It’s group blog time once again, It’s Monday What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila at One Person’s Journey Through a World of Books.
I’ve been doing more writing than reading this week, and only managed to get through one “real” book and one audio book. I finished the awesome Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde and listened to the moving Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr.
Shades of Grey
I’ll be honest, although I like the premise behind Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next series, I had a hard time getting into those books, but when I read the premise behind Shades of Grey, I knew I had to give Fforde another try, and I am so glad I did. The novel is set in a dystopian future where everyone is obsessed with color and society is organized into a rigid hierarchy based upon one color’s reception. Our narrator Eddie Russett has strong red perception, but thanks to a bit of trouble he caused back home he’s been sent out to the sticks with the assignment to complete a chair census. He finds that the village of East Carmine is filled with dark secrets and curious characters, and gets himself mixed up in things a bit over his head. Really no description of this book can quite do it justice. A wonderfully original premise, colorful (sorry, I couldn’t resist!) characters and the sort of humor one would find in a Douglas Adams book makes this book a must read. The good news is that it is the first book in a planned trilogy. The bad news is I have to wait for the other two books to come out.
Story of a Girl
With audiobooks, a book’s reader can make or break a book. I appreciated the fact that Sara Zarr herself was the reader for Story of a Girl. It made this book about a teenage girl coming to terms with an event that occurred a few years ago, and which has come to define her both in her family and at school, all the more powerful. If you enjoy good young adult realistic fiction, this is one definitely worth checking out.
What’s next
Thanks to some library reserves coming in for me, my reading plans changed a bit this week. Right now I am reading the nonfiction book Booklife by Jeff VanderMeer, and am already by the wealth of information it contains for writers promoting themselves and their work in these modern times, and I’m only on chapter 2. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick also came in for me at the library this week. So, I’ll probably read that next, and then hopefully read Handcuffs by Bethany Griffin.
My Books
Hi there =)
I’ve heard of the author Jasper Fforde before but never once have I thought of checking out his books. Though the one that you featured here sounds very intriguing and the fact that it has male lead in it makes it even better for me. Thank you for sharing!
.-= Shy´s last blog ..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #5 =-.
Heard great things about Hush, Hush — hope you enjoy it.
.-= jess´s last blog ..It’s Monday! What are you reading? — 2/22 =-.
Shy: It’s definitely worth a read. It’s a quirky and fun book.
Hope you have a great reading week! Check out mine at: http://ruthiesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/02/its-monday-what-are-you-reading_22.html
Have a good one!
Jess: I’ve heard a lot of good stuff about Hush, Hush as well. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Ruthie: Thanks, and thanks for stopping by!
Story of a Girl really sounds good! I like what you say about it!
Have another good week!
.-= Sheila (Bookjourney)´s last blog ..It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? =-.
Sheila: Story of a girl was a good one. Thanks, and hope you have a great reading week as well!
Story of a girl sounds good, will put that on my TBR list.
.-= Tracy´s last blog ..It’s Monday, what are you reading? =-.
Can’t wait to hear what you think of HUSH, HUSH, that’s on my to read list too! I’m currently reading SHADOW KISS by Richelle Mead. It’s part of the Vampire Academy series, what I call my guilty pleasure reading! Love it!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Monday’s Muse~My Friends =-.
Ooh, I’ll definitely have to check out Shades of Grey! Sounds amazing! Glad you enjoyed Story of a Girl too. It’s a very intense book. And I’m so interested to hear what you think about Hush, Hush!
I’m in the middle of DREAMING ANASTASIA this week and I’m loving it. I’m hoping to post a review and interview with Joy Preble next week.
.-= Lisa and Laura´s last blog ..Tell the Truth Tuesday… =-.
Story of a Girl was intense, and Shades of Grey was lots of fun. I still haven’t started Hush, Hush, but hopefully I’ll have a chance this weekend.