For shame....

I mean REALLY....a seven month hiatus?! Unacceptable. More so because I was definitively reading during that time period. I can't explain why I didn't keep up with this more diligently. Sure, a lot has gone on during this time period, but nothing that excuses total silence. I visited the beautiful country of Costa Rica, became Aunt Leah to my beautiful niece Stella, and all at once decided to go to law school and then not. I have also read a good number of fabulous pieces of literature that have gone unmentioned in this blog I swore to uphold. So, rather than entirely backtracking, I thought to roll a highlight reel, if you will, and then move forward from here.  I have continued my love affair with excellent YA Fiction. The most noteworthy by far: 'Please Excuse Vera Dietz' by A.S. King and 'An Abundance of Katherines' by John Green. Both of these tales contain the right mix of complex characters, snarky humor, cleverly placed life lessons, and plot intensity. I read each within a day or so and found myself vacillating between tears and laughter every other chapter. I had read 'March' by Geraldine Brooks but made the fabulous decision to reread the novel given a totally different frame of mind.  What a good decision. The book is really magnificent. A take on 'Little Women' from the male perspective; this novel gives a depth to the charming characters I attached myself to as a young woman. I could clearly recount others, but why dwell in the past? Currently reading 'The Hour I First Believed' by Wally Lamb and 'Cutting for Stone' by Abraham Verghese. I was instantly drawn into both; impressed by the fluidity of the stories and skill of writing. Lamb's novel has me falling deeply in love with the main characters and awaiting with baited breath the next chapter, while Verghese's has me reaching for a pen and paper at any given moment to take down the magnificent quotes that gloriously spill out the mouths of his brilliant characters.  While I won't make promises this time, I will make best efforts to 'stay on the wagon' if you will. Happy reading....