Day Whatever


During this time of sheltering in place, I have consumed books as though they are nourishment. Perhaps they are. Sometimes I read the real thing. Other times, like when I’m getting dressed, cooking, making the bed, walking or whatever, I listen. Fact is I’ve gone through more audio books which with a talented reader is a most enjoyable experience.

So, what have I read or listened to? It’s been a hodgepodge as you will see. Selections have been made online from what is available at the public library. What a gift this ability is for all of us!

First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch tells of the plot to assassinate George Washington during a critical period of American history. It reads like a novel.

The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton (yes, the ex president) is an intriguing thriller telling of the president’s disappearance and why.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See is filled with memories of the relationship between two women. I always enjoy the author’s books as they give insight to an unfamiliar culture.

Blue Moon by Lee Child is another of Jack Reacher’s adventures sure to satisfy if you are one of his fans.

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins is the tale of one woman’s journey from Mexico with her son to America. It is fast paced and touches the emotions.

Every Breath by Nicolas Sparks is a beautiful love story between two people who found one another at different times in their lives. Nobody touches the heart like Sparks.

Quichotte by Salman Rushdie was a choice because it had been named a best book of 2019. I don’t know what to say about it so you’ll have to read it and draw your own conclusion!

The Reckoning by John Grisham is a good story because the author is a good story teller. I kept waiting for something good to happen, but it rarely did.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett is another best book that explores the bond between two siblings. It’s hard not to like Patchett’s books.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a book I waited a long time to get from the library, and it was worth the wait. Talk about a surprise ending!

The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson paints a picture of Churchill and London during the Blitz. Larson has a way of presenting history so that it reads like a novel, a very good one.

So there is some of what I’ve been reading. If you have favorites, do pass them on.

As I read I find myself wishing I could write a book, but that is likely never to happen. I might be able to construct a few pages. Beyond that I can’t imagine continuing to pour out words. Sometimes writing a blog post is challenge enough!

15 responses to “Day Whatever”

  1. lulu,
    I think that you would make a *WONDERFUL* writer! Your blog reads easily and smoothly is always interesting. Don’t sell yourself short. You *CAN INDEED BE A WRITER! I do feel that it’s probably something that strikes excitement and fear/terror into you, so it’s hard to overcome this get started.

    Why not work on writing a short story for children? If it’s short, it’s fine and it will be perfect for the younger reader. Then, if you find yourself really getting into it and you enjoy it, you can always flesh it out the characters and plot and make it into a novella.

    Draw from what you know: funny life stories or your travel experiences might be a start, (Thinking a short story along the lines of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” … or a more serious adventure for tweens or young adults, your travel adventures would be perfect, be they International, or between Maine and Houston), A flight, a road trip, highs and lows, childhood memories, experiences with your own children….

    More ideas: A big learning experience in your life that people could relate to?, overcoming an obstacle?, or some misadventure? a love / friendship story? the list goes on.

    I very much think that writing is one of the “Mechanical Skills” i.e. you get better at it the more you do it. Other *proven* Mechanical Skills are singing, drawing and playing a musical instrument, they have been intensively studied and it’s literally true that for these fields: “practice makes perfect!”.

    Why not just start small and set yourself a task of one a paragraph a day? Sketch out a tiny plot line and don’t fret if you write your paragraph and it’s hard to fill it out or it’s difficult to get used to “joining the dots” of plot/ setting/characters. That skill will evolve as you write.

    GO ON, *I dare you to write a story!*. you decide for who, about who, etc… it can be for the whole world to read, just family members, a selected few, or just you. I believe that you have writing talent and should get out of your comfort zone and give it a go. You don’t want to be on your deathbed regretting that you never gave this little secret wish in your heart a go.

    Of course it won’t be perfect right out of the gate, as perfectionists we women are often really hard on ourselves and set ourselves really high expectations, Believe in yourself. *I” Believe in you… first efforts will be scrappy, and misshapen… (if you have ever sat at a sewing machine trying to make anything with sleeves for the first time you will know exactly what I mean).

    Just one paragraph per day, Set up a time and space for it, early morning before the hustle and bustle of the day begins? Come on…. you have nothing to loose, we all have more time at home these days and if after six months it doesn’t work out, then, hey, you gave it a go! How about I set myself a daily drawing target, and you set yourself a writing one… Does that sound like a plan?? Do we have a deal???

    Come on… you CAN ! Regards… kiwi 🙂

  2. Now that is some list, thanks for the recommendations.

  3. I have been reading more than usual too, it’s such a wonderful escape! Thanks for the suggestions,
    Jenna

    1. Between reading and working jigsaw puzzles, the days have passed pretty quickly.

  4. We have listened to some very good books in the car but the titles escape me except for one. “A Gentleman in Moscow is excellent.” I will ask Mike the names of some of the others.

    1. That was such a wonderful book. I bet it was very good done on audio if the reader was good.

  5. Hey, Linda. I just purchased the Splendid and the Vile. Have read The Dutch House and loved it.. American Dirt is being passed around here among friends. Last Bus to Wisdom became my favorite read this summer. Am going to Amazon for the Silent Patient. Presently reading Valentine – this month’s TODAY SHOW suggestion. I have tried listening to audio books and just can’t do it! My mind wanders on and on. Thanks so much for the suggestions.

    1. Valentine is a new title. I’ll have to check it out. You will enjoy The Silent Patient with its twists and turns.

  6. You’ve have kept your mind engaged for sure. Definitely you need a talented reader for audio books. We’ve enjoyed some good ones. The Inspector Gamache Series by Louise Penny is enjoyable in audio version but you need to enjoy murder mysteries…

    1. I like her books and have both read and listened to them. I just got her new one from the library.

  7. Thanks for the list of what you have been reading. I have been caught up in historical fiction for a couple of years.

    1. Historical fiction is one of my favorite categories.

  8. So many titles – well done! I am hoping to cut down on my TBR pile too.

    1. For sure reading helps pass the time on these shut in days.

      1. And is entertaining.

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