Monday, July 15, 2013

summer reading


Today I'm linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy's July "Twitterature" post 
to share what I've been reading.

*****



I've just finished Purple Hibiscus, a novel by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.  Fifteen-year-old Kambili and her brother and mother are rigidly controlled by her wealthy, zealously religious Catholic father.  When Kambili and her brother go to visit their Aunty Ifeoma, they enter a world completely different from their own -- one where people speak freely about religion, politics, and love -- and they can't go back home unchanged.  This is a beautifully written book that pulls you in from the first sentence; it's about coming of age and finding true freedom.

*****



You've seen every Downton Abbey episode more than once ... you've watched all of the extra DVD features ... you're counting down the minutes until Season Four starts ... what to do now????  Why, read the companion books, of course!  I read The World of Downton Abbey a while back (it's mostly about the historical background and the reality of people's lives in the 1912-18 period); now I'm enjoying The Chronicles of Downton Abbey:  A New Era (which is more about the actual DA characters and the actors who play them).  It contains tons of sumptuous pictures and interesting details; it'll ease your Crawley cravings for a while at least!


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12 comments:

  1. Anne @ Modern Mrs DarcyJuly 15, 2013 at 8:38 AM

    I'm a huge Downton Abbey fan. Thanks for educating me about Chronicles of Downton Abbey--maybe it'll tide me over till Season 4 (finally) comes out!

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    1. JeannieJuly 15, 2013 at 9:41 AM

      Yeah, the waiting is excruciating! Must ... have ... more ...

      Delete
  2. Stacey @ Chasing Cloud 9July 15, 2013 at 8:38 AM

    Oooh...I can't wait until Downton Abbey comes back! (although I was quite upset at the last episode!)

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    1. JeannieJuly 15, 2013 at 9:44 AM

      I know!!!!!! Why oh why oh why ..... (don't get me started)

      Thanks for stopping by, Stacey.

      Delete
  3. StaceyJuly 15, 2013 at 11:40 AM

    So glad to have found you through Twitterature this morning. Purple Hibiscus looks great- will add it to my ever growing pile!

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    1. JeannieJuly 15, 2013 at 12:51 PM

      Yes, that's the only problem with this Twitterature thing -- my list just gets longer! Good problem to have, though. Thank you for stopping by!

      Delete
  4. UnknownJuly 15, 2013 at 12:58 PM

    I've wanted to read Purple Hibiscus since absolutely loving Half of a Yellow Sun.

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    1. JeannieJuly 15, 2013 at 1:05 PM

      Hi Shana - I'm glad to know that one is good too; haven't read it yet. Thank you for the suggestion and for dropping in today. Twitterature is the best. thing. ever. :-)

      Delete
  5. BreanneJuly 15, 2013 at 1:50 PM

    I'm adding Purple Hibiscus to my list, it sounds fantastic.

    And I totally agree about Chronicles of Downton Abbey, they are great! (hurry up season4!)

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    Replies
    1. JeannieJuly 15, 2013 at 2:05 PM

      I commented to my husband that it really is like reading the background on some real-life family; I feel as if I know them.

      Delete
  6. AnnaJuly 15, 2013 at 5:35 PM

    Purple Hibiscus looks so interesting. I like reading about Africa so I think I'll add this to my to-read list.

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