Thursday, July 24, 2008

Caged bibliomania

While enjoying an afternoon at the Newberry bookfair, Kath reminded me that I should be discussing more books on my blog. 

It makes sense not only because I love to talk about the books I read, but also because I have read so many lately.

Here are some quick thoughts on some of my latest:

Jong's Fear of Flying: This is what I am currently reading. When I started, I thought to myself...hmmm...is Jong a quasi pornographic Lessing? Her verbiage is at times biting and at others mesmerizing. Towards the end, though, I began to feel desensitized to her blatant words. I am annoyed with the main character because in the name of art and feminism she is throwing away a life that may have been perfectly fine. A life that she chose. She seems somewhat like a self-sabotager. And while I might sympathize, I don't appreciate it in a character. I still have a little bit left, so it might turn around. Oh, and there is a lot of talk about psychoanalysis. 

Meyer's The Host: You know Meyer. She is supposed to be the new J. K. Rowling. Only she writes about vampires. This is her first novel for adults. I like to think of this book as 600 pages of chick lit with a science fiction twist. It is a perfect summer read. I finished it in 3 days. I cared about the characters and willed them to find a solution for their problems. If I wanted to get all technical I could say it is an allegory of the inner-struggle we all face between animalistic behavior and a higher ideal, but really? It was a simple page turner.

Weisberger's Chasing Harry Winston: Here is the second novel from the woman behind The Devil Wears Prada. I enjoyed that it followed three different friends with three different man issues. Obviously, at times it is unrealistic. In real life your crazy rich friend doesn't loan you her apartment - rent free - because she feels like following her writing career which has just materialized. Regardless, it was sugary sweet and satisfying. 

So, that's lately, but what is coming up? Just how many used books did I purchase today? This many:
Kathleen Tessaro - Elegance
Anna Quindlen - Blessings
Anna Quindlen - One True Thing
Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence
Robert Hicks - The Widow of the South
Anne Tyler - The Clock Winder
Anne Tyler - Back When We Were Grownups
Carol Shields - Unless
Annie Proulx - The Shipping News
Erica Kennedy - Bling



"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."
Anais Nin

5 comments:

  1. Oh, I do love The Age of Innocence even though I'm usually a Brit Lit snob. It's on my top 50. Hope you enjoy it!

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  2. Great quote.

    Can't wait to hear about your new reads. :) I'm heading up to the Lake for a week, and will be devouring the books I've stockpiled. We'll have to swap notes!

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  3. Oh, question, C.
    I bought The Quiet Girl, but like M, it's one of the books I've stockpiled for summer reading.
    Thoughts?

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  4. P - You know I am also a Brit Lit snob trying to be understanding of other lit : ) On The Quiet Girl - you can totally read it during the summer. Does he have some thoughtful lines that make you think? Yes. But, it is full of action which turns you into a voracious reader to find out what happens making it perfect for a weekend.

    M - Have so much fun at the Lake. Can't wait for the full report back!

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  5. Kath told me about your trip to the book fair and her reco for more book reviews on your blog, I think it's a great idea! I would definitely read your POV on books I should/should not be reading :)

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