Month in Review: October 2024
I didn’t finish many books this month, partly because I was reading Hawaii by James Michener, a massive book of over 1000 pages. It flew by, though, and I loved learning more about the origins and history of those beautiful islands. Now I’d like to read more by this author of immersive historical fiction.
Have you read any other books by Michener? Which would you recommend?
Julie Andrews as missionary Jerusha Hale in the movie version of HawaiiRead in October:
The Recovering
by Leslie JamisonThe Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews
Hawaii
by James A. MichenerFalling Upwards by Richard Holmes – Nonfiction Reader Challenge
The Wisdom of Your Body
by Hilary McBrideThe Cafe with No Name by Robert Seethaler, translated by Kate Derbyshire – Around the World, Austria
LanguageLanguage study went by the wayside this month, as I spent most of my time speaking English! (See below.) However, I’m almost finished reading Momo by Michael Ende, which I hope to review for German Literature Month in November. I think this would the first time I’ve managed to participate.
LifeThe big event in October was my trip of a little over two weeks to the United States, first visiting my family on the West Coast and then friends on the East Coast (where I lived for more than 20 years, so it’s like a second home). It was wonderful to strengthen those heart-connections; much as I appreciate online and written communication, there’s nothing like seeing our loved ones in person.
Preparations for Halloween were in full swing, and while I continue to puzzle over the morbid sides of the holiday — why are Americans so preoccupied with gore and decay? — I enjoyed some of the more clever and magical displays people came up with. My favorite was a dragon that I met on my walk each morning, watching over the street from its perch.
Some people are trying to celebrate Halloween in Switzerland — I saw a few children trick-or-treating as I drove home that evening — but nothing like these elaborate decorations. And I have to say I hope it doesn’t take hold. There’s too much Americanization as it is.
What was special for you this month?
Glorious autumn color in the Northeast USLinked at The Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer, the Sunday Salon at Readerbuzz, and the Monthly Wrap-up Round-up at Feed Your Fiction Addiction
