In anticipation of spring break, I had loaded my Kindle with a new book to read.  I’m a quick reader but since this was a short getaway, I thought one book would be sufficient and didn’t bring another one in hard copy, as I usually do for longer trips.  After the kids jumped into the pool, I settled into a chaise ready to dive into “The Girl on a Train,” which I had been eager to read.  While this is not a real problem, especially coming from typically foggy SF, the sun was too bright and I couldn’t make out the words on the screen.  Well, I wasn’t able to read right then, so I enjoyed a glass of sangria instead.  That night after dinner, we came across a Barnes & Noble, and I picked up a good ol’ paperback.  I’m pretty old school and still prefer to have a regular book in hand, often on loan from the public library.  I chose a novel that sounded familiar, “An American Wife” by Curtis Sittenfeld, who authored “Prep,” which I had enjoyed years ago.

That night before going to bed, I started reading “American Wife.”  The first few pages sounded familiar, but that’s not so unusual, as I have returned library books without finishing them when I lost interest or had little time.  As I kept reading, 100 pages in, 200 pages in, I realized, I had read this before.  Still, I didn’t remember how the book ended, or how far I had gotten, so I kept reading.  Well, after 300 and especially 400 pages in, I had to admit that I had in fact, read the entire novel before.  Even after finishing the 500+ fiction, I was semi-surprised as I continued to read, but everything seemed familiar.  My husband kept asking whether I didn’t have a duplicate copy at home, which thankfully, I don’t.  Needless to say, “American Wife” was a good read — both times.  When we got back home, I received an email from the public library — my requested copy of “The Girl on a Train” was on hold.  I picked it up the next day and can’t wait to read it.  And yes, I’m sure I haven’t read THAT one before.

I’m always looking for book recommendations.  Add yours to the comments!

Weekly Wrap-Up:

1. Looking for inspiration for your family room?  See how we break down a bright, cozy room with a shopping list for you here.
2. We sat down to talk with the lovely ladies behind LeCartSF.com.  Get to know Mary & Jenny here.
3. Ready to add some prints to your current decor but not sure how to mix them?  Check out our how-to guide and then head to Madeline Weinrib’s first Bay Area sample sale to try out your new mixing skills.
4. Beautiful blooms are always a good way to bring new life into a room.  Get inspired by these arrangements to pick up some flowers this weekend.

Image courtesy of Amazon.com, where you can pick up your own copy of “American Wife” to read once or twice.