Books Books Books
/I wrote a piece in May 2019 Get Your Read On! where I listed my top books and asked a few friends to share their favorites as well. I keep updating this piece but, as the Chairperson of the Literacy Committee at my son’s elementary school and as a monitor of a Book Club at church I do find myself chatting about books often. Today I wanted to share a few specific titles and why they resonate with me. All these titles are about home. In some manner - the longing for - the loosing of. As a July birthday the idea of home is usually in the forefront of my thinking.
Where the Crawdads Sing: I just finished this title last month. It left me happy to have read it. And I do think there is a feeling of home associated with this story of a girl left alone and the world in which she finds comfort. The world of the marsh and the little shack are both equally her homes.
The Dutch House: This Ann Patchett title is wonderful. This book carries with it all the meaning of home and asks what does a building hold of a family when you don’t have either. I originally read the book in March 2020 and just finished listening to it last month and I found it incredible - if possible more impactful than a year ago - and I don’t know if it was the simple reason of picking up on things I missed the first time or if it’s because we’ve been home for a year.
Howards End: Is a much beloved family home of Mrs. Ruth Wilcox. The sisters Schlegel are a vibrant with a deep love of knowledge who crave intellect and are defenders of those less fortunate. Their lives become intertwined with the Wilcoxes.
The Good House: What can I say… something I loved about this book I learned when I was finished reading it…. which is Ann Leary intended the book to go in another direction and the main character Hilde was not supposed to be the main character - But, Hilde took over the story because she’s quite a character… she likes her wine too much….
The Children: Another title by the enjoyable Ann Leary. Here we have the story of Charlotte who rarely leaves her stepfather’s home Lakeside. Her stepbrothers are welcomed guests even though they own Lakeside since their father’s passing. When Spin brings his fiancé home everyone is intrigued by the beautiful and accomplished Laurel Atwood. As the wedding draws near flaws surface in this family portrait.
The Perfume Collector: Weaving through time from 1920s New York to Monte Carlo, Paris, and London, the story Grace uncovers of an Eva d’Orsey’s history will transform Grace’s life forever, forcing her to choose between the woman she is expected to be and the person she really is - and where she ends up.
If Walls Could Talk: An Intimate History of the Home: I’m a huge fan of Dr. Lucy Worsley is an English historian, author, curator, and television presenter in England.
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House: One of my favorite books and the film starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy: Mr and Mrs. Blandings design their perfect home and we follow along during their construction issues and the funny workers they deal with.
Rebecca: Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again . . . This is the opening line of the Novel, the 1940 Alfred Hitchcock film and the most recent film by Netflix. This is a wonderfully engrossing story of a naive young woman who is swept off her feet by a debonair widower in Monte Carlo. They are quickly married and life is wonderful until they arrive at his massive seaside estate - the shadow of his late wife is everywhere and it threatens their happy union. The book varies a bit from both of the films. I highly recommend reading and watching!
Jane Eyre: Jane was orphaned as a child and has felt like she didn’t belong her whole life. She is overwhelmed and nervous when she arrives at Thornfield Hall to be governess to Edward Rochester’s charge Adele. This is quote I want to live by - Jane says “Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs.” I love so many of the Bronte sisters novels but, Jane has a never give up attitude I truly admire.
Brideshead Revisited: I read after watching the 1981 British Telepic on PBS. It’s the story of Charles Ryder’s infatuation with the Marchmain family. It’s a wonderful tale of love and loss and grasping for what you think will make you happy.
Some from childhood:
The Christmas Mouse: Mrs. Berry is frightened by a mouse and goes downstairs to sit-out Christmas Eve and is disturbed yet again. This time by a young run-away boy. This lovely tale still enchants me about the best in human nature.
The Diamond in the Window: Eddy and Eleanor Hall have always known their family was uncommon and they live in a most remarkable house. But, they would never have guessed just how remarkable the house really is.
Harriet The Spy: I read this book when I was 11 and appropriated my sister’s copy - which still has pride of place on the livingroom console table. I made a life-size study of myself mirrored after Harriet. Harriet M. Welsch is a spy; she writes down everything about everyone she sees - including her classmates and her best friends - in her notebook. Her notebook ends up in the wrong hands and her thoughts are read - will she be able to fix the damage caused?
New titles I have added to my To Read List:
Have you read any of these titles? Does the idea of books focused on either a physical home or a feeling of home resonate with you?
I like actual books; what I really mean is I love books… The smell of the paper… the typeface… the weight of a book in my hand. I don’t have an e reader but, I do listen to books and they are especially enjoyable if read by a great actor - I utilize Hoopla and The Libby App through my library.
Til next time stay safe friends - thank you for being here!
