Mouse enjoying the summer day.
Happy Summer! I have been enjoying all the blog posts about summer reading lists, making notes and adding feverishly to my wish list. I am not making any summer reading goals or even my own list. I rarely do. Still, I love seeing what everyone else's plans are and what books they want to read for the season.
Everyone in the house is fighting yet another cold. With this one, the cough is the worst of it. Perhaps you have heard my cry to the heavens for it to be gone so I can breath easily again--and sleep restfully. I was hoping we would get through the summer without any illness; alas, that isn't possible. No such luck.
On a more positive note, I finished A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving last week. Then, the next evening, I finished Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood. I jotted down my initial thoughts of both yesterday and am hoping to come up with coherent reviews of both to share with you.
I went back and forth about what to read next. I am anxious to start Ben H. Winters' Last Policeman trilogy, but then I came across Liz Strange's Destination Unknown, the third book in the David Lloyd mystery series, in my Kindle and thought that one sounded good for right now. When I settled in to read, however, I found myself drawn to Stephen Kiernan's The Curiosity. There is just something about that cover . . .
What are you reading at the moment? Is it something you would recommend?On a more positive note, I finished A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving last week. Then, the next evening, I finished Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood. I jotted down my initial thoughts of both yesterday and am hoping to come up with coherent reviews of both to share with you.
I went back and forth about what to read next. I am anxious to start Ben H. Winters' Last Policeman trilogy, but then I came across Liz Strange's Destination Unknown, the third book in the David Lloyd mystery series, in my Kindle and thought that one sounded good for right now. When I settled in to read, however, I found myself drawn to Stephen Kiernan's The Curiosity. There is just something about that cover . . .
Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea hosts
First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where
participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a
book they are reading or thinking about reading soon.
I thought I would share the opening of a book I just started yesterday called The Curiosity by Stephen Kiernan.
Described as a thriller, a love story and the nature of humanity, The Curiosity is about a man discovered frozen in the Arctic. Through advances in science, he is reanimated. He truly is a "curiosity", but he is also human.
Would you continue reading?I was already wide-awake when they came for me. I lay on a metal bunk, in a gray-walled room with a whitewashed ceiling, while Billings and an ensign hurried toward me through the bulkheads. In a moment I would open the door to discovery, to love, to destruction. In those seconds just before, though, I sat with eyes wide.
Described as a thriller, a love story and the nature of humanity, The Curiosity is about a man discovered frozen in the Arctic. Through advances in science, he is reanimated. He truly is a "curiosity", but he is also human.
© 2014, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
:) Oh, the magic of a seesaw! Where did the name originate, anyway?
ReplyDeleteThe Curiosity sounds intriguing. Eager to hear what you think about it!
Jenclair - That's a good question! I call it a teeter totter, but I suppose that sounds more childish.
DeleteThe Curiosity is interesting so far. It's told from multiple first person perspectives and some of them have rather strong personalities.
I'm sorry to hear that you guys are fighting a cold! I hope everyone feels better soon.
ReplyDeleteThe Curiosity sounds interesting. I'd keep reading. As for me, I'm about to start Sorcery & Cecelia.
A.M.B. - Thank you. I hope so too! I haven't been able to sneak in any reading yet today. :-( Hopefully tonight.
DeleteIs Sorcery and Cecelia by Patricia Wrede? I hope you are enjoying it!
It is by Wrede! I meant to start it last night, but life got in the way. I'm looking forward to reading it!
DeleteOh, now I'm very curious about The Curiosity! Thanks for sharing...and enjoy. Here's mine: “SHE CAN HIDE”
ReplyDeleteLaurel-Rain - I'm not quite sure what I think yet. It's interesting though!
DeleteThe curiosity sounds really interesting. I love a story that stands out for its originality. However, the multiple POV isn't always my fave writing style, so I will wait for your thoughts when you finish this one. Thanks for sharing all your book titles.
ReplyDeleteRita - It's definitely an original idea, I think.
DeleteI don't mind multiple points of view most of the time, especially if they are in third person, but it gets tricky with first person narratives. They don't always work for me. We'll see with this one.
I remember when this came out and it got a ton of buzz.
ReplyDeleteBeth - Yes, I remember too! That was part of what got me interested in this one. :-)
DeleteThe intro didn't really grab me, but the synopsis definitely did! This sounds like a unique story!
ReplyDeleteSarah - So far it is. I hadn't expected it to be a story told in multiple viewpoints; it'll be interesting to see how that plays out.
DeleteI can certainly see why you would be drawn to that cover! I like the intro, too, and will be curious to hear what you think of it.
ReplyDeleteSure hope you get rid of that cold soon.
JoAnn - I am looking forward to spending more time with the book this evening. :-)
DeleteAnd thanks! I do feel better this afternoon. Just wish I could get rid of the cough.
I'm really interested in your views on Owen Meaney. I've been putting off reading it for ages. I'm not making a list this summer either. The Curiosity sounds interesting so I'll definitely be looking for your review.
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I'm still working on my review, but hope to post it Monday, just in time for Carrie's discussion to begin. :-)
DeleteHopefully I can make more progress in The Curiosity tonight. I didn't get my usual lunch hour today since I was in training. That's my sacred reading time. :-(
I think that cover is so great, but doubt the story is for me:(
ReplyDeleteHope your colds are better soon Wendy.
Diane - Thank you! I hope so too, Diane.
DeleteIt's an interesting story. The idea of it grew on me. The more I heard about the book, the more curious I became. :-)
You have my interest and I think that's a great cover, too.
ReplyDeleteYvonne - I'll let you know what I think when I finish with it. :-)
DeleteHope you feel better soon! I am planning to start Curiosity soon - it certainly sounds very promising!
ReplyDeleteAthira - I hope you enjoy it! I'll be interested to compare notes when you finish it. :-)
DeleteThe opening seems a little mundane compared to the summary. I do love the cover and the concept seems terrific. Here's Mine
ReplyDeletePaulita - Isn't the cover great? So far I am enjoying it.
DeleteI'm not sure how long it would hold my interest, but is has it right now. I would keep reading!
ReplyDeleteKim - It's quite interesting so far. Unique.
DeleteHope this summer cold ends soon! I am intrigued by the plot of the book. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteNise' - Me too! This cough just doesn't want to go away. I am feeling lots better otherwise. My daughter is too. Now just to get my husband all better.
DeleteThat book sure sounds interesting! And I think the cover is eye-catching too! Looking forward to your review, Wendy! :)
ReplyDeleteMelody - I like it so far. It's different. I'm not too found of all the characters narrating the story, but it's interesting at least!
DeleteI would definitely continue. I think his life is going to change drastically whether he wants it to change or not.
ReplyDeleteTea - Yes, I think so too. Imagine waking up after hundreds of years . . . and being a science project that could forever change the world.
DeleteAll your books are new to me. I hope you enjoy your summer. Here we have an eternal summer and I would love to have some really chilly weather! the grass is always greener on the other side.
ReplyDeleteMystica - Thank you. I hope you have a good summer too. The seasons here are fairly mild too in terms of changes, although not quite like yours. :-)
DeleteWhen you have little kids, there is sickness. When mine were little, it was just one non-stop den of disease at my house. Ack! Hope you can all recover soon! The Last Policeman and Countdown City are good, and the third comes out in about a month...pretty jacked about that. I've just started a true crime book called "Devil's Knot" that is disturbing (which is why I love true crime). On audio I'm close to wrapping up Ann Patchett's collection of essays called "This is the Story of a Happy Marriage". Now I'm not one for books like this, but this one is going to be a five star. It is amazing. She is amazing.
ReplyDeleteSandy - The joys of daycare and working in offices. We're all likely to bring something home just about every other month or so.
DeleteI really will read The Last Policeman next this time. :-) I am glad you like the series. Devil's Knot sounds interesting. I hope you are enjoying it!
I've heard great things about This is the Story of a Happy Marriage. I'll have to look for that one.
There IS something about that cover. The opening paragraph and your book description peaked my interest as well. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMargot - I'm enjoying it so far!
DeleteI read The Curiosity last summer. It definitely has an interesting premise and is a fairly enjoyable read -- though I don't want to give anything away. Also I'll be interested to hear what you thought of Atwood's Blind Assassin as some have really not liked it. Hmm. Cheers. http://www.thecuecard.com/
ReplyDeleteSandra - Someone who has read it! It's different, isn't it?
Deletethat sounds interesting, I like the cover too. Thanks so much for stopping by I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteKelley - I am glad I decided to pick it up and read it. I can't resist an attractive cover, and it's doubly good when I like the story inside too.
DeleteHow sweet is Mouse!
ReplyDeleteSummer colds are the worst, I hope everyone is feeling better. Last July my son caught the worse cold while on vacation and his fever spiked to over 100. We had to rush him to the clinic. I could not believe how fast that virus got to him and it turned out he caught it from one of the other kids who were staying in the surrounding cabins at the lake. It spread to a few of the children.
On a reading note, The Curiosity sounds very good. I'd continue reading.
Happy weekend!
Naida - That's one of her more innocent poses--she likes to ride with no hands sometimes--to scare me, I think. :-)
DeleteWhat a horrible way to spend a vacation! That's awful about your son getting so sick while you were out of town.
I hope you are having a good weekend! I'm stuck working all weekend at the office, but I'm trying to make the most of it.
The story sounds interesting, depends what the author made out of it I suppose, but it's a good starter.
ReplyDeletePeggy @ The Pegster Reads
Peggy - Yes, it definitely got off to a good start!
DeleteI think my last comment got eaten by the internets :( Hope you are all feeling better!
ReplyDeleteStacy - Thank you! I am. My husband is still sick though. He's thinking of seeing if he can get into the doctor's this weekend. :-(
Delete