I have some do-or-die challenges for my summer, which formally begins on Friday, June 27.
- Paint en plein air, in the lands to the south, where millions of insects are not present to devour me. (Think: Saratoga Springs area.)
- Read the following three classics:
- Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
- Snow by Orhan Palmuk
- Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain
You know, I have so many books on tap, one can only hope for a blistering, hot summer when one has no choice but to be indoors. (NO! I didn't mean that! Let me take that back!)
I struggled rather with Snow but I loved the other two. Wolf Hall is a brilliant holiday read, when you have time to immerse yourself in another world. I saw the stage version last week, wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMary,
DeleteI was thinking of beginning with Wolf Hall. Wolf Hall and Wimbledon! They will compete for my attention. I'm so eager to begin reading. And to think there's a stage version. Oh, how I'd love to see that.
Judith
By the way, if you've never seen the TV adaptation of Testament of Youth, you'll find it on YouTube.
ReplyDeleteAnd I didn't even know there was a television adaptation! I'm making a note now to check up on it on YouTube, that is, when I've finished the book. Thanks so much for alerting me!
DeleteJudith
My school year ended last week, and this week I have glutted myself on books and sleep. Can't wait to hear what you think of Wolf Hall. For me it was a slow read, but I savored every page.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you have more time this summer to read and loaf a bit. I know you've been busy taking stimulating courses the last 2??? summers.
DeleteJudith
I plan to read Wolf Hall also, even though it is not my usual sort of book and I don't have a copy yet. Possibly in early 2015. I am glad you reminded me, I should plan to look out for it at my favorite book sale.
ReplyDeleteTracy,
DeleteYou know I quibbled about reading Wolf Hall. I have read so much about the time period, both historical novels and histories. And I asked my friend Anne who loved Wolf Hall, what else is there to say? And she told me that the novel brings Cromwell to life--and shows much from his point of view, which is totally new.
I agreed. And purchased a hard cover copy on the spot.
Judith
Yes! Always with the grad courses! This year I am giving myself a rest. I want to write, read, and sleep.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful repose you have in store. Teaching demands that its practitioners have fallow time. Sleep sounds excellent--and writing and reading, all of which I hope to do as well.
Delete