Case Histories, by Kate Atkinson
When you love an author’s writing, really love it, it’s worth the gamble to go ahead and buy another of her books. A while back my friend Kim lent me her copy of Atkinson’s Life After Life and it has stuck with me ever since I finished it months and months ago. I love her writing style, her witty style and deep character development. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, one whom I know will satisfy my mental state no matter what it is. I’m always in the mood to read Atkinson.
Case Histories is no disappointment. I am 75 or so pages in and completely hooked. I’m not even sure where this book is going (there is a fascinating mystery), but so far, it has me wondering and turning pages and sitting in the carpool line at my boys’ school oblivious to everything else while I try to catch one more glimpse of what’s going on. It’s dark and surprising, two of my favorite things in a novel. I’m trying to savor this one, as I know that I will be sad when I finish it, much like I was with Life after Life, but it’s hard to savor something you’re so excited to devour!
The Iridescence of Birds, by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Hadley Hooper
We recently read a great book about Henri Matisse to the boys. Such an inspiring book! Read my full review here.
What are you reading?
Thank you for the recommendation for “The Iridescence of Birds”! That looks wonderful, and your review is beautifully written.
I studied some art history and intaglio printmaking in undergrad (they seemed like a perfect distraction from chemistry and things I *actually* needed to graduate…), and absolutely love modern art. I am pumped for this book!
I am currently reading “Unruly Places” by Alastair Bonnett. Very interesting, a little melancholy. I realized that I have intimate experience with two of the places in the book. I also really like the vignette format – it fits nicely into small stretches of time I actually get to spend reading 🙂
Love Kate Atkinson! If you like the mystery books she wrote, check out Tana French’s “Dublin Murder Squad” series.
Good timing! I was just thinking this morning that I didn’t have the Easter basket books yet. Luckily I work dangerously close to Left Bank Books and they had one copy in stock. And there’s a new Penderwicks book out too – so I took care of both girls in one visit. Thanks for the recommendation.
I just finished The Girl on the Train, had trouble putting it down. I just got invited to a book club, so I’m looking forward to benefiting from some good recommendations and setting aside time to read on a more regular basis. I’ll keep you posted on the good ones.
Amy, thanks for the recommendation! And Kristin, The Girl on the Train is on my list! I keep hearing great things about it.
I loved Case Histories. I read it quite a while ago now and it was gripping. I’d also second Tana French’s books, they’re great too.
I am reading Working Stiff – a memoir of a Pathologist in New York. Her stories are fantastic.
Oh my gosh! You’re gotta read Atkinson’s Not The End Of The World! It’s my absolute favorite. Those are some of the most wonderful short stories I’ve ever read. <3