In March I learned that listening to audio books while decluttering works almost as well it does while sewing... except when I'm making lots of decisions and have to listen to the opening chapters 3 times! It helped that I had several of the books on my shelf so I found that reading the 1st 3-5 chapters and then switching to the audio book solved that problem.
I had my 1st 5 star read of the year - We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver was a riveting, dark and disturbing read. I doubled down and watched the movie too which was equally thought provoking. It is NOT a book that you will enjoy in the traditional sense of identifying with a character or feeling affirmed when you close it. I could not put it down and I'm still thinking about it so I had to give it 5 stars. Consider yourself warned that it is not a pleasant read.
I also had 2 solid 4 star reads that I recommend without reservation:
- The Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg (Re-Read)
- Election by Tom Perrotta (Never Read)
The main character in The Art of Mending is a quilter which added a little more interest for me.
Last but not least I trimmed my bookcase by 3 boxes and also mailed about a dozen books to new readers via Paperbackswap.com. I'll take a new picture for next months post. My goal is have my collection contained on one bookcase by the end of the year.
I'm linking up to
The Bibliophile Files@sarah did it! and including a gratuitous Elsa and Tucker photo because a post needs at least 1 photo. Elsa believes in a top down approach to co-bathing!
they are so cute -- glad to see that he is tolerant of her love.
ReplyDeleteLove that kitty picture - such photogenic cats!
ReplyDeleteI have way too many books packed into boxes on basement shelves. Our previous house had floor to ceiling bookshelves in the family room and this house didn't have any. We planned to put some nice built-ins in our basement family room here, but after 8 years it hasn't happened. We do have a 30' putting green and a pool table however. Can we say "man cave"? Time to clear out a lot of those books - you keep inspiring me!
Thanks for the book suggestions. I'll take them to my next Book Club meeting. I see that Tucker likes Elsa now. My alpha male cat never did approve of his younger "sister" when she arrived on the scene. She would never dare to lay on him as Elsa is laying on Tucker!
ReplyDeleteLooks like she's won him over. Although... she as a bit of a guilty look on her face, don't ya think?
ReplyDeleteI finally took our book overflow to the library. "Manly" reads go to the VA hospital, but they only take paperbacks.
Elsa certainly had taken charge, hasn't see?! They both look like they got caught with their paws in the treat jar! Sounds like some good books and I added several to my suggestion list. Your shelves must be looking pretty good, having trimmed that many books! You'll reach your goal well before the end of the year!
ReplyDeleteImpressive book clean out. Thanks for the info on the good reads.
ReplyDeleteWhile I love the feel of a book in my hands, I have recently started reading ebooks and what I love the most about this is that they take uup no space at all. Must try audio books next!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea about the audio books while de-cluttering. I've been listening to pod-casts. I was going to ask you what type of machine you use but saw a Juki behind one of your kitties. How do you like it?
ReplyDeleteI had to google the Kevin book. Not sure it's up my alley though.
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