I read Long Island Compromise over the summer - I have mixed thoughts about it. There are many Jewish “jokes” and inside humor, which probably pass over the heads of a non-Jewish reader (I’m Jewish so I’m keenly aware and could chuckle). Just something to keep in mind as you journey into your reading year.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing that. I am married to a Jewish person so if I get confused at least I have someone I can ask… but it can be hard to feel good about a book that relies on stereotypes, especially about a group I am not part of.
Thank you so much for the shout-out! I also struggle to read books I'm enjoying slowly. I give it a week before I blow through my reread of The House of Mirth! I'm hoping having to draft weekly posts will slow me down a bit!
Oh, I read about sex, but I do NOT talk about it. Money, though, I'll talk about all day long with anyone. I very much want to read Entitlement, but made the horrible choice to start reading it during election week. That Wednesday, my desire to read anything even remotely political fell off a cliff, as did my interest in this book. However, I'm ready again, and will be prioritizing it the first half of this year!
I hear you— I was more anxious before the election and I couldn’t focus on my reading at all. After I just went into cocoon mode and wanted comforting things. I am about halfway through Entitlement now. Not sure yet what I think about it but look forward to your thoughts when you get to it.
My 2025 reading goal is to read as munch ad you! I feel it is unattainable but I will try. I love your lists and do read some if your suggestions. Right now I'm reading David Pinkwaters Lizard Music. I'm not sure how he escaped me as a young person. Pinkwaters sense of humor is mine and a lovely escape for a bit from reading the headlines. Happy one year!!
I’m intrigued by Long Island Compromise, for sure - I’ve been waffling about it. And I just finished Trust by Hernan Diaz, which I think might speak to this theme a little, too. I found it beautiful and boring and brilliant in equal turns, which was an interesting way to feel about a book. Very torn on if I actually liked it or not!
Happy Birthday! I listened to Long Island compromise and I think it worked really well as an audiobook. Taffy has such a unique way of building characters. Her novels are very marmite and I do think you have to be in the right mindset/moment to enjoy them.
Very excited to see two books featuring octogenarian women, my jam these days.
Happy anniversary, Abra!!
Thanks Mike!
I read Long Island Compromise over the summer - I have mixed thoughts about it. There are many Jewish “jokes” and inside humor, which probably pass over the heads of a non-Jewish reader (I’m Jewish so I’m keenly aware and could chuckle). Just something to keep in mind as you journey into your reading year.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing that. I am married to a Jewish person so if I get confused at least I have someone I can ask… but it can be hard to feel good about a book that relies on stereotypes, especially about a group I am not part of.
I don’t know if I could go the distance with that Elon/Twitter book, either…
I am going to try. The authors are coming to the book festival I lead so that gives me some extra motivation.
Happy newsletter anniversary, Abra! What a cute little story about your newsletter name. It’s very fitting.
Thanks Jam. Happy new year.
Thank you so much for the shout-out! I also struggle to read books I'm enjoying slowly. I give it a week before I blow through my reread of The House of Mirth! I'm hoping having to draft weekly posts will slow me down a bit!
You can do it. As the leader of the group you have to stay ahead!
Exactly! I have to keep reading for the good of the group.
I love this list! I’ve read a few of these, but what a fun collection to be in conversation with each other.
Thanks MJ. Interested in your thoughts about any of these. I entertain myself with making these lists, that’s for sures
Oh, I read about sex, but I do NOT talk about it. Money, though, I'll talk about all day long with anyone. I very much want to read Entitlement, but made the horrible choice to start reading it during election week. That Wednesday, my desire to read anything even remotely political fell off a cliff, as did my interest in this book. However, I'm ready again, and will be prioritizing it the first half of this year!
I hear you— I was more anxious before the election and I couldn’t focus on my reading at all. After I just went into cocoon mode and wanted comforting things. I am about halfway through Entitlement now. Not sure yet what I think about it but look forward to your thoughts when you get to it.
My 2025 reading goal is to read as munch ad you! I feel it is unattainable but I will try. I love your lists and do read some if your suggestions. Right now I'm reading David Pinkwaters Lizard Music. I'm not sure how he escaped me as a young person. Pinkwaters sense of humor is mine and a lovely escape for a bit from reading the headlines. Happy one year!!
I’m intrigued by Long Island Compromise, for sure - I’ve been waffling about it. And I just finished Trust by Hernan Diaz, which I think might speak to this theme a little, too. I found it beautiful and boring and brilliant in equal turns, which was an interesting way to feel about a book. Very torn on if I actually liked it or not!
Happy Birthday! I listened to Long Island compromise and I think it worked really well as an audiobook. Taffy has such a unique way of building characters. Her novels are very marmite and I do think you have to be in the right mindset/moment to enjoy them.