What (am I currently reading)?

I am currently reading The Bird that Sang in Color by Grace Mattioli, @fixion4change , published in January 2021.    It is modern day literary fiction about a family in the US, as seen through the eyes of Donna, and is just beautiful to read.    It is the author’s third novel featuring the Greco family, but I’ve only just realised that, so am enjoying it as a “stand alone” read.      

Blurb (taken from:  https://gracemattioli.com/  )

Donna Greco subscribes to a conventional view of success in life, and she pushes her freewheeling, artistic brother, Vincent to do the same. However, he refuses to conform, and she harbors guilt for her supposed failure to ensure his happiness until she discovers a book of sketches he made of his life, which allows her to see his internal joy and to discover the secret to living free!   

While this textured story combines serious issues such as alcoholism, death, and family conflict, it’s balanced with wit and humor and is filled with endearing, unforgettable characters. The story spans decades, beginning in 1970 and ending in the present. Readers will be immersed in this tale which poses an intriguing question: “What pictures will you have of yourself by the end of your life?”

“Hugely moving, beautifully rendered, brilliant,” Lidia Yuknavitch

“a refreshing family portrait about interpersonal evolution…presented with affection, humor, and insight…an inspiring slice of life blend of philosophy, psychology, and transformation that draws readers into a warm story and examines the wellsprings of creative force and legacies,” Midwest Book Review

“highly polished artistic prose…evolves fluidly; with great heart and humour…A consummate exponent in the art of storytelling and skilled in the imagery of words…Without exception, the characters are all emotionally complex…lyrical and lovingly written…profound and thought provoking,” Fiction Books Biz Book Reviews

“a heartfelt family story told with grace and humor,” Rose City Reader  

About the Author

Grace Mattioli is the author of three novels–Olive Branches Don’t Grow On Trees, Discovery of an Eagle, and The Bird that Sang in Color. All three novels feature a quirky, dysfunctional, yet highly lovable family named the Grecos. While entertaining and humorous, her works are intended to inspire readers to live happily with themes such as peacemaking, ceasing the day, and living authentically. She also published a small collection of short stories entitled The Brightness Index. 

Why (have I chosen to read it)?

This was a “spur of the moment” pick up.  I loved the simple beauty of the cover and the story sounded interesting, so I thought I’d give it a go. 

While (I  am reading it) 

Most of this week I’ve been hibernating with the cats.  There’s been a cold wind and snow/sleet and dampness outside.  However on Wednesday everything brightened up (including me) so I got outside and potted up some of my cocktail tomato plant seedlings (and over wintered geraniums).  Tomatoes grow well here, and these tomatoes freeze easily, so for years now I’ve been growing enough to keep us going throughout the year.    The seeds from one crop, turn into the seedlings the following year.  Very satisfying, and no tinned tomatoes in this house!   

If you would like to tell me What you are reading, Why you are reading that book, and what you’re doing While you’re reading it, then let me know via   the Guest Blog Page on EmmabBooks.com   and maybe I’ll blog about it. 

All the best, Emma