Sometimes I just stare…
at my stacks and stacks of unread books. Why? Probably because I just haven’t had the time to read any of them! Actually, I did start The Memory Keeper’s Daughter yesterday. Into two chapters already and so far it has been pretty interesting.
I was drawn to Julie & Julia not only by the pretty book cover but also in the idea of this memoir. Julie decides to cook (in one year) all of the recipes in Julia Child’s legendary cookbook. Certainly an ambicous endeavor.
On the other hand, Bel Canto was handed to me by my neighbor Sheila. We are constantly sharing good books and she thinks that this would be one that I might enjoy. I have also noticed that many book bloggers are huge fans of Ann Patchett, so I figured I will give it a go.
A couple of the other books have been freebies from Bookmooch. If you haven’t tried out this book sharing website, I highly suggest that you check it out. So far I have gotten rid of crappy books taking up space on my book shelf mailed out nine books, received three and have three more on their way. For only a couple bucks for each book sent (using media mail at the post office) I have gotten some great reading material (including Shadow of the Wind, which Maureen reviewed in September).
The question is, after I finish our book club pick, which one should I read next?
– Stephanie
Stephanie's Written Word 
So many books, so little time. I practically wanted to grab those books out of the picture! That is not nice! 🙂 That Julia Child book sounds interesting…course so do the 8 books I have home from the library…
I’m one of those who LOVED Bel Canto. Unfortunately, those to whom I recommended it had decidedly mixed opinions.
Julie and Julia was one of the first books I read this year and I was less than enthused. Hope you like it better than I did!
I see ‘Shadow of the Wind’ on the bottom of the stack – that would be my recommendation. A great book!
Oooh, I loved Bel Canto! Made my Top Ten list a few years ago. Berg’s The Art of Mending was good, but not nearly as good as some of her others. The Three Junes is quite good, too. That reminds me, I want to read her new release. Title escapes me at the moment. Anyhow, go for Bel Canto. That’s my recommendation. 🙂
I really liked Bel Canto. It gets my vote. I’m still staring at The Shadow of the Wind.
Stephanie: You know, it is good for me to know that there are other people who are having problems with the TBR-stacks!
I keep buying, buying, buying…. but the time to read them?
I HAVE IT NOT!
And you know what is most hilarious? After buying more books than I can read in ten lifetimes, I go to the Library, and sign a few out.
Honest to God, it is a disease, right up there with SARS!
[Sorry. Already Reading Something!]
Too hard to decide. I suggest that you slip the book titles into Fortune Cookies, and each time one book is read, eat a Fortune Cookie to see which book you will read next.
~firefly
I want to read Bel Canto too – I have heard good things about it. I saw Three Junes in your pile – skip that one!! Just kidding, you may like it – I’ll be anxious to hear your opinion!!!
Just started unpacking MORE boxes of books which had been in storage for a year. Didn’t realize how many TBR books I had!
I either own or have already read almost every book in your stack. I think the only one I haven’t read is Bel Canto – looking forward to hearing what you think of it! Enjoy Julie and Julia – I loved it.
I’m reading Bel Canto now. I think this may be one that even if I don’t love, I’ll think about for a while. Getting closer to the end now 🙂
Oh and Stephanie I want to mark you as a bookmooch friend. I’ll have to try and find you on the site or send me an email 🙂
I’ve been intrigued by Julie & Julia, but that sounds like something I’d like to listen to on audiobook as I’m driving.
I really was very lukewarm on Memory Keeper’s Daughter, and try as I might, I never did make it through Bel Canto. But that’s just me. I think you said you already read this but “Sister of My Heart” has got to be my fave read of the last couple months, it was great. I also loved “Self-Made Man” by Norah Vincent, although neither of those are in your stack. 🙂
I LOVED JULIE AND JULIA – read it and also got it read by the author on CD – great for my long commute!
I adored BEL CANTO and am currently reading an historical fiction called THE LAST JEW
Happy Holidays!