2013 in Photographs

I haven't blogged since October. The tenth of October to be exact. I actually DID blog about books in that post which is saying something because most of my posts before were either a rambling mess or an explosion of exciting announcements.

I haven't been reading, it's true. Well... I have and have not. I only managed to read 32 books this year! However, I have been reading (slowly) and really loved a few novels that I just never managed to write about. I think everyone understands this predicament.

There's a time when you run out of words to say about a novel you've read. Or a moment when you just can't muster the energy after a long day to sit and summarize a plot and then create something that resembles an opinion. It was both of these things. I just couldn't write another post. I couldn't.

I miss the blogging community and still like to read posts (but maybe never comment). I like to follow along on Twitter, and note all the books you're currently reading, or eyeing, so that I'm always in the loop.

2013 was a whirlwind. So much changed. And even though this blog suffered, I know I can always come back and say hello.

Here's a year in photos to celebrate the changes!

 1. I launched my own photography business: bethpriddy.com

 2. J's sister graduated high school and went off to college. I got to document it.

3. My brother and sister-in-law tied the knot. They are the best.

4. J and I agreed to share a life together. We're obviously crazy.

5. One of my best friends welcomed her first child!

6. I moved to Chicago. J, of course, did too.

7. My entire family stayed at the beach for a week. It was AMAZING.

8. My brother and sister-in-law also welcomed their first child, Canaan. He is ridiculously cute.

9. I was hired to shoot Renegade Craft Fair Chicago!

10.   I toured the midwest to see what the fall was like. (This was in Michigan.)

11. I traveled back down to Atlanta four times, after moving in September, before the new year to visit everyone I love. These are my lady friends.

  

12. We decided that Nashville is where we'll be headed next to start our own family.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something BUT this is what I've got to show for now. Another of my brothers recently announced that he and his wife would be welcoming twins in April (those maternity shots, unfortunately, are not ready to be viewed). But it's happening and I'm so excited for our growing family.

2013 was good to me and I can't wait to see what the new year has in store! Happy New Year, everyone!!!

2014, let's do this!

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A Review: Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Ursula Todd is born to an ordinary family on a snowy evening in 1910. However, Ursula's no ordinary girl, because while she lives in one life, she dies in another. Kate Atkinson allows readers to witness the alternative lives one woman leads while experiencing two great wars in different locations in Europe. Unfolding through an intense series of chain of events, the story is sure to leave readers reeling long after they finish.

In the past I've seen novels hyped to the point where I would have been happy to not ever see the title again. I initially heard about this one through Twitter--it seemed like everyone was reading it or talking about reading it--and I took the bait. I listened to people sing its praises, but deliberately kept myself ignorant of the storyline. So... in the spirit, I'm not going to divulge too much.

Set amidst two calamitous world wars, Life After Life depicts some rather weighty topics, giving the reader an intimate glimpse into this era. Atkinson provides gritty details and the ruthlessness that festers during trying times. I was thoroughly impressed with her depiction of the WWII effort because I found it to be presented in such a different light than most war novels that often romanticize the period.

First, I want to emphasize that the hype didn't kill this one. When I finished reading the digital ARC I received from Little, Brown and Co., I immediately pre-ordered a physical copy so I could reread as soon as possible. I strongly suggest getting a hard copy of this one, if you can. I've grown to love my Kindle, but there are some books that just go down better in physical form. It's the type of novel that will have have you flipping back and forth in order to absorb every detail.

I want to offer more because I absolutely fell in love with this novel, but honestly can't give you what you deserve without a reread. While I will admit that it did take me several chapters to get sucked in, I was unable to start anything long after after completing because I couldn't stop thinking about Ursula and her incredible lives. Atkinson proves that she is a creative genius, offering multiple outcomes so vivid and varying that you'll find yourself lost in each new situation. Completely different than anything I've ever read, I can't recommend Life After Life enough. Read it!

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