Sunday, June 3, 2018

A Lifetime of Reading

In high school and college, I read historical novels in my spare time. I remember Dear and Glorious Physician about St. Luke and Look to the Mountain, which takes place during the American Revolution. It’s one of the finest historical novels I’ve ever read. Taylor Caldwell wrote of Luke; LeGrand Cannon, Jr., of the Revolution.

Of course, in the convent, I read only theologians. Afterward, however, I returned to historical novels. In the late sixties and early seventies, I read the three authors that some literary critics consider the finest historical novelists of the 20th century: Robert Graves (Ancient Rome), Mary Renault (Ancient and Classical Greece), and Michael Shaara (the Civil War)

In college and later in graduate school, I read the classic novels by English and American authors such as Melville, Steinbeck, Richard Wright, James Baldwin, George Eliot, Evelyn Waugh. However, by the time I left the University of Minnesota with a graduate degree in American Studies plus a strong minor in Black History, I was weary of “great” literature—of deep and abiding themes that run like dark and golden threads through the tapestry of time. I wanted to read books I didn’t need to ponder for symbolism and character and plot development. I wanted simpler things to read.

Since then, I’ve discovered several women writers who explore the dynamics of families: Anne Tyler, Barbara Kingsolver, Toni Morrison, Anne Quindlen, Elizabeth Strout, Alice Walker. I’ve also come to enjoy memoirs such as those by Frank McCourt, Rick Bragg, and James McBride.

In the 1990s, I discovered that some of the best novels being written were by mystery writers. In the past twenty-five years, I’ve begun to read mainly mysteries by such well-known authors as Louise Penny, Chris Nickson, Julia Spenser-Fleming, Deborah Crombie, Anne Perry, Charles Todd, Margaret Coel, William Kent Krueger, Laurie R. King, Martin Walker, Alan Bradley, P. J. Tracy, Daniel Silva, Donna Leon, Alex Grecian, Tony and Anne Hillerman, Paul Doiron, Jane Cleland.

I enjoy the puzzles that mysteries offer and delight in solving them before the last chapter.  In addition, some of these authors write historical mysteries. So that’s a Win-Win for me!

Through the years, when health issues have dragged down my spirits, I’ve tended to look for writers who offer a world that is not as complex as the one in which we all now live. Not as complex or frightening or dark. Back in the 1970s, I found that James Herriot’s books about a group of Yorkshire veterinarians lightened my spirits.  

His books spoke to me of simplicity, goodness, the power of laughter. Some would call them “feel-good” books. That is, they don’t deal with the major issues of our time like racism, injustice, sexism, inequality, terrorism, abortion, war. They end happily. That’s what I sometimes crave—a happy ending.

Three writers who fit the bill for me now are Patrick Taylor (the Irish Country Doctor series), Jan Karon (the Mitford series), and Effie Leland Wilder (a retirement village series introduced to me by blogger Arkansas Patti).

In one of Karon’s books, her main character, an Episcopal priest, looked at the countryside and thought, “nothing terribly dramatic ever seemed to happen. Life appeared to flow sweetly, without many surprises or obstacles to overcome.” That appeals to me when life becomes overwhelming.

The truth is that besides my writing, I mostly laze through the days and evenings, reading for pure enjoyment. When I want to challenge my brain, I read non-fiction about history or politics. Both give me grist for the mill of my mind.

What about you? Any authors to recommend?

Peace.

36 comments:

  1. I love David Baldacci's books (especially the Camel Club series) & Lee Child's Jack Reacher books!!

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    1. Dear Fishducky, so wonderful to have you back leaving comments! Thank you. I'll look at Lee Child and David Baldacci's series. Thanks for the suggestions. Peace.

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  2. I too read constantly... and although I will read almost anything, seem to enjoy the 'feel good' books like Jan Karon, Patrick Taylor, etc. I also love mysteries (nothing too graphic). And just off the top of my head, books that have stayed with me as favorites are The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon, Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine, and Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly.

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    1. Dear Rian, I don't like horribly g graphic mysteries either because the imagination is so vivid that I keep the pictures in my head too long. I, too, enjoyed "The Outlander" series. I need to look up Erskine and Kelly. thanks for the suggestions. Peace.

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    2. Dee, I should have mentioned that I don't normally read anything theological, but I have read a few on retreats. One that I always keep a copy of is "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis.

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    3. Dear Rian, did you read his "Surprised by Joy"? A lovely book on his marriage. Peace.

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    4. Love all your suggestions, plus try Nelson Demille he makes us laugh he is so funny and also I enjoy legal writers such as John Grisham and Scott Turow.

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    5. Dear Nawm, I, too, really enjoy John Grisham no matter what he writes about. He's written several books that aren't really about the legal profession and they are a joy to read. Peace.

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  3. "They end happily. That’s what I sometimes crave—a happy ending."

    Music to my ears! Isn't that the truth?

    This morning I was thinking about the books by Judy Blume I read as a child and teen. Fun, effortless, with small lessons...good reading.

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    1. Dear Sandi, I was going to mention in the post--before it got so long--that I often read books written for 10 to 14 year olds. Two that I like especially are "Redwall" and "The War That Saved My Life." Happy endings! Peace.

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  4. I love Susan Juby. The Woefield Poutry Collective and The Republic of Dirt are two of my favourites. Both are funny and have good endings.

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    1. Dear Birdie, thanks for the book titles and the author's name. I'll look her up. I'm always looking for new authors to read. Peace.

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  5. I think I was nearly as immersed as you, Dee, save theology. Now, I can tell you a funny story. I read a review of the recent biography of James Madison, bought it, read it, and realized I'd read it before. Of course, I have no recollection of reading it before. On the other hand, when I put it on the book shelf, I picked up another book, realized I'd read it over the summer, and do not recall anything it is about. I began to type "Damned if I do, etc.", but that's not true. It is what it is and I've moved on. I got out my little MP3 player and think I'll fire up a book or two while I weave. I wonder if I'll recall or later remember any of them. It's a test.

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    1. Dear Joanne, I seem to be forgetting so much of what i've read. I used to have an elephant's memory and could recall plots and characters' names years later. No more.

      I listen to audio books as I walk. In her comment, Penny mentioned John Grisham and his audio books are excellent. Peace.

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  6. You are certainly better read than I am. I'm in a book club but our picks lately have been as boring as dishwater so I'll keep their titles to myself.

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    1. Dear Jean, if you like mysteries there are some fine writers in the list I gave. Also Elly Griffiths who is mentioned in the comment below by Elephant's Child. Peace.

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  7. Like you I am an avid reader. No theology but almost everything else. And I recognised and loved rather a lot of the authors on your list. I do hope Barbara Kingsolver gives us another book soon.
    On the mystery front:? Add Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series.

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    1. Dear Sue, I so enjoy Elly Griffiths! Just last week I read her latest--the one in which Ruth goes to Italy to examine a body. Several surprises in the book. I've read the whole series and watched the relationship between Nelson and Ruth change and grow. It's all so suspenseful! Peace.

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  8. I tend to read the same types (and the same) authors you do, Dee. Many, such as William Kent Krueger, have been my reading companion over the past several years. I enjoy Jan Karon. Her books are a balm for the soul. Lately, as I have been in the car quite a bit, I am enjoying some audio books and remembering how much I enjoy John Grisham. Peace.

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    1. Dear Penny, yes, the word "balm" exactly describes what Karon's books do for me. I, too, really enjoy audio books and John Grisham is a favorite! Peace.

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  9. I also really enjoy reading historical novels I just started The Last Hours by Minette Walters set in June 1348 about the plaque

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    1. Dear Jo-Anne, I have read Walters before but found her a little too dark for me. I'll try "The Last Hours" and see if I enjoy it. I give a book about 20 pages to draw me in. If that hasn't happened within that number of pages, I close the book and go on to something else! Peace.

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  10. I discovered Wilder's books through Arkansas Patti, too, and enjoyed them. Right now I'm enjoyng Liane Moriarty's books, "What Alice Forgot" is especially good, I think. I've read many of the authors you mention here, but nothing stands out right now. :-)

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    1. Dear DJan, I'll look to see is Moriarty's books available as an e-book from the library. If you like mysteries and haven't read William Kent Krueger, I'd really suggest his books to you. Peace.

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  11. I don’t think I’ve been without a stack of good books since 5 years old, Dee. I relish my reading time and find enjoyment balancing between fiction and non-fiction. I will read something complex and then choose a good mystery to provide the thrill of a quality page-turning experience. Another favorite author simply for her combination of wisdom, humor and spiritual openness is Anne Lamott. I do enjoy learning about your reading habits! Readers always enjoy seeing what others are reading!

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    1. Dear Debra, I'm so surprised to see a comment from you given all the problems you've been having with leaving one on this blog. Please don't exert yourself too much to do this. I know you read them; that's enough.

      As to a reading list, yes, I, too, enjoy learning what others are reading. And I've read everything Lamott has written! She's taught me a great deal, for which I am grateful. Peace.

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  12. Since my Nancy Drew years, I've never returned to devouring mysteries. During my college and teaching years, I used to long for summer to read for fun, keeping a summer wishlist during the long school years. Now I've had a few years of reading whatever I want whenever I want and it still feels so good! The two best books I've read recently are Educated by Tara Westover (memoir) and The Tortilla Curtain by T C Boyle (novel but oh-so-thought-provoking).

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    1. Dear Cynthia, truly some of the best writing today is being done by mystery writers. If you want to move on from "Nancy Drew!!!!!" and read really good writing, try Louise Penny.

      I'll look at "Educated"--she was interviewed on the PBS Newshour. As to the Boyle book, I'll see--I'm not so much into thought provoking unless it's political! but I'll look at the library e-books and give it a whirl! Peace.

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  13. Besides some of the "great" literature, too, I have appreciated and been formed as a writer by such authors as Herriot, Quindlen, Walker, and McCourt. My mom loves the Mitford series. My favorite author is probably Tolkien; I'm reading his Lord of the Rings for the zillionth time. So many amazing stories, well told. I'm grateful for them and glad they're there for you.

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    1. Dear Deanna, I've never had Tolkien as I haven't been interested in fantasy until I read the Harry Potter series. So maybe now it's time to try Lord of the Rings. Peace.

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    2. I'm not big on fantasy either, but I love The Hobbit and have read (and taught) it many times.

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    3. Dear Cynthia, I've thought of starting my breading of Tolkien with the Hobbit. Would that make sense? Peace.

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  14. I love to know about new things.Nice to hear about many writers. I have read some of the books!

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    1. Dear Weekend-Windup, hope you enjoyed the ones you read. Got any to share? Peace.

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  15. I do like historical fiction that is well researched. Hillary Mantel, Sharon K Penman, come to mind...

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    1. Dear Troutbirder, I so like Penman. I haven't read Mantel because the books for which she got so much attention were (I think there are 2 books, maybe I'm wrong about that!) about Henry the 8th and others and that's not a period of history in which I'm interested.

      Right now, I'm into historical mysteries and one of my favorite writers is Anne Perry who has a series that takes place in mid-19th century in London (the Wm. Monk series) and another series in late 19-century London (the Thomas Pitt series). I've learned so much from her excellent research. Peace.

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