I spent some planning time in the beginning of Book Bingo, matching squares on my bingo card with books that I actually wanted to read. I did fairly well working through my TBR list, getting books from the library, and enjoyed browsing through a new-to-me used book store that is only a few blocks away to fill one of my squares. In my planning, I had chosen Centennial by James Michener for my "At least 800 pages" square. I have it on my Kindle, had started reading it before, and was really looking forward to some concentrated and devoted reading time to immerse myself in the story.
Which I did. I was especially thrilled to see that it was available as an audiobook on August 4th, so I used an Audible credit and started listening. James was my constant companion, driving, walking, weeding, even sleeping. That became the biggest problem; I was sleeping with James. While it's an interesting story with an incredibly detailed plot (all the way back to the geologic formation of Colorado and dinosaurs!), it just wasn't holding my attention. I found myself nodding off almost every evening when James was next to me.
Then I read about Mary's obsession with Stephen. I had 11/22/63 in my Audible library, purchased in a previous sale, and decided I should at least give it a try. I spent much of last week looking for ways to spend more time with Stephen, taking long walks with him, happily picking string beans in heat and humidity as long as I had Stephen by my side, doing everything but sleeping with him because 11/22/63 is so good that I stayed awake several evenings, listening far too long into the night.
I realized that I needed to break up with James so I could carry on with Stephen without feeling guilty. James was happy with the "it's not you, it's me" excuse, and it really isn't him. I will try Centennial again later, but first I need to finish my summer fling with Stephen. Tall, dark, maybe not so handsome, but he sure can write an engrossing and compelling novel, and I can't wait to spend more time with him.
Look at that Bingo card! You amaze me that you have read so many books of such variety in one summer. Stephen and James sound like compatible companions. Read on!
ReplyDeletea very funny post. I could never do BOOK bingo. Im way too controlling
ReplyDeletewhat a great post! I think you've found the perfect way to end your summer reading...while keeping open your options for the future. and of course, I cannot wait to hear your thoughts about the 11/23/63 ending!
ReplyDeleteyou are so funny :) I say it was worth the cheating and I'm sure you'll be forgiven!!
ReplyDeleteSo funny! Stephen wasn't on my radar before I read this, but he is now. I'll give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI had a similar fling with Stephen a couple of years ago. That book? Couldn't put it down. (So much more exciting than James, too.) XO
ReplyDeleteThis was fun to read! James does have a tendency to be a little too "thorough," doesn't he? I'm glad you've found someone else who doesn't put you to sleep for the summer!
ReplyDeleteI love this post!
ReplyDeleteThis post is priceless! I was giggling out loud... Priceless I tell ya!
ReplyDeleteLinda in VA