Ruby Ramblings

Colin Thubron is a classic choice for the first book in a travel inspired read-a-thon.  This one is short, and the only fiction I’ve ever seen by him. It makes sense though, all those characters he’s met and observed in his life that can’t be written about in the journalistic non-fiction format in the way they can be characterized in fiction.  To The Last City is the tale of a small group of people journeying to less-visited Incan ruins.  A Belgian and his French wife  who is half his age, an older British couple whose resentment of each other fills the air, a mis-guided and confused aspiring priest, and the doubtful guide whose job it is to keep all these folks safe and happy.

This is a really good book, but here is  quote that really stuck out so far:

” The Englishman lay in his sleeping bag listening to the quick, regular breathing of his wife. 

In the faint light, he could see she had placed her boots between them, with her anorak and a water bottle. “

And finally getting around, four hours late, to the introductory questions:

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? Portland, ME, USA
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? Red Dust, I think. Maybe Grass Roof, Tin Roof.
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?  I’m not nearly that prepared.
4) Tell us a little something about yourself! A lapsed traveler, due mostly to my drive to be a musician which keeps me tied to where I’m playing, recording, and also perpetually broke.
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?  I was so excited to realize I didn’t have a gig booked on a Saturday night so that I could participate! Although I do have to go to the studio, and also to work at some point during the 24 hours. 

Pages read: 66

Page in current book: 67

Hour six update: Book finished, 168 pages read.  Heading out to get some Indian food….

I don’t think I’ve heard of this book! It sounds fantastic, and I love the idea of a travel-themed readathon! Good luck! #TeamBronte cheering with #TeamWordsworth –Andi

Comment by Dewey's Read-a-thon (@readathon) April 26, 2014 @ 5:35 pm

Very cool idea for travel based read-a-thon! I hope you are accomplishing a lot of reading. #TeamWordsworth

Comment by beccasanborn April 26, 2014 @ 8:28 pm