Sunday, October 31, 2010

The Sunday Philosophy Club, by Alexander McCall Smith

Being philosophical ain't easy...


For a book with this particular title I noticed a lack of, well, philosophy, let alone a club devoted to the subject. I don't even believe that McCall Smith referenced Sundays at all- or even sundaes (yum!). That said, however, this novel was an absolute pleasure to read and kept me entertained the whole time.

Though the setting was modern-day Edinburgh, Scotland, it seemed the story could take place anywhere- it was easy to follow, despite the fact that it is a place I've never been (hint, hint, Kyle).


The main character, a middle-aged single woman named Isabel, is surprisingly relatable (although I'm neither of those things). A very curious woman by nature, she sets out to investigate the falling death of a handsome young man, with whom she felt a “connection” with as he dropped from the highest balcony at the symphony. Since Isabel was the last person he saw in life, she felt a moral obligation to find out the truth about his accident, suicide, or murder.

The real draw of this novel, however, is McCall Smith's ability to develop the relationships between his characters. They're just so... real.

I would definitely give this book an A (wait, is that the scale I'm using? I better go back to some earlier posts. Okay- good enough. A.).

Has anyone else read this or is planning to? I'd love to hear your opinions!

The next book I'll be reading is Catch-22, by Joseph Heller, so if you'd like to join me in reading it please do so. If you've read it in the past and want to discuss it at all, then just know that I'll finish... eventually. Be patient- it takes effort to carve out some time to read amid mommy-ing and committing to the new fall television schedule.

10 comments:

April said...

hi, i'm following you from the busy blogger hop! i would love if you would come visit my blog and follow back! i love catch-22!

best,
april

www.marineparents.blogspot.com

SaysJamie said...

Was hopping with Touchdown Sunday Follow and somehow ended up here. Glad I did because I LOVE to read. I'm going to pick up the Sunday Philosopy Club. I read Atlas Shrugged more than 20 years ago. I just may pick it up again! The Fountainhead is one of my faves. Anyway, please check out my new blog and I'd love the follow back! ~Jamie

http://www.SaysJamie.com

momondealz said...

Following you back from the Halloween Blog Hop. Thanks for checking out Momondealz!

aceIN photography said...

hi there. your newest blog hop follower. happy HALLOWEEN. would *love* a follow back. you can find me at:

http://aceandfriendsco.blogspot.com/

come on by and check out my FUN giveaways!

CheekyMommaof2 said...

Happy Halloween!

I'm your newest follower and would love for you to stop by and follow me back!

Don't forget to enter my giveaways while you're there!

Cheers from Being Frugal & Making It Work!

Danielle said...

Thanks for following me! I'm following you back! http://mylifeinjenga.blogspot.com

Menopausal New Mom said...

Thanks for finding me, dropped by to take a look around and to follow you :)

Unknown said...

Hi!
I see you will be reading Catch 22 next - I had such a hard time reading that one. I hope you like it.

Thanks for following my blog "Family Literacy" today. I'm doing a little catch up on my lunch break. Be sure to come back on Saturday/Sundays and add your book reviews to "Read A Book Lately?" my book review & giveaway linky.

Tina "The Book Lady"
http://familyliteracyandyou.blogspot.com

Christy said...

You will love "Catch-22" Trust me on that one.

Thanks for linking up with us on the Tuesday Train!

SKY PRINCESS said...

Love McCall Smith's Ladies Detective series. This book looks good also.

Following you back from Channeling Ricky. Love your book selections!

Sharon aka Sky