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Constant Reader
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What I'm Reading - Jan & Feb 2020
Lynn wrote: "Here's a new thread for the new year! I got ahead of myself and read The Dutch House because my library hold came in just before Christmas. I really enjoyed it, but felt like I go..."
I read I a couple of months ago, not realizing it was a CR book. I probably won’t remember enough to discuss.
I think I requested it from the library after I listened to Patchett read a couple of passages during an interview on public radio as I was driving to Cincinnati last fall. It was just a nice bonus that it was also voted onto the Reading List.
A Sudden Light – Garth Stein – 3***
This is a ghost story, an historical novel, a coming-of-age story, and a tale of dysfunctional families and long-held secrets that MUST COME OUT. I found it very atmospheric and liked the way Stein handled the paranormal elements.
My full review HERE
Gretchen McCulloch’s BECAUSE INTERNET: UNDERSTANDING THE NEW RULES OF LANGUAGE, narrated by the author. Interesting. I read this book because I’m fascinated with language development in all its forms. I particularly appreciated the chapter on emoticons and emojis and the one on memes. I also liked her remarks and observations in her concluding chapter. I did not particularly enjoy her narration style - for me, her attempts at vocal dramatization and expression were often just annoying.
I’ve had a confusing experience- I’m hoping some of can explain.My library has 2 versions of Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. Both are described as the “original 1855” edition but one has more poems that the other.
vs
Neither has much publication information.
The reference librarian looked into it but it doesn’t make sense to her either.
The is also an 1892 edition which is quite different. Whitman’s made quite a few additions and changes, apparently.
I have a volume of Whitman’s poetry and prose in which the editor explains that Leaves of Grass was a collection of poems that evolved as a lifelong work. There were six editions beginning in 1855 and culminating in the 1891-92 edition, which was the last one that Whitman oversaw. He added to and/or removed poems and stanzas in the various editions.
I'm deep in the middle of a book loaned to me by a kayaking friend, The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon, and many parts of it are fascinating. I'm a kayaker, so tend to dislike dams controlling a river, and my Dad was an engineer who liked to visit dams, so for me it was interesting to hear details from these disparate sides:
1) The Glen Canyon Dam history and mechanical inner workings (and how they handled a rare, gigantic snowmelt/flood event that threatened to overcome the dam with disastrous consequences), and;
2) Professional river guides in love/obsession with the Grand Canyon rapids, taking dories through them, and three of them trying to break a speed record by sneaking on the river during the superflood that almost overcame the dam, while it was closed to rafting for safety purposes.
Aha! Thanks, Lyn. Now I know what to buy my brother for his birthday.
Mona Awad’s 13 WAYS OF LOOKING AT A FAT GIRL, read by Jorjeanna Marie. I read this book of short stories because it showed up on a list of best short stories from the last 10 years - and because it was available as an audiobook through my local library’s Libby app. I would not have included it on a “best of” list but they were well written, I cared about the character who is at the center of all the stories, and the emotions captured in the stories struck me as authentic. The sexuality and promiscuity, particularly in the character’s youth, struck me as raunchy and over-the-top but perhaps that’s a generational matter.
The House Next Door – Anne Rivers Siddons – 4****
This work of Southern gothic / horror fiction is a little slow to start but once it gets going it's riveting! I stayed up way too late a couple of nights "waiting for that other shoe to drop." It left me on edge and vaguely anxious; spooked by noises in the night (or in the daytime). A perfect Halloween read!
My full review HERE
Book Concierge wrote: "The House Next Door
– Anne Rivers Siddons – 4****
This work of Southern gothic / horror fiction is a little slow to start but once it gets going it's riveting...
A perfect Halloween read!"
You'll have to remember to post that again in October - sounds perfect!
While nervously awaiting regular alerts about the Aussie bushfires, I've been reading the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Overstory by Richard Powers. A good readable mix of characters, history, and tree info, as well.
4.5★ Link to my review
Around the World In 80 Days – Jules Verne – 4****
One of the books in Verne’s series of “Extraordinary Voyages” begins when Phileas Fogg accepts a wager at his gentleman’s club. What a delight! I’ve seen movie adaptations, but the book is so much better. (Although, of course, there are some racial stereotypes that grate on the modern reader’s sensibilities.)
My full review HERE
Marley By John Clinch. I've loved every book that I've read by Clinch and this is no exception. Not quite halfway through and I'm enthralled by this backstory of Scrooge and Marley. Almost worth it for the wonderful Dickensian names alone.
Glad to know it, Ruth. I’m interested in Marley.
The Prettiest Horse in the Glue Factory is the wonderful title of popular Aussie comedian Corey White's unique memoir. He is one of those kids who fell through the cracks of "the system" and landed in some inexcusably bad foster care. It's a terrific read!
5★ Link to my review
I have had an interesting reading adventure these past weeks. I am learning so much , more than I ever realized. Started out thinking I needed to read more about Indochina.
I had read The Manchurian Candidate a few years ago, but never was curious about why it was an important area.
The Quiet American was another.
In December I noticed a book Saigon, so I thought why not. It was interesting but the one that knocked my socks off was recommended by a high school friend. Street Without Joy: The French Debacle in Indochina. In depth details of how the French lost the first war and how we lost the second.
I was curious about war strategies, another friend suggestedThe Art of War Michael Nyland translation. Excellent book for understanding the Chinese/ Indochinese strategies.
Lastly Letters from a Stoic
And in between for something lighterDavid Copperfield
Lyn wrote: "Just finished The Dinner. I found it very readable and well constructed, but awfully unrealistic."Exactly. Here’s my review,
. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Carol wrote: "I have had an interesting reading adventure these past weeks. I am learning so much , more than I ever realized. Started out thinking I needed to read more about Indochina.
I had read [book:The ..."
I loved The Quiet American. I thought it was great and was blown away by the ending. "I never knew a man who had better motives for all the trouble he caused." I thought this book was a great tale of morality, stupidity, and inefficiency with the U.S. being the "bad guy." I don't believe the book was anti-American, I thought it was truth about all the lies we were led to believe at that time. And I recently put Saigon on my TBR list.
Gina wrote: "Carol wrote: "I have had an interesting reading adventure these past weeks. I am learning so much , more than I ever realized. Started out thinking I needed to read more about Indochina.
I had ..."
Saigon was good.
Carol wrote: "I have had an interesting reading adventure these past weeks. I am learning so much , more than I ever realized. Started out thinking I needed to read more about Indochina.
Carol, I love hearing about your Indochina immersion. What a great way to organize your reading. I also got a kick out of David Copperfield being your light reading.
Man’s Search For Meaning – Viktor E Frankl – 5*****
I first read this book when I was in college and it has remained with me ever since. This is both a memoir and an inspirational lesson in how to survive and thrive. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl relates his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and shares the experiences, too, of his patients, to show that, while no one can completely avoid suffering, we can choose HOW to deal with and process those experiences to find meaning and a renewed sense of purpose.
My full review HERE
Mary Anne wrote: "Carol wrote: "I have had an interesting reading adventure these past weeks. I am learning so much , more than I ever realized. Started out thinking I needed to read more about Indochina.
Carol, ..."
After the others David Copperfield was a piece of cake. Right now I am enjoying The Pickwick Papers
Laughing about the stranger and how he is using the gentleman according to their vices.
Best one yet! Into the Fire Orphan X #5 by Gregg Hurwitz doesn’t pause anywhere long enough to let you catch a breath! 
4.5★ (rounded up) Link to my review
John Updike’s BRAZIL. This book has been on my TBR pile for several years - my husband put it there after he had finished it, saying he thought I’d like it. Well I did - sort of. The writing is terrific; Updike’s descriptions of place are detailed and evocative. In this Tristan-and-Isolde-like tale, Updike explores themes of racism and colonialism, class and extreme poverty, love and sexuality, gender and gender roles, obsession and family. Some of his observations approach profundity while others are stale and flat. Along the way he gives us adventure and a bit of magical realism. And yet it doesn’t all come together to create excellence.
The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred-Year-Old Man – Jonas Jonasson – 3.5***
The scenarios are every bit as ridiculous, outlandish, and unbelievable as in the first book, but I just love the way Allan just “goes with the flow.” It’s a fast, fun, romp of a novel that had me giggling in places.
My full review HERE
There There – Tommy Orange – 4****
In his debut novel, Orange explores the world of today’s Urban Indian through the stories of twelve characters who are planning to attend the Big Oakland Powwow. Their lives are interwoven by coincidence, thin threads of DNA, circumstance, and/or proximity. They are in turn angry, desolate, hopeful, joyous, loving, confused, determined, generous or mean. Orange’s voice is unique and powerful. And I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
My full review HERE
I think I'm the odd one out with William Kent Krueger's already popular This Tender Land, about runaway kids.
3.5★ Link to my 'Tender Land' review
Author Jennifer Haigh's Zenith Man fixes Zenith TVs. Did he also 'fix' his dead wife?
4.5★ Link to my 'Zenith Man' review
N.K. Jemison’s HOW LONG ‘TIL BLACK FUTURE MONTH, narrated by Shayna Small. Ms. Jemison is a new author for me. A friend recommended one of her novels, which I haven’t read yet. When I ran across this book of short stories on some group’s “best of” list, I decided to start with it. I enjoyed it very much and thought some of the stories were terrific - others not so much. Clearly Ms. Jemison demonstrates in these fantasy and science fiction short stories her writing talent, her curious and inventive mind, and her distinctive voice. I also appreciated her introduction in which she talked about how she came to write short stories and why she continues to do so. I look forward to reading The Fifth Season, one of her novels.
An Irish Country Doctor – Patrick Taylor – 4****
Taylor tells the tale of a young physician learning the ropes from an older, wiser, well-established practitioner in an Irish village, in the mid-1960s. I’ve heard this described as “James Herriot for people” and I think that’s a perfect description. Some scenarios are quite humorous, and others are tender and heartfelt. A very entertaining book.
My full review HERE
Well-known Aussie journalist, political commentator, and author Tony Jones has followed up his successful political thriller, The Twentieth Man, with more war and intrigue in In Darkness Visible.
4★ Link to my review of In Darkness Visible
Flight Behavior – Barbara Kingsolver – 4****
Kingsolver has crafted a story of one woman’s awakening, and simultaneously a warning about climate change. I found the story compelling from both perspectives. I know many people criticize Kingsolver for being preachy, but I did not find her message overbearing. Dellarobia Turnbow is a fascinating character. And her personal journey was what really elevated the book for me.
My full review HERE
I decided it is time I read Walt Whitman. I chose “Leaves of Grass”, maybe that was a mistake. Fifty pages in he’s growing on me, sort of, as I get used to his style. Great poetry? Not for me, there are parts that move me and I can understand that his writing is radical and forceful. But mostly I feel exhausted.
I just finished Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by the Nobel prize winning Polish author Olga Tokarczuk. An unusual story with an unforgettable main character who was at least a little crazy by most standards I think.
Joan, I've only read individual poems by Whitman and have always meant to read Leaves of Grass. Let us know what you think when you finish.Donna, I'm intrigued by this book description. We also did some traveling in Poland which resulted in me being interested in the people and their literature. Thanks for posting about it.
Donna wrote: "I just finished Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by the Nobel prize winning Polish author Olga Tokarczuk. An unusual story with an unforgettable main chara..."I just started this. Interesting.
I read Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead last month, and while it wasn't my favorite book of the year, she was certainly my favorite character. So memorable! Definitely crazy, but still endearing.
Tonya wrote: "I read Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead last month, and while it wasn't my favorite book of the year, she was certainly my favorite character. So memorable! Definitely cra..."Well put, Tonya. I agree 100%. Endearing, yes, except (view spoiler)
Barbara wrote: "Joan, I've only read individual poems by Whitman and have always meant to read Leaves of Grass. Let us know what you think when you finish.Donna, I'm intrigued by this book description. We also d..."
Barbara I can happily recommend The Czar's Madman
by Jaan Kross if your travels left you interested in Estonia.
Thank you, Joan! We wanted to make it to Estonia but never did. However, that book looks excellent. We traveled in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia and Croatia at different times. All of those countries crawled into my heart and stayed there.
I picked the perfect children's picture book to enjoy during the Australian Open, Evonne Goolagong by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara. My review has illustrations and a couple of photos. She is such an Aussie icon!
5★ Link to my review
The Secret Footprints – Julia Alvarez – 5*****
This children’s picture book tells the Dominican Republic legend of the ciguapas – a race of extraordinarily beautiful people who live in caves beneath the sea and come onto land only at night. Fabian Negrin’s illustrations are rich and atmospheric, taking me straight to the tropics.
My full review HERE
The Milagro Beanfield War – John Nichols – 5*****
In a New Mexico valley the power is held by one man and his company; they own most of the land and virtually all the water rights. Until one day, Joe Mondragon decides to cut a trench in the irrigation ditch, diverting some of that water onto his late father’s beanfield. I've had this book on my TBR "radar" for a bajillion years and I don't know why I waited so long to read it. I really liked it a lot! The quirky characters, the message, the humor, the pathos, and the landscape all made this an especially moving book for me.
My full review HERE
I was deeply engrossed in Night Boat to Tangier but then my cleaning ladies came and now I can’t find it. At first I almost abandoned it, but I’m glad I stuck with it. Reminds me a little bit of James Joyce with a spit of Waiting for Godot. I hope I find it before I get to the point where I need to start again.
Ruth wrote: "I was deeply engrossed in Night Boat to Tangier but then my cleaning ladies came and now I can’t find it. At first I almost abandoned it, but I’m glad I stuck with it. Reminds me a ..."Glad to hear this, Ruth. Ken Craft just gave it a good review. I like getting a good prose recommendation from 2 poets.
And, I can't tell you how many things I find hard to find after the cleaning people are here. I put everything away so they can clean surfaces and then who knows where those things are?!?
I would like it to go down in price. My libraries around here do not carry any books worth reading.
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I got ahead of myself and read The Dutch House because my library hold came in just before Christmas. I really enjoyed it, but felt like I got whiplash near the end as things suddenly started moving very quickly. I'll save more detailed comments until it's time for the discussion here - hope I can still remember by then!