it's quite a mixed bag

Here is what has been occupying my literary world these days.  It's quite a mixed bag, believe me.

 My sister-in-law Cheryl told me I HAD to read "We Need to Talk about Kevin" because she had read it and NEEDED to talk to someone about it.  It is a novel about killings at a school and unfortunately I was reading it at the time of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  There are no answers in the book, only more questions and heartache.  I wouldn't read it now, and if you do read it - have someone at the ready to discuss it with.  You will need that to get it out of your head. 
 
I just finished "Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World that can't Stop Talking".  It has given me new insight into why I can't abide eating lunch in a room with a lot of other people who love to talk and carry on without a break in the action the entire time they are consuming their meal.  If you think you might me an introvert - you will enjoy it. 

On my nightstand right now is "I am a Cat", written in the early 1900's by Soseki Natsume a Japanese writer.   It is observations made by a stray cat about the humans around him.  A very pleasant way to end the day.  Thanks to Christine West for pointing it out to me. 

And lastly I am about to embark upon "Winter of the World", the second novel in the Century Trilogy by Ken Follett.  I am ready to pick up where I left off with the five families this book follows.   I love a big thick historically based novel with characters that make me want to learn more about a time period.  It's 31 hours and 30 minutes long.  Don't expect a review before the end of February. 

Comments

[Rhonda]

I love Soseki (that is his last name, not his first btw)... after I am a Cat, try The Three Cornered World. It is about a traveling artist and his discoveries!

Also... have you read any Paulo Coelho? OMG, find The Alchemist and/or The Pilgrimage! Wonderful!

[Chrissy]

'Kevin' was alarming, to say the least. Perhaps not for reading late at night. There have been many discussions in European media about mothers relating to newborns and the results of failure to do so. Mums don't always get off lightly!

I'm glad you decided on I am a Cat. Wily creature that he is.

[Joan Clarke]

My knitting friends told me the movie, We Need to Talk About Kevin is a must see. I didn't know it was a book. I'll have to give it a must read.

Are you totally hooked on the Century trilogy? I hesitate to take on books that are huge unless I'm sucked in from the first chapter or 50 pages...

Are you hooked on the Downton Abbey series that just started season 3??? I'm mad about it and want to take a trip to England so I can visit Highclere castle where the series is filmed. It has a most interesting history and has been in the Earl/Duke of Carnovan's family for over 300 years.

[Jane Bumar]

I know I'm an introvert, will definitely read it; thanks!

[Kate]

I just (today!) listened to Susan Cain's TED talk (On Introversion) and I loved it so. I don't consider myself an introvert but my husband is. What an eye opener...and a great lesson for those raising kids.

[tina]

I´ve just been reading 'Quiet' too - it´s the best book I have EVER read. and it´s all about me :-) suddenly a lot of things made sense