Summer Reading

Happy First Day of Summer!

I love to read and as usual, I have big plans for which books I intend to cross off my "to do" reading list this summer. I would have started sooner, but I have been knitting...knitting...sewing...knitting...oh, and going to movies. Now I think it's time to readjust my priorities for my spare time. There are SOOOOOO many unread books on my nightstand and bookshelves (and even some lying dormant in my Kindle) that I have to do something about it. There are new books coming out every day that I won't allow myself to buy because I know that they will end up on the shelves collecting dust. That stops TODAY!

A couple months ago, my friend Eileen gave me The Bean Trees (1988) by Barbara Kingsolver. It was supposed to be a quick read (only 232 pages), but I kept getting distracted by my other projects. I read the first chapter, put the book down and then got immersed in another knitting project. I forced myself to put my knitting needles down a couple days ago, picked up the book and started on page 1 again. It was well worth the effort!

The Bean Trees was Ms. Kingsolver's first novel. She has since written many other well known books like The Poisonwood Bible (1998). This book is full of interesting, quirky characters - my favorite kind! The story really gets started when the main character, Taylor, leaves Kentucky to find a new life out west. Her only limitations are a window-less car that she has to push start and very limited funds. She is tough and resourceful and entirely capable of finding her way. Her plans are upset when driving through Oklahoma. On a stop to rest and get something to eat, she is given a baby girl by the baby's aunt. The funny thing is how easy it is to convince Taylor to take the little girl that she eventually names "Turtle". The unlikely pair end up in Tucson, Arizona when Taylor's car gets two flat tires. As she gets to know Turtle, Taylor discovers some heartbreaking truths about the little girl. This strengthens Taylor's resolve to protect this little girl.

This was a quick read once I decided not to be distracted by other things. I liked the book very much partly because of the Tucson setting. Ms. Kingsolver has a wonderful narrative style and she does a great job describing the desert and Arizona sunsets...made me a little homesick for Arizona. This book gets a thumbs up from me...so, thanks, Eileen!

Now I have to decide what to read next. Believe me, I have plenty to choose from just on my shelves. Is it time to start reading the Game of Thrones books? Hmmmmm...