Finished The Children’s Book by A.S. Byatt. It was good, but the last 50 pages were kind of superfluous. I like details, and I enjoy knowing what happens to characters I’ve come to like (or even hate); but even I can say that I don’t need to know what a character was eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I think I would recommend Possession first, if you’re interested in reading Byatt’s work.

After that, I read Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosay. I wanted to see the movie, but I figured I’d read the book first. Unfortunately, it was not as intriguing as I’d hoped. The story fell flat after only 100 pages, and the main character, Julia, failed to interest; she came off as petty and spineless. The author has no gift for story arcing. I think I still want to see the movie, because I like Kristen Scott Thomas (ever since “The English Patient”) and I love Aidan Quinn (pretty much since forever). So…we’ll see.

Right now, I’m reading The American by Henry James, and while I love the writing style, and bow down to James’ amazing grasp of character development, I don’t think this is his best work. It centers around Christopher Newman, a middle-aged American man with a lot of money and the arrogance to match. He has good intentions, but clearly feels himself to be deserving of the best and brightest the world has to offer. Whilst relaxing in Paris, he decides to look for a wife, and finds a ‘suitable’ match in Claire, a widowed 25 year old and a member of the French aristocracy. That’s as far as I’ve gotten, so I can’t explain much more than that. I’ll let you know what happens

Next up on my list is Swamplandia! by Karen Russell! I’ve been dying to read this!

Speaking of reading…I’m FINALLY ordering my new glasses. These beauties from Warby Parker:

Awesome, right?! I am very excited. This company seems pretty cool;  for every pair of glasses sold, they give one pair of glasses to a person in need (yep, like Toms). The glasses (including the prescription anti-glare lenses) are $95 each, and are designed in vintage styles. I was wary of buying glasses online, because you couldn’t see how they look on you- but, lo and behold, they have a solution to this problem! You can either upload a photo and do a virtual try-on OR you can have them send you up to 5 pairs to test out for free! They even pay for the return shipping!  It was so nice to actually see how they look and feel, before making my choice.  If you’re wondering, Warby Parker has not asked me to write a review, and I have received no compensation for such. I just like the glasses.

 I have a new prescription, so hopefully the headaches will cease, and I can read in full enjoyment.