Sara's 2024 Another Year of Gluttony

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Ila wrote: "You're making great progress, Sara! Edith Wharton is always a good idea. Michael Farris Smith is a new author to me but I hope I like him."

I hope you do as well, Ila. I find I never go wrong when I choose Wharton. I have a biography of her that I hope to include this year as well. I know a little, but I would like to know a lot more about her.

[Lori]

I read your review for The fighter and am so pleased it fills a 5 star slot! MFS is extraordinary!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Lori wrote: "I read your review for The fighter and am so pleased it fills a 5 star slot! MFS is extraordinary!"

He certainly is. I'm having a mixed bag right now, but two 5-star reads in one month is not bad.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Sara wrote: "The Fighter by Michael Farris Smith. My second 5★ read and another for the Old & New Challenge. Published 2018, so not eligible for any other uses."

This one sounds like an absolute must have on my TBR, thanks!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Oh yes, Bob, I think you would definitely like this. You will have a new favorite author.

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "Free Love by Tessa Hadley. I had read another of her books earlier and enjoyed it, but this one was definitely not for me. I felt I was forcing myself to keep readin..."

Got it. I understand completely and applaud you for quitting it before you wasted too much time! Now you can go on to the next 5★ book! :)

[Regina]

I've been meaning to read more Wharton, and you've really inspired me in that regard, Sara.

I see you have The Go-Between on your list. I read it last year and it was definitely one of my favorite reads of the year. I don't know if you've read Atonement, but I feel like McEwan was at least partially inspired by Hartley's novel.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Regina wrote: "I've been meaning to read more Wharton, and you've really inspired me in that regard, Sara.

I see you have The Go-Between on your list. I read it last year and it was definitely one..."

I loved Atonement, Regina. How interesting your comment is...I am now even more excited about The Go-Between. I expect to get to it very soon. There is something so intriguing about a well-written coming-of-age novel, probably because we can all remember that transition to a loss of innocence in our own lives.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Got multiple uses of Years of Grace, a superb novel from 1930.

[Kathleen]

Congrats on a great discovery, Sara!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Thanks, Kathleen.

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Great review, now I am curious. I agree, Pulitzer is not a promise of quality. Some are as bad as I have ever read.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Absolutely agree, Bob. I think the main plus for me in doing the challenge has been that I have read some books I don't think would have ever gotten on my radar. Got to kiss some frogs, I suppose.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Another for the Old & New: The Journey of August King by John Ehle. Fantastic!

[Wobbley]

Wow Sara, your Old/New this year is an absolute triumph!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I picked carefully, Wobbley, and so far it has paid off in spades.

[Lori]

So glad this is a winner Sara! It’s on my old and new challenge as well. I’ve been wanting to get back to this story for so long now. I am slower at reading this year but I look forward to !

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I'm sure you are going to love this one, Lori. It is the kind of book you don't want to walk away from .

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Using Charles Dickens' first play, The Strange Gentleman to fill my humor slot on my Member's Choice. Cute and funny, and a sharp predictor of the greatness to come.

Phineas Finn by Anthony Trollope ticks off one of my Old and New choices and gives me one more step in my reading of the Palliser Series. I must say Trollope does not disappoint. There were parts of this book that dragged a bit because of the political nature, but well worth the effort when the overall read turns out to be so pleasing.

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "Using Charles Dickens' first play, The Strange Gentleman to fill my humor slot on my Member's Choice. Cute and funny, and a sharp predictor of the greatness to come.

[book:Phineas ..."

Glad you're enjoying the Palliser Series, Sara. I remember, many years ago(!), ordering the VHS tapes from my library and watching the whole series. I loved it! I might have to try reading it sometime ;)

[Wobbley]

I've never even heard of The Strange Gentleman, but it sounds like it's worth checking out. Well done with your progress!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Terris wrote: "Glad you're enjoying the Palliser Series, Sara. I remember, many years ago(!), ordering the VHS tapes from my library and watching the whole series."

I would love to see the movies when I have finished reading. That could be a while, since I have five more to go. :-)

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Wobbley wrote: "I've never even heard of The Strange Gentleman, but it sounds like it's worth checking out. Well done with your progress!"

It was a fun read, but part of that was because I did it with a group.

[Ila]

A very Victorian selection, Sara. Glad to see you're liking them.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Trollope has become quite a favorite with me, Ila.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

A new author I am very excited about having read Chaim Potok - My Name Is Asher Lev. I was reminded of finding Stoner and thinking how such a quiet and simple story could be so completely profound.

[Wobbley]

This sounds like an amazing find Sara!

[Sara, Old School Classics]

It is, Wobbley. I hope you will add it to your TBR.

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "A new author I am very excited about having read Chaim Potok - My Name Is Asher Lev. I was reminded of finding Stoner and thinking how such a quiet and simp..."

Oh Sara, you've done it to me again!! Added to my TBR!!
AND you used the magic word "Stoner"! How can I not read Asher Lev now?! Stoner is one of my very favorites and if Asher Lev is anything like it, or makes me feel like Stoner made me feel (because of the wonderful writing) then I must read it AND soon!!!

I don't know how I'm going to fit it in -- but I guess I have to now because "Sara has spoken" -- and you really speak my language! Thanks for pointing me toward another good book ;)

[Lori]

You won’t regret it at all Terris!!!!!

[Terris]

Lori wrote: "You won’t regret it at all Terris!!!!!"

I saw that you also gave it 5*s, Lori! I know it's going to be good ;)

[Kathleen]

Terris wrote: "Sara wrote: "A new author I am very excited about having read Chaim Potok - My Name Is Asher Lev. I was reminded of finding Stoner and thinking how such a q..."

We're just starting a buddy read of this if you're interested, Terris, so please stop by if/when you do read it. (I've just started but am loving it so far.)

[Terris]

Kathleen wrote: "Terris wrote: "Sara wrote: "A new author I am very excited about having read Chaim Potok - My Name Is Asher Lev. I was reminded of finding Stoner and thinki..."

I knew about the buddy read and had planned to read along. But I had so many other books I wanted (needed?) to get read that I let Sara know that I was bowing out, but would keep the book on my list. BUT NOW I'm going to have to read it right away! ;)
I do have some others I'm working on, but now would be a good time since you all are currently reading and discussing it. I will try to get to it as soon as possible and might be able to join in the discussion. Thanks, Kathleen :)

[Bob, Short Story Classics]

Sara wrote: "A new author I am very excited about having read Chaim Potok - My Name Is Asher Lev. I was reminded of finding Stoner and thinking how such a quiet and simp..."

I haven't read him yet. I do have The Chosen on my shelf. It has been there for years.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Terris wrote: "Sara wrote: "A new author I am very excited about having read Chaim Potok - My Name Is Asher Lev. I was reminded of finding Stoner and thinking how such a q..."

I'd say "I'm sorry" but I swear you are going to feel this novel. I don't think you will regret pushing something else down the list to get to this one.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Thank you, Lori and Kathleen, for backing me up. I'm so anxious to discuss this on the thread. Lori...please come and put in your two-cents.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Bob wrote: "Sara wrote: "A new author I am very excited about having read Chaim Potok - My Name Is Asher Lev. I was reminded of finding Stoner and thinking how such a q..."

Get to it, Bob. I certainly moved it up on mine. Several people have told me it was his "best" and I am blown away trying to think how it can be better than this one.

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "Terris wrote: "Sara wrote: "A new author I am very excited about having read Chaim Potok - My Name Is Asher Lev. I was reminded of finding Stoner and thinki..."

I'm excited, Sara!

P.S. Because it fit into a mini-challenge that I do in another group, today I started The Writer's Garden: How Gardens Inspired our Best-loved Authors that you raved about -- and you were absolutely right!! I am loving it! It is so soothing to feel that you are in those authors' gardens! What could be better than books, authors, and beautiful gardens? I am loving it. Thanks for another wonderful recommendation :)

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Isn't it a beautiful book! I took it slow, finished it, and started right over again. I love thinking about all these marvelous writers sitting in their gardens and mulling their ideas!

[Terris]

Sara wrote: "Isn't it a beautiful book! I took it slow, finished it, and started right over again. I love thinking about all these marvelous writers sitting in their gardens and mulling their ideas!"

Totally agree!!

[Veronique]

Checking out all these titles that I have never heard before. Great reviews too.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Veronique wrote: "Checking out all these titles that I have never heard before. Great reviews too."

Thanks, Vero. Hope you find something you love in there.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I really picked some great reads for the Old & New this year. The Priory is a superb 5-star read--couldn't even be ruined by all the chaos that is swirling around me right now.

[Kathleen]

Sara wrote: "I really picked some great reads for the Old & New this year. The Priory is a superb 5-star read--couldn't even be ruined by all the chaos that is swirling around me right now."

Hmm. Been meaning to read Whipple. Sounds like I should! It's so important to have the right book companion for chaotic times. Glad you found it, Sara, and hope the swirling stops soon.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Thanks, Kathleen. You absolutely must read her. She is good, the way Elizabeth Taylor and Rumer Godden are good.

[Kathleen]

Sara wrote: "Thanks, Kathleen. You absolutely must read her. She is good, the way Elizabeth Taylor and Rumer Godden are good."

Oh my. You sure know how to sell her to me, Sara!

[Veronique]

Going to finally read Whipple next month (Someone at a Distance). You can all scream at me if I don’t :O)

And Sara, I do need to try that Potok novel. I mean, shades of Stoner... I cannot resist.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

Don't make me scream at you, Vero. I hate doing that! You are going to love Whipple...and Potok!

[Annette]

I splurged and bought a bunch of Persephone Books - 2 are by Whipple. Looking forward to the whole stack. None of my previous Persephone reads have disappointed.

[Sara, Old School Classics]

I have had the same experience, Annette--Persephone is a great choice always. I'm sure you are going to enjoy the Whipples.