Bedside Table Books

“Laughing through tears” – an exquisite state of being, n’est-ce pas?  When I heard this new novel described as being responsible for such a condition in several different reviews, I promptly placed it on my “to-read” list and thought I’d share the news with you. If you get to it before I do, let us know if it’s as enchanting as it sounds.

The tale begins with: “It was an ordinary morning in mid-April that smelled of clean washing and grass clippings.”  Yum. If a writer is supposed to hook a reader in the first paragraph, consider me caught! (It doesn’t always take high drama to snag me.) On that morning, Harold Fry is replying by post to the news that an old friend is very ill. Rather than dropping his note in the mailbox, he spontaneously decides to hand deliver it to the patient instead. And here’s the catch: she is situated some 600 miles across England. Sounding a little like something Forrest Gump might do, he sets off at that very moment with no preparation whatsoever. A long walk allows for much consideration of one’s place in life and the relationships with those who populate it. And so the story begins to unfold. Author Rachel Joyce herself, describes her writing voice as “celebrating the ordinary, linking laughter and pain.” There is a wonderful interview in Chatelaine magazine which my writing buddies among you will particularly enjoy. Plunk your mouse on this link: Chatelaine interview with Rachel Joyce.  As usual, click on the book cover above to learn more about the story – the link is to Rachel Joyce’s website and it is terrific reading unto itself!

I’ve had a great summer of reading so far and hope you have as well. Feel free to let us know about any pleasant surprises (or warn us about the duds too!) Along with the Back to School flyers I’ve been noticing a number of promotions for the new season of book releases. (I’m just that nerdy) Things are looking bright ahead!