Sample Saturday is when I wade through the eleventy billion samples I have downloaded on my Kindle. I’m slowly chipping away and deciding whether it’s buy or bye.
The Talented Mr Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
Why I have it: Have been meaning to read it ever since I saw the play, Switzerland (written by Joanna Murray-Smith), which is about Highsmith.
Summary: Suave, handsome Tom Ripley becomes obsessed with his wealthy friend Dickie Greenleaf.
I’m thinking: Yes because I haven’t read any Highsmith and this is probably a good place to start (please tell me if I’ve got this wrong).
Not Working by Lisa Owens
Why I have it: No idea.
Summary: Claire quits her office job, hoping to take some time to discover her real passion. But she doesn’t know how to find it.
I’m thinking: Maybe. It’s light and fluffy so will keep it in mind for summer.
The Sport of Kings by C. E. Morgan
Why I have it: Originally spotted on the Best of 2016 List, since spotted on lots of blogs.
Summary: A horsey-book about money, thoroughbreds and breeding (i.e. whether you come from the ‘right’ part of society or not).
I’m thinking: Maybe. Honestly, it didn’t grab me but I’ve read such good reviews so I’m wondering if it’s one of those books you need to get into.
I saw Ripley play too but have not read book. I want to though. Have read a couple of her others. She is such a good and interesting tale teller.
Did you see Switzerland or the play of Ripley? I don’t want to say too much about Switzerland if you haven’t seen it – basically the audience is sworn to secrecy when they see it and for good reasons. Anyway, I’ve seen the movie of Ripley but would love to see the play performed.
Sorry, I saw the Ripley play. Have not heard of Switzerland but now am curious. Will keep an ear out for it.
Read Ripley!! I’m looking at Sport of Kings as it’s n the Baileys Prize shortlist but I’m not that keen on horses!!!
Like you, The Sport of Kings is not really my thing but I’ve heard great things. Ripley gets my vote – readable & compelling despite – or maybe because of – the sociopathic anti-hero!
I just finished the audiobook of ‘Not Working’. It was an okay read, but I was never really thrilled by it.
I gave up The Sport of Kings. Only got as far as around page 50. I couldn’t get on with the style, I’m afraid. I’d probably go for the Ripley – like you, I still haven’t got around to reading any Highsmith.
I read Not Working last summer, as you expect it is light and fluffy, noting great, but also not painful. Here’s my review in case you’re interested 🙂 https://bookskeptic.com/2016/08/09/not-working-lisa-owens/
I read Not Working last year and gave it a 4 star rating. You can read my review here if you’re interested https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26893816-not-working?ac=1&from_search=true
Ripley! It’s a winner!
I actually thought Not Working was surprisingly touching; it’s not Tolstoy, but “light and fluffy” makes it sound much less emotionally intelligent than I found it to be. It made Lisa Owens someone whose work I’ll be looking out for in future. (Also, I ADORED The Sport of Kings. It’s much less about horses than it is about breeding, as you say, and also race, which ties in to the breeding concept.)
I haven’t read any Highsmith either but I own Ripley and The Price of Salt so I’m not sure what should happen first either. haha This has been an incredibly useful comment, huh? 🙂