I was suppose to read and review a book for my blogging book club,co-ordinated by Lily at Lily's Blog. The book in question, "Let The Great World Spin," by Colum McCann. This review was supposed to be posted by June 2. But alas this has been a dead week for me with regard to reading and writing. I bought the book with the intention of reading during layover hours and my flight. As often happens in my world, things do not pan out as planned.
By departure day, I was exhausted. As those of you who regularly read my blog know, I normally don't work on Fridays. But on the Friday before departure there were a few pressing matters that needed to be sorted requiring a few hours in the office. On Saturday morning much to my horror, I discovered half the work done on Friday, was done on a newly defunct computer system. Had I been notified...I don't think so. This notification seems to have fallen through the cracks. Anyway, I went into the office again on Saturday for the re-dos. Once that was done, it was time to bring Louie down to Ciolagh and Kevin for his holidays. A two hour round trip, which was spent going over lists in my head. Remember to bring this, remember to do that, remember to write that cheque...well you get the picture.
Sunday was spent packing and cleaning. I hear voices singing out in unison, "cleaning" I know you might find that strange, but nothing depresses me more than to return to a messy, grim house. OK so the house is clean, the cases finally closed and the alarm clock set for our early morning departure. Book is at hand.
All went well, flights were on time, no security delays but when I opened the book the words were all a blur. As the day wore on the blur became more blurry. Resulting in no on flight reading.
A few days after I got home, I met up with a friend and the conversation turned to books. I told her I was about to embark on this book by Colum McCann, "Let the Great World Spin." "Oh," she said, "that was a brilliant book. I just loved it. So vibrant. It just drew me in." "Great," I replied, "I am really looking forward to getting stuck into it!"
My big chance to get into this book came last Tuesday, with a four hour bus journey to Dublin to meet up with fellow blogger friends, Barbara, Brigid and Theresa. I pulled the book out of the bag and read the first 30 pages and yes it was a great read so far. Then somewhere behind me, a fellow bus passenger started eating a very strong smelling sausage sandwich. A rush of nausea flooded over me. The words began to blur again. I put the book back into the over sized handbag. Oh well I thought, there is always the four hour return journey later this evening. All is not lost.
My bus left Dublin at 6PM. I was delighted with my day in the Pale. It had been a day of great company and chat. I took out the book and began reading. I got to page 35 when the girl sitting directly across from me pulled out a shopping bag and threw up into it. With a sigh, the book was closed. I spent the next 3 3/4 hours hoping said girl and her shopping bag would be getting off at each and every next stop. She didn't. She got off at the stop half a mile before mine and left the bag containing the contents of her stomach behind.
Now my feeling is this is a very good read, but at the moment the gods, fate or whatever you want to call it is against this book and I connecting. So I have my bookmark at page 35. I have highlighted the last paragraph I read and will put it aside for a week. At which time, I will take the book out to my sunny conservatory where the only smells are of roses and lavender and enjoy what I have been assured is a wonderful read.
