 50/25/25 for the month. Two historical fiction, 1 nonfiction literary, and 1 literary mystery. Not too bad! Also, I worried I was off track to meet my goal. Why I Read was a loooong book to process. But guess what! Thanks to Mr. McAlpine providing a can’t put down book and a rainy Saturday, I got back on track!
Here are links to purchase if any of these have sparked your interest!
- The Last Tudor, Philippa Gregory
- Why I Read: The Serious Pleasure of Books, Wendy Lesser
- From Sand and Ash, Amy Harmon
- Hammett Unwritten, Owen Fitzstephen and Gordon McAlpine