A book post

A few months ago, I asked for some book recommendations on Facebook, and I got some great ones. My sister, aka "The Lending Library," also provided some good reads. I like writing these posts so I actually remember what I've read, but feel free to skip if you don't need a book.

The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman
I'm not actually sure who recommended this to me, but clearly, they know me because it was the perfect book for me. The book is about an English-language newspaper based in Rome. Each chapter is about one of the employees and then some of the history of the newspaper. The newspaper is struggling, but the book is more the employees' private lives. Anyway, it was a great read for me: it's set in Europe, at a newspaper and has some good characters.

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
OK, I didn't actually read this one, I listened to it in the car. This is the book by the professor who was dying of cancer and gave his "last lecture," which was recorded and went viral on YouTube. The book is an extension of his lecture, not a repeat. He shares about his preparation for it and describes the experience, but he also adds more of his life story and more life lessons he wanted to leave to his kids. I think it was even better to listen to it than read it, but either way works. It's inspiring and challenging.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
This is a new favorite for me. The story is told as the journal of the second daughter in a poor family living in a run-down castle in England in the 1930s. Her father wrote a book that did well but hasn't written since, which is a huge mystery. So the plan to bring them out of poverty is for the narrator's older sister to marry into wealth. The book ends up being a love story with lots of amusing antics in between.

I Still Dream of You by Fannie FlaggI shouldn't put this one on the list yet because I haven't finished it. But I have enjoyed it so far. It's set in Birmingham, where I lived for a summer, and I love being able to picture it all. It's been a while since I read Fannie Flagg, but I'm remembering why I've always loved her books.

I still have more books on my list, several I'm waiting on from the library, and my list seems to be getting longer. But I am open to more suggestions!