Book Chatter

A Man Called Ove
By Fredrik Backman
Washington Square Press, Paperback, 9781476738024, May 2015, 368pp.

The Short of It:

A grieving man touches the hearts of many in this sweet story.

The Rest of It:

After the death of his wife, Ove is no easier to get along with than he was before her death. He’s particular about how things are done and whether they are done right. He’s gruff, lacks patience and is easily frustrated by stupidity. Especially that of his neighbors. But there is a sadness to Ove and that is what makes this story very special.

This book was very popular when it came out and due to the movie release it’s still popular today and I can see why. It’s definitely a “feel good” read. It’s charming and Ove is quite the character and one you will probably remember for a very long time. But this book is made even better by its cast of supporting characters. They all had a purpose, even the cat.

My book club will be discussing it this Thursday. It reminded me quite a bit of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry but I think that one had more to discuss. We shall see, but as a “feel good” read, I highly recommend it.

Source: Borrowed
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Sunday Matters

Last week was pretty good. I did a little reading, some journaling and made a few home cooked meals. It felt good to just BE. I’m the type that flits around when I don’t have something to do but I didn’t do that this past week and it felt great.

Right Now:

No amount of coffee can help the fog I’m in but I shall drink it anyway. Muscle relaxers, pain relievers and allergy meds do not mix but I am being told to take them together and although I space them out, they space ME out. You could ask me to do anything right now and I’d happily say yes to it. As soon as I resemble a functioning human being, I will venture out into the world and begin my day.

This Week:

Hopefully there will be a callback for my daughter this week. My son is auditioning for a Justice League character on Tuesday. I’ve got a couple of appointments but nothing big. Should be a good week.

Reading:

Ulysses. I will be reading it for a long, long time. However, I did decide to read other books with it so right now I am finishing up A Man Called Ove and then I have to take a look at my review copy list to see what’s next.

Murakami released his newest book in Japan. It’s called “Kishidancho Goroshi” (Killing Commendatore) and it’s a big one. It seems VERY unfair that I have to wait for the translation to hit the US but I shall wait. I have no choice! In Japan it’s in two volumes so I hope when it comes to the US it will be one, massive book. I cannot wait! If anyone knows when it will hit the US, please let me know.

Watching:

Bates Motel started up again and it’s good.

Everyone knows I am watching The Walking Dead so that’s not news but the spiked walker from last week was very cool.

I really want to see Arrival.

Yes, I will watch the Oscars once I get home but if it runs into The Walking Dead I’ll have to change the channel.

Making:

My son asked for salad. SALAD. So, I’ve gotta make salad.

I’m not in the mood for much these days. All those meds kill my appetite but veggie or burrito bowls sound good. Maybe I will make some for the week.

Grateful for:

Opportunities. I get a little nervous when someone presents me with an opportunity to do something good that might be a little out of my comfort zone but lately, I’ve just been saying yes and it feels pretty good.

Maybe it’s the meds!

What are you up to? What unputdownable book are you reading? I know it’s not Ulysses.

Chatting with friends about books and life…