Our group has an amazing theme: female authors and/or strong central female characters. While we do read many novels that fit this subject matter, for both the club and on the side, we all have eclectic tastes and expand into many other genres for our pleasure reading. Here we explore what books some of the Regimentals are currently consuming in their free time.
Tim: I am currently listening to Soul Music by Sir Terry Pratchett on audiobook, and am reading John Kaag’s American Philosophy: A Love Story in standard hardcover. Soul Music is the 16th stop on my quest to complete the 41 book Discworld series for the first time. Generally I only focus on one story at a time; however, due to how long the Discworld series is and that I am listening to them all rather than reading, I have had to take breaks and read other books. That’s where American Philosophy comes in, it’s a nice break to get some light reading in about solipsism and the meaning of life when the current Discworld book I’m listening to gets too heavy.
Hannah S: In preparation for the North American Discworld Convention in September, I’m trying to read through all the books again in order. (I’ve read them all many times, but I generally read them sporadically–just whichever book I feel like at the time.) I’m currently on Mort, which is a definite favorite of mine. It’s so fun to go back, read things from the beginning and watch the characters that you know so well develop again. If you haven’t read Sir Terry Pratchett’s incredible feat of imagination and satire, there’s nothing in the world I would recommend more highly. I’m also listening to Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope, which I am thoroughly enjoying. I was in the mood for some Victorian drama. I had never read any Trollope before this year, and he’s quickly jumped to number 3 on my list of favorite 19th century writers after Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell.
Hannah Z.: I just checked my purse and there are three books in there–Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell, Longbourn by Jo Baker, and The Princess Bride by William Goldman. A fellow Regimental gifted Longbourn to me last year, and I’m enjoying this look at the Bennet family from Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of their servants (N.B. Lydia is still super annoying). If you’ve never read Sarah Vowell, please stop denying yourself her witty and engaging thoughts on American History. I’m learning so much about the annexation of Hawaii and its rich history simply by traveling with Sarah into libraries and temples and caves and museums. I’m reconsidering much of what I already thought about the 50th state. As for The Princess Bride, it is a kissing book, and one I’ve read many times. I’m looking forward to diving into S. Morgenstern’s classic tale again.
Erin: Sometimes stories for work require some extra research. So, I’m currently reading How to Talk About Wine by Bernard Klem. It’s a basic guide to the world of wine, including which countries make it, how to taste it without looking like a rube, and what fancy-sounding words like terroir mean.
Exciting, interesting, and fun reads all around! We are all working through the next book club book as well; Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robinson. Some of us have at least three novels on themselves at all times (Hannah), and others just concentrate on one at a time. Regardless, we all have the love of reading in our souls.
Reads and Feeds 