But when the sun hit it, you could still see those grapes. The big blue flowers. DIY Man slapped on another coat of paint, but it was the same: no matter how much brown he used, the vivid past would not go away.

Are you kidding? says a friend who raises goats on a farm upstate and makes award-winning chèvre. Writer‘s block was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Another janitor, called Bill, tells him he‘s the only man he‘s ever seen study for an eye test and then laughs as if that‘s about the best joke he‘s heard all year.

The author includes a beautiful quote by W.G. Sebald - "When he was thus engaged he generally wore glasses with gray silk tissue instead of lenses in the frames, so that the landscape appeared through a fine veil that muted its colors, and the weight of the world dissolved before your eyes."

It was the wrong thing to do, and it was irrevocable, but if nothing else, she could always be counted on, at every given opportunity, to do exactly the wrong thing.

It took me awhile to get into this book because it's written in an interview/journal entry format. As a result, the first half felt slow. But as the story unfolded, it drew me in. I forgot it's the first book in a two-part series, so I was surprised when it kept me hanging at the end. I'll probably read the next one, although I'm not sure. Has anyone read the second one?

It had started with a storm, and in a way, that storm had never ended. Nina had blown into his life with the wind and rain and set his world spinning. He'd been off balance ever since.

Started this from a library book and didn't make it before it was due, so finished on Overdrive. Glad I did. I enjoyed the way the book alternated perspectives of the three main characters, along with the commentaries from the church community.

I liked it. Yes, the first half starts off one way and the second half heads in another direction requiring some suspension of disbelief, but I was entertained.

#junebookbugs #cheers Augusten Burroughs' memoir about his struggle to live sober. I read this book years ago but it has stayed with me.

LOVED this book. It's moving and funny and really terrific.

I've seen many movies based on Stephen King books, but never actually read one. Think I'm intimidated by how long they are. This novella coming out at the end of May looks intriguing. Maybe a good place to start? #maymostanticipated #maybookflowers

A beautiful day to visit an independent bookstore. #getindie

This sounded interesting so I chose it for my #BookOfTheMonth #BOTM. I keep coming across good reviews.

Such a fun read. Bonus that it's inspired by real women from the early 1900s. Extra bonus that the cover matches my alarm clock!

I love the title of this collection but I was somewhat disappointed by these essays. #feistyfeb #flowersoncovers

I decided to try this one for my #bookofthemonth #botm choice this month.

Playwright Lillian Hellman had the reputation of being an unreliable narrator, but I found her memoirs to be an interesting read. #readjanuary #autobiography

I was relieved there wasn't anything too foul on this page, lol. #readjanuary #page24ofcurrentread #currentlyreading

"Elner always sang to her chickens. She believed it made them lay bigger eggs. And besides, she liked to sing. Unfortunately, she sometimes didn't know the words and was always just a hair off-key, but the chickens didn't seem to mind."

I wanted something light and comforting, and this book fit the bill.

#atopicyoudliketoknowmoreabout #readjanuary This day of inspiring marches reminds me that this book is on my #tbr. The untold stories of the women - activists, revolutionaries and artists - who contributed to New York City's identity.

What a wonderful book! I loved it. A magical journey involving quirky bookstores, secret societies and the tech world. Completely charming. A big thank you to all who recommended it. I had never heard of it before Litsy. Thanks!

Currently reading. #titlewithapropername #readjanuary

I read this years ago and don't remember much about it, except I think it was as weird as it looks. #readjanuary #dressesoncovers

Currently reading. #readjanuary #bookface

My #Topreadsof2016. Happy New Year, Everyone! #Seasonsreadings2016

Enjoyed visiting Books & Books in Miami Beach where we picked up an illustrated edition of The Elements of Style.

Thought I should give this one a try at today's sale price.

#photoadaynov16 #childprotagonists This book is charming and funny which is perhaps surprising since it's about a teenager working in a nursing home.

Today I needed both escapism (a Poirot mystery) and comfort (hot Lady Grey tea in my Book Riot mug). #bookandbrew #photoadaynov16

It's great to be able to find so many recipes online, but I still love using my cookbooks. Here are three of my favorites. I love the way Nigella Lawson writes about food. #cookbooklove #photoadaynov16

A fun read. I couldn't help picture how it would play as a movie. It's definitely going to be made into a movie, don't you think?

'Usually,' I say. 'Usually, people don't notice I don't talk. They're happy talking about themselves.'

#creepycovers #booktober The eyeball, it's just...creepy @RealLifeReading

#ImmigrantStories #Booktober @RealLifeReading

Patti Smith's beautifully written book about her friendship with Robert Mapplethorpe. #favoritefriendships #booktober @RealLifeReading

Soooooo good. I loved it. And flew through it quickly because I was so taken with it. #quickreads #booktober @RealLifeReading

I don't even know why I picked up this book, because I remember being really surprised at how good it was. It's honest, raw and also very funny. I was very moved by it. #MemorableMemoirs #booktober @RealLifeReading

This was almost a Pick with reservations. I found most of the book to be a compelling portrait of some very bleak characters. But towards the end, it felt like plot was being inserted for the sake of plot. It broke the realism and left me with unanswered questions. Although not a ghost story of any kind, it sure is a creepy book and could make for an unorthodox #spooktober read.

Next up on OverDrive. #Booktober #diversereads

Impulse buy at today's library sale

Such a pleasure to visit terrific Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville, North Carolina. #getindie

My first month trying the Book of the Month Club. I chose The Wonder after hearing Emma Donoghue on the Lit Up podcast. #BOTM

"Half the world is redoing its kitchens, the other half is starving."

Currently reading (with bookmark).

A very moving portrait of a family in pain. Expertly shows how different people have different interpretations of the same event.