what i’m reading wednesday | 07.11.17
Normally, while I’m on vacation, I get really excited about belly-flopping into my reading. However, now that we have an adorably sweet toddler attending our annual family river float, it’s a little difficult to spend quite as much time with my nose in a book.
Exhibit A: He’s just too adorable to ignore.
Exhibit B: The tiny human does. not. slow. down. Seriously. He’s a mile a minute and it took eight adults to make sure he didn’t slip, trip, fall, drown, or face plant during the entire trip. He’s a full-time job.
However, I’ve been able to dig into several amazing books recently that I’m thrilled to share.
little women by louisa may alcott
Are you keeping up with this year’s Wine, Books, and Wanderlust reading challenge? I was initially a bit behind in the classic challenge, but I’m happily back on pace. Did you ever read the condensed classics edited for children? The Illustrated Classics Editions were my favorite. As part of my challenge, I’m listening to the unabridged edition of the American classic. The story follows the March sisters in the height of the Civil War: pretty and maternal Meg, stubbornly ambitious Jo, quiet, sweet Beth, and spoiled, artistic Amy. Alcott accurately captures the joys (and pains) of sisterhood, as well as a moment in American history that isn’t to be ignored.
letters of note: volume 1 by shaun usher
I’m always a little leery of non-fiction. However, this collection of letters written from various individuals “of note” throughout the years is a beautiful anthology – it highlights little forgotten moments, from the tragic to the amusing. There is correspondence from Einstein, warning President Franklin of the dangers uranium – and then regrets the decision after Hiroshima. There’s a brief note to Andy Warhol from Mick Jagger, both thanking him and encouraging him to “behave” while designing the album cover for their ninth record. The lovingly pushy letter from artist Sol LeWitt to fellow artist Eva Hesse, encouraging her to basically STFU and “DO” to get over her creative block. There are the heartbreaking notes from desperate mothers leaving their children at an orphan asylum.
It’s been a while since I’ve been this engrossed in a book. If you think letters are boring, try this compendium to get you over it – I loved it so much, I ordered the second volume and paid full price.
the becoming trilogy by jess raven
I am not above reading junk novels sometimes. I feel all well-read and holier than thou when I read real literature. It’s kind of like eating nothing but kale and vegan smoothies and avocado toast…then going ham on pizza and cupcakes. Seriously.
This book is literary junk food. It’s set in Ireland and follows a bunch of supernatural shape-shifters. The premise of the novel(s) is based on old Irish legends, so there is some literary “truth” in these urban fantasies.
the radium girls by kate moore
I’ve been waiting on this book to come out for MONTHS. I have so many unread books (I’m a hoarder, what can I say?), but this one won’t stay on my “to read” shelf for long.
This expose is 100 years in the making. During the first World War, a miraculous new substance entered the market. It was perfect for painting watch dials, so that they glowed in the dark. Women in need of work flocked to factories to paint them, using their lips to point their brushes for a finer script. It wasn’t until their jaws began to rot and they developed massive tumors that the ill effects of radium became fully known. This nonfiction work highlights the struggle of the factory workers, who battled not only their illnesses but the company who poisoned them – and refused to take the blame.
