August in Review

August was an incredibly busy yet productive and fun month.  It marked the first of the fiscal year at work where we held our annual conference in Las Vegas.  We celebrated my father-in-law's birthday in Vegas the weekend before this conference.   Speaking of birthdays, I had a birthday (hint: I am now twice the legal drinking age...yikes!)  The second week of the month I was in Korea for business.  And my kids started back to school, 1st and 2nd grade. 

I managed to read a total of 4 books.  Each one interesting in their own way, all very different from one another.  Novels by Le Carre, Perrotta, and Russo.  And a Non-Fiction Novel by the stupendous Capote. 

Before we get to the books, here is a photo of my kids on their first day back to school...

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​Now on to the books...

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The Naive & Sentimental Lover by John Le Carre
First American Edition
***

This novel is a complete detour from all of his other works that are filled with governmental workers, spies, politicians, and villains.  The Naive is a love story, yet a very quirky one at that.  About a straight-laced successful man becoming enamored with a bohemian couple  and deciding to forego work and responsibilities and his own wife in order to prance around in Paris and other extravagant and seductive locales.  It was as if Le Carre and Henry Miller spent a scandalous week together consuming as much absinthe and hallucinogenic drugs as possible and afterwards Le Carre crawled home to his writing desk where he wrote this twisted stream-of-consciousness tale.  It was messy at times.  Overall, a tad above average at best.    

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In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
First Edition
*****

Capote is a master of the pen.  I am embarrassed to say this was the first time I have read this book.  It is grim and insightful and rich...rich with characters and stories-within-stories and scenery...and life and death!  This is a non-fiction novel, therefore everything in this book actually took place.  Most of the quotes are to a 'T'.  Capote did extensive research and it shows through his brilliant re-telling.  A family of 4 is gruesomely murdered, seemingly for no reason whatsoever. A true scene of macabre. A hunt of the killer or killers ensues.  Capote then takes us into the minds and shoes of the killers themselves...the why, the how...breaking down their lives and psyches.  A gripping tale for sure...you never want to stop reading!      

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Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta
Signed First Printing
****

I enjoy a Tom Perrotta novel or short story.  His characters are always full of life and flaws.  His stories are filled with satire, fearlessness, and laugh-out-loud humor.  He does not hold back with this story about a 40-something woman who is dealing with single life, possible breakdowns, her clueless sometimes-wayward college-aged son, her own sexuality, and the fact that someone anonymously texted her calling her a MILF.  It is a quick read, and a great one at that!

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Mohawk by Richard Russo
Signed First Printing + Signed Re-Issue
****

If you are following my blog and/or IG, you will know I am awestruck by Russo.  He is one of my favorite authors.  Similar (yet better in my opinion) to John Irving.  He is what I call an Americana Novelist.  He gives us more than a glimpse into American culture, diving deep into communities and individual personas.  The characters he creates come to life and stick with you long after you turn the last page. 

Mohawk is his first novel and it is brilliant.  It is about a town in upstate New York and its inhabitants; within the 1970s.  There are rich characters, mysteries that slowly unravel, and stories that will engulf and enrich.  Worth the read! 

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What did you read in August?
What are you currently reading?
What do you recommend?

Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!​