We’ve been enjoying the beach for three days now, and I’ve read three books in that time. 800 pages in three days. Not bad. I guess that’s an indication that I’m remembering how to relax. Two of them have been fiction, and one is a parenting book. Incredibly, I left my Henry Knox biography at home. I have another allegorical fiction book that I’m going to start reading to my children tonight and an inspirational book that I’m half done with. Other than that, I’ve already exhausted my reading materials for the week, and I haven’t even put the kids to bed on Wednesday night! As big as that pile looked when I was packing, I’m wishing I’d brought more. I may raid my Grandpa’s bookshelf for something or I may just read this one again.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows I know that I’m late on the scene, that this book has been out for a while now, and it’s probably already had it’s spotlight in the press and in book clubs and blogs all over the place. I’ve been meaning to read it for a while but haven’t found time for leisure reading. The hesitant review of a friend made me wonder if I’d like it, but at last I put my name on the request list at the library and my turn finally came. Now that I’ve devoured it I have to pause and say that….
I loved it.
I enjoyed this book more than any other piece of fiction I’ve read in several years. Granted, historical fiction is far more interesting to me than any other, and now I’m on a hunt for more concrete information about the Channel Islands during the German Occupation of World War II. Even so, this was a wonderful read. I loved reading a book written entirely in letters. I loved reading about how each character was sustained in different ways by powerful books. I loved the way the characters were regular old people doing their best to live right. I just plain loved it.
One of my favorite things about reading is when a good book sends you right off to another book, or two or three. And, simple as it may sound, my favorite kind of book is one that makes me yearn to be a better person. I’m happy to say that this book provided both. Last month I purchased several books for reading this summer. This one I checked out of the library. When I get home, I’m selling some of the others and buying a copy of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. I liked it that much.
Indeed, it’s my new favorite book. If you haven’t already read it, I hope you will.
Jennifer
