Last week was one that kind of got away from me a bit. My husband was traveling for work and so I was waist deep in kids’ activities. My seven-year-old has been participating in Biddy Basketball for the past month and the whole group of kids got to show off their skills at half-time of the high school game on Tuesday night. It was the first high school basketball game that I’ve been to since I was in high school and it was quite exciting.
We couldn’t stay for the second half because of the kids’ bedtimes, but I’m quite sure we won. Our team was ahead by over thirty points and had made some amazing three-point shots, one of which was at the buzzer. I could see going back to watch them play again (especially when the kids are a little older – hopefully the team will still be as good then).
I started two books last week: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides and 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I expected to love Middlesex because I enjoyed The Marriage Plot so much, and many people have told me that Middlesex is the superior book. However, the ick factor of incestuous sex scenes was too much for me and I gave up after about a hundred pages. The Stephen King book, on the other hand, has been amazing so far. It’s so incredibly long, but I have been drawn into the story completely. I’m so glad that he finally wrote a book that isn’t too scary for me; plus it’s a time travel story – which I find irresistible.
I finished listening to Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon today. I own the sequel, so I wanted to read them in order. I’ve heard previously that the book is a bit dry, and it does live up to that reputation, but I don’t regret the reading experience.
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I respect your opinion very much, Alyce, and if you say this is a good book, I will probably seek it out. (I can’t believe I’m saying that I will seek out a Stephen King book!)
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I have 11/22/63 sitting on my stacks…I hope to start reading it soon. I’m glad that so many bloggers are saying how awesome it is, which might help diminish the neck pains from lifting that hefty book..lol. I haven’t read anything by this author since the early, horror days; however, I do have another of his books on my stacks, too: Lisey’s Story.
I’ve got 4 CDs (out of 30) left in the audio version of 11/22/63 and I’m loving it so far.
I was looking for this Stephen King book when I was at the Taipei International Book Exhibition last week but no dice. Not to worry, I will find and read it eventually! It sounds phenomenal.
I don’t know why I haven’t been able to get into 11/22/63, but everyone says to persevere!
Jill – have you tried it on audio?
I have read about a third of the bok and am really enjoying it.
I felt the same way about Middlesex… couldn’t do it. I too am listening to 11/22/63 on audio and I am really enjoying it! I am on part two of four – downloaded on my IPOD.
So sorry you couldn’t read Middlesex, but glad u r enjoying 11/22/63 – I loved both s lot. have a great week.
I’ve been hearing really good things about the Stephen King novel, do you think it’s a book advanced high school students would like or is it too adult?
I’m sorry Middlesex didn’t work for you. I thought it was a wonderful book despite those scenes but I understand how you feel.
I’m looking forward to your thoughts on 11/22/63. I’ve read differing views on this book which, instead of turning me off they’re increasing my interest! It sounds like such a different book than King’s usual fare but I haven’t read one of his books in many years.
Enjoy, Alyce.
I hope this week is a little more relaxed for you!
I haven’t read a King in many years, but this one’s getting so much buzz I feel like I need to go get it. Like right now.
I haven’t read anything by Eugenides, but yeah, that sounds pretty icky. Don’t know if I’m up for that kind of thing right now.
As you know, 11/22/63 rocked my world completely on audio. I loved Middlesex on audio as well, but is a book that requires some diligence until the grandparents get to the US.
Oh no … I hate that you gave up on Middlesex!! I get WHY you gave up on it but I’m sorry you did. It was a great book!
I’ve heard such good things about 11/22/63 — I can’t wait to start it. I’m almost saving it as a treat for myself for some reason.
Alyce, I just started 11/22/63 last week too and I’m absolutely loving it!!
I’ll be sure to steer clear of Middlesex. I don’t think it would be a book for me either. I am not a Stephen King fan but that new book of his sure seems to be speaking to me. Gald to hera you are enjoying it. Maybe I’ll check the library for it.
Ugh..sorry about the typos..typing and doing doing two things at once. That is never a good idea!
Alyce,
I also was unable to continue Middlesex – I hate to give up on a book, but I couldn’t finish it! I received 11/22/83 for Christmas, and haven’t started it yet, but this motivates me to get started on it!
Glad to hear you’re liking 11/22/63. I read it at the end of last year and loved it. It was the first time in a long time that I read King. I now have 3 of his books on my list for this year now.
The thought of that “ick” factor in Middlesex has been what’s kept me away from it for all this time. Thanks for reminding me that I don’t have to read a book just because everyone says it’s great if it’s going to be so disturbing.