I almost never reread books. This week I did. I reread Olive Kitteridge. I have now added it to my list of favorite reads. I may like it so much because it is set in a small town and the main character, Olive, is a retired school teacher. It will probably be on my list of best books of the year.
This time I marked my favorite quotes as I read along. Here is one of them: 'Olive’s private view is that life depends on what she thinks of as “big bursts” and “little bursts.” Big bursts are things like marriage or children, intimacies that keep you afloat, but these big bursts hold dangerous, unseen currents. Which is why you need the little bursts as well: a friendly clerk at Bradlee’s, let’s say, or the waitress at Dunkin’ Donuts who knows how you like your coffee. Tricky business, really.'
This reread of Olive Kitteridge makes me want to reread more books.
Do you reread?
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy...69% read
Devotions by Mary Oliver...42% read
How to Draw Your Beautiful Ordinary Life...36% read
The Novel Cure: From Abandonment to Zestlessness: 751 Books to Cure What Ails You...10% read
I'm enjoying the Edinburgh International Book Festival online. I've watched interviews with Jenny Offill and Yoko Ogawa, and I hope to see Michael Morpurgo, Helen Macdonald, David Mitchell, Matt Haig, Julia Donaldson, Anne Enright, Isabel Wilkerson, and Oliver Jeffers as well.
The Cybils has put out a call for judges. If you are a parent, teacher, librarian, or simply a person who loves kidlit, I urge you to apply.
1. My Christian meditation group. I meet with them on Zoom every Wednesday morning. Refreshing to my spirit.
2. Walking each morning and the small things I see on the way. I'm thinking about starting a Wednesday meme called small delights. Wordless (or mostly so).
3. All of you who stop by my blog. Leaving a comment, however brief, lets me know you were here, and it gives me the opportunity to return the visit. I sincerely thank you for stopping by.
I'm very happy you found your way to the Sunday Salon. There are no requirements for linking up at Sunday Salon. Sunday Salon is simply a place for us to link up and to share what we have been doing during the week. Sunday Salon is a great way to visit other blogs and join in the conversations going on there.
Some of the things we often talk about at the Sunday Salon:
- What was your week like?
- Read any good books? Tell us about them.
- What other bookish things did you do?
- What else is going on in your life?
Other places where you may like to link up over the weekend are below. Click on the picture to visit the site.
My linkup for Sunday Salon is below.
The Wednesday small things sounds a good idea. Yes, I reread and Olive Kettering was also my last one. I love that book. 🤠🐧
ReplyDeleteI am so taken with the character of Olive Kitteridge...such a contradiction of opposites in one person.
DeleteI only ever re read Pride and Prejudice. Until Covid took over. I've read a P D JAMES, a Susan Howatch (two actually) and am hoping to re read several more including some of the classics like Anne of Green Gables and A Tale of Two cities. It makes me late on my review reading though and that is worrying!
ReplyDeleteI think we have to take a step back during these Covid times and allow ourselves to rest a bit from the stress with comfort reads.
DeleteI listened to Elizabeth Strout at Melbourne Writers Festival, and I think I need to read the book now.
ReplyDeleteI don't reread much. There are a few books that I have read multiple times and would happily read again!
I would love to hear what you think about Olive, Marg.
DeleteI definitely reread books. I think of many of them as my 'comfort' reads. I know how they made me feel the first time and I sometimes seek the same feeling. Anyway, I know that rereading is not for everyone and I will say that it does take away from time one could spend reading new-to-the-reader books. It's all good though. I think your Wednesday idea sounds like a good one and your meditation group sounds very nice as well. It's raining here this morning - grateful for that.
ReplyDeleteAs I have gotten older, I've stepped away from a focus on latest-and-greatest writings. I'm glad about that.
DeleteI DO reread. I love the idea of the big and little bursts. Especially the little bursts! They just make you smile.
ReplyDeleteWe need some little bursts these days, don't we?
DeleteSound nice and busy :). I rarely reread but, when I do, it's usually the same old same old: Winnie The Pooh, which I love because of its different reading levels, Harry Potter because it makes me feel anything is possible, and the Secret Garden because it reminds me so much of my mum.
ReplyDeleteI think that is what I would have said of myself up to now, but I think I'm changing.
Deletecool! How was it with Yoko Ogawa?
ReplyDeleteWhat a wise and thoughtful writer. I look forward to reading her latest book.
DeleteThe Edinburgh festival has had a lot of good virtual events, as it’s not too far away I’ll maybe get there next year. I’ve been trying to get out in the morning after the kids go to school, it does make such a difference.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week and stay safe!
That's right...you are relatively close to Edinburgh. It's certainly an amazing festival.
DeleteI have to check out the virtual festival. As a confirmed "Olive addict," I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed Strout's book so much, and I share your pleasure in the small things. There are always little things in life to enjoy if we but open our eyes and our hearts to them.
ReplyDeleteI was dismayed this morning that I didn't wake up at 4 am to see Michael Morpurgo, but I was happy to see that the reading was archived and I could watch it later.
DeleteI am rereading the Ten Poems series by Roger Housden right now. I often think about rereading books don't don't do it very often. I love the way you set things up for us here on this post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful for my book blogging friends during this pandemic. I don't feel as isolated as many people feel because of all of you.
DeleteI never read Olive Kitteridge but I want to. As for re-reading, I never do. Mostly because I just have too many books on my TBR waiting for me. A Wednesday meme sounds like fun. Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll just do the Wednesday meme for the duration of the pandemic. I'm still thinking about it.
DeleteI never re-read, I sometimes borrow a book only to realize after a few pages that I've read it and I stop.
ReplyDeleteI read Olive Kitteridge and liked it.
A Wednesday meme would be great.
Rereading was such a good experience with Olive.
DeleteI reread Olive K only after reading Olive, Again and watching the Olive K miniseries. I loved all of these so much and appreciated the original Olive K more the second time around. (BTW - I loved the quotes you shared on Goodreads Deb).
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed saving those quotes and sharing them, too, Diane.
DeleteA small delights post sounds wonderful. :) My husband always takes early morning walks and brings me home little treasures - some that other people would find weird, like a deceased giant moth but he knew I would love it. :)
ReplyDeleteI reread books all of the time. I read Watership Down every single spring, and that is just one of many books I reread. :) I'm a big rereader.
It would be pretty easy for me to do a little linkup on Wednesday with delights. It certainly makes me feel better when I see and hear about good things.
DeleteI never re-read books either, although I have re-read some of my favorite childhood classics for some reading challenges. Sometimes, I want to re-read a book but I have time constraints. I've never read Olive Kitteridge but your post made me curious about the book. Hope you have a great reading week!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Olive is a classic American. Strong in appearance and bold in speech, but full of trepidation on the inside. Or perhaps that's not just American....
DeleteI must read Olive Kitteridge! I watched and loved the mini-series a few years ago. Now you have inspired me to read the book.
ReplyDeleteWe are back in the dining room on alternate days, so there will be more walking. We can walk and go to exercise classes on our dining room days. I envy you the morning walks, which I am sure are more interesting than mine. LOL
Enjoy your week, and stay safe.
We see so much on our morning walks. I know the sidewalks of my town well now.
DeleteI love the idea of a separate photo blog, celebrating the things that make life worth it. I've done the same thing with my Tuesday Treasures... And no, I don't reread - I simply don't have the time. And I don't like the idea of doing so, anyway. The idea of morning walks is a very good idea - and I should get into the habit of doing so regularly - I'm sure it would help my mental state. Have a great week, Deb.
ReplyDeleteTo avoid the heat, we are starting out before the sun comes up. That will be a little dangerous as school returns, though. I think there are three virtual weeks, so we still have a little time to think about that.
DeleteHi Deb! I always thought that I will never do the reread thing. There are soooo many books out there that I want to read for the first time. BUT, we've watched Along came spider last Sunday and I tell you, I couldn't remember a single thing until we were over half-way. And I know I've read the book and loved it. So yes, I need to start with rereads...!
ReplyDeleteI so wished that I could have started with Olive Kitteridge this week, but it didn't happen. It still remains my next read on the kindle as soon as I'm done with Jodie and the library card.
Your Wednesday meme sounds good. I like the theme and I'll gladly participate. I am trying to do my Wednesday Wisdom still and it can actually add up nicely! Please let me know if you are going to start with it.
I do hope that the bad weather will pass you by. Keeping thumps!
Have a wonderful week. xxxx
Yes, two hurricanes headed in our general direction. Good grief.
DeleteI haven’t read Olive Kitteredge, or Olive, Again yet, though I want to which is why I don’t reread because I don’t have enough time to read all the unread books I want to read!
ReplyDeleteThere used to be a Wordless Wednesday Meme in the blogosphere though I’m not sure I’ve seen it for a while, a google search might uncover it.
Wishing you a great reading week
There still is a Wordless Wednesday. I'm thinking about a temporary meme, just to boost spirits, focusing on small findings. Still thinking about it.
Deletei don't reread many books any more either. have a great week
ReplyDeleteAfter I read a string of so-so books, I think more about rereading.
DeleteOliver kiteridge is a book I see mentioned a lot, and may be one I need to pick up again just for that reason.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it would have the same impact on a young person like you.
DeleteOlive Kitteridge is totally new to me. I am going to check it out right now. I rarely reread anything other than my favorites. Have a good day!
ReplyDeleteOlive is one of those unforgettable characters.
DeleteI reread every once in a while.
ReplyDeleteMe, too.
DeleteThanks for reminding me about the Edinburgh book festival. I'll check it out. Which Olive book do you like best? Sometimes I read books twice right after I finish them .... but I rarely reread later ... but I'm not opposed to it! I should probably reread Watership Down from the summer I recall reading it in 1977. It sort of blew my world back then. What a book. I'm glad you're an Olive fan (we are alike in that) ... we all need little bursts each week ...
ReplyDeleteI like the first Olive book best. I'd love to reread Watership Down, too.
DeleteOlive Kitteridge has been on my radar for some time, I'm glad you enjoyed it a second time.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me want to read it even more.
I rarely reread books, but when I do I usually enjoy doing so.
Have a wonderful week!
In general, I read annoyingly fast. I like slowing down to reread.
DeleteI really like the new CYBILS logo! It's so much fresher and "now." I've submitted my application to be a panelist, but it would be year 3 so I know chances are lower.
ReplyDeleteI really like it, too.
DeleteGlad you found a great reread this week! I don't reread a ton of books but I have read the Harry Potter series a few times. And I do continually reread Jane Austen's books and Jane Eyre. I've been wanting to reread Little Women this year. Hopefully I can soon.
ReplyDeleteNow is the time to reread something uplifting.
DeleteI re-read a lot when I was a kid. Sometimes my library books didn't last all week until our next trip! I still re-read some old favorites occasionally but not nearly as much. I was just thinking the other day that I would like to re-read Anne of Avonlea. I don't know if I want to re-read the whole series but that one was on my mind.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by how much I liked Olive Kitteridge in the end! I haven't read Olive, Again yet. I should place a hold on it while I'm thinking about it.
Enjoy your week!
I was reluctant to read Olive, Again as I don't like sequels much, but I ended up loving it almost as much as the first book.
DeleteA Christian meditation group sounds fabulous. While i belong to prayer groups and Bible studies, i do not have one of those.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely group.
DeleteIt's hot here, too. We are walking before the sun comes up.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely not one to do much rereading, but would like to try to do a little more. One I really want to reread is A Little Life, but I'm not sure I can take that trauma a second time! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteThat book was available yesterday as a 1.99 ebook, and I snapped it up. Not sure I'm emotionally ready to read it, though.
DeleteOlive Kitteridge is awesome. I love that book. I’m currently rereading The Hunger Games, so I’m obviously a fan of rereading. I loved being a Cybils judge and highly encourage bloggers to apply. I wish I could be a judge again, but it was too expensive. I didn’t get review copies, and my library sucks, so I had to buy the books. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
I'm thinking about this, AJ. I've never bought any books for the Cybils, but I think I'm going to look into this a little more and see what other Cybils people say.
DeleteI reread all the time. It has been especially comforting thing to do during this pandemic. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteInteresting. It looks to me like either people reread all the time or never reread. Very little in the middle.
DeleteThose 3 good things for me now are firefighters, emergency volunteers, and all those other first responders helping out here with the California fires...
ReplyDeleteI think I should add Olive Kitteridge to my TBR... and looking into applying for the Cybils..
I'm so sorry you are having to deal with those fires.
DeleteI reread too. I need to read Olive Kitteridge.
ReplyDeleteLove these!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Olivia Kitteridge but have heard others talk of it and now you've given me a good taste and I want to read it. The bonus side of this virus is all the wonderful author online things we are getting. I love that. I like your idea for the meme small delights.
ReplyDeleteI have a few books that I love to re-read. Because I got behind on my reading when the pandemic started I listened to two series that I love to re-read. I think it was comforting to go back to those worlds that I know so well.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely reread Olive Kitteridge before I read the sequel. I do reread, but not very often. I was thinking of spending an entire month rereading some old favorites. We'll see how that goes. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your "small delights" posts. We all need more positive things in our lives right now.
It would be nice to devote a month to old favorites.
DeleteSome books just cry out to be quoted. :) And a Christian meditation group sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThey do. It is.
Delete