Welcome to Litsy!

I was lucky to see john Irving talk abt this bk + haven't dared read my signed hardback. I picked this paperback up 5 yrs later and really ejyd a story of a Mexican dump child Juan Diego both in his teens then as successful author in his 50s. I don't think I'll ever replicate the joy of finding Irving in my 20s with Garp then devouring his subsequent bks + while later novels haven't quite meet that thrill he is still my favourite author.

Good story. Always like Irving's characters. It really kept me reading about this writer remembering his childhood as a dump kid and how he escaped, but I expected more from the ending. So just a so-so.

Reading on a sunny afternoon. 🎶

#currentlyreading

I liked this much more than I expected, although I completely understand the mixed reviews and it‘s not my favorite Irving. The plot is meandering and never fully ties together, but the writing is pretty great and I was fully engaged throughout - especially the flashbacks to the MC‘s childhood in Oaxaca. Although after all the viagra and penis focus in the present day timeline I really need to read some women authors next. 😬

Enjoying my #coffeecrullerbook this morning (except it‘s actually a kouign-amann today 😋). My goal is to finish this book today, which is going to take some effort and concentration - it‘s not the quickest read. I‘m liking it more than I expected though!

I remember this day distinctly. I got married earlier that year and put off changing my name at the DMV because I was dreading the long waits at the awful Herald Square location. I felt like a genius when I went that morning and it took me about 7 minutes. 😁

Starting this (signed first edition!) next. Am a little nervous since it‘s gotten such mixed reviews. 😬

I love John Irving. I did not totally love this book. It‘s about a man named Juan Diego who takes a trip to the Philippines to fulfill the last wishes of an army deserter he once met as a child. The book bounces back and forth between the past and the present. Some chapters were wonderful, others were not so great.

5 stars and two thumbs up! High up on my list of all-time favorites. The character development is incredibly sensitive and captivating and you end up liking every single character for different reasons. It‘s mainly set in Oaxaca, Mexico and John Irving does such a beautiful job of setting the scene. Loved it from start to finish and highly recommend to anyone!

Book: Avenue of Mysteries
Author: Augusten Burroughs
Movie: Amelie
Food: Artichokes (I know, I'm weird)

#ManicMonday @JoScho

😀🐶👋

Currently enjoying this. They had me with the dogs on the cover, but I had forgotten Irving's penchant for interjecting the fantastic into the seemingly mundane and showing us the jewels amid the squalor.

I finished this on the treadmill this morning. I best liked the parts about Juan Diego‘s youth in Mexico. All the prescription shenanigans and the Miriam and Dorothy parts didn‘t quite do what I think he was trying to. I got that Miriam = Mary and Dorothy = Guadeloupe, but Irving didn‘t quite close the circle on that for me. Still a pick, and the narrator is good too.

For my #FebruaryTBR I will only predict finishing these four that I‘m currently reading, and some poetry by Edna St. Vincent-Millay. I‘m too much of a mood reader to accurately predict. 🤷🏻‍♀️ #readingresolutions @Jess7

Reading Avenue of Mysteries with a tea called Phoenix Mills that has rooibos and bee pollen and double chocolate cookies I made earlier!

My new commute read. Duran is an excellent narrator. I read A Prayer for Owen Meany years ago and loved it. I don‘t know why I‘ve waited so long to read another Irving. #audiocommute #irving #duran

I tried to get through this and some of it was good. But when the main character started romantic relationships with a mother and daughter it seemed like such a cliche of middle aged manhood, I couldn't finish the book. Garp and Owen Meaney are wonderful and original. This not so much.

A good ole book haul from Barnes and Nobel!!! Avenue of mysteries is first up to read and then Ill probably skim the Tarot book💖 The crystal children was recommended by my mom so we'll see how that goes

I'm really digging this. Irving writes like... well Irving. Masterfully rich.

Started this 🤘🏽

Book Haul 📚 April 6th

Day one. My current tbr pile for December!! I have more on library hold... Of course. Scythe by Neal Shusterman... Maybe others! Haha, it's so hard to keep track of a tbr pile.
#seasonsreadings16 #wanttoreadindec

I adore John Irving. Several of his books are firmly ensconced amongst my all time favorites. But several of his books have just made me cringe. First I get 😥, then I get 😡. Looking at you too, Phillip Roth. #photoadaynov16 #ThrewItAcrossTheRoom

Haven't read John Irving yet, I know I know CRAZY. Haven't really heard of this one to my knowledge, so curious to see how this audiobook goes!

I cannot quit reading Irving, four wonderful books, the rest meh, but still I read him.

I have been finding the last few books by Irving a bit on the yawning side. His stories seem to be sounding like a decent imitation of his far more superior early work.

I ❤️ my book embosser!

Really really enjoyed this one. It was like reading the Irving I knew a long time ago - outrageous characters, fantastic situations, and the magic of watching him tie all the colorfully loose ends together. So many themes to think about - Riotous enough to need a short nap after finishing this one. One of the best I've read this summer, but then again I've always been a fan - so happy not to be disappointed!

@Litsy Was a time when I could read 80-100 books in summer alone. Then lost my leg in an accident. It felt like the part of my brain that could read, got removed as well. Just couldn't focus or retain. Stopped trying. This summer I have Litsy. It's a huge motivator! I am reading again! ❤️Up next!

"There is no vacancy, no absence, like the expression in a cadaver's face...The human dreams are gone."
Love John Irving's writing.

Well there goes my grocery budget.... But who needs food?

A John Irving I haven't read! Looking forward to diving into this one. "Thoroughly modern, accessibly brainy, hilariously eccentric, and beautifully human."

Who doesn't love the buy two get one free table at Barnes & Noble? I just couldn't resist. Two frightening tales and a new John Irving masterpiece. #pileofshame #addingtomylibrary

Just picked up the most recent John Irving in paperback, and while I must confess that I have not loved an Irving novel since A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, I have read every book he has published since, because he wrote A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY. ☺️

Sometimes older, famous writers can write books where the target audience is only the people who have read their other books. This is a book like that. Read it if you loved Garp, Owen Meaney, and Cider House Rules. If you haven't read all three, read one of those instead. This book isn't for you.

I really, really, really need to get my reading back on track!!

Still reading-- haven't finished yet. Different from other Irving novels I've read as so far it's not taking place on the east coast....

Reading John Irving is like taking a long walk down a favorite trail with a good friend.

Went to a reading last night. Awesome