Does anybody use Pinterest? I've become quite interested in its potential for book bloggers and I do like the wish list element to it. Very much enjoyed Anbolyn's recent post on American women writers and I've also been browsing interviews with Elizabeth Strout. I have her novel Abide with Me ready to start on Sunday night. I do like to start a new novel on a Sunday - kind of sets you up for the week!
I have to say that Olive Kitteridge is not exactly a laugh a minute. There is suicide, anorexia, adultery, murder and debilitating illness - but the sheer cussedness of Olive keeps you avidly turning the pages. I loved the story where Olive and Henry have a night out with friends and Olive desperately needs the bathroom on the way home. Henry turns into the local Accident & Emergency department just so she can use the loo when a nurse with not quite enough to do decides that Olive must be examined by a doctor. Then two armed raiders looking for drugs take the nurses, doctors, and Olive hostage and also Henry who has wandered into A&E looking for her. Olive and Henry then start a petty bickering which almost sends the guy who has tied them up over the edge.
The writing is great and the humour is black. One thing puzzling me about Olive Kitteridge - perhaps American readers can translate - what on earth are doughnut holes?!
14 comments:
Yes, I've just started using Pinterest too. Is that a link to your boards?
I have a Pinterest account and have used it a little bit, but I've stopped pinning much because I'm concerned about some of the copyright issues that have been raised, especially when it comes to art and photography. It's probably not a major issue for the things a book blogger might use it for, and if I didn't already have a pretty good wishlist system, I'd consider using it for that.
I've been thinking about reading this and you've convinced me to give it a try.
Doughnut holes =small round doughnuts, maybe an inch or two around.
Susan E
Doughnut holes are the round, inside holes that remain when a donut is cut. Here in the States there are places, like Dunkin' Donuts, where one can buy dozens of them, eating them, one by one, feeling less guilty while gaining more weight.
Olive Kitteridge is an odd sort of books with all these stories, some very loosely connected that makes one very interesting read. We all grumbled before meeting to discuss it in our book group, then had a very long and interesting discussion. We spent the most amount of time of the chapter you cite.
You inspired me to read this and I am enjoying it in a strange way. I am about half-way through and find it a painfully honest read, but the writing is exquisite.
I forgot to thank you for mentioning me, Nicola! I'm glad you enjoyed my American women writer's post. I'm excited about starting the project!
I read this quite some time ago, and remember being very interested in the way she linked the stories together. Olive’s character was so strong that you could even feel her presence when she wasn’t in the story.
I’ve not delved into Pinterest. I’m trying to resist one more internet time-suck! lol
I had never heard of Pinterest, thanks. I'm not smart enough to use it, but I enjoyed the page I clicked to, which had several pictures of Dickinson.
I've been meaning to try Pinterest but am afraid of getting into yet another thing that could be addictive and that I haven't got time for really, so keep putting it off! xC
I have just started using Pinterest and as I use pics that are already available on Amazon etc to illustrate mybook reviews, the copyright issues don't worry me, though I can see they can if you are using original images. I use it to link book reviews as well and have noticed my traffic to m y blog incresing. It is also rather nice just to make a list of likes and dislikes and I find it fun
Just came across this blog through someone else's and saw the book cover of Olive Kitteridge. I loved Olive, but what a difficult relationship she had with her son and daughter in law. I have always enjoyed black humour and thought this book was great with it.
Pam - travellinpenguin.blogspot.com
Cath, no I haven't joined but I was just browsing some of my favourite writers - it is fun!
Teresa, yes I had heard there were copyright issues and I believe there has been some trolling - someone always has to spoil things. It looks like fun, though.
Susan E, I've been googling doughnut holes, fascinating! Economical, too!
Penny, I'm a Krispy Kreme girl myself - mainly because I like the retro packaging! Yes OK is an unusual book. I've now read all three of Strout's novels and I think Abide with Me and Amy and Isabelle are my favourites.
Anbolyn, I found your American post very inspiring so I had to blog about it!!!
Becca, I certainly think Strout is a writer to watch. Yes I'm spending too much time on pinterest and there are an awful lot of cute kittens and cupcakes! Like the book stuff, though.
Shelley, hi, I'm just addicted to browsing my favourite writers on pinterest. As if I have unlimited time to spend!!
Cathy - don't go there - you will waste hours of your life - I do!
Elaine, I haven't yet created an account but I think I might. I can't work out just why it is so much fun - but it is - even the fashion stuff!
Pam, yes, the relationship with her son was absolutely bizarre! That was the only time I found Strout's show but not tell style frustrating. I wanted to know more
Le livre d'Elisabeth Shrout est sorti en livre de poche en France au mois de février dernier. Il m'attend dans ma Pile à Lire et ai hâte de le commencer ! Ce sera en plus pour moi la découverte de cette auteur ...
Regularly I go to the Fantastic Fiction website to see if Elizabeth Strout has a new book forthcoming. I think she writes like a dream.
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