How far in advance do you read the books you have scheduled for review?
Generally, when I get to them. I always have a tbr pile, but I will adjust my reading order to give preference to NetGalley ARCs or review requests as part of blog tours. If I have a tight deadline in which to read one, I'll bump it to the top of the pile, but I don't have a set schedule in place aside from the occasional instance when I have agreed to post on a certain date. I have two NetGalley books waiting at present, but since I only got them recently, and I've read eBooks solidly for several weeks now, I decided to slip in a short paperback next, before I start those two.
Opening sentence:
In the early days of Kristian Wilhelmsson, who was the third last foreign king to wield power here in Iceland, a farmer named Steinar lived at Hlíðar in the district known as Steinahlíðar.
Paradise Reclaimed by Halldór Laxness.
An idealistic Icelandic farmer journeys to Mormon Utah and back in search of paradise in this captivating novel by Nobel Prize-winner Halldór Laxness.
The quixotic hero of this long-lost classic is Steinar of Hlidar, a generous but very poor man who lives peacefully on a tiny farm in nineteenth-century Iceland with his wife and two adoring young children. But when he impulsively offers his children's beloved pure-white pony to the visiting King of Denmark, he sets in motion a chain of disastrous events that leaves his family in ruins and himself at the other end of the earth, optimistically building a home for them among the devout polygamists in the Promised Land of Utah. By the time the broken family is reunited, Laxness has spun his trademark blend of compassion and comically brutal satire into a moving and spellbinding enchantment, composed equally of elements of fable and folklore and of the most humble truths.
In the early days of Kristian Wilhelmsson, who was the third last foreign king to wield power here in Iceland, a farmer named Steinar lived at Hlíðar in the district known as Steinahlíðar.
From page 56:
"A man can never discover his real worth until he has renounced his horse,"said Steinar.
"A man can never discover his real worth until he has renounced his horse,"said Steinar.
My Current Read
Paradise Reclaimed by Halldór Laxness.
An idealistic Icelandic farmer journeys to Mormon Utah and back in search of paradise in this captivating novel by Nobel Prize-winner Halldór Laxness.
The quixotic hero of this long-lost classic is Steinar of Hlidar, a generous but very poor man who lives peacefully on a tiny farm in nineteenth-century Iceland with his wife and two adoring young children. But when he impulsively offers his children's beloved pure-white pony to the visiting King of Denmark, he sets in motion a chain of disastrous events that leaves his family in ruins and himself at the other end of the earth, optimistically building a home for them among the devout polygamists in the Promised Land of Utah. By the time the broken family is reunited, Laxness has spun his trademark blend of compassion and comically brutal satire into a moving and spellbinding enchantment, composed equally of elements of fable and folklore and of the most humble truths.
My thoughts so far....
I adore Halldór Laxness. This is the fourth book of his I've read and I've loved them all and am keen to acquire more. He has an amazing blend of compassion and wry humour that really brings his stories and characters to life. Plus, I love his evocative representations of Iceland--a country close to my heart. I'm only a third through this story, but I'm enjoying it so far and can't wait to see what happens.
So glad to hear you're enjoying your current read. Hope you enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alicia!
DeleteI have never read this author...but it does look fascinating. Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteNo problem. Happy Reading!
DeleteHappy reading! :)
ReplyDeleteLauren @ Always Me
Thanks, Lauren
DeleteWhat an unusual premise for a book! Sounds like a story I'd enjoy.
ReplyDeleteMy Friday post features Blueprints.
Hope you get to check it out; he's a great author.
DeleteMy TBR pile is daunting. I don't have a schedule for those books but if I ever received books to review, I would definitely kick my butt a bit to get those books read ASAP!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with yours! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteInteresting beginning. Happy reading this weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Same to you.
DeleteIt looks like you have a well-balanced approach to your review scheduling! I like your method! Unfortunately, I could NEVER be that organized! Lol.
ReplyDeleteThe book you've picked for the other two Friday memes you participate in sure sounds GREAT! I've never heard of this writer before. And a Nobel Prize winner, too! I'll have to add this one to my Goodreads shelves!
Thanks for sharing! Thanks as well for commenting on my BBH post!! <3 :)
Yes, definitely check out Laxness' work. Several are available in English and I think he's awesome.
DeleteSounds like you and I have similar ways of reviewing. I like changing things up but knowing a deadline is looming is when I try to get on the ball.
ReplyDeleteLove the 56! I really need to do that one! That particular quote cracked me up.
I only just started Friday 56 myself, but I'm enjoying it so far.
DeleteNot a book I would normally read but I hope you love it! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteOhh great blog hop answer, thank you so much for stopping by my blog hop.
ReplyDelete