Literature
I didn’t finish many books this month, partly because I was reading Hawaii by James Michener, a massive book of over 1000 pages. It flew by, though, and I loved learning more about the origins and history of those beautiful islands. Now I’d like to read more by this author of immersive historical fiction.
Have you read any other books by Michener? Which would you recommend?
Read in October:
- The Recovering by Leslie Jamison
- The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews
- Hawaii by James A. Michener
- Falling Upwards by Richard Holmes – Nonfiction Reader Challenge
- The Wisdom of Your Body by Hilary McBride
- The Cafe with No Name by Robert Seethaler, translated by Kate Derbyshire – Around the World, Austria
Language
Language study went by the wayside this month, as I spent most of my time speaking English! (See below.) However, I’m almost finished reading Momo by Michael Ende, which I hope to review for German Literature Month in November. I think this would the first time I’ve managed to participate.
Life
The big event in October was my trip of a little over two weeks to the United States, first visiting my family on the West Coast and then friends on the East Coast (where I lived for more than 20 years, so it’s like a second home). It was wonderful to strengthen those heart-connections; much as I appreciate online and written communication, there’s nothing like seeing our loved ones in person.
Preparations for Halloween were in full swing, and while I continue to puzzle over the morbid sides of the holiday — why are Americans so preoccupied with gore and decay? — I enjoyed some of the more clever and magical displays people came up with. My favorite was a dragon that I met on my walk each morning, watching over the street from its perch.
Some people are trying to celebrate Halloween in Switzerland — I saw a few children trick-or-treating as I drove home that evening — but nothing like these elaborate decorations. And I have to say I hope it doesn’t take hold. There’s too much Americanization as it is.
What was special for you this month?
Linked at The Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer, the Sunday Salon at Readerbuzz, and the Monthly Wrap-up Round-up at Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I love the magical, dress-up, imaginative side of Halloween, but I’ve never been one for the spooky side. I hope Switzerland remains (mostly) Halloween-free.
How wonderful that you were able to go to visit in the US, Lory!
It was, I’m so glad I finally got to do that. It’s been five years, six since I made it to the West Coast.
Magical dress-up is great, but I find it a bit weird when people fill their yards with gravestones and skeletons. Thankfully I don’t see any of that here yet.
I know I can’t read a book of that length but I think Julie Andrews is a great actress so I could watch the movie.
It’s wonderful that you had the opportunity to visit friends and family in the US. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit!
That book could be split into at least 3 or 4 normal sized books. The movie only covers the part about New England missionaries coming to Hawaii. I’m interested to watch it now too.
I think I read an abridged version of Michener’s Hawaii. Or maybe all of it. I definitely read a couple of his other books, but that was ages ago. I kind of like the way he always begins with the Big Bang and the slow formation of the solar system and then maybe a few dinosaurs before he gets to human history (just exaggerating a little).
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Does he always do that? He certainly does in this one (it was not my favorite part, but it was over soon enough.)
That dragon is so cool!
It feels like a more American sort of Halloween is growing in the UK — throughout my life really, but I never saw as many decorated houses as I did this year! Some really cool ones, too.
Well, Michener didn’t get it all exactly right, but then who does? We love the place and have lived here most of our lives.
As for Halloween, I’ve mentioned to several friends that this year there has been so many more weird installations in yards and skeletons riding on the back of motorcycles, etc., than ever before. It’s strange.
Historical fiction, even straight history, can never be completely accurate, but I appreciate the honest attempt to imaginatively enter into the past. I was born in Hawaii but moved away so early I don’t remember it at all. Now I have some perspective on what the land and its people have endured over the years.
Nice list!
I have never dared try Michener’s long books
I got the book to read on our trip to Hawaii but never did. I also got his Tales form the South Seas to read in Tahiti but also didn’t…you’ve made me think I should. Maybe this summer! #MonthlyReview
I found the geological chapter a bit of a difficult entry but after that I got into it. Maybe you will too at the right time.
That is a big one! Did you read it in book form or e-book? I read an over-1000-page book on the history of the oceans a few years ago for the Wolfson History Prize which was an e-book; however, that meant I didn’t realise how massive it was for ages!
I read it as an e-book, definitely handier for traveling.
Hi Lory, I am so pleased you had a lovely trip back to the US to see family and friends. Growing up Halloween wasn’t really a thing in the UK, except for a few parties once I got a bit older, and certainly no one went trick-or-treating. However now it is pretty big. While I enjoy a spooky, mysterious read around this time of the year, I am not a fan of the gore and horror elements. I still prefer Bonfire Night which was the big celebration when I was growing up.
Blessings, Jessica 💌
Oh well, times and traditions do change …
I’m so glad you got to see friends and family. And I don’t blame you a bit for wanting to avoid Halloween. I’m not loving my country right now. Hawaii! Whew. I read one James Michener book, The Source, many years ago. I’ve been meaning to read another ever since. Thanks for the reminder.