It was a slow reading month, mainly because there have been so many other things demanding my time. Like writing, on various levels and for various projects. Also travel in the sense of long days of tours and site-seeing. And while I love the work I do, I do miss reading when things get busy. But at least I can offer you some fun books to look into for your own reading pleasure!
The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
In a roundabout research way I discovered some interesting facts about the Nancy Drew series of books. First, they published in the 1930s. Which kind of shocked me, because I didn’t remember the books being set in those years. Turns out I was right. The books were updated in the 1950s, which are the versions most of us have read. So since I was researching the 1930s, I decided to read the original book in its original form. (Thank you, Kindle!) And it was so fascinating! I loved reading the vernacular of the day. And the details of life and living. And of course the mystery was fun, too. She was definitely created as a spunky, independent girl! If you are a Nancy Drew fan and have only read the 1950s versions, go back and read an original. I think you’ll enjoy it.
A Root out of Dry Ground by Argye M. Briggs
My sister’s sister-in-law stayed with me a few days this summer and we bonded over our love for our younger siblings married to each other and over our love of books. So after she went home, she sent me a copy of one of her favorite novels. This was written in the late 1940s, so it is an older style of writing and storytelling, but one that easily engaged me with it’s great characters. The book is set in West Texas and concerns a truly dysfunctional family. But oh, as the story unfolds it is such a sweet book of grace and redemption! These characters and their stories will be hard to forget!
America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
I loved these authors’ novel My Dear Hamilton about Eliza Hamilton, so when this one about Thomas Jefferson’s daughter Patsy (Martha Jefferson Randolph) went on sale I snapped it up! I’m so glad I did. Such a heartbreaking and fascinating life lived by a woman we rarely hear about these days. I loved getting to know her story, but also putting some of the pieces of Thomas Jefferson’s life into the bigger picture of American history. A great read.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Making my way through the Harry Potter series—I’d only ever read the first one not long after it came out. I keep thinking I’ve found my favorite book, but then the next one is better! Love the storytelling, the characters, and the life lessons in each book.
Engaging Sir Isaac by Sally Britton
This is #4 of 5 in the Inglewood series (regency romance), and oh, how I loved it! My desire to know Sir Isaac’s story has been building over the series and did not disappoint. Just one more left in the series and I’ll be sad to leave these characters behind.
That’s it for August. Hoping for more in September, especially since I am currently in the middle or later of 4 books! 😳
Happy reading!