In between those books I also read the non-fiction book Wild Things about raising boys. Weird how the novels I have been reading lately all address this issue in some fashion. Or maybe it is what I’m gathering from them in this stage of life.
Ouch! So since April I have finished Man at Arms by Stephen Pressfield and The Son by Philipp Meyer. Enjoyed both MaA was a fun hist. fiction novel. The Son was a great book on the legacy we build and leave and the ultimate results of ambition. Next, Tree of Smoke.
June Wandrey was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She served from 1942-1946 and wrote a book called “Bedpan Commando” about her time during the war:
“An eighteen year old boy is carried into the shock ward and he looks up at me trustingly asking, 'How am I doing, nurse?' I just kiss his forehead and say, 'You are doing just fine soldier.' He smiles sweetly and says, 'I was just checking.' Then he dies. We all cry in private, But not in front of the boys. Never in front of the boys."
#MemorialDay 🇺🇸
Forgot to give report on Absalom, Absalom! It was quite a challenging read. I kind of enjoyed it, but also didn’t get it. I felt like my mind was distracted through most of it. I’ll try it again a later.
Reading report: I needed a fun mental break so I turned to Stephen Pressfield’s A Man at Arms. I’ve always enjoy reading Pressfield’s descriptions of battles and fighting. Started Wild Things, a book about raising boys. After this maybe Lolita.
@Avonleebythesea Gosh, the Molly chapter in Joyce’s Ulysses still lives rent free in my brain.
The great authors didn’t write from assumption, but of experience and observation.
@AmericanGwyn Ulysses was amazing, Moby Dick was an unwelcome challenge. Currently reading Absalom, Absalom and am kind of lost. Blood Meridian was wild. Reading Gilead immediately after finishing Stoner was a mind trip. Reading Lolita later this year, then need to check out rest of your list
First book of ‘26 completed, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Beautiful book about learning/giving grace as one grows older & leaving the lessons of grace to future generations. Interesting read, I finished Stoner at the end of ‘25 & started ‘26 with this. Next up Absalom, Absalom!
@Avonleebythesea I read Tess of the d’Urbervilles with my daughters last year. It is a great book for girls with a lot to discuss. This year we read Frankenstein.
@educatedandfree@OrganizerMemes My 8th Grader has already read and been taught how to annotate, The Old Man and the Sea, Lord of the Flies, & To Kill a Mockingbird. They will be starting Night on Wed plus plan to read Anne Frank, Fahrenheit 451, and Hamlet. I’m very thankful.
@FredMinnick Honestly I have no idea who you are, but you popped on my feed from a @sarhilde retweet. You got all my loves KY, wrestling, and bourbon. I grew up and wrestled in KY, but am now in FL. You deserve a follow. Carry on and I am so looking forward to bourbon recs