After two weeks of driving up
and down the East coast—from Virginia to Maine to Virginia to Florida, to Virginia, I am back online. I am also back to work at my seasonal part-time job. Alas, less reading time.
I visited relatives in both Massachusetts
and Florida. I had plenty of time to listen to Jon Meacham’s new biography of
Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, on audiobooks while driving. It
presents Jefferson as a philosopher politician, one who thought idealistically,
but acted practically, which translated to compromising principles to get things done. A rare idea! What impressed me most was how
much Meachem put Jefferson’s concerns in context, particularly his fears of the
possible return to monarchy. Partisan
politics thrived even in the early years of our country. What treacherous
times! I also had forgotten that long before the Civil War the “united” states were
not convinced they wanted to stay that way; in our country’s infancy sections of
states were often on the verge of saying “We don’t like your (the other guy’s)
policy. We quit.” Northeastern States threatened secession twice during
Jefferson’s presidency alone. It’s amazing we even have a country. Actor Edward
Hermann read the audiobook. I love his voice.
I also read Ian Rankin’s Naming the Dead, a Rebus crime
novel. I’m catching up on back titles by this Scottish author, inspired by
recent reads about Irish crime.
I have now finished and reviewed
the three crime novels by Irish writer Gene Kerrigan as part of the Europa
Challenge. I posted a review of The
Midnight Choir this week. People here are just beginning to discover him. His
newly released book, The Rage, is climbing the NYT bestseller list.
I also finished The Art of Losing,
by the British writer Rebecca Connell, a short thriller and another Europa
Edition. A strong first novel with some
flaws. Will post a review soon.
I love the Europa challenge; this Penguin
imprint has opened a whole new world of international literature to me. Europa specializes in international literary
fiction – books that often make bestseller lists in other countries but are
unknown here, and Europa Noir, -- international mysteries that do the same.
What could be better! Currently reading Elena Ferrante’s The Days of
Abandonment, another Europa.
Sounds like a great week for you...I do enjoy reading books by authors in other countries. Haven't done so much of it lately, though.
ReplyDeleteHere's MY SUNDAY SALON POST
The Europa challenge, my first challenge has proved fun.
DeleteI think I've heard of Gene Kerrigan somewhere...but will definitely look for him now.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the Meacham book at the library where I work, but it always seems to be on hold. It must be good.
I want to read Rankin's Rebus series, but just haven't gotten to it yet...unfortunately, I'm wrapped up in too many series (if that's possible).
I think it's possible to get into too many series, but I do have trouble finding ones that will carry me over time. So your suggestion is appreciated. Do put Kerrigan on your list.
DeleteOh my! Now you've set me off to reserve the Jefferson bio and to watch for Europa books available here (I'm always complaining about the unavailability of good books from spots outside the US). Oh my!
ReplyDeleteYou can do a google search for Europa Editions. Also Europa Noir is a new division of Europa and they have a facebook page.
ReplyDeleteThe Kerrigan books sound good - I'll definitely have to give them a try. I've only read one Rebus book, and enjoyed it a lot. I really must get back into that series.
ReplyDelete