Thursday, February 5, 2009

the love of a good book

I am an avid reader for those of you who don't know me AT ALL! (jk) I recently became addicting to reading books by the author Phillipa Gregory, I at first became entranced because of a movie called 'The Other Boleyn Girl' and found at the in fact, it was a book by aforementioned author. I sought it out at the Provo City Library, they in fact did not have, so I was forced, forced I tell you to get another book entitled 'The Virgin's Lover' which much to my delight is about Queen Elizabeth I (I am a bit of a fan of hers), and it was fabulous. I love the way Ms. Gregory combines history with such romance and suspense. Her writing is wonderful and puts you right there, you feel as if you are back in old England and mixed up in the tumult of the battle for reform from the catholic church. So thrilling it is to read such a book. I have since read 'The Boleyn Inheritance' and just this evening (or perhaps more accurately described as the wee hours of the morning) finished reading 'A Respectable Trade.' Both books were fantastic! The Boleyn Inheritance focuses on the lives of Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Jane Boleyn and the downfall and madness of King Henry. A Respectable Trade is a book about the early days of slave trading in England. The reason for my post was not to become a spokesperson for Phillipa Gregory (though it may seem like it) but instead to talk about the bittersweet feeling I felt about an hour before I finished it. I had to get up to take care of my patient (I know most people think I do nothing at work, but truly I do give my SLEEPING patients the care they need) and sat down to pull out my bookmark only to note that I was almost finished. Here I am, enthralled in the story, not wanting to put it down...you know the feeling...when nothing else matters BUT finishing the book..when you will abandon all else in your life (sleep most notably, but food, family, friends, etc.) just to find out what is going to happen..and then it hits me. It's going to be over. Over. I was so disappointed (not in the story) but just knowing that I was not going to be able to be companion of these characters along their journey. Now mind you, I desperately wanted to finish the book, just not yet. I however, could not help myself, and sit here now...reflecting on this bittersweet feeling...thinking maybe I should have saved some of the story for later. Not so, as I will now have to journey back to the library to find another book to take me on an adventure. *sigh* Or I could just blog some more? Nah... Just wanted to share my thoughts. Have to get back to the grind...

2 comments:

auntie said...

Hmmm....Sorry to say I found "The Virgin's Lover" to be quite tedious and the point of view was quite unsatisfactory. It kept switching from one character to another, but you never really got to delve into their personal thoughts. The authoress reported the book, but never let you feel true emotion through her characters. And the poor wife...all she ever did was go about weeping, wringing her hands, and praying to a god whose only answer was to end her life early and joylessly while the queen and her lover tirelessly trysted in the hay. This book created in me a desire to read no more of Phillipa Gregory's books. Ever. The Other Bolynn Girl was tiresome, but somewhat better written. I guess the author has found her niche and will milk it for all it's worth. It is all historical research and guesswork on how she feels the story played out. She's a great researcher. I will give her that, but that is all.

On the other hand, I understand about having to say good-bye to a good book and the feelings evoked by a truly good novel.

kara said...

i am sorry to hear that..its ok..i respect your comments. i truly do. and i would also like some suggestions on what to read instead?