Currently reading.

Being knee-deep in about five books at once is kind of par for the course for me. Anyone else? I mean, it really depends on what kind of mood I'm in which book I decide to pick up. There's also a good chance I'll end up tossing a few more in there, depending. Here's the current line-up: 

1. The Journals of Sylvia Plath (Sylvia Plath...duh): I'm just going to start by saying that it's one of my great fears in life that people will read my journals after I die. It's to the point that I've made my brother swear to build a bonfire and burn them all. But, because I'm a huge hypocrite, I really really enjoy reading other people's (published! I'm not a snoop!) journals. It also helps that I think Sylvia Plath is one of the most interesting people to ever exist. 

2. The Awakening (Kate Chopin): I'm not sure how I've made it to this point in life without reading this book, but I'm rectifying that situation right now. Kate Chopin is another interesting lady--even after she got married, she remained fiercely independent and individualistic. She was also unconventional and pushed boundaries (not hard to do in the 1800s, I would imagine...). I picked up this copy in a used book store for $2 and it's already going by far too quickly.

3. East of the Mountains (David Guterson): Guterson's most well-known book, Snow Falling on Cedars never really grabbed my attention when it was released. I had heard good reviews, but it didn't seem like my type of read, so I passed. A few years ago, though, I saw a play adaptation at Center Stage during my first trip to Portland. It was captivating. I immediately bought the book, devoured it, and went back for more. If I'm being honest, I think I feel even more in love with The Other. Needless to say, when I saw this book laying on the shelf in a local bookstore, I snagged it gleefully. I'm just starting it, but if it's anything like his other novels, I'll be halfway in love with it in no time. 

4. Europe Through the Back Door (Rick Steves): This one really doesn't need any explanation, although I do feel the need to acknowlege how dirty/that's-what-she-said-esque/ridiculous the title is. My husband never fails to remind me of that when he sees me reading it. Looking forward a couple years to the big trip we're planning, I really want to travel as much like a local as possible. No chain hotels/restaurants for this gal. 

5. The Princes in the Tower (Alison Weir): Like all of Alison Weir's books, this one is taking me forever to get through. It's not because it's boring--there's just so.much.information. Of course, I feel the need to soak up every bit (even though I'll probably have to read through it four or five times to get everything). It's extra interesting since I've been following the story of King Richard III's body being found recently and his upcoming burial, and that's who the book focuses on. It's making me want to get to England more and more, though!  I'm loving it.

Any good reads on your bookshelves? What are you reading lately? I'm always taking suggestions....