Review Roundup
I catch up on my blogs through my iPhone reader which means I miss any goodies that enhance that web page. And that means people miss my little extras as well, such as my Good Reads update feed. So, a new addition to my line up of features shall step forth: the Review Roundup in which I lasso a couple of books from my Completed Reads Corral and trot them out for all to admire. I’m in the midst of Cormac’s All the Pretty Horses, so horsing around is a given.
Last year I thought 50 books to be a good goal and I nearly doubled it by reaching 92 reads. This year I decided to go for 101. So far, so good as I read 11 books in January. Here’s my top three picks of January:
That soothes the savage scorns that love inflicts,
Or brings joy to our lips as does the lark,
Causing fingers to snap and heels to click.Songs. Sonnets. Put them together, as has the very clever and talented Erik Didriksen, and you have a collection that is memorable and marvelous. His book started out as a weekly sonnet post on Tumblr which grew a following and garnered him a publishing contract. Ooh, I love those kind of success stories.
There is indeed something for everyone, from The Beatles to Cyndi Lauper to Frank Sinatra–sing the praises of Pop Sonnets.
A thoroughly likable plot and heroine, the book would have garnered five stars except for the ending. DES is terrible about her loose endings. Everything comes crashing to a big finale but she tends to leave loose bits trailing in the breeze. My hope is that Kate Hardy continues on in another book.
Barter’s reference book provides background and insights on several of the prominent artists of the time such as Michelangelo, da Vinci, and Raphael. Surprisingly, Botticelli is not part of the group; however, the artists featured provide a satisfying study into some of the most influential talent of that time period. A great reference for students, or for those looking for a quick, in-depth study.
Pam Webb 
These seem great, but my To Read List is too dang long as it is.
Tryeth at least Sonnets Popped once started the mirth shall not make you want to stop. Or drop by his website for the newest ones. They rocketh.
OKeth. I’ll tryeth.
I adore D.E. Stevenson, too! Have not read this one, will look for it.
Yay! Another Dessie
I appreciated the horse joke 😉
I usually tell cow jokes. The change up was due.
I have not read any of these. My favorite book this year so far? I’d say “Career of Evil,” the third book in JK Rowling’s (AKA Robert Galbraith) new detective series.
But I only set a goal of 50 books. That’s probably the best I can hope for.
Until I figure out juggling reading books is my main hobby.
i am a fan of this new addition, though i’m sure it will make my own TBR pile grow. love that first one! Pop Sonnets, how fantastic!
I don’t know any of these! I set my Goodreads challenge at 60 this year and am doing well, mainly because I tore ligaments in my ankle and was off work for three weeks! Favourite read of January? The Ask by Sam Lipsyte.
I’ll look into that one.
I’m so glad you liked ‘Pop Sonnets’! I’m holding out hope for a second volume.
He is adding new sonnets to his website, so it’s probably a yes.
Artists of the Renaissance sounds great, being all over the shop in my reading, it would be good to focus on a certain form of art of an era rather than an overview, I’ll add it to the wish list.
It was indeed interesting to find out more about these well-known artists.
I’m always so amazed at some people’s capacity to read so many books, I’m lucky if I get through two in a month! A combination of being a slow reader, of not allocating enough reading time, and of not having a very long attention span I guess. I just can’t read for hours in one go. But seriously, where do you find the time? Maybe I just have too much that I try and cram into my life. Anyway, these sound like some great books, I’ll add them to the list and so will probably get to them in about five years time!
Time–hmm, being an empty nester helps, as does no pets, and enjoying a low maintenance hubs. No real hobbies to speak of. I gave up cross-stitching years ago, write when the muse hits, and watch the tube a couple of times a week. A bit boring, aren’t I? Living in a small town there’s not much for entertainment. Reading is my therapy. Yes, as a teacher I need a lot of therapy. Thank goodness for books or how would I make it through nine months of teaching teens Brit Lit?