On My Nightstand
For many, this week marks the official start of back-to-school and with that, I thought it the perfect time to talk books. Not the required reading lists that we muddled through in school, but ones that peek your interest and keep your mind occupied during the day…pondering when you’ll have time to dive back into the pages. I always have multiple books on my nightstand (and iPad) with slips of paper bookmarks tucked in, awaiting my return. I crave variety. Sometimes I want to hunker down with a warm blanket and read recipes like they were poetry. Other times, I have a quest for knowledge. Those thought provoking novels and biographies that will have me contemplating life and calling me to action. Here’s a review of a few of my current reads. I’d love to get some of your recommendations in the comments! There’s always room for more…
All The Light We Cannot See Living in Paris with her father, Marie-Laure goes blind at age six. Her father, a master locksmith at the Museum of Natural History, makes her a miniature replica of the city so she can navigate the streets. At age twelve, the Nazi’s occupy Paris and they flea to a house by the sea owned by her reclusive uncle. Taking with them the museums greatest treasure. While there, Werner, a young German soldier tracking the resistance, inevitably crosses their path. The book is a stunning mix of two points of view, a blind French girl and a soldier brought up under Hitler’s regime. And the inexplicable message of hope in humanity.
My Paris Kitchen This is one of my favorite cookbooks of the year. It reads like a novel of delicious cuisine. David Lebovitz takes you through his favorite markets and shops of Paris, and then back into his kitchen to prepare the most delectable of dishes. The stories that accompany many of the recipes are glimpses into his view and knowledge of living over ten years in culinary capital of the world. Next recipe to try…his Chicken with Mustard and Herbed Fresh Pasta.
Wild – From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail I admit, I’m late to the game on this one. Having just downloaded it a few days ago. Based on reviews, I decided not to purchase it when it first came out. But I couldn’t stop wondering…What would it be like for a woman to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, alone? And why would she want to? And how did she survive? It’s quite an astonishing accomplishment. Finally, I can read through her adventure and find the answers.
The End of Absence Unplugging is one luxury I give to myself. Sometimes it’s for a day and sometimes up to a week. I find that it’s nearly impossible to go anywhere and not see phones out, scrolling, texting, emailing, climbing the social media ladder. We are in a constant state of communication. What happened to silence? To absence? This is a book that will have you thinking deep thoughts about our online life and how we all connect with those around us.
Now it’s your turn, what’s on your nightstand?
17 Responses to “On My Nightstand”
I read Wild – enjoyed it and saw they are making it into a movie with Reese Witherspoon. I am currently reading Murakami’s new book Colorless T. T. Never have read his books and wondered about them. Then it’s on to The Alchemist. Seems I am searching for something. I usually don’t read fiction. I must admit, I feel guilty reading; think I should be doing something. Don’t know why.
I re-read The Alchemist this summer…and agree with you on fiction. I was strictly a non-fiction girl up until about a year ago. After I read The Orchardist (in another one of my reviews) I decided to add one or two fiction books to my reading list.
And do away with that guilt! We put too much pressure on ourselves to always be doing and accomplishing something (raising my own guilty hand here!). We all could use a little down time to refresh and renew our minds and spirits….and let go of our guilt.
Love this post. First of all, I love peeking into what people are reading–especially when it’s one of my favourite bloggers! I didn’t read reviews on Wild but read it when it first came out and still recommend it to people. Of course, I’ve had a thing for memoir of late and really liked the style of this one. And also, I’m wondering why on earth anyone would feel guilty to read fiction. I’m busy, busy sometimes. Like you Heather, I read several books at a time–and they don’t always hold my interest–but I can’t imagine ever feeling guilty for reading fiction. My Paris Kitchen (David’s on my Bloglovin’ too!) is on my wish list. I think I’ll go order it now.
Thanks again for sharing your list!
So glad to hear you enjoyed Wild! We’re heading out on a road trip and I’m hoping to sneak in bits of time to read it. You will LOVE My Paris Kitchen. LOVE.
I think Donna was referring to guilt in general for reading. Not necessarily fiction. I can really relate to her feelings, as I always think I could be more productive. I never understand why there is an underlying current and pressure to perform constantly? Down-time is good for the soul. Now only to embrace it on a more regular basis!
Hi Heather, love that you are back blogging, though your IG photos are a lovely way to stay in touch. I have read three of those..must put My Paris Kitchen on the list..Fault in our Stars is an amazing book and a series by our Canadian author, Louise Penny is simply a delightful read.
Thanks for sharing your fav’s at the moment. I never ever feel quilty about reading, I think we all deserve to find what ever joy makes us happy..sweet hugs from BC to CA.xo Dagmar
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Fault in Our Stars…will have to add it to my list! Thanks so much for the blog encouragement and for following along on IG!
Ps. Love BC! We honeymooned there!
I LOVE fiction. I am a huge mystery fan. No guilt at all. I always learn new things even from fiction. But I do want to read Wild now.
Let me know what you think of Wild! I’m starting it this weekend. 🙂
I am currently reading Bitter River by Julia Keller, would recommend for you the Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, by far the best fiction book I have ever read and I am avid reader… never feel guilty about reading fiction, we all need the escape and I find I always learn something… happy reading!
Off to look both of those up! Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
I read Wild last year. I bought it without reading the reviews, so I have no idea what they said. It’s one of my all-time favorites, though. I loved going along with Cheryl Strayed on her journey on the Pacific Crest Trail! She made me feel like I could do it, too! Reading memoirs of brave women who have overcome obstacles (whether they be physical or mental) has been uplifting to me. Another to consider is The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls – it’s a memoir of surviving her upbringing by severely dysfunctional parents.
I started reading it this weekend…looking forward to following her journey. It is pretty awe inspiring to attempt such a brave feat. Thanks for the other recommendation…will check it out!
Hi Heather! So fun to see what others are enjoying and add to my never-ending must-read list.
Of all my summer reads, Neil Gaiman’s “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” really stands out. It’s a short read, beautifully written. Sort of an adult fairytale.
Gosh, I said “read” a lot. Clearly, the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet this morning! 😉
Haha, I completely understand! Thank you for the recommendation…will check it out! 🙂
I read and enjoyed “Wild”. I’ve been on an adventure book kick… just finished “Into Thin Air” that I found at an old book store. Quite a harrowing tale.
I have just ordered David Lebovitz’s ice cream book, Scoop, went on a mad ice cream expedition this summer and just love it, though my waist line possibly does not! So soon to be on the night stand. Currently lost in The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards, the descriptive text takes you away to another realm, it is going to be one of those books you do not want to end. Agree with Maria if you have not read Elegance of a Hedgehog make it a must. It is beautiful. A book you may want to read is also Animal, Mineral Vegetable by the brilliant Barbara Kingsolver given your new venture. I have read this I have to say three times, and have many post – it notes with vegetable names to try out. The tomato sauce recipe is great.
Readaholic,
Lisa in London (what can I say it rains a lot!)
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