19 August 2015

Reading Challenge - Book 17

As I stated in my last 'reading challenge' update, I definitely wanted to read the follow-up to the last book I'd read. Book 16 was 'Wish You Were Here' by Stewart O'Nan, and I mostly read it because Emily, Alone had caught my attention, but was a sequel to the first one.

So I read and finished the first one (which became my 'book from an author you love that you haven't read yet'), and went on to enjoy the second one in much the same way. Except I can't find a category for it. I would expect to be more bothered by this, but really?, there's no way I'll get all 50 on the list done, so if I passed a few hours enjoying a book that doesn't 'count,' I'm still okay with it.

Emily, Alone is about another year or so in the life of Emily Maxwell. We'd already met her children and their families, as well as her sister-in-law Arlene, in the first book, so this was really just keeping up with them. Emily and Arlene may not have chosen each other as friends if they weren't related, but once Emily married Arlene's brother Henry, they ended up being either other's go-to companions. They are two old women passing time together. They do brunch on Tuesdays, and the Club for special occasions, as well as other events in Pittsburgh that catch their fancy. But being two old women, it isn't all fun and games. They and the friends they've known forever face health challenges. Funerals are part of their social event calendar, and we're privy to Emily's pragmatic thoughts about it all.

It's never too late to check out PopSugar's 2015 Reading Challenge List. I've sought out a few books to fit different categories that I normally wouldn't have read. While I can't imagine actually reading all 50 this year, it's something to plug away at and get some enjoyment from accomplishing a little at a time when the short terrorists I live with aren't making their demands ;)

6 comments:

Liz Parker said...

Thanks, this sounds like a good read. I'm going to check out Popsugar's list too.

Jenn said...

I admire that you can handle a "reading challenge". I've been having issue with commitment lately. Seems there is just not enough time in the day for everything on my list.

Jackie Vore said...

Have you joined Goodreads? They have great groups you can join for reading that help inspire you! I love that site - just wish I had more time to read.

GeekDad248 said...

book club's can be a great source and motivation to read novels you may never have otherwise experienced. Glad you've stuck with it!

Ron Leyba said...

This book sound really interesting. Hope I can get a good glimpse of it personally.

Anonymous said...

I think I'm going to complete the challenge. Just a few more to go. It's been fun.