I’m behind on responding to comments (although I’ve read them all –thank you!). You’ll understand, I know, when I say that the weekend was focused on this little one
who would scarcely stay still long enough for me to show you that we might have another curly-head in the family
Pater and I caught the early ferry back home today because I’m meeting a friend for lunch. Ours is a friendship forged in grad school, solidified through surviving doctoral dissertations together. Naturally, then, I’m thinking more about friendships and transitions and hoping those thoughts become a post soon.
Meanwhile, though, I’m also planning a Read-Along of Elena Ferrante’s novel, My Brilliant Friend, the first in her Neapolitan series of four volumes. Let me know if you’re interested in joining in. The plan is to begin in September, and the conversation will happen over at my reading blog. Details to follow soon.
And because there was a not-too-bad mirror set-up in the hotel, here’s a gratuitous What I Wore shot
I’m off now. I hope Monday’s being good to you, and your week is off to a good start.
Just downloaded the book ….. look forward to the read along! Kris
Yay! I'll post details very soon. Glad you'll join in.
So cute 🙂
You know I'm in-although I never ever had a Read-Along and the most close to a book club was in Midsomer Murders (hopefully this one would end quite different 🙂
Dottoressa
I've never hosted a Read-Along nor participated in one, but of course I've facilitated many discussions about books through my career and many online conversations through my blogs — we'll see what happens! I'm excited about it.
I will download since I'm travelling in September. That's a curly-head!
I think it is, Mme! Can't wait to see if her hair comes in curly all over. Glad you'll be reading along — I know it's a second reading of the novel for you as well, and I know you have many insights to share.
I've read it, but may have to forgo the pleasures of a read-a-long, as I will be in the throes of semester start-up.
The pale green/slate/grey of that cardigan really suits you. Brenda
I completely understand you might not be able to read along with us, Brenda, but maybe you'll get a chance to pop in from time to time. The cardi (it's lightweight cashmere from Eric Bompard, four or five years old) is actually a pale blue but with a mutable appearance based on light, apparently. Thanks. . .
He is a very beautiful child! I love the way you captured his chubby little hand in the curl photo. I love the idea of the read-along, but I'm so distracted these days that I haven't been able to focus on fiction, and have not finished anything I've started. Maybe I'll be in a better place next time?
The curly-head's actually a little girl, but of course you can't tell that and it doesn't make a difference to the cuteness, does it?! (says the doting Nana). I can imagine your distraction, given all you're going through, moves and changes abounding in your life. Good luck!
Yes, I am interested in a read along. Can't wait to hear the details. I've never participated in one before. Let us know!
Yes, details soon. As I say, this is new to me as well, but I'm eager to see how it goes.
Ahh, baby neck and baby curls. I can almost smell that gorgeous baby smell from here! I am reading 'My Brilliant Friend' at the momemt, so might pop in periodcally on your read along (a friend is reading it on holiday this week and I committed to finishing it somwe could discuss it on her return, otherwise I would defer!) x
Are you enjoying it yet/already, Penny? Perhaps you'll jot down a few notes on the way and might pop in to share those as the read-along progresses. I'll be curious to hear what you and your friend think of it.
I am interested in the read along!
So glad you might join us, Gail! The more the merrie!
What a sweet boy! Based on the very few photos of Pater I have seen on this blog I'd say that little one has inherited his grandfather's eyes.
I am not sure what a Read-Along really means, but I'll get the book anyway and see what happens.
Pater does have large brown eyes — but then so does our Baby E's mom and all her Italian forebears.
My hope for the read-along is that we'll proceed by smaller units, stopping to discuss after every few chapters or so, rather than trying to compare responses after reading the whole novel. I'm hoping that might give us a chance to get beyond the superficial reviews I often end up settling for. And, selfishly, having completed the four volumes of the series, I find I really want to go back again for a closer reading, and I'd love some company.
I love the simplicity of your outfit and think it is one of your best looks.
Thanks for saying so, Jennie. I'm really pleased with it as well — It's so easy to wear but I think it still conveys some aspects of myself that make for a good starting point, if that makes any sense. . .
Oh, the joy of baby curls! I'll pop over. I might read along, although my fall schedule is already looking quite busy. The book, and the conversation may prove to be just what I need however.
I can't remember if you've already read the book once, Mardel, but if not, I think you'll be captivated — if you can't join in this fall, I'm thinking that the read-along as posted, with all the comments, will be a good resource for anyone thinking about their response to the novel later on. . .
Love both yours and the babies curls…I have read the book which I thoroughly enjoyed and the rest of the series is on my list.
Lucky you to be reconnecting with a friend from the past…lots to chat about and pictures of your darling grand children to share….
Do any of your three little ones have your curls, L?
I really did enjoy connecting with my friend — we manage to get together every year or two, and it's always good (she lives in Ontario — our last meeting was in Paris last spring!)
A read along sounds like a good project for the Autumn. Count me in. Barbara
Great! I think it's going to be fun.
Love the baby curls. We just got back from a family vacation with children and four little grandchildren and already so miss those babies. I would love to participate in the read-along. Thanks for hosting this.
FYI Elena Ferantes brings Naples to life. I recent read her quadrilogy and I loved them.
Yes, I've read them all as well, Susan, thanks, and I agree with you that they bring Naples to life as well as looking broadly at huge social and political changes in Italy and beyond throughout the latter half of the 20th century. I'm looking forward to taking more time with the series the second time around, especially with some keen readers alongside.