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What I'm Reading JUNE 2015
Started and completely hooked by Juan Gabriel Vásquez's The Sound of Things Falling. In contrast to my previous read this month, his prose is nicely full bodied and descriptive. I'm half way through and the plot is NOT predictable
Kat wrote: "I'm reading Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, which is terrific. I'd forgotten what a good writer she is. Apocalyptic fiction which deals with issues of genetic engineering and climat..."I listened to the audiobook of Oryx and Crake too. I was really surprised by how much I liked it as I'm not usually a fan of apocalyptic fiction or anything in the realm of science fiction. It reminded me of what a good writer Margaret Atwood is, that she could even draw me into this subject. I haven't read the other two.
Sheila, I'm delighted that you are enjoying The Sound of Things Falling. I loved that book and truly admire his evocative writing.
Just finished Our Souls at Night Kent Haruf. Sweet story. Seamlessly smooth writing, but then that's no surprise with Haruf. A little lighter than the other books of his I've read.
Couple of weeks ago I readSleeping with Cats by Marge Piercy. She's a fascinating person. We are almost the same age, and in many ways our experiences overlap. We lived in San Francisco at the same time. Back in the 60s she led the life I then wanted to lead. I'm sort of glad it didn't happen, given the complications of Piercy's life. More fun to read about it. Interesting how she weaves the stories of her cats through the stories of her life.
Sounds interesting. I was in SF in the early seventies, very much caught up in the women's movement. I remember reading Marge Piercy then, Woman on the Edge of Time and also some of her poetry. I don't think I ever met her or saw her read, though. Adrienne Rich, Margaret Atwood, Rita Mae Brown, Pat Parker, Susan Griffin, yes, saw them all read.
I was in SF in the early 70s, too, Kat. Tom worked at Fireman's Fun and I worked at a law firm called Pillsbury, Madison and Sutro (we abbreviated it to PM&S---that wouldn't fly now.)
Ruth wrote: "Fireman's Fun? Oh, do tell."Oops, Fireman's FUND, and insurance company.
Just read Weathering by Lucy Wood. A beautifully written story of nature, mothers and daughters. Now starting Celestial Ng, Everything I Never Told You.
Mary wrote: "Sheila, I'm delighted that you are enjoying The Sound of Things Falling. I loved that book and truly admire his evocative writing."Tx Mary. Have you read any of his others? I've been so impressedd by his style and the quality of the translation I have ordered his other two from my Library service The Informers and The Secret History of Costaguana
Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry. Gorgeous writing but frustrating at times.
Agreed, Stoner was just about perfect.After three false starts, The Buried Giant, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing and The Bookshop, I'm just floating along wondering what to try next.
Although I did read the bulk of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. She lost my real interest when she advocated the wholesale getting rid of books.
I know there are times to do that, but her methods were too Draconian for my taste. Way too much.
Jane wrote: "I am currently reading two books, Armadale by Wilkie Collins and Stoner by John Williams."Here is our discussion of Stoner:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Sheila, I have not read any other books by Juan Gabriel Vasquez. Thanks for the titles. I'll look forward to seeing your comments after you've read them.
Lisa wrote: "Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry. Gorgeous writing but frustrating at times."I really did not like this book. It seemed self-indulgent and was really hard to finish.
I just started reading my first Christina Stead novel, The Little Hotel. I'm really liking it, which is good news, because the library has like 10 or her books.
I must say I am thoroughly enjoyingHistory of the Rain. I like all the book references as part of the story.
Sherry wrote: "Jane wrote: "I am currently reading two books, Armadale by Wilkie Collins and Stoner by John Williams."Here is our discussion of Stoner:
https://www.go..."
Sherry wrote: "Jane wrote: "I am currently reading two books, Armadale by Wilkie Collins and Stoner by John Williams."
Here is our discussion of Stoner:
https://www.go..."
Thank you Sherry, I will definitely take a look.
I finished two books recently. The first was Nemesis Games, by James S.A. Corey. This is the fifth novel in the Expanse series. I read less and less SF these days and I really can't think of any space opera SF that I like ... except for this series. In this book, a lot of the Earth gets destroyed, but the series still moves forward. I like the main characters a lot. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series. (This series is being adapted for television on the SciFy channel.)I also finished Philip Caputo's The Longest Road: Overland in Search of America, from Key West to the Arctic Ocean. Caputo and his wife travel with an Airstream trailer from Key West, Florida to the Arctic Ocean in Alaska. I thought that the first half of the book dragged, but when they hit Montana,things picked up a lot. He asks the same question, "What holds the United States together?" over and over as he travels. Most of the answers don't deserve the space they get in the book, but they also get more interesting from Dakotas on. The most thoughtful response comes from an economically successful Native American. I really enjoyed most of the section of the book that deals with Alaska. Caputo also wrote the highly acclaimed A Rumor Of War, a nonfiction book about his time in Vietnam as a young Marine infantry officer. I plan to read that book in the near future.
Just finished Genius: A Mosaic of One Hundred Exemplary Creative Minds. Reading “Genius” Harold Bloom’s examination of 100 literary minds, is like having a conversation with a brilliant friend whose judgments, while they may differ from one’s own, are always rooted in more than mere opinion. Bloom’s explications are backed with substance, always interesting, if often controversial. He assesses those like the prophet Mohammed, the philosopher Kierkgaard or the psychoanalyst Freud through a literary prism, as this book is a study of literary genius, not religious, political or military. Bloom’s observations are often a delight; he assumes his reader is knowledgeable about his subjects, as indeed any well-read person should be. I particularly liked his take on Wilde who is too often dismissed as superficial. As a Shakespeare scholar, Bloom’s remarks on the bard’s proficiency in creating memorable characters while concealing his own, are enlightening. Casting Shakespeare, Dante, Goethe, Cervantes as the foundations of English, Italian, German and Spanish culture, he bemoans how today the canon is scorned in many university departments in favor of writings that represent, in his words, “racial origin, gender, sexual orientation and ethnic affiliation.” The most significant accomplishment of “Genius” is its construct showing the interrelatedness of writers down the ages—examples: Mann as the heir of Goethe or Beckett’s obligation to Joyce.All in all a rewarding read.
I'm reading The Rain Before it Falls, by Jonathan Coe. Interesting in its way, but so remarkably different from his The House of Sleepwhich I read back in 2010 and loved. That one is a real page-turner. This novel, in which a recently deceased old-timer tells her story in a series of recordings listened to by her descendents, is rather static. Although it is an interesting story.I always find it interesting when authors turn out novels very dissimilar to one another. Rose Tremain did that for awhile, haven't read her lately so I don't know if she's still experimenting. I know there are other writers in this category but am blanking out at the moment. Anyone?
Kat, maybe Margaret Atwood? Or David Mitchell? I've only read three of his, but they did seem to be in different genres and tones. I found Jonathan Coe completely by accident -- I picked up a House of Sleep off the library shelves based solely on the title, cover, and some kind of unnamed hunch. I quite like his work, which is really varied. I haven't read The Rain Before it Falls, but I did quite like The Accidental Woman, What a Carve Up!, and The Rotters' Club, all very different from one another.
Joan wrote: "Just finished Genius: A Mosaic of One Hundred Exemplary Creative Minds. Reading “Genius” Harold Bloom’s examination of 100 literary minds, is like having a conversation with a brillia..."Joan, I have his Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human and The Western Canon: The Books and School of the Ages. He is always intriguing and worth reading. I hadn't heard of this one. Thanks for the review.
Jonathan Coe is a new author for me. Looks very interesting.I always think of Jane Smiley when I think of authors who try to do different things. However, I'm very glad that she returned to Iowa for her latest books.
Barbara wrote: "Jonathan Coe is a new author for me. Looks very interesting.I always think of Jane Smiley when I think of authors who try to do different things. However, I'm very glad that she returned to Iow..."
I haven't heard of Coe before, either, and wow, he's written quite a number of books!
I've only read two novels by Michel Faber, The Crimson Petal and the White, and The Book of Strange New Things, but they are radically different from each other. One is a book about a prostitute in 19th century London; the other is a science fiction book about a man who journeys to another planet to preach the gospel. I enjoyed them both very much. I think Faber is an author who tries not to repeat himself.It's hard to find any author who dabbles more in different genres than Jane Smiley, however. She wrote an historical novel about Greenlanders, a comical novel called Moo, a book about horse racing, etc. etc.
Carol wrote: "I must say I am thoroughly enjoyingHistory of the Rain. I like all the book references as part of the story."Carol, I loved History of the Rain...Williams just lets his prose rip...it's utterly romantic and gorgeous. Swept me away.
I know, Jane , it is exquisite. I am almost finished.
Carol wrote: "History of the Rain
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J......"
Oh, this book left me breathless. What a thing of beauty.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J......"
Oh, this book left me breathless. What a thing of beauty.
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert – 5***** The novel spans decades, from the birth of Henry Whittaker in 1760 to his daughter Alma’s old age in 1883. I struggle with expressing how this novel moved me – and frustrated me. Alma’s life is both tediously boring and exceptionally adventurous. I found her fascinating and was entirely engrossed in her story. But for all her scientific vision, Alma seems completely blind to human relationships. While I have a few quibbles with the work, I still give it 5 stars. The audio book was wonderfully performed by Juliet Stevenson.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Plainsong by Kent Haruf – 4**** In this gentle, unassuming yet impactful novel Haruf introduces us to several residents of the small town of Holt, Colorado. With little in common but the realities of a hard life, these seven people hesitate to reach out to one another, but find comfort when they succeed. There are scenes of tenderness that took me by surprise, and some violent scenes that had me nearly breathless with worry. The prose is crisp and clean as the winter air in the Great Plains. The story is at once simple and profound.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I love that book, BC. In fact, I love everything by Kent Haruf. I haven't read his latest though which he finished just before he died.
The Unnamed
I literally have chills. I feel that I have just been privileged to read a book that will be read a hundred years from now. What vision, what execution.
I literally have chills. I feel that I have just been privileged to read a book that will be read a hundred years from now. What vision, what execution.
Book Concierge wrote: " Plainsong by Kent Haruf – 4****
In this gentle, unassuming yet impactful novel Haruf introduces us to several residents of the small town of Holt, Colorado. With lit..."
Thank you for reminding me that I have to read this.
Plainsong by Kent Haruf – 4**** In this gentle, unassuming yet impactful novel Haruf introduces us to several residents of the small town of Holt, Colorado. With lit..."
Thank you for reminding me that I have to read this.
Barbara wrote: "I love that book, BC. In fact, I love everything by Kent Haruf. I haven't read his latest though which he finished just before he died."I love Kent Haruf's books, too. I'm sad there'll be no more. I have read his latest and while I enjoyed it immensely, I don't think it is his best.
Ellen wrote: "The UnnamedI literally have chills. I feel that I have just been privileged to read a book that will be read a hundred years from now. What vision, what execution."
I so disliked And Then We Came to the End I'm not sure I want to try another of his. This is really good?
Well, it's difficult and painful. But I love Ferris, and I think it's a tremendous achievement. My review doesn't say much, but for what it's worth:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ellen wrote: "Well, it's difficult and painful. But I love Ferris, and I think it's a tremendous achievement. My review doesn't say much, but for what it's worth:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
Thanks, Ellen.
I really enjoyed reading The Green Road by Anne Enright. The novel is presented as a set of linked stories written from the point of view of members of the Madigan family: mother Rosaleen and her four children Dan, Constance, Emmet and Hanna. Their love-hate relationships are wonderfully captured and by writing from the different points of view you get a very rounded off-beat impression of the ups and downs of this ordinary family full of pent-up emotions.
I've been wanting to read The Green Road, Bernadette. I've liked Enright's writing a lot in the past. Thanks for the review.
Book Concierge wrote: " Plainsong by Kent Haruf – 4**** In this gentle, unassuming yet impactful novel Haruf introduces us to several residents of the small town of Holt, Colorado. With lit..."
Very nice book review, BC. I've read this one and and Eventide. Now I want to read Benediction. Thanks for the reminder for these great books.
Ellen wrote: "Well, it's difficult and painful. But I love Ferris, and I think it's a tremendous achievement. My review doesn't say much, but for what it's worth:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
I'm a huge fan of And Then We Came to the End, which for me had a deep moral core missing from many novels today. I hope you'll be joining our discussion of Ferris's third novel, Ellen. To Rise Again at a Decent Hour is scheduled for July.
Kat wrote: "Ellen wrote: "Well, it's difficult and painful. But I love Ferris, and I think it's a tremendous achievement. My review doesn't say much, but for what it's worth:
https://www.goodreads.com/revie..."
I am looking forward to it, thanks, Kat!
https://www.goodreads.com/revie..."
I am looking forward to it, thanks, Kat!
Thanks, Marjorie and Ellie, for the encouraging comments on the Charles Lennox mysteries. Always great to have a new series to enjoy! I will dip into this one again this summer.
Just finished The Financial Lives of the Poets Funny smart and engaging with a Breaking-Bad plot—lost job, house foreclosed, marriage failing, which leaves Matt, a former business-news reporter attempting to solve his financial problems by becoming a drug dealer, a plan that goes hysterically awry. Matt desperately and often hilariously tries to care for his young sons, his senile dad and his wayward-leaning wife. Walter’s writing is both comical and bittersweet as he riffs on the 2008 recession, the housing debacle and the death throes of the newspaper industry.
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Constant Reader
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Wilkie Collins (other topics)
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I just finished the third one, and found it disappointing compared to the other two, which I loved. It's not actively bad or anything, but it definitely suffers by comparison.