It’s been a hectic few weeks since I last posted. Returned from Asheville motivated to get some quality work done. My body had other plans as a nasty upper respiratory infection settled into my chest and would not let go! Managed to get over that in time to head to San Antonio for this year’s Texas Music Educators’ Association (TMEA) conference. Great to see some friends and fellow music teachers before getting home in time for a winter storm to roll into the area.
All of that to say, it’s been an interesting season for my reading life. While at home recovering, I was able to finish several books that were in process. I got started on the next batch of books, but reading was not a major priority while I was in central Texas. Now that I’m home, I’m hoping to get back into my reading routine.
What I Finished
- The Mill on the Floss (George Eliot). I vaguely remembered the closing image of the book from my undergraduate days, but I had forgotten how well-written this novel really is. I’m glad it was my first venture back into Eliot’s writing in this year of learning more about the author.
- Me Before You (Jojo Moyes). Someone should have warned my seat mates on my flight out of Asheville that this was going to be so emotional. I was ugly crying by the time I got to the end of this beautiful story. I talked about the themes in my last post, but I have found myself returning to these questions about length of life vs. Quality of life in the days since leaving these characters. I think this one is going to stay with me for a while.
- Dear Reader: The Comfort and Joy of Books (Cathy Rentzenbrink) I don’t know why exactly, but I lost patience with this book. Maybe it is because I rarely read non-fiction (although I would like to read more of it). While reading, I thought the “story” had already reached its conclusion, but the author stretched in order to meet a page requirement. I made it to the end, but it was a rocky ride to the conclusion.
- On the Way to the Wedding (Julia Quinn) I absolutely adore the Bridgerton series! This installment did not fail to engage me either. A jilted groom, scandalous blackmail, and tons of humor makes Gregory’s story enchanting and a great end to the series I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. Now I just have to figure out what saga will fill the void left by the Bridgertons.
- City of Bones (Michael Connelly) I discovered the Harry Bosch novels several years ago when I decided to randomly read through a shelf of the local library. These police thrillers are set in my beloved Los Angeles and are gritty and hard-hitting. City of Bones was a bit uncomfortable as it addressed child abuse and pedophilia. Despite the subject, I was fully invested in the story and was shocked to see Harry turn in his badge at the close of the book. Now I’m intrigued to see how Connelly will continue the story of this Vietnam vet turned homicide detective.
So that accounts for books 2 through 6 of 2024. I’m on pace to complete my goal of reading 40 books before the end of the year. Forward we go.
What I’m Reading Now
February saw the start of reading works by my other focus author of the year. So I’ve got a piddly start on The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk. What little I’ve read so far has been beautiful, but this is a big read. I’ve got a lot of work to do if I’m going to finish it by the end of the month.
Yellow Face by R.F. Kuang has been a surprise! I knew very little about the premise when I picked it up and now I can’t wait to find out what happens next. The sheer idea of an author finishing the novel of a colleague that she watched choke to death is both hysterical and an ethical dilemma rolled into one. I expect to have a lot to say about this book.
With the popularity of Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, I had to pick it up. I am enjoying the connection between the son of the US President and a member of the British royal family that began as nothing short of detestation! The series of text messages regarding the pardoned turkey and its murderous looks are worth the read by themselves!
There you have it! Opera rehearsals and solo & ensemble competitions hit my plate this week if the snow decides to play along, so we will have to see how my reading life progresses. Wish me luck!
Happy reading, all! I’ll be back in two weeks.
Reading for Me 
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