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Sunday afternoons are made for reading – especially on a day like today when the weather is dark and dreary and all you want to do is curl up on the sofa with a good book. I’ve spent quite a lot of Sunday afternoons this way this winter – it’s been so dark and depressing.Today however I am snatching time with a book before heading out to Ikea.
This week’s book is Body Surfing by Anita Shreve – I’ve been a fan of hers ever since I got a copy of Eden Close free in a magazine many years ago. I’ve read all of her books since and eagerly awaited this one to be released in paperback (hardbacks are just too heavy and cumbersome).
The novel revolves around a 29-year old girl called Sydney – who is twice married, once divorced and once widowed – and finds herself spending the summer tutoring a slow girl by the name of Julie at her family’s summer house.
The novel is – as always – beautifully written – in a series of short paragraphs that are often just descriptions of a place, or snippets of a conversation – like jigsaw pieces that the reader must slot together to create the bigger picture.
It makes me wish I could spend my summers ensconced in a Summer House – steps away from the ocean and a world away from every day life that is lived the rest of the year round…
Tags: SundaySalon, TSS, Anita Shreve
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The only Shreve I’ve read is ‘A Wedding in December’ which I was rather disappointed by. Is there anything you would suggest as a better starting point?
I have not any of her books, I think I will pick her up as I see a lot of bloggers are reading her.
Here from Sunday Salon
Yes, Sundays definitely are made for reading. I was disappointed to see th at the storm weather has passed as it would have been perfect for today. I love the rain, especially when I have no plans whatsoever and can stay inside all day.
I have only had the chance to read one of Anita Shreve’s books so far. Fortune’s Rock, which I really enjoyed. I hadn’t expected to, I admit. I keep eying Body Surfing and imagine I will read it one of these days. I am glad you are enjoying it!
Oh, I quite agree about rainy Sunday’s – perfect times for reading.
I’m glad you enjoyed Body Surfing. I’ve read quite a few of Shreve’s books – I don’t always like them, but when they’re good, they’re very good
Thanks for visiting Bookstack today – I will add you to my link list
Hi everyone – thanks for stopping by and saying hello.
@Ann – try Sea Glass or Fortune’s Rocks as a starting point. There is a thread that ties most of the novels together – that is a house by the sea – it is the main location for the current novel. If you read them in order so to speak you can see the history of the house. I enjoyed A Wedding in December – but it was a move away from her usual tales so try one of the others
It is snowing here . My children are watching Wizard of Oz and I am watching NASCAR. I should use my Sundays for reading I waste most of the day watching guys ride around in circles, which I enjoy so I can’t complain too much.
Now I am regretting leaving Sea Glass on the shelf at the thrift store. It has been there for several weeks so hopefully the next time I am there they will still have it.
Hi Megan – definitely nab that copy of Sea Glass next time you’re in the store!
Oh I haven’t read any Anita Shreve in a long time. I read The Pilot’s Wife and really didn’t like it but I think it was one of those times when everyone tells you how wonderful it is that when you finally get to it it’s a letdown. I should give her another try. I saw that you recommended Sea Glass or Fortune’s Rock… Just curious, they aren’t meant as a series right? I’m a stickler for starting with the first book of a series so just want to make sure I’d start with the right book
Hi iliana – I think every book is meant as a standalone – it’s just that the house is the common theme through all of them. I know what you mean about reading things in order though – I’m the same! I’m going to review Body Surfing tonight and I’ll try and dig out the other books so I can put some kind of ordered list in the review