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.
Where the Hornbeam Grows by Beth Lynch
Why I have it: Spotted on Cathy’s #6degrees chain.
Summary: When Beth Lynch moved to Switzerland, she quickly realised that the sheer will to connect with people would not guarantee a happy relocation. Out of place and lonely, she knew that she could put down roots by gardening.
I’m thinking: Yes.
Once More We Saw Stars by Jayson Greene
Why I have it: Read this article.
Summary: Two-year-old Greta Greene was sitting with her grandmother on a park bench in Manhattan when a brick crumbled from a windowsill overhead, striking her unconscious. Jayson Greene’s memoir begins with the anguish of his daughter’s trauma and the hours leading up to her death, and then describes how he managed life beyond the ordeal.
I’m thinking: Yes (getting the tissues ready).
Sounds Like Titanic by Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman
Why I have it: Came across it while compiling the 2019 List of Lists.
Summary: Violinist Jessica Hindman achieves her lifelong dream when she lands a job with a professional ensemble in New York City. But the ensemble proves to be a sham – the group ‘performs’, but the microphones are never on and instead, the music blares from a CD. Hindman has crises of identity and disillusionment as she ‘plays’ for audiences who are unable to differentiate real from fake.
I’m thinking: Yes.
I don’t know any of these but I’m thinking I could be persuaded by the Sounds Like Titanic. I’m curious how they could get away with that scam for very long.
I read about We Saw Stars too, it sounds like a beautiful read, not sure I’m ready for that kind of read yet, but interested to see how it’s handled.
Where the Hornbeam Grows definitely tempts me – I’m a big believer in therapeutic gardening!
The Greene was my #3 nonfiction read of last year. I read the Lynch while traveling home via Switzerland last year and it was a perfect companion. I’m very interested in Sounds Like Titanic, too. 3 for 3 on these memoirs!
I spotted the gorgeously jacketed Where the Hornbeam Grows on Cathy’s blog, too. You’ve reminded me to add it to my list.