Hot off the Book Presses!

I just finished I'd Know You Anywhere: A Novel by Laura Lippman! It reinforces my opinion of Ms. Lippman as being one of the best novelists in the USA! She writes with such ease; I truly believe that she is every bit as good as Anne Tyler. There must be something in the water in Maryland!

I'd know you anywhere is a haunting story that is masterfully and naturally layered. Eliza has a past that is not so "American Dreamy"; she was kidnapped and a witness to a murder during her pre-teen years. Lippman connects Eliza with all those involved with this tragedy with a fine crochet hook. I wish I could think of a better analogy--one that involves pop music, but I cannot. Crochet links strands of yarn without actually meshing them. Each story follows its own line and crosses the others--leading to one finished item.

Lee Child also has a new book, Worth Dying For that I just picked up from the library. I won't tell you what it is about (it is related to the last Reacher novel), but just know that it is set in Kansas. I have enjoyed all of Lee Child's novels in the past and I am looking forward to digging into this one.

This novel remains on my nightstand:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Three Audio Books added to our "Have Listened To" List

Just returned from a ten day road trip.

My husband and I drove from Alabama to Colorado and back. Why drive and not fly? First of all, we like to listen to audio books and this long trip presented a perfect opportunity to expand our "have listened to" list.

What we heard:

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon -- 32 hours long
Mrs. Pollifax, Innocent Tourist by Dorothy Gilman
Endangered species by Nevada Barr

My opinions of these audio books will be forthcoming!

Second, we needed to take lots of stuff. One does not just carry on two fly fishing rods and waders and boots on a plane for free!

Third, we would need a car in Colorado that could go over dirt roads that might not be in the best of conditions. Renting an SUV is expensive.

Now that we are home, I will evaluate the costs involved and report the results in the future. It was a LONG trip--we spent three nights in motels going and three nights coming back. Also, we were both a bit "testy" toward the end of the trip. Next time, I might fly and send my hubby in the car.

I did take photos (on the iPhone) along the way so I could personally illustrate a planned lens (article) on Squidoo.

Stay tuned!