Thanks for recommending The Wilful Princess and the Piebald Prince. I am a huge fan of Robin Hobb and this prequel helps me understand the following books better. Wonderful videos of your vacation. Wish I was there.
The Quiet Girl is an Irish movie based on Foster. The film was nominated for an Academy Award in one of the international film categories. In the movie, the girl is named Cait and is 9 years old. Although it has been a while since I read the book, I think that the movie stayed pretty true to the book, but filled in some of the story also.
I’m such a huge Robin Hobb fan that I try to hold off reading her unread ones. This is one of them, but you make me want to read it soon. Because who wouldn’t want to know more of the origins of the wit? 💫
I have a long way to go with Realm of the Elderlings, but I understand exactly what you mean. I don't want to rush the pure pleasure of experiencing her writing! This little book might be good as a Robin Hobb snack.
Thank you for the gratuitous vacation footage! I enjoyed the Keegan books but haven’t yet read any of Lee Smith’s books. I’m interested in her “Blue Marlin” novella in which a 13-year-old girl enjoys spying on neighbours and movie stars.🕵
Thanks for reminding of little things about about each of Keegan’s novellas. Now I want to reread them. That was an interesting little element you noticed about Bill’s thoughts while looking at the mantle. In Foster, I agree, I think the little girl was about 10 or 11, old enough to sense when one of the neighboring adults was being nosy and a bit condescending.
One thing that has stuck with me from Small Things Like These is the subtle menacing Bill is hit with from at least one townsperson (I think it was a shopkeeper?) insinuating that he has a lot to lose by challenging the status quo. My remembrance of the feeling is that they took him in and accepted him even though his mother broke the rules and that what they gave, they could take away. It is definitely a story that could use a re-read. I hope things slow down for you soon and you can get back into the reading groove. We're going on a little vacation next week and I'm trying to figure out what to read along the way.
Deciding what to read on vacation is both fun and stressful. That's where Kindle readers like ourselves have an advantage. Yes, the menacing is real. It was the woman who ran the lunch counter. That's an interesting perspective about taking away his acceptance. I think that's definitely there as well. He definitely has a shift in perspective and the glasses come off... Wishing you a fun and relaxing time on your vacation!
Hi Priscilla, I loved Foster more than Small Things like These but I loved both of them. Something in Foster touched me deeply and I cried at the end. That is not a usual thing for me. October was an up-and-down month. I was fortunate enough to go to Paris and the Netherlands but got Covid twice. Yikes! I only read one book, Of Human Bondage but it was a wonderful read. Aloha friend.
Marilyn, it's so lovely to see you! I'm sorry to hear you had Covid, but hopefully you got to enjoy some of your trip? I need to re-read Foster and will do so soon. Her writing is so precise and lovely.
It's been so many years since I read Fair and Tender Ladies but I still have it so....someday! I'm saving Small Things Like These to reread in December even though it's not merry. I'll be looking for some of these deeper aspects of Bill's character that you discuss. I feel exactly the same about a day without reading time. It makes me feel really off, sort of tense. It's a special kind of hangry. I enjoyed the vacation footage!
I'm not very familiar with these authors, but Foster sounds like a book I would enjoy. I'll let you know (and if I decide I really don't like it, I'll let you know that too.)
I just ordered Larry McMurtry Literary Life on kindle. I appreciate that you sent me the hard-copy but kindle allows me to read and absorbe much faster. I read Walter Benjamin...last summer. It informed my experience of West Texas in a way that gave me a better appreciation for the character and attitudes of the people who live there.
I absolutely loved Foster. However, I read it and then almost immediately returned my digital copy to the library. I think I may pick up a hardcover, not only to keep but also to re-read. I am hoping to read Small Things Like These soon and I have a couple of Keegan short story collections in my Bookshop shopping cart for the next time I place an order.
Many apologies for the rambling Small Things Like These review...next time I'm using a script!
Please don't use a script! I love your ramblings. Aloha
I absolutely love Claire Keegan's writing ❤
Oh how I loved Foster. It broke my heart. Beautiful vacation footage!
Keegan does have a way with those emotionally honest moments.
Thanks for recommending The Wilful Princess and the Piebald Prince. I am a huge fan of Robin Hobb and this prequel helps me understand the following books better.
Wonderful videos of your vacation. Wish I was there.
The Quiet Girl is an Irish movie based on Foster. The film was nominated for an Academy Award in one of the international film categories. In the movie, the girl is named Cait and is 9 years old. Although it has been a while since I read the book, I think that the movie stayed pretty true to the book, but filled in some of the story also.
This year was a blink for me.. it’s insane. 2024 I’m going to push to read more.books I already own ❤
It does seem like it went fast!
Loved the vacation footage -- so relaxing on a stressful day! And that LFL was wonderful!
I saw so many LFLs everywhere we went. It was so great!
I need to read Robin Hobb. Great vacation footage.
She's great at character and world building.
I’m such a huge Robin Hobb fan that I try to hold off reading her unread ones. This is one of them, but you make me want to read it soon. Because who wouldn’t want to know more of the origins of the wit? 💫
I have a long way to go with Realm of the Elderlings, but I understand exactly what you mean. I don't want to rush the pure pleasure of experiencing her writing! This little book might be good as a Robin Hobb snack.
Thank you for the gratuitous vacation footage! I enjoyed the Keegan books but haven’t yet read any of Lee Smith’s books. I’m interested in her “Blue Marlin” novella in which a 13-year-old girl enjoys spying on neighbours and movie stars.🕵
Ah, Blue Marlin does sound good!
I am a huge Robin Hobb fan but I have not read that prequel. I need to get on that! Looks like a lovely vacation.
It's a fun, quick read!
Thanks for reminding of little things about about each of Keegan’s novellas. Now I want to reread them. That was an interesting little element you noticed about Bill’s thoughts while looking at the mantle. In Foster, I agree, I think the little girl was about 10 or 11, old enough to sense when one of the neighboring adults was being nosy and a bit condescending.
They definitely bear re-reading. I'm glad I picked them up.
One thing that has stuck with me from Small Things Like These is the subtle menacing Bill is hit with from at least one townsperson (I think it was a shopkeeper?) insinuating that he has a lot to lose by challenging the status quo. My remembrance of the feeling is that they took him in and accepted him even though his mother broke the rules and that what they gave, they could take away. It is definitely a story that could use a re-read. I hope things slow down for you soon and you can get back into the reading groove. We're going on a little vacation next week and I'm trying to figure out what to read along the way.
Deciding what to read on vacation is both fun and stressful. That's where Kindle readers like ourselves have an advantage.
Yes, the menacing is real. It was the woman who ran the lunch counter. That's an interesting perspective about taking away his acceptance. I think that's definitely there as well. He definitely has a shift in perspective and the glasses come off...
Wishing you a fun and relaxing time on your vacation!
Hi Priscilla, I loved Foster more than Small Things like These but I loved both of them. Something in Foster touched me deeply and I cried at the end. That is not a usual thing for me. October was an up-and-down month. I was fortunate enough to go to Paris and the Netherlands but got Covid twice. Yikes! I only read one book, Of Human Bondage but it was a wonderful read. Aloha friend.
Marilyn, it's so lovely to see you! I'm sorry to hear you had Covid, but hopefully you got to enjoy some of your trip? I need to re-read Foster and will do so soon. Her writing is so precise and lovely.
It's been so many years since I read Fair and Tender Ladies but I still have it so....someday! I'm saving Small Things Like These to reread in December even though it's not merry. I'll be looking for some of these deeper aspects of Bill's character that you discuss. I feel exactly the same about a day without reading time. It makes me feel really off, sort of tense. It's a special kind of hangry. I enjoyed the vacation footage!
Yes, definitely not merry. But so good, so who cares? "A special kind of hangry" is the perfect description for a day without reading.
I'm not very familiar with these authors, but Foster sounds like a book I would enjoy. I'll let you know (and if I decide I really don't like it, I'll let you know that too.)
Her writing is beautiful. I hope you do enjoy it if you decide to pick it up.
I just ordered Larry McMurtry Literary Life on kindle. I appreciate that you sent me the hard-copy but kindle allows me to read and absorbe much faster. I read Walter Benjamin...last summer. It informed my experience of West Texas in a way that gave me a better appreciation for the character and attitudes of the people who live there.
I will keep that in mind for future books!
I absolutely loved Foster. However, I read it and then almost immediately returned my digital copy to the library. I think I may pick up a hardcover, not only to keep but also to re-read. I am hoping to read Small Things Like These soon and I have a couple of Keegan short story collections in my Bookshop shopping cart for the next time I place an order.
I loved it, too, but I loved Small Things Like These even more! I hope you let me know what you think when you read it.
I appreciate your not giving away the Keegan plot! (I may get there yet. )
No spooky reads for October then? 😁
Nothing planned...although I do have a collection of Shirley Jackson stories I could dig into if I get the chance.