Monday Musings...

Vertigo hit me this past weekend and it really sucked. I haven't had it in a while, so I had forgotten about it until now. I should have seen it coming though. My depression hit me so hard a few days ago. I mean, it scared me how awful it felt. Anxiety showed up as well. The two always seem to come hand in hand. So, yeah, I should have know that vertigo would strike. When I'm that bad mentally, it tends to show up, too. Ugh. I'm just grateful that I knew what it all was. In the past, when I had no clue what was happening to me...that was terrifying. So, the positive is knowing what is going on and knowing what I have to do to get through it. I just hate that I have to deal with any of it. Ugh. 

I finished watching Tracker this morning. It was such a great episode. I'm really liking the show more and more. I'm going to order the books and read the series. I have to find out what the deal is with Colter's family. I just don't believe that his brother killed their father. And, also, what is the mom hiding. Plus, where is the sister? And, why is Colter so ready to believe his brother is a killer? I have so many questions!

I finally finished the new Elizabeth Strout book, Tell Me Everything. I loved it. The writing was superb and the storytelling was excellent. I really enjoyed having Lucy, Bob, and Olive in the same book. Familiar characters are always a special treat. Olive and Lucy finally meet and all because Olive had a story she wanted to share with Lucy, a writer. From that point on, they meet up to share more stories with each other - stories from people they once knew, or even their own stories. Stories that are referred to as "unrecorded lives', because the truth is that everyone has a story and people never get to hear it or know it.  I'm still thinking about this book and to be honest, I can't wait to read it again and again. In fact, I want to re-read all of Strout's books again and again. I just love her writing. Her stories always make a deep  impression on me. 

Anyhow, I must get to it. I hope you are having a great start to the week. Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. Books. I'm reading the new Elizabeth Strout book, Tell Me Everything. It will be released August 13th. And, it is terrific! I am loving it! I'm really enjoying having Bob, Lucy, and Olive in the same story - what a treat! Strout is a master storyteller and I am in just in awe of her work. I'm already looking forward to rereading her books. Make sure to check out Tell Me Everything. 

2.  Tracker. The TV show. My mom got me hooked on it, so now I watch it every week. I was annoyed, because I watch it on Hulu the day after it airs and this past Monday it was not available. Somehow, when they uploaded it, they ended up uploading 60 Minutes instead. Suffice it to say, I was able to watch it the other day and it was such a good episode.  I can't wait for the next one and I heard that the show got approved for a second season. And, thanks to my friend Lark, Lark Writes...on books and life, who also happens to be a fan of Tracker, I found out about the books. How did I not know this? Yep, Jeffrey Deaver has written The Colter Shaw series that Tracker is based on and I MUST now add these books to my TBR list. 

3.  No Spend/No Buy.  I was trying to curb my spending, because needs must. However, I wound up ordering a few bits and bobs recently. And, the guilt is real. Ack! Especially, since it was stationery supplies, which I already have too many of.  Yikes! I don't feel guilty about pre-ordering books, because books are always a Must-Buy. Oh well. I need to just not buy anything now. Wish me luck!

4. TBR book. Banana Yoshimoto has a new book that will be released in November! Woo hoo! I can't wait! It's called, Mittens and Pity: Stories. Yep, it's a collection of six short stories and I just know they are going to be ace. I love her writing, so I am really looking forward to this book. Mittens and Pity will definitely fall under the Must-Buy list. 

5. Music.  James released a new album titled, Yummy. I've been listening to my copy on repeat. I love this band. I heard their music freshman year of college and became a huge fan. I was lucky enough to see them perform in London when I was in grad school. I've been listening to them for nearly thirty years now. They are one of my favorites. 

And now, I'm off to start my weekend. Hope you have a terrific one! Happy reading!

Currently Reading...

I think I've just found my favorite book of 2017 and we are only in January.  I'm serious.

Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout...wow...just, wow.

Simply put, this book is brilliant.  Its a collection of short stories that was written in tandem with my favorite book of 2016 - My Name Is Lucy Barton.  Apparently, Strout felt that the minor characters from Lucy's story merited their own book.  Oh my, was she right.

I've only read the first two stories and already I am smitten.  The writing is smart, strong, and beautiful.  The characters are flawed, realistic, and familiar.  The stories reach out and grab you with their depth and perception of the human condition.  Through Strout we learn about the good, the bad and the ugly.  And it is sublime.

This is my second time with Strout's writing and I am already moving her up my list of favorite authors - she is now in my top five.   I plan on reading the rest of her books throughout the year and can't wait to do so.  Her writing is just so damn good that I don't ever want to run out of her books to read.  So, I will take my time with this book of short stories and the rest of her novels.  I will savor her words and stories.  And I will enjoy every minute of it.

Happy reading!!