My 2016 Goodreads goal is 50 books. That means I have to read 1 book per week, all the while writing a book and completing all my freelance work.
One book per week sounds like a lot, but there's a lot of dead time I fill by picking up a book. Eating breakfast & lunch alone. Digesting after lunch (a necessary 15 minute couch+book break). Digesting after dinner (30 minutes). Before bed. If I pick up a new book instead of re-reading an old favourite, I can easily accomplish this goal.
Here's how the first month has gone:
The Sheen on the Silk by Anne PerryMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Really beautiful, vivid details. A complex plot—sometimes difficult to follow, so I did end up skimming some rabbit trails. But overall, it ended well, all the threads woven together nicely.
I found some of the characters a little over the top—I mean, really, a 70yo stunner who still manages to beguile every man she meets? Can't even think of any A-list Hollywood actress who could pull that off. And then (view spoiler). A letdown. If (view spoiler) was meant to symbolize something more, I definitely missed that.
Old lady charmer aside, an enjoyable read. I own it. I'd probably read it again.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy TanMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was lovely. Several points of view, yet so distinct. The author builds complexity and conflict through the contrasted perspectives of mothers and daughters, from different worlds and eras. This book gave me a better understanding of my Malaysian-born mother. A must read.
Titus Groan by Mervyn PeakeMy rating: 1 of 5 stars
DNF Ghastly slow. Could not bear continuing 40 pages in. Granted, his descriptions are vivid, but so painfully ponderous it was a wonder the plot moved at all. Will save for when I am old and have time to forget the paragraph I've just read, in order to appreciate the repetition.
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