Hi Bookworms, how goes it? What are you up to this fine weekend? We have fall colors happening here! It’s been very dry with no rain for over a month but clear, cool mornings and warm days.
Which was perfect for my birthday yesterday. I’m starting a new decade now and it’s a bit hard to believe. Let’s keep with the adage that you’re only as old as you feel. Perhaps that’s the best way to go about it. I’m not sure how I feel, but I don’t think it’s as old as the number suggests.
This Thursday I’ll be going on a trip to the Washington D.C. area as well as to Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy, lol. I’m just there to visit old friends and maybe see a museum exhibit or two. I once lived in Virginia pre-2008 before coming out here, so it’s a return of sorts.
I have not been back since 2016, and I think it might be very different in this current political climate. My D.C./Va. era dates from 1993-2010-ish. And I was there during 9/11 and man was that a somber day to be there and see the Pentagon.
And now in book news, I see that the National Book Awards for Fiction put out its longlist, which is above. I have not read any of these, but I’m looking to read Angela Flournoy’s novel The Wilderness (due out Sept. 16) that follows five black women through decades of friendship, and Megha Majumdar’s novel A Guardian and a Thief (due out Oct. 14) that looks to be a dystopian tale set in Kolkata, India. I have my radar on both of these, but also what about Joy Williams’ collection of stories The Pelican Child, which comes out Nov. 18? The list of Finalists will be announced Oct. 7 and the winner on Nov. 19. So keep your eyes out. Do you know any of these above?
Also don’t forget that the Booker Prize shortlist comes out this Tuesday. I have only read Katie Kitamura’s novel Audition so far from the longlist, and I’m not sure if it will make the shortlist, but I heard two BookTubers say their favorite book on the longlist is Benjamin Wood’s novel Seascraper about a man in England who earns a meager living trawling for shrimp on the beach until one day he meets a filmmaker who changes his outlook on life. Hmm. It comes out here Sept. 23. I will try to get a library copy.
And now I’ll leave you with a couple reviews of what I finished lately.
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans / Crown / 304 pages / 2025
Synopsis: This epistolary novel follows the life of a divorced, retired woman, Sybil Van Antwerp, as she corresponds from 2012 to 2021 with her family, friends, acquaintances, and literary idols.
Sybil, is 73, when it starts in 2012, and is pretty set in her ways. She’s a bit gruff and prefers to communicate through letters. She has two grown kids — Fiona and Bruce, and a child who died as an adolescent — and a brother and a couple close friends.
Through a series of circumstances she comes to have quite a bit weighing on her shoulders, which includes: an anonymous harasser; an eyesight condition; a couple suitors; a DNA test; hosting a friend’s kid at her house; and fixing things with her daughter. Through her correspondence over several years, she tries to resolve things and in the process comes to learn more about herself and grows as time goes on.
My Thoughts: 4.4 stars. This novel has been one of the most popular hits this past summer. I read it as a buddy read with Tina at the blog Turn the Page. We both seemed to really like it. Overall I found it engaging and touching. The protagonist Sybil is a character, particular in her ways, whose story comes around through her correspondence and you come to understand what writing means to her and why she values it so much. I don’t want to say too much to give anything away, but she goes through some personal growth that helps her and is someone you feel you know by the end. I don’t think I’ll forget Sybil anytime soon. Thanks to Tina for reading and discussing the novel with me.
Early Sobrieties by Michael Deagler / Astra House / 272 pages / 2024
3.5 stars. A recovering alcoholic, Dennis Monk, age 26, is about six or seven months sober after he gets kicked out of his parents’ house in the burbs and sets off for south Philadelphia bumming stays on old classmates’ or friends’ couches and washing dishes at times at restaurants to make ends meet. He also tries to do apartment fix-ups for friends or help with odds and ends, so he can crash at their place.
His is a meek existence trying to navigate his early sobriety with getting by amid the gentrifying neighborhoods. Each chapter is like a different episode of whose place he’s at and what crazy thing is going on. The wily cast of characters he meets up with for a stay is colorful and not always safe. Monk was an English major and is trying through it all to observe and write something about the street life around him.
His narration is funny at times and though he seems a bit hopeless (whether it’s tugging out old carpet at a girlfriend’s, or watching out for a person’s parrot that escapes out a window) you root for him to resist the bottle and make it through this stage in life. Along the way, there’s amusing and astute writing here and there and some of the quirkiness, humor, and trouble of staying sober reminded me of a cross between John O’Toole’s novel A Confederacy of Dunces and Frederick Exley’s novel A Fan’s Notes. So that’s pretty high praise from me. It’s just that some of Monk’s journey grabbed me more than other parts that lagged a bit. It also turned out to be more episodic or like linked stories than I was hoping for …. from a coming-of-age sobriety novel. Still Deagler is a writer to watch.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read any of the books pictured above and if so, what did you think?
I’m glad you posted the booklist for the Nat.Book Awards because I had not heard of a single one of them. Maybe they. haven’t been reviewed yet in the book reviews that I read. It seems strange that they are not obtainable until so late in the year.
Hi Mae, I too was surprised that some of the nominees of the NBA were not even out yet. How crazy. And a few seem a bit obscure. I had heard of some. Have a great week.
I haven’t read any of the books that you mentioned in this post! Too many books and not enough time!!
Happy birthday! I think you are exactly 2 months behind me in the decade birthday this year. So far, so good for me. I am embracing it.
Thanks Helen, I’m glad you’re embracing your next decade. I have been a bit in disbelief over it … but hopefully will face reality. And there are a lot of books I haven’t been able to get to this year. Have a great week.
From the National Book Award list I have read The Antidote and plan to read Flashlight, which is also longlisted for the Booker. The Sisters have been on my radar for a while but I don’t think I will be able to accommodate it this year. Seascraper is one I’m planning to read; it’s very short and I read that “the author is one of the best British authors you have never heard of,” which is high praise. The Correspondent sounds good; I’m glad you and Tina liked it so. Early Sobrieties wouldn’t do for me but I’m glad you enjoyed it some. I’m about to finish my 6th Booker title; it’s been burdensome. Already a book behind because of it. Hopefully the next ones will be better. Let’s see what the shortlist brings.
Happy belated birthday, btw!
Thanks Carmen! Old age looms, argh.
Hi Carmen, good update on the nominees you’ve read. Today is the Booker shortlist announcement! Will there be some surprises?! Some knockouts?! I’m on hold to get Seascraper. Two guys said it’s the best one! But is it? You’ve done well with all the Booker reads. My reading is slow at the moment.
Wishing you a great week.
First of all, Happy Birthday (belated)! Yes, hitting those ‘milestones’ is a little jarring. Ha! I keep thinking of my grandmothers and how I remember them at those years of their lives. Ah well. Time moves one. I haven’t read either of the books you shared, but I do have The Correspondent here to read. Will have to be in the mood, but epistolary novels are a big favorite of mine. Hope you have a nice trip! Take care!
Thanks Kay, this bday was a hard one, lol. I’m not a big epistolary reader (no siree) but The Correspondent flowed easily and it didn’t bother me, It probably made the reading go faster. I hope you enjoy it whenever you get to it. Cheers!
I really enjoyed The Correspondent. I think I was expecting something gentle but without much significance; I was right about the gentleness, but wrong about the significance. I may propose it as a book group read.
Happy birthday! I love the change of decades. Next year will be my next big leap.
Hi Deb, thanks this bday was a big leap! Still reconciling it, lol. And I think you’re right about The Correspondent …. it had some lightness but also some truths within it. So it was good in that way. I think it be good for a book club pick with things to discuss. Enjoy your week.
Happy belated birthday
Enjoy your trip.
Wishing you a wonderful reading week
Thanks Shelleyrae … the bday week is ongoing, lol. Still getting used to it. Have you been seeing The Correspondent book there? It’s been pretty big over here.
Happy reading to you as well.
Happy Birthday, Susan and here’s to a new decade! I’m still saying that The Correspondent is my favorite book of the year so far and I’m glad you and Tina both enjoyed it, too. There are SO many new releases I’m looking forward to, including The Wilderness and Seascraper. My hold for Buckeye should be delivered soon, so that will likely be first. The fall colors there are gorgeous! We just have a hint of color now, but that will change. Enjoy your trip!
Thanks JoAnn. The colors are really getting under way now. Pretty. And the bday is past and over the hill – so to speak, argh. We will see about the upcoming DC trip.
I’m glad you read The Correspondent first and vetted it for us. We did enjoy it. It has some kernels of truths to it which I liked. & Many books to read! But I’m going sort of slow right now … caught in Adichie’s long-ish Dream Count at the moment. It was on my summer list. And now summer is over. Keep going with your reads. Cheers!
Hi Susan, Hope you had a great birthday! I have heard such good things about the Correspondent and I have it on hold at Libby. I enjoy novels in letter or diary form. Early Sobrieties sounds interesting too. It focuses on the first few months after someone has made the decision to stop drinking and that is a precarious time.
Hi Kathy, thanks another big bday argh, lol. See what you think of The Correspondent …. I think you’ll like it. I didn’t want to say too much in my review …. so others can find out about Sybil’s life on their own. I enjoyed the letter format with this one. I read it as an ebook too. And I’m always sort of a sucker for sobriety novels … since I like hearing about characters turning their lives around. This novel is a bit disjointed but still I could understand what Dennis Monk was going through. Have a great week.
I thought The Correspondent was a fanatastic read and I very much enjoyed reading with you. I’d look for more by this author.
Great that the weather was good for your birthday and here is to many more wonderful years! Thursday is creeping up and I know you are excited about the trip. We look forward to hearing about it, seeing photos.
Sorry for the late comment. My neck and back were killing me and I am slowly on the mend . Typing was aggravating the neck as I always need to look down. That will teach me to get kicked out of my high school typing class and having to fly on the keyboard with two fingers!
Oh, the Deagler book sounds like one i wnat. Adding to Goodreads.
Hi Tina, yes The Correspondent was a good change & read for me … and it had more to it than I originally would’ve thought. I was surprised how many stressing issues Sybil had on her shoulders.
I hope your neck & back are getting better each day. It takes a while to resolve a bad tweak like that.
just fyi — The Deagler book is a bit disjointed so a little bit of a warning. But the author shows some promise, and I usually like tales of sobriety.
Have a good week. talk soon.
Happy Birthday! I hope it was a good one. I don’t feel the age I am; every time I remember I’m over 50 it’s like a slap in the face. Inside I feel much younger. But what can you do? The birthdays will keep coming. ;D
Hi Lark, thanks, that’s how I feel too. I can’t believe I’m this age … as I still feel pretty young, lol. I think we carry on …. with our youthful energies, lol. And don’t bother with the number. Enjoy your week.
Happy birthday, Susan! Your fall colors look beautiful! We’ve been getting some changes too even though it’s been warm here, it cools way down at night. It’s been years since I visited Virginia and Washington D.C. I think the last time was 2005, maybe? Hope you enjoy your trip!
Thanks Rachel, another bday argh. But fall has been really nice. Crystal days. Sounds nice where you are too. Yeah I’m on my way to DC/VA now …. crazy to return to places you once lived … but I’m hopeful it will be fun. I’ll report back. Cheers!
Happy birthday! New decades can be exciting 🙂 Safe travels to/from the DC area–hope you have a great time.
I finally got my number called at the library for The Correspondent but had to pass because I have too many books on the go right now. After reading your review, I am sorry I didn’t make room it–getting back on the list now! The series of circumstances you describe make the book more interesting to me. I really shouldn’t have passed!
Hi thanks Jane. The new decade is a bit daunting, lol. But I move onward.
The Correspondent is a quick read for whenever you get to it. It’s a bit light but also a bit touching. See what you think. I can totally understand balancing a pile of books …. I had to give back The Names to the library since I’m too busy at the moment, so I will have to get it back another time. Enjoy your week.
ps. I’m in Md and DC and Va. in one day today, ha.
Oooh, another beautiful photo. Love those fall colors starting to pop!
Happy belated birthday! Yes, you are only as old as you feel. I still feel as if I’m in my 50s except when my back or knees are giving me trouble. I hope you have a good trip to DC & Virginia. We used to go back to Virginia Beach to visit Rod’s daughter, and later, our granddaughter, but it’s been many years since we’ve made that trek.
I’m not a big reader of book award nominees, so I’ll wait until you’ve read and reviewed some of these books. I am excited to start The Correspondent, hopefully this weekend. I skipped the publisher’s blurb, so I really don’t know what it’s about, but I know it’s my kind of book from the reviews I’ve read. Glad you and Tina had a good buddy read.
Safe travels!
Thanks Lesley, I had a long travel day yesterday but it went well and now I’m on the East Coast. It’s sort of a fun change. I have been to Virginia Beach before but not in many years. I’ll be taking the train to Richmond today!
See what you think of The Correspondent. It’s a quick read. It’s good to go into it not knowing too much.
I like the saying you’re only as old as you feel. Let’s go with that. I can’t believe I hit the 6-0. I was the youngest in my family. Have a great week.
Happy Belated Birthday, Susan! I hope you have a safe trip and enjoy your time in the DC and Virginia area. I’m really curious about A Guardian and a Thief. I read the author’s book A Burning, and while I liked it, I didn’t love it. I would be open to reading more of her work just the same. I have a copy of The True Story of Raja the Gullible. I am looking forward to reading it. I think I would like The Correspondent. It’s on my wish list so I am not sure when I might get to it, but hopefully someday! I am listening to Lady Susan by Jane Austen, which is an epistolary short story/novella (I’m not sure which category it falls into). As her books always do, it took me a moment to get into it, but I am loving it so far. Sadly, I had to set it aside half way through, but hope to finish it tomorrow or Friday. I hope you have a great week, Susan and enjoy your travels!
Thanks Wendy, just got to the East Coast and it’s going well. I’m glad you mentioned the novel A Burning since I had read that as well and thought the author showed great promise so that is why I’d like to read A Guardian and a Thief (even though it’s dystopian and I’ve read too many of those it seems). I will look to see what you think of Raja the Gullible. And the Jane Austen one, which I don’t know too much about. Keep up the reading! It’s a juggle with all these books. Cheers.
Hi Susan, Hope you had a Happy Birthday! I sent a prior comment but it looks like my computer is having problems. I definitely want to read The Correspondent and Early Sobrieties sounds interesting as it focuses on the first week’s and months after someone stops drinking.
Hi Kathy, sorry my site seems to be stopping your comments for verification and I don’t know why. But I did put your prior message (above) through. I think it’s on my end … so I’m sorry for the delay. Always something right? I always appreciate your comments. And I will try to make sure the site puts them through. Look forward to your thoughts on The Correspondent.
Omg, Sep 20 was your birthday?? Happy Belated Birthday to you!! I hope you had a great celebration, and I know you’re going to have many amazing years ahead! As I get older, I feel like my best years are yet to come and I’m sure the same is true for you. ❤️
That’s so nice of you to say Haze. Thx so much! Sept. 20 was the big day, ha. So old. I have been traveling so sorry for the delay in replying. I hope the best is yet to come! Cheers.
Happy Happy Birthday, even if I am very late. Just wait until you are over 75. That is a scary number. Glen will be 75 in a few days, I will be 77 in a few weeks.
I am so irritated with myself to being so late to see this post. I was interested to see that the Booker short list had come out (another thing I missed this week). Glen had sent me the list but I did not see it. I am happy to see the books by Susan Choi and Katie Kitamura are on there, even though I haven’t read anything by either of them. I did get a copy of Audition. I will read more about the others.
On the list of nominees for the National Book Award, I am only familiar with the Susan Choi book. I was interested to see the book by Karen Russell there, because her short stories were compared to Kelly Link’s stories in a book of short stories I just read and reviewed. She is new to me but I am interested in learning more about her.
Thanks for the review of The Correspondent, although I only skimmed it to see if you mostly liked it. Tonight I got an inexpensive kindle edition since the hardcover is so expensive at this time.
Thanks Tracy, appreciate the bday wishes. And Happy Bday to your husband and I hope you make a post on your day. I’ve been on travels lately so I’m responding late and haven’t been able to visit blogs while away. Still I look forward to seeing your posts when I get back.
Interesting to hear your thoughts on the Award lists. I’m not sure what you will think of Audition. It’s a bit mysterious and different. Like a jigsaw puzzle. I have not read Karen Russell yet … but she seems different too. So maybe they are picking obscure or unique stories.
The Correspondent is a fairly quick novel …. that seems to go by quickly with all the letters. I was surprised by how much the protagonist Sybil has on her mind or shoulders at the time. Much to think about! Hope you have a great week.
I’m glad that you and Tina enjoyed The Correspondent together!
Thanks Joy. It is a good read-together book. We were emailing about a book full of letter writing. Ironic, right? Ha. Cheers.
I love the changing colors! Too bad we don’t have that around here. Some flowers actually just started to bloom around this time.
Hi Lux, yeah the color changes are so neat to see. But it is cool you are getting flowers blooming. It’s a silver lining perhaps, lol. Enjoy yours ! Have a great week.