I don’t think Middlemarch (or any novel) is the best novel of all time, mostly because what people want in a book is too subjective. But it is a good sign that it must have been chosen as the top novel by many people who were polled for the Guardian’s list.

I like to go into a novel knowing as little as possible, but for this one, I think that was a mistake. But then, if I had known more, I might have decided not to read it at all, and that would be sad. I can see why some people read it multiple times. Next — after reading my summer books — I will be reading My Life in Middlemarch by Rebecca Mead.

At this point in Summer I have only read five books — four books from my Summer list (including Middlemarch), plus one short Rex Stout book I read at jury duty. I am not happy about that.

It has been divisive in the ratings, just so you know, but the writing is top notch.

Hi JoAnn, thanks, although my 2nd knee replacement has not been without problems … I’m very thankful to be able to ride a bike. I put the seat pretty high so I can bend enough to pedal. I will keep pedaling to try to strengthen and improve. Fingers crossed – it gets a bit better.
And I’m glad you liked the Strout 5*s … I actually liked it a lot too … among her books but then it’s the most recent. Kin is good writing and impressed me. I must say the Min Jin Lee novel was not as good for me as Pachinko. It was a bit of disappointment (the characters didn’t feel fully dimensional) but I think you should read it and see what you think. It’s 660 pages!
Yesteryear might not be for you … which is Okay … I think the author is critiquing the influencer world and social media. It’s sort of interesting in a weird off the wall way. Enjoy your summer reads.

Hi Anne, if you’re a Strout fan … I think you’ll like her new novel … it’s a good one. She does touch on what is going within the country … and it affects the characters a bit. See what you think of it. Cheers!

Hi Jane, if you come to Alberta — would love to meet up with you & your husband … even if a short stop on your journeys … keep me posted.
Yesteryear is crazy … and I hope you enjoy Whistler …
I’m not sure if I’ll get to my Preview post this month as summer has really gotten busy … trying to fit in every activity possible and the plants too! lol. The cycling feels good on the knees so I continue on … I’m glad to be done with replacing parts of the body! We move on now. Hope all is well there. Enjoy your reads.

Thanks Tracy, I’m adding the Canadian Bookworm blog to my blogs I follow. It seems to be a good source for titles!
What a feat that you finished the epic Middlemarch … I’m impressed and I’ll be very interested to see your thoughts when you review it. Is it the best novel of all time? The Guardian seems to think it was … Someday I’ll get to it.

It’s an interesting cover for Patchett … and is about the story within the story … I hope the library will come thru for you in getting it … But I know it can be a really long wait. I am no longer with the HPL library as they cut off non-residents but the L.A. Library is a good one! Crossing my fingers you will get Whistler in the near future.

Yeah I’m not sure any of Strout’s books are upbeat, they don’t seem to be (all have something grim). But they have some good characters and interesting things to say. I’ll be interested in her next one. Her books are all similar in ways … so I don’t expect it to be out of the box.

Good to know Carmen, I’ll be geared up for 5 … when I get to it. And you’ve convinced me to get on the wait list for One Leg on Earth. Thanks for the heads up on that book. I didn’t know what it was about … but I checked on Amazon and plan to add it. Thanks. looks a bit different.

So many good books, too! I loved The Things We Never Say. Another 5-star read from Strout for me, though I understand why some readers may not care for it as much as her previous books. Whistler was also a big hit for me and I have Kin waiting on my shelf. I’m curious to hear more about Min Jin Lee’s new novel. Will probably end up purchasing that when it comes out – ebook since the hardcover will be heavy! So far I’ve been avoiding Yesteryear. We’ll see if I change my mind.