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. This week, all three samples are ones that I’ve had for years, and all three are stories based around books.
The Grammarians by Cathleen Schine
Summary: Laurel and Daphne – identical twins who share an obsession with words. Their verbal infatuation begins to push them apart when Daphne becomes a copy editor and Laurel, a poet. ‘War’ is declared over custody of a prized family heirloom – a dictionary.
I’m thinking: Yes
When You Read This by Mary Adkins
Summary: After PR maven Smith Simonyi’s capable assistant, Iris, dies, he discovers her end-of-life blog, and her final request: for Smith to get her posts published as a book.
I’m thinking: No.
Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively
Summary: Claudia Hampton, a best-selling author of popular history, lies alone in a London hospital bed. She imagines writing a history of the world. Instead, it’s her own history.
I’m thinking: Yes.
The Grammarians sounds very good! Thanks.
Obviously a bit mad in terms of plot but the writing good, so think author can pull it off.
Penelope Lively and her books are just delightful.
Embarrassed to say it will be my first Lively!
I enjoyed Moon Tiger and would definitely plump for The Grammarians.
As added bonus, The Grammerians is set in New York in the eighties 👏
Straight on the list, then!
I’m so glad you decided to keep Moon Tiger.
Partly because the Egyptian parts will tick a box on my Around the World reading challenge.
I read Moon Tiger as a teenager and it was definitely not the right time. I’ve really enjoyed Penelope Lively more recently so I reckon it’s a good one to keep – and I should re-read it!
Yes, elderly woman reflecting on life and past loves not necessarily best fit for teens!
Moon Tiger was my top read of 2019!
That’s probably why I have it!
Good call on When You Read This. It wasn’t bad, just *meh*.
Interesting list. I just got When You Read This from the library–I love epistolary books. Nothing has been holding my interest in print for weeks now, so we’ll see.
I had no idea what Moon Tiger was about, and this very short description has me intriuged!
I have been meaning to read Moon Tiger for years! I had an English teacher who raved about it.