While I don't read nearly as much in the Summer as the Winter, I'm never without a book at hand. I can usually squeeze in an hour or two in the evening.

I don't ever remember reading Sinclair Lewis, so by chance, I picked up THE GODSEEKER. For one thing, I found it to be quite interesting while being historically informative. I didn't know what to expect from the title--was the main character turning TO or AWAY from God? You'll have to read it to find out.

But it was Lewis' writing that grabbed my attention. WOW! I mean this guy was good! I can't describe how he wrote. I just know great writing when I read it.

Another good book was SUMMER GONE by David MacFarlane. I had a difficult time following the pattern he used, but it was different and well written.

In this age of pathetic "best sellers" authors (like James Patterson), it's refreshing to read quality books by some of the lesser known writers. You don't know what you're getting, but it's fun to try them out.

And, no offense, but I'd rather read a book than twenty blogs each evening. Sorry for my negligence lately.

Comments:

comment by looserobes on July 6, 2009 1:22 PM ()

Funny. And it's a coincidence that I just read a short essay about Dorothy Parker.

reply by solitaire on July 8, 2009 4:49 PM ()

comment by marta on July 5, 2009 1:39 PM ()

I'll have to read it (Babbitt). Admittedly, I didn't know much about SL. Thanks for the info.

reply by solitaire on July 8, 2009 4:46 PM ()

And you were the guy who threatened to quit because no one ever answered your blogs---careful what you wish for, my friend. Sinclair Lewis is a naturalist, so I'm betting the guy turned away from God.

comment by redimpala on July 4, 2009 9:22 AM ()

True enough. And I gathered that Lewis was opposed to Bible thumpers. Thanks for stopping by!

reply by solitaire on July 5, 2009 5:33 AM ()

I am retired. I can blog and also read. Okay so it takes me two to three days to read a book after dinner while watching bad TV. I also practice the piano and walk and bike and swim and make dinner. I don't, however, know how I ever had time to go to an office every day.

comment by tealstar on July 3, 2009 6:53 PM ()

I know what you do. I'm so glad I have a picture (in my mind's eye) of your place watching you "do your thing". I'm still getting in 30' of piano time each day. Playing lots of Gershwin now.

reply by solitaire on July 4, 2009 5:35 AM ()

I LOVE reading! I'm so eclectic tho - I find myself spending 3 months on classics, then I feel the need for thrillers, and on it goes - At the moment I am in the non-fiction mood -

I hope you are having an amazing summer Randy!

comment by greeneyedgemini on July 2, 2009 6:42 PM ()

Hey--great to hear from you! My summer is going well. Any time I'm outdoors is good. I read the same way--jump genres frequently. I'm bookless at the moment. Library closed for the holidays.

reply by solitaire on July 4, 2009 5:31 AM ()

I don't have the time to read as much as I would like to. I took a book with me on the plane, but it just would not grab my interest.

comment by dragonflyby on July 2, 2009 6:10 PM ()

I watch a lot of TV with the sound muted and a book in my hands. I don't know what that has to do with your comment, but it is what it is!

reply by solitaire on July 4, 2009 5:27 AM ()

A good book enthralls you and you can't put it down. I have read a lot of less than stellar ones lately. Laura, try some Elizabeth George. She is one of my favorites.

comment by elderjane on July 2, 2009 5:51 PM ()

I went to the library yest. to return my books and get some more, and it was closed! July 3 "observance" of the 4th. But I have some unread books on my bookshelf for emergencies. Happy 4th, Jeri!

reply by solitaire on July 4, 2009 5:23 AM ()

i like history novels read quite a few about the mountain men backin the 1830's --characters that actually lived.
fantasy novels are a good read never mind the witches -wizards and other queer things its the plot that gets me everytime
MARGARET WEIS is a good author --am trying out S C BUTLER the stonewall triology --got both books from library ----no chop back they go

comment by kevinshere on July 2, 2009 5:11 PM ()

"The Godseeker" had mountain men in it--set in Minnesota back in the 1840's. Thanks for the tips on the two authors you mentioned.

reply by solitaire on July 3, 2009 4:36 AM ()

comment by troutbend on July 2, 2009 5:08 PM ()

I totally agree, although I must admit that some of the great old authors write over my head. Sometimes a quick read is mindless.

reply by solitaire on July 3, 2009 4:32 AM ()