Since my last book post I have read:
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
I saw live musical stage show before reading the book, so I thought I knew what it would be like. The book is much darker than the musical; at times a little long.
Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund
Another book that is a little long. 688 pages! This is the fictional story of the wife of Captain Ahab from Moby Dick (which I have never read). It has a great opening line: "Captain Ahab was neither my first husband nor my last..." I always judge a book by the first line; it always says so much about the quality of the entire book. For my favorite first line, please take a look at Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham
At 656 pages this one is also no easy read. But it didn't seem too long; actually I was disappointed when it ended. This is one of the more thought-provoking books I have read lately; definitely my most highly recommended among those listed here.
Tisha by Robert Specht and Anne Purdy
My friend Dori lent me this book because it takes place in Alaska, and some of the places mentioned in the book were spots that we went through on our journey out here. It is the true story of a pioneer schoolteacher in the harsh Alaska wilderness. Not groundbreaking literature but a very interesting perspective on our country's wildest state.
Winterdance by Gary Paulsen
I gave this book to Ryan for Christmas because he likes true stories. This is one man's quest to run the Iditarod dog sled race (which is going on now, by the way). Written by and about the author of Hatchet. It's a pretty easy read, adventurous and informative all at the same time.
I am currently reading . . . A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway. I read this last year based on my brother Kevin's recommendation, and liked it so much that I bought it. Hemingway is one of my favorite authors, and what better subject matter than the Lost Generation of 1920's Paris? De-lightful.
So, what have you been reading lately?
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Ugh. Don't ask. It's not pretty.
ReplyDeleteSomerset Maugham! I also enjoyed Of Human Bondage. Even though it's better written than The Razor's Edge, I'm still biased toward The Razor's Edge.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid, Hatchet was one of my favorite books. I need to read it again.
I'm reading All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy. I'm half way through and really enjoying it. Cormac's dialogue is second to none.
The Razor's Edge definitely has more compelling characters. I think I might re-read it soon.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you, Kev, when I found out that Paulsen was the author of Hatchet. I remember you reading that a lot.
Haven't read any McCarthy yet...
I have been reading Roots by Alex Haley. Very long book. And I have about 4 more going at the same time on health. Next I am planning on Wuthering Heights. I have got to get back to the classics. Great literature has spoiled me.
ReplyDeleteI liked Hatchet too.
Did you know Alex Haley was in the Coast Guard? We have a cutter named after him. Wuthering Heights is one of my favorites. Gertrude Stein says to read only what is truly good or what is frankly bad. What do you think about that?
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