Morning.
Coffee Cup and I have been up for about an hour. Between letting the dogs out for their morning jaunt in the back yard and catching up on my emails before I go to work… I have come to admit something I fight every year. Summer has gone again.
I felt it the last few days as I stand on the deck in the morning and the mornings are cool. You can actually smell it in the air. If you can smell crispness, this is the scent. Then I sit down at my laptop and see an email from Barnes and Noble titled “A Sad Farewell to Beach Reads”.
*sigh* it must be true.
I did enjoy a nice run with summery light reads, beachy topics and quite a few YA reads, especially after I returned from New York and BEA in May. This time of year, and I have mentioned it before in recent posts, takes on a different read for me. A heartier read. I am drawn to larger books that will draw me into characters that I do not so easily want to let go of.
This was the picture that went with the B & N email:
The only one of these I have read at this time is The Passage and I have to say I would agree with them here that I know this book will make my 2010 Best Books of the year list. I would like to read Matterhorn and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks has been on TBR since Kim from Sophisticated Dorkiness told me about it over breakfast one morning in New York.
So how about you – are any of these on your wish list or you read them. Do you agree that these are must reads?
On a separate note I had mentioned yesterday on having a tough day on Tuesday. My Grandfather passed away that morning. He had a long, good life, living to the age of 94. He had his health and lived on his own all the way to a couple of weeks ago when he broke his hip and things just went rapidly down hill from there. Thank you for those on Twitter and here who shared their condolences, many of you sending kind thoughts and payers my way without even knowing why I took a little pause in my Morning Meanderings yesterday and then moved on.
I look at the wonderful bloggers and book lovers I have had the privilege to meet either in real life or through chatting on this little blog and I have to smile.
Book Journey 
Oh, so sorry for your loss! I’m sad I missed the news up until now. I’ve got you and your family in my prayers; my Grandpa died this summer, too, so I kind of know what it’s like, maybe?
Thank you Hannah, I remember that about your Grandpa too, and the beautiful post you wrote about him.
Thank you for your prayers.
Of course!
I am sorry for your loss. May all those great memories bring you peace.
Thank you Gram – and they do. 🙂
a loss is a loss regardless of age……as you were fortunate to have your grandfather i’m thinking he was equally fortunate to have you
blessings to you
Thank you Diana.
Please accept my sympathy. I’m sure it helps to know he lived such a long and good life, and that you and your sons had him to love for so long.
Two days ago I received the Follett book you mailed. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks again, Sheila.
Thank you Barbara and thanks for letting me know about the book too. 🙂
I am so sorry about your grandpa Sheila. I’m glad to hear that he was able to live such a long and healthy life.
I’m still reading The Passage! I usually only read one book at a time, but that didn’t happen with this one. Oh well…maybe I can get it finished up this weekend.
Thank you Jo-Jo.
Hang in there with The Passage – it is really brilliant. I have still been thinking about it to the point that I may even rewrite my review.
I’m sorry to hear about your Grandpa.
As far as the books go, I’ve read Henrietta Lacks, and it was awesome. I highly recommend it.
Thank you Jill.
Thanks for the encouragement on the book too… I have been meaning to pick it up and just have not yet.
You are blessed that he lived so long – and on his own at that! Still it’s hard to lose someone you love. Hugs to you, Sheila.
You absolutely must read Henrietta Lacks! It’s perfect for a fall/winter read. And I absolutely must read Matterhorn. Thanks for reminding me 🙂 Oh, and I got the book I won here, “Love Has a Face.” Can’t wait to read it.
Thank you Lynne.
I am going to check my library tonight for the Lacks read. So glad you got the book too – I will be interested in your thoughts on it.
And I’m going to the library to pick up my copy of The Wife’s Tale! Yay
Oh Lynne – that is exciting! I have my copy already and looking forward to getting into it…maybe next week 🙂
I am sorry for your loss…no matter how long the loved one has lived, we still miss their presence greatly.
I agree that fall and winter reads tend to be heartier…like the stews and pot roasts and thick soups we also love during the cooler season.
Thank you Laurel.
That’s a great way to put it – “heartier reads”. Is a fall theme isn’t it?
I’m so sorry about your grandfather Sheila, good thoughts coming your way.
I think The Immortal Life… is a good best book of 2010 so far – a great story, big important issues, well-researched and engaging. It’s a great example of what narrative nonfiction can do 🙂
I’ve heard good things about The Big Short too, but haven’t read it yet. With so many friends still out of work, I’m not sure I’m ready for a book on the financial crisis (even though I’m sure I’d learn a ton).
Thank you Kim.
Glad to hear the book rates highly for you too. 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss! Losing anyone is tough, but grandfathers are so special!
I haven’t read any of the books on the list, but I have had Medium Raw and the Henrietta Lacks books on my wish list.
Thank you Alyce.
I do not know anything about Medium Raw… I will look to see what that one is about.
My heart goes out to you and your family Sheila. You’re all in my prayers.
Thank you Vicki.
I am sorry about the loss of your Grandfather.
I’ve read The Passage. I am not saying goodbye to the beach reads yet! I usually am dragged kicking and pouting out of summer into fall! ;o)
Thank you Nise.
Good for you Nise – hang in there…. I usually really hang on to summer as long as I can but the books… are calling me…. 🙂
It’s still extremely hot down here but fall is coming fast! You can just feel it. I’m so looking forward to hot chocolate and spooky October reads and movies 🙂
I haven’t actually managed to read any of those books but I want to get around to reading The Passage before the end of the year. Sorry to hear about your grandfather, my step-grandmother died two weeks ago at that age as well. I hope he had an incredible life.
We had some warmer days earlier this week Ladytink but now its cool…. I am hopeful that we will get another warm spell before the year is out.
Yes read The Passage. It is really something.
Sorry to hear about your step father as well.
Oh, Sheila, your talk of coolness and crisp air teases me so!! It’s been in the mid-90’s here all week and is so humid out now as we wait for the edges of Earl to arrive. They say cooler weather is coming, but for now it still feels like mid-summer, even though the kids have gone back to school (and now they’re off for 4 days anyway, so it really feels like summer still!)
As for big, substantial books, The Passage is sitting on my shelf, tempting me. Just the opposite of your approach, I had hoped to get to it in summer, when I have no book group commitments.
I finally received my copy of Mockingjay this afternoon and am immersed in that right now, then I need to get to my first Sept book group read, The 19th Wife.
Enjoy your substantial reads!
Sue
Sue pick up the Passage – you cant wait for next summer 🙂
Enjoy Mockingjay and 19th Wife.
Sheila, I’m so sorry for your loss. Peace to you and your family.
Thank you Angie.
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. It was a blessing that he lived such a long and healthy life. I am sure you have many wonderful memories of him.
Of those books above, THE PASSAGE is the one I would like to read.
Your Labor Day weekend will be a bit somber, but you will probably have lots of family to share special memories with.
Thank you Pat.
Passage would (and was) my first pick too.
We are going to the cabin I think that will give me time to reflect a bit Pat.
Have a safe and peaceful trip. The good memories will always be there. Embrace and cherish them.
I am so sorry for your loss Sheila. I think we all know how it feels to lose a grandparent; especially if you are close. I lost my grandmother last April and it was extremely hard for me. Especially since my daughter was born in September and she couldn’t be part. My thoughts and prayers go to you.
I’ve heard so much about Mickingjay and The Passage I think I’ll be adding it to my TBR. Have a great Labor Day Weekend:)
That is hard stuff, we have our memories right?
Yes get both Mockingjay and The Passage and you will have a happy Fall 2010! 🙂
I am a few days behind here in reading posts. I will continue to keep you and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers. I had to smile when I read the title of this post, I also had received the BN email, and after reading on my deck this morning, with a cup of coffee of course, and witnessing the falling leaves, I think it is time to dive into some really deep books. I just finished Room, I can’t wait to read your review of this book when it comes off of your TBR list. It has made a lasting impression on me and I am dying to discuss it with someone else who has read the book.
Hey Sarah thank you for your prayers. I think we are all doing quite good, thankful he did not suffer and had a long healthy life.
As much as I usually fight like crazy to keep Summer as long as I can – I have to admit I am tired and now look forward to chillier nights with a blanket, a hot cup of tea and books that will kowck my socks off. 😀
Sorry I’m just reading your sad news about your grandfather passing away. Hugs and caring thoughts from across the miles
Thank you Sherree.