Hi all. I am away this week visiting with my parents in my hometown in lovely Southern California, so I’m taking a short blogging break. I plan to be back next week to talk about all things books and to see what everyone is reading.
In the meantime, I will leave you with these photos of the A.K. Smiley Public Library, where I grew up in Redlands, California. This beauty of a building was built in 1898 and paid for by philanthropist Albert Smiley, whose twin brother Alfred brought plans for the library to his attention. The Smileys did a lot for this town during its founding at the turn of the century. And the library has been designated a California Historical Landmark.
And now – what I’m reading: After finishing a novel for Publishers Weekly, I’m about to start Lee Smith’s novel Silver Alert due out April 18. I’m also listening to the audiobook of Rebecca Makkai’s latest novel I Have Some Questions for You, which I’m enjoying so far. It’s a bit of a prep school murder-mystery at a slow-burn pace, looking back on it many years later.
Also unfortunately I will miss the Los Angeles Times’ Festival of Books this coming weekend, which looks to be really good and I’ve always wanted to go to, but we plan to visit the beach and enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. So I’ll check in with you soon. Happy reading and Earth Day!
Have fun, Susan! Enjoy the beach and the weather. Looking forward to your return.
Thanks Carmen. I’ve been a bit in a reading slump lately but hopefully I will get my mojo back soon. Hope your reading is going well. Have a great week. I’ll try to take some photos while at the beach.
Enjoy the warm weather! I would love to see some sunshine right now. Yes, more rain here this week…
I’m listening to the same audiobook, although I haven’t listened for a couple of days. The premise is interesting, but I’m not completely hooked at this point.
Hi Lesley, Yes seeing the sunshine has been great! It was a bit cooler early in the week but heating up now – 80s inland. We’ll see if we can get a good beach day.
I really thought the audio of Makkai’s novel was about to end but it was only the end of Part 1 — uh-oh! She really micro-manages the crime, over & over. I haven’t started Part 2 of it yet. We’ll see.
Enjoy your weekend.
I hope you have a wonderful visit with your parents. I hoped to go the Book Festival as well, but I traveled last week and am traveling again this coming week so needed time at home.
Thanks Helen. Yeah it’s been busy while we’ve been in California. We had a good time at the beach but only one day was sunny. I can imagine you needed some home time; you travel a lot. Someday we’ll get to the festival!
What a gorgeous library. I love architecture like that–so California, so Mediterrean, very satisfying. Hope you enjoy your visit and get to see the wild flowers–I heard CA is bursting with color right now.
I heard a review of I Have Some Questions for You on NPR a month or so ago and it sounded terrific. Must remember to get on my library list for the audio.
Happy Earth Day(s)
Thanks Jane, good to hear from you! Yeah California is very green and blooming. My parents’ roses are amazing right now. It’s been nice. And the library is a favorite of mine. So cool. It’s been here since before much of the town was up & going. I like the design too. I think you’ll like the audio of the new Rebecca Makkai novel. Check it out. Happy spring.
Hope you’re enjoying your break. I just read a very favorable review of Silver Alert today and am intrigued. I really liked I Have Some Questions for You and have a feeling you will, too. We’ll see you when you get back!
Thanks JoAnn, I’ll be finishing Silver Alert today and see what I think. It’s been busy so just starting Part 2 of Makkai’s novel. It’s pretty in depth! More later. We are headed home today but Calif has been a nice trip. Have a great week.
I’ll have to check out Silver Alert. Love the looks of that library. Have a good time visiting and thanks for the nice comments on my blog 🙂
Thanks Tina. Being back in Calif. was fun. And it’s been good to find your site. The painting of your house looks great. Enjoy your week.