Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Winter and Books




View from my desk, February 7, 2012


As I write this on Tuesday morning, it is snowing AGAIN.  Last week, we had a record snowstorm that started on Thursday afternoon and kept going until Saturday mid-morning.  The more I experience winter weather, the more I realize that I wouldn't miss it one bit if I never had to submit to this winter wonderland ever again.  Many people here in Colorado actually seem to like the winter and bemoan a lack of snow when it impedes their many winter sports.  I do not count myself as one of those people. Rather, I feel more like Dr. Seuss as I say:

No, I don't like snow and ice,
I'm as fond of them as I am of lice.
I also detest the brutal cold,
It's quite miserable, if truth be told.

When the temp gets in single digits,
It gives me shivering fits.
I long for the warmth of the sun,
And look forward to enjoying that fun.

So I don't enjoy ice and snow.
It makes me want to say a great big no, no, no!

Terrace, February 4, 2012

Table on Terrace, February 4, 2012

One thing that has always been there for me - through rain, sleet, snow, etc. - is reading.  It's one of the great joys of my life, and it keeps me going even in the worst weather.  What's wonderful about it is that you don't really need anything except a book (or, in my current case, an e-reader).  I've had a good run of contemporary fiction recently and thought some of you readers might enjoy a list of the books that I've enjoyed.  So happy winter and here's the list.

Caleb's Crossing                                                  Geraldine Brooks
State of Wonder                                                   Ann Patchett
The Family Fang                                                 Kevin Wilson
Imperfect Birds                                                    Anne Lamott
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children       Ransom Riggs
Dreams of Joy                                                     Lisa See
The Marriage Plot                                               Jeffrey Eugenides
You Deserve Nothing                                         Alexander Maksik
We the Animals                                                  Justin Torres
The Postmistress                                                Sarah Blake
The Night Circus                                                Erin Morgenstern
The Leftovers                                                     Tom Perrotta
The Way the Crow Flies                                      Ann-Marie MacDonald
A Visit from the Goon Squad                             Jennifer Egan
The Invisible Bridge                                           Julie Orringer