Okay Susie. Thanks for the word about The Goldfinch. I’m not a big long novel reader but I think I will like it. I’m a little nervous about Briefly Gorgeous but there’s been a lot of hype so I’ll try it. We are headed out on another long bike ride next week in Montana. Hope it’s not too rainy.

I had a long run of either DNFing or completely disliking Pulitzer Prize winning books, but The Goldfinch broke that streak for me. It is completely different from The Secret History and could have been about 75 pages shorter, but I still liked it and am excited to see the movie. I just saw the trailer last night.

I’ve stayed away from On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous because the author’s background as a poet has scared me off. I’ll look forward to hearing what you think of it.

Hi Carmen, so glad you are back! You have so many great observations & comments. I can relate to your Nautilus experience. Not sure I could do it, too claustrophobic. But submarine movies are usually interesting. I hope you are liking the adventures of Washington Black. I enjoyed that book.
You seem to know so much about English history. I’m always in awe. I didn’t do so well with Tudor history in a class in college, but maybe I could try again.

Hi Catherine: I think I did rent the Anna Kendricks movie: it was Crazy! But also entertaining too. Glad you liked On Earth — I wonder what I’ll think of it … poetic writing & all. Not sure I’ll like the protagonist of Patsy but I thought I should put it on the list. The Tenth Muse looks more up my alley. Hope you like it. Good luck with your move to Michigan. Sad a bit you are leaving the West.

Hi Ti, I’m glad it’s still “cool” where you are …. how unusual for SoCal. Thanks for the word on The Goldfinch … I will get to it. Luckily the bike weekend was more of a ride than a race, but I was pleased to make it through in one piece.

I tried Patsy but gave up. This is going to sound terrible, but I’ve been reading more immigrant fiction this year than ever before and this mother emigrating without her child plot is one I read last month and I’m just tired. I know they’re important stories but I have to take a break.

I’m starting The Tenth Muse tonight!

Recent travels back and forth to Michigan mean I have watched more movies in the last 2 months than I have in the last 2 years! I just watched A Simple Favor with Anna Kendricks and thought it was fabulous. It was twisty, creepy, sharp, and funny. Did you see it?

Yay for completing the race. I can imagine that rain was annoying but also a safety concern. Slick roads and a bike don’t jive well. So impressed that you have managed to compete each year.

Weather here is a cool 75-80 so far. It’s very cold at night for this time of year but I like it.

Thanks Rachel, yeah I trust Celeste Ng’s opinion about books too. I think my sister didn’t like The Goldfinch either — so after I knew that then I let it go by. But now I might resurrect it. hmm

Thanks Judy! Good to know your reaction to the Goldfinch and Patsy. June has a lot of notable new books coming out and I think I’m going to be buried. I’m already buried from spring books. The Rockies inspire me when I see those peaks so amazing, just about 1.5 or 2 hours away.