In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

I had decided to give this book a five stars rating, at first. I enjoyed how he developed the characters and got you involved in their lives. I liked the way Mr. Capote gently brought the reader into how the murders were initiated instead of bringing up the gory details all at once. 

But, the last chapter caused me to give the book four stars. Mr. Capote seemed as if he didn't know how to end the book. I felt as if I was studying a law book; and I did not understand why he included the cases of several death row prisoners. I know he was trying to make a case for or against the death sentence but to me that was for another book. I almost couldn't finish it. Thus, the four stars rating.

Map of my USA Reading Tour

USA Reading Tour 

The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig

 

This was my first time reading any of Ivan Doig's books. He is an excellent story teller and his specialty is about Montana. This particular book was dated in the early 1900's in Marias Coulee township. A recent widower sends out an ad for an housekeeper after losing his wife. She comes to his home along with her brother. Events takes place that involves Paul Milliron and his three young sons and the housekeeper and her brother. There are scenes that make you shake your head in disbelieve and others that make you chuckle. The end of the book gives you a surprise concerning the housekeeper and the brother. I really enjoyed the writing and recommend this book. 

The Virginia by Owen Wister

I gave this book, The Virginian, four stars because some of the book was slow and worth only 3 stars and other parts were heart wrenching both in a good way and then in a bad way causing me to rate it as five stars.

Sometimes the Virginia's lingo was awkward and hard to follow. It was slow reading at times and I wondered why some portion was even in the book. But, especially toward the end of the book it was outstanding writing and I have to admit I shedded some tears toward the end. 

Reading Around the World

     Beginning in 2017, I read books from different countries. This adventure was suppose to be for only one year; it ended up lasting to 2021 because I am going to finish this year! After all, I am retire and I have no more excuses!

  View the books and authors by country Around the World and enjoy 😀

HF Book #3 Arrow of God by Chinua Achebe

I am two months behind and have seven books to read before the end of the year. Considering it is June you would think I have all the time in the world to read seven books - especially since I am on vacation. I just know I need to push myself and stop procrastinating.


So, I have read all three books in Mr. Achebe's trilogy. This last book explains how Nigeria went from a Pagan nation into Christianity through the 'miscalculation' of the tribal priest. It shows the life of the tribal priest and his responsibilities and the different problems that came about and how he dealt with these problems with his tribe, sons and wives.

HF Book#1 Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

A good read about the life of an African tribesmen and his fellow villagers before Europeans arrived as missionaries in North Africa.

2015 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

I have entered the 2015 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Passages to the Past blog. I picked the Renaissance Reader - 10 books. My first book is Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I want to concentrate on the continent of Africa.