Tuesday, April 24, 2012

What's On My Nightstand: April 2012


It's been a long while since I participated in the monthly What's On Your Nightstand postings. It's also been a while since I posted anything in general on this blog. For the most part I consider this blog "inactive" -- with the exception that as time allows (and as I feel inspired) I shall post. This said, I am still reading, though not as often as I have in years past. With two little ones, working part-part time from home, a move, family visits, a funeral, and various other events that make up life I have little time to read these days. I've been averaging one to two books a month and I consider this quite acceptable for this stage of life. And so, without further delay:

What's On My Nightstand for April?


Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens is the front runner. Years ago I attempted to read this novel, but gave up not far into the story. (This was back in the day when I dreaded reading anything from the 19th century -- it was just too hard to read. I no longer feel this way, in fact one of my favorite novels of all time was written by Charles Dickens.) Recently I had thought about re-reading Oliver Twist and now thanks to the ladies in my book club (who selected it as our next book to read and discuss) I have picked it up again and am determined to make a successful finish of it before the start of May. So far I'm enjoying the read... The opening scenes reminds me a tad of Jane Eyre.
 

Cat Among Pigeons by Agatha Christie. Where would I be if I didn't have a cozy-mystery sitting near by? I love the challenge of a mystery to solve, plus these reads are quick and light (well maybe not in content, but certainly in writing style) and thus work great when I'm tired, but still want to read. I'm still working towards my goal of reading all of Christie's mystery novels by order of publication. I started this personal challenge in 2008 and expect to finish by next year.




I am also reading Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne to my 4 year old daughter. We read a chapter or two each afternoon and she is really enjoying the story as well as the one-on-one time together. I've really enjoyed the humor woven within this simple children's story. I've come to appreciate Milne more this time around than when I first picked up the book years ago.






So that is what is currently on my reading "nightstand". What about you? Curious to see what others are reading? Be sure to check out this month's post and link-up at 5 Minutes for Books.

11 comments:

Amy said...

Dickens and Agatha Christie--two of my favorites! Enjoy.

Anonymous said...

We just studied "Oliver Twist" in the homeschool lit class I co-teach for high schoolers. Stick with it! It's really good. I admit I cheated though. Because I wasn't teaching that book but preparing instead for "The Turn of the Screw" I listened to it on audio book. That helped get me through the slower parts.

Jen E @ mommablogsalot said...

Great list! I read Oliver Twist to my son recently (an abridged version) and enjoyed it. I love Dickens. I actually also read Winnie the Pooh to him last year and we really got a kick out of it.

I have not read this Agatha Christie title but I did read Ten Little Indians by her recently and really enjoyed it.

Hopewell said...

Good for you, making it thru Oliver Twist!! I am still at it, about annually, with the Pickwick Papers!

Michelle at usr-bin-mom.com said...

All good books! I'm a fan of Dickens (just finished A Christmas Carol), and I have been wanting to get into Agatha Christie. I also loved reading Winnie-the-Pooh when my kids were little. :)

Carrie said...

I'm so annoyed that I FORGOT Nightstand -- AGAIN!

Aww, I love that you are reading Pooh with your oldest. We're in the middle of The Flint Heart.

Sarah M. said...

Jen, Yes, Ten Little Indians is a good read. Definitely one of her more "creepy/dark" tales.

Hopewell... good luck with The Pickwick Papers... I never finished that one, nor did most of my book club! On the other hand we all LOVED Little Dorrit, several loved Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities, but my personal favorite is Bleak House.

Anonymous said...

I too have Oliver Twist on my stack for this summers reading! I felt the same about it in years past. Like you I have only been getting 1 or 2 books a month with all that is going on in life. Good to see you back!

Maria said...

My 3yo loves the original Winnie the Pooh stories also. What a special time for you and your daughter!

Maria @ novalibrarymom.com

Anonymous said...

So glad to have you back participating again! And I love all the 3 books you mention!! :) Great taste.

Elizabeth
5 Minutes for Books

Brittanie said...

I just finished Oliver Twist on audio and loved it. I have read the paper version of several of Charles Dicken works. The audio is good for the car except in the mornings when really sleepy then a little dangerous. lol