Recent Reads VIII

Every once in awhile I'd see comments on posts featuring books a long the lines of, 'Oh I love that you read so much. I'm a Mom to a baby boy and I just don't have time for books anymore.'  Honestly, I couldn't fathom not having time for books.  Even at my busiest, working almost all waking hours of the day, I read for pleasure.  On the eve of becoming a Mom myself, I wondered, however doubted, if I'd start muttering that phrase too but I'm pleased to say, even in the most tired phases of the last few months, reading has remained a constant.  In my 31 years, I've realized that life is all about choices and often times we make excuses for what we can and can't do when really, it's just about prioritizing what is important to us.  Reading is important to me.

It's been quite awhile since I've done a Recent Reads post and quite a few books have been added to my bookshelf.  I won't go through them all here but you're welcome to check out my Goodreads account.  Lately, I've been indulging in easier reads.  When the entire body, mind and spirit is tired, a simpler plot line is easier to keep up with particularly when I'm picking up my Kindle in the middle of the night for a 3, 4 or 5 am nursing session.

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doeer
This is a story of a blind girl who lives with her father in Paris paralleled by the story of a young orphan boy in Germany during World War II.  As the war breaks out, Marie Laure and her father leave Paris to live with an uncle while hiding one a precious and sought after jewel.  Conversely, Werner's knowledge and expertise in radios land him at an academy for Hitler Youth.  Eventually, the paths converge.

I know what you're thinking… another WWII story Jay?! But, hear me out.  This is less about the war and more about the stories of these two kids.  It is beautifully and intricately written and it has earned a spot on my best reads of 2014 list.  I bought it for my dad for Christmas and it's my number one recommendation to those who ask.

Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year by Anne Lamott
Anne Lamott is a fairly well known author and teacher and her memoir about raising her son as a single parent graces the recommended reading lists for new mothers.  She chronicles the year, month by month, challenge by challenge, laugh by laugh.  Not just about parenthood, there is also the parallel story of her best friend's diagnosis and battle with cancer.

Women, blogging women, tend to love this book.  I didn't love it.  I didn't hate it.  It was fine.  There were some funny parts and definitely some relatable parts and I did catch myself smirking here and there but I just didn't relate to Anne the way I thought I would.  This might be one of those situations where I had grand expectations and the reality just didn't live up to it.  I'm not saying don't read it.  I'm just saying, it wasn't my favourite.

Waiting for Birdy: A Year of Frantic Tedium, Neurotic Angst, and the Wild Magic of Growing a Family by Catherine Newman
Catherine Newman is also well known for her column on babycenter.com chronicling parenting her son and daughter.  Waiting for Birdy is her story of raising one child while waiting for the second.  Her three year old boy, Ben, could melt the hearts of just about anyone and Newman's own, often anxious, pregnancy is completely relatable and funny without being silly and self deprecating.

This is the book I'd tuck into gifts for new moms or second time moms or pregnant friends or just about anyone.  It is funny.  And it's not stupid funny with potty humour and other things one expects from a 'Mom read.'  It's well written and it's hilarious.  There were times where I tried to control my laughter as I wondered if my shaking would wake the baby.  I found this book smart, clever and entirely relatable.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
A.J. Fikry is a book store owner on a small island who is not known for being overly personable.  He lives alone after the death of his wife, drinks regularly and his less than profitable bookstore could go under in the near future.  With the appearance of a love interest and a young girl abandoned in his bookstore, A.J.'s life changes quite drastically.

When I read the description of this novel I immediately thought, 'This was written for me!'  A book about a lover of books who owns a bookstore - easy win for a fellow book lover.  In reality, I didn't love it as much as I wanted to.  At times it was a bit predictable and sometimes the actual writing just didn't capture me.  Again, it wasn't bad and the story was cute but it was forgettable.

Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's "Learned" by Lena Dunham
"Girls" writer Lena Dunham's highly anticipated novel came out and along with legions of other fans, I couldn't help but buy it opening week.  For the fellow "Girls" watchers, this novel strikes the same tone.  Often controversial, the stories are so honest and forthcoming they leave you blushing.  It's sort of like a wide open door into the life of Lena and sometimes you see more than you bargained for.

I think I stand with many who were a bit underwhelmed by the book.  Perhaps the hype worked to its disadvantage or perhaps the HBO sitcom is enough for me but I just didn't connect with it like I wanted to.  I found the stories jumped from here to there to here again and it was difficult to follow the connections between them.  As always, I do give Lena credit for being so candid about the things that so many of us experience yet try to forget, let alone tell the world about.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Set in Australia, we follow three women who are brought together by their children entering the same kindergarten class.  Starting with a death at a school event, Big Little Lies works its way backwards, chronicling the relationships of these women and the other school Moms.  While we know someone is dead, we don't know how it is until the bitter end.  There's the stereotypical clique-y women, gossip, controversy, etc. with some humour, some sadness and a little love story thrown in for good measure.

This book is the definition of an easy read - the kind you want to take to the beach or on vacation.  It draws you in quite quickly and the writing is simple.  I enjoyed it.  I ploughed through it over a week in the midst of major exhaustion and still kept up with what was happening.  At times, I felt the writing and description to be a bit juvenile but it certainly wasn't predictable.  Another book I didn't love but it was just fine for what it was.

Currently Reading…
As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley
I just purchased the next Flavia de Luce novel this morning and haven't read a single word of it yet but I'm looking forward to checking in on this precocious little girl.  This is the 7th in the series - I've blogged about the others in other editions of Recent Reads if you're curious.

Next…
Cafe Europa: Life After Communism by Slavenka Drakulic
I just ordered the paperback version (not available on Kindle yet) in anticipation of our Spring trip to Croatia.

What have you been reading?

Around Here

On Instagram

-We are knee deep in what I hear is called "The 4 Month Sleep Regression" (or progression, depending on how you look at it.)  After treating us to a few weeks of longer sleep stretches, we've regressed… a lot.  Apparently, Jasper is now cycling through sleep cycles like we do except he doesn't know how to get back to sleep between them so that means he's waking me up every hour or two for help.  Yes, it's awful.  Yes, I'm tired.

-On the positive side, Jasper is SO MUCH FUN RIGHT NOW.  He is learning so much and his little personality is starting to come through.  He loves to 'chat' and is really busy fine-tuning his hand coordination.  It's quite cute.  He's also drooling like crazy and loving gnawing on his toys which makes me wonder if teeth are on the horizon.  It is seriously cool watching a little human grow by the second.

-We booked our flights to Croatia!  I'm so excited about this and it feels good to be back online, researching and planning our upcoming destination.  Planning is a loose term here - we are flying into Split and out of Dubrovnik and we have 11 days.  I'm booking accommodation for the beginning and the end; the middle, we'll play by ear.  Again, any tips are welcome :)

-My hazy days have been spent binge-watching Jane The Virgin which is surprisingly charming.  I'm also loving the new Joshua Radin album.

-I accidentally left my Kindle in Canada but I finally have it back and can pick up Big Little Lies where I left off.  I'm not hooked yet but everyone raves about it so I have high hopes.  I'd love a book set in Croatia (or its former republic.)  Anyone have any recommendations?

-Joe has upcoming work trips to Texas (Jasper and I are staying back) and later, in Scotland.  We're pondering having J and I meet him in Edinburgh.  I've only spent time in Aberdeen and it's definitely not a favourite destination for us but I'm keen to see a little more of the country.

-We are in full winter mode here in Stavanger which means rain, wind, hail and more rain.  Blah.  This last week, the temperatures dropped and we saw actual sun and blue skies.  We've been taking some long walks in hopes of remembering what fresh air feels like.

-Google has been emailing me about renewing my domain name.  For the life of me, I cannot figure out how to get into my Google Admin account to update billing information. If, come February first, this web address ceases to exist, I guess it means I haven't figured it out and I'm back to www.fromtheretoheretheblog.blogspot.com.

-Two friends whom we met in Gabon now live in Norway and we're hoping to meet this weekend for a little reunion.  I'm looking forward to reminiscing and introducing them to Jasper.

What is new on your end?  I'm missing the blogging world and my online friends - hope you're well :)

2015 Travel Planning

A few random photos of our Spring trip to Italy last year 

Since we arrived in Norway, we've always had a trip in the works.  It was practically my full time job: planning, researching & booking travel.  Last year, as my belly grew larger, our itinerary slowed down.  We took our last trip together at the beginning of June (to London) and aside from trips to Canada, we stayed put in Norway.  The stationary time was actually quite nice but my feet are definitely getting itchy.

Every year seems to present some type of obstacle when it comes to planning - the past couple of years we didn't know if we were coming or going.  I suppose that remains the same this year.  Joe's contract is up this summer (can you believe that will complete our full 3 years in July?!?!) and we're not sure what the future holds for us.  (I know, I sound like a broken record.)  We could see our time here extended or we could see ourselves moving on to insert anywhere in the world here.  Both Joe and I are rather indifferent about the whole thing, probably because that has been our status for almost our entire stay here.  Regardless, we have at least part of the year to get back on the road.

With the addition of the third member of our family, things have changed a little bit and we have the little guy to consider as we make our plans.  While we may be veterans in the travel world, we're rookies in the 'traveling with an infant' world and there is bound to be some trial and error as we find our footing.

Currently, we're working on a trip to Croatia this spring!  I get excited just typing that sentence!  Our exact itinerary is far from being finished but we're researching possible destinations within the country and ironing out how to spend our 8ish days.  As usual, the more we learn, the more we want to see but we're hesitant to try and pack too much into our first big trip with Jasper as we know our pace will be slower and we want it to be enjoyable and successful.  Dubrovnik is a must and we're thinking of flying into Split as well as taking an excursion to Plitvice Lakes National Park.  As it's early Spring, the weather is supposed to be pleasant but not hot so we're not sure about visiting the islands.  We normally take the 'less is more stance' but I think we'll be doing it even more so now.  Have you visited Croatia?  I'd love your tips!

Aside from that, Joe has a week long trip to Texas in February but Jasper and I are staying back in Stavanger.  We hope to do a couple of city trips over weekends - on the wish list: Vienna, Salzburg, Edinburgh, South of France, Munich and perhaps back to Copenhagen & Berlin.  So much to see, so little time.

What are you looking forward to seeing in 2015?