I'm trying to read the good stuff. Here goes.
The Corrections, by Jonathan Franzen. I delayed reading this book for years after the Oprah debaucle. So Franzen didn't want Oprah's "mark" plastered on his book. What a putz! But, given all the hype, coupled with the fact that I bought a used copy so Franzen didn't directly get a dime of my money. Plus, time heals all wounds--real or perceived. So the time had come to read this book billed by many as the "Great American Novel."
It was okay. It enjoyed a bit of a positive growth spurt in my opinion over the first couple of days after I finished it. But the growth spurt has ended, and it's still only a bit more than okay. A rather dysfunctional family, with a father suffering from Parkinson's and dementia; an idealistic, superficial mother suffering from denial; a controlling, money-grubbing elder son, married to a self-centered, manipulative bitch; a hapless second son; a talented, but misguided daughter in denial about her sexual orientation (like mother, like daughter). Mix the characters with a good dose of East Coast snobbery about the Midwest, and that's the basic idea. Some of the prose is quite clever, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, but utlimately not enough to redeem it in my opinion.
Okay, so they start to make "corrections" in their lives as the story ends, after their last Christmas together that was quite a bit less than perfect. But, I suppose I'm just not literary enough to see the brilliance of this novel.
Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck. A quick read, with the kind of ending that I could see coming, but was still shocked when it happened. Was it the right thing for George to do to Lennie? Was it compassionate or cold-blooded murder? Was it the ultimate buddy story or something else? So many isolated people whose lives (as was the case in The Grapes of Wrath) just seem miserable, with no foreseeable way out. Good read.
Listening to: Catch 22.
Reading: Things Fall Apart.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Not Exactly PC
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. Was this the inspiration for the Amazing Race? If there'd been reality tv in the 1870s, (or reality newpaper accounts), I suppose this would have been the 19th century version of BoilerHusband's favorite reality TV show. However, I never thought I'd say that reality TV has more depth than does this story.
The story was entertaining enough, and relying on my own mental map of the world to follow the story was certainly challenging. Jim Dale, not surprisingly, excellently narrated the story, keeping it moving and doing the best voices. The "twist" at the end was a bit of a cheap trick, but overall, it was worth listening to.
I couldn't however, help thinking that Verne had a very narrow view of other cultures of the world. The descriptions of the Indians and Verne's minimization of the disrepect shown by Paspartieux in entering one of their temples wouldn't pass muster today. The attack by the Native Americans on the train as Fogg crosses the U.S.--well of course, that's what you'd expect of those savages, right? Ultimately, to be taking such a fantastic trip around the world, Fogg takes in amazingly little of the culture or the sights even when time permits, according to the story. At least in the Amazing Race, the contestants are forced to partake of the culture by eating the food, engaging in local occupations, learning local dances, and participatin in other activities that make the race truly "amazing."
Maybe again, I've fallen victim to viewing a classic book through modern eyes, but while the story is good on a basic level, it's lacking on another.
The story was entertaining enough, and relying on my own mental map of the world to follow the story was certainly challenging. Jim Dale, not surprisingly, excellently narrated the story, keeping it moving and doing the best voices. The "twist" at the end was a bit of a cheap trick, but overall, it was worth listening to.
I couldn't however, help thinking that Verne had a very narrow view of other cultures of the world. The descriptions of the Indians and Verne's minimization of the disrepect shown by Paspartieux in entering one of their temples wouldn't pass muster today. The attack by the Native Americans on the train as Fogg crosses the U.S.--well of course, that's what you'd expect of those savages, right? Ultimately, to be taking such a fantastic trip around the world, Fogg takes in amazingly little of the culture or the sights even when time permits, according to the story. At least in the Amazing Race, the contestants are forced to partake of the culture by eating the food, engaging in local occupations, learning local dances, and participatin in other activities that make the race truly "amazing."
Maybe again, I've fallen victim to viewing a classic book through modern eyes, but while the story is good on a basic level, it's lacking on another.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Catch-up Time
Elvis, Willie, Jesus, and Me, by Bert Mongtomery. I'll admit it: I bit because of the title and because Montgomery was at the CBF General Assembly signing books. As authors go, he's fine. As ministers go, he seems sincere. Yes there were some amusing parts, but for the most part, it was incredibly light, and much like fast food, not substantive enough to stick with me. Perhaps the saving grace was Montgomery's ability to find Jesus everywhere he looked. Seek and you shall find. He sought, he found, and there's inspiration in that.
The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck. Can it be true that it took 48 years of living before I finally read this classic? I suppose better late than never. In an attempt to keep pace with BoilerBaby 1 who is reading the books on the Time 100 Best Books, I chose this book, which I've owned for probably 15 years.
What a family. What characters. Ma Joad, the strength, the moral compass, the backbone of the family, as women always must be in difficult times, whether it be war or famine. Pa Joad, bent to near breaking by his inability to support his family. Uncle John, so tormented by a major mistake, his sin. Jim Casy, the reverend who develops a more pragmatic, sincere idea of religion. Tom Joad, who takes on the role of an activist when it's all said and done. And what can one say about Rose of Sharon, once one gets past her name, of course. What a whiny-butt! What a way to end the book though! Wow!
Overall, the story of the Joad family reinforces my faith in labor unions and the federal minimum wage. Perhaps we have become a more socialistic state, but I can't help but think that our country is better for it. Allowing exploitation of some for the benefit of others is entirely inconsistent with the Christian nation we purport to be. Yes, the Joads are a fictional family, and yes, Steinbeck's own bias likely means that the story is not a completely accurate portrayal of the dust bowl and the Great Depression, but it should be mandatory reading for all who critical of the living wage movement and complain of government regulation. If there's one thing that's certain, it's that when men are driven by profit, without reasonable restraints, their fellow man is likely to get short shrift. Or, as the Bible says, the love of money is the root of all evil.
I understand why this book makes many a list of the "best books."
On the horizon:
Listening to, Around the World in 80 Days, by Jules Verne. Started The Corrections, by Jonathan Franzen.
The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck. Can it be true that it took 48 years of living before I finally read this classic? I suppose better late than never. In an attempt to keep pace with BoilerBaby 1 who is reading the books on the Time 100 Best Books, I chose this book, which I've owned for probably 15 years.
What a family. What characters. Ma Joad, the strength, the moral compass, the backbone of the family, as women always must be in difficult times, whether it be war or famine. Pa Joad, bent to near breaking by his inability to support his family. Uncle John, so tormented by a major mistake, his sin. Jim Casy, the reverend who develops a more pragmatic, sincere idea of religion. Tom Joad, who takes on the role of an activist when it's all said and done. And what can one say about Rose of Sharon, once one gets past her name, of course. What a whiny-butt! What a way to end the book though! Wow!
Overall, the story of the Joad family reinforces my faith in labor unions and the federal minimum wage. Perhaps we have become a more socialistic state, but I can't help but think that our country is better for it. Allowing exploitation of some for the benefit of others is entirely inconsistent with the Christian nation we purport to be. Yes, the Joads are a fictional family, and yes, Steinbeck's own bias likely means that the story is not a completely accurate portrayal of the dust bowl and the Great Depression, but it should be mandatory reading for all who critical of the living wage movement and complain of government regulation. If there's one thing that's certain, it's that when men are driven by profit, without reasonable restraints, their fellow man is likely to get short shrift. Or, as the Bible says, the love of money is the root of all evil.
I understand why this book makes many a list of the "best books."
On the horizon:
Listening to, Around the World in 80 Days, by Jules Verne. Started The Corrections, by Jonathan Franzen.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Getting much grief
BoilerBaby 1 keeps giving me grief. Like any bibliophile, I continue to purchase books when I have many yet unread. She's so insistent that I look to the library more, and I suppose she's right. Either way, it has spurred me on to try to keep up on reading so that I can justify my book-Jones.
Sister Carrie, by Theodore Dreiser. When I bought this book, we still had a TCBY in town and BoilerBaby 1 was employed there. That was two or three years ago, but proof that eventually I do get around to reading my books.
Sister Carrie isn't exacly a book that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. A price for everything, and those that have, are likely to enjoy life. Those who don't, find it difficult to change their lot in life, but for luck and happenstance. And woe be unto those that have and lose what they have, as is the case with Hurstwood.
It happens often enough that I read a book and am so drawn in that I find myself hoping that the characters will make the right choice or good things will happen for them, even though their fate is already spelled out in the pages to come, and I sometimes know it doesn't end well for a character. That was my feeling at several points in the book. When Carrie first moves to Chicago, I wanted her to find a job and happiness. I wanted her to turn down the deceptively easy road of moving in with Drouet. I wanted her to reject Hurstwood. I wanted Hurstwood to persevere when the going got tough. I didn't get what I wanted. Either way, I enjoyed the book.
The story ended with Carrie's success on the stage, but despite her past experiences, I suspect that if the story were to continue, she would have once again taken the expedient course rather than the smart course. Of course, life is much different for women now than then, and perhaps I shouldn't judge 19th century conduct through 21st century eyes.
Sister Carrie, by Theodore Dreiser. When I bought this book, we still had a TCBY in town and BoilerBaby 1 was employed there. That was two or three years ago, but proof that eventually I do get around to reading my books.
Sister Carrie isn't exacly a book that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. A price for everything, and those that have, are likely to enjoy life. Those who don't, find it difficult to change their lot in life, but for luck and happenstance. And woe be unto those that have and lose what they have, as is the case with Hurstwood.
It happens often enough that I read a book and am so drawn in that I find myself hoping that the characters will make the right choice or good things will happen for them, even though their fate is already spelled out in the pages to come, and I sometimes know it doesn't end well for a character. That was my feeling at several points in the book. When Carrie first moves to Chicago, I wanted her to find a job and happiness. I wanted her to turn down the deceptively easy road of moving in with Drouet. I wanted her to reject Hurstwood. I wanted Hurstwood to persevere when the going got tough. I didn't get what I wanted. Either way, I enjoyed the book.
The story ended with Carrie's success on the stage, but despite her past experiences, I suspect that if the story were to continue, she would have once again taken the expedient course rather than the smart course. Of course, life is much different for women now than then, and perhaps I shouldn't judge 19th century conduct through 21st century eyes.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Buddy Read with BoilerBaby 3
Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry. Lowry does it again--taking an important topic and making it meaningful for children. This book addresses the holocaust and how the Danish people succeeded in saving most of their Jews from "relocation" by sneaking them over to Sweden where they would be safe. It recounts the bravery required of 10-year-olds Annemarie and Ellen. The two girls are best friends, living in the same apartment complex when Denmark is occupied by the Nazis. Upon learning that the Danish Jews are to be relocated, Annemarie's family undertakes to help Ellen's family escape. Along the way, Annemarie learns what it means to be brave, and the readers learn of an ingenious trick used by the Danes to throw off the dogs who the Nazis used to sniff for hidden humans: a handkerchief, scented with rabbit's blood and cocaine. The blood attracted the dogs, but the cocaine numbed their olefactory sense so that they missed the scent they were searching for.
Wonderful story about a weighty topic.
Wonderful story about a weighty topic.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Reading and Reading
The Magician, by W. Somerset Maugham. Having read Of Human Bondage and The Painted Veil, I decided to read yet another Maugham book. Oliver Haddo is evil personified, and the number he does on the various characters, inciting as much psychological fear as real fear, is quite masterful. Dabbling in the "black arts" he manages to seduce Margaret purely for the sake of getting revenge on her fiance. Margaret quickly loses all that is good and innocent and becomes poisoned by the evil with which she lives. Had Maugham continued with this line, it truly would have been frightening and interesting. It starts to get a little wierd, however, when Haddo appears set on creating a homunculus and in need of Margaret to complete it. The ending is just plain bad. I guess Maugham needed a way to end the story. Wish he'd come up with a better way.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Incredible Book
Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall. I lucked upon this book while shopping for my next Audible selection. It had great ratings, but I was a bit suspicious that maybe it was overrated. The customer reviews on Amazon were similarly effusive about the book, with only a smattering of negative reviews. Could a book really be that good? Yes!!!
I am not sure how to describe this book. With characters like BarefootTed, Caballo Blanco, and the "Party Kids", the story of the race in Copper Canyon would have made a sufficiently compelling story. McDougall's ability to break down scientific concepts for the layperson was such that his book could have been a simple study of the evolution of man or the physics of running. A story about the culture of Tarahumara Indians would similarly have made for an interesting anthropological read. McDougall could have easily written a scathing story of the corporate greed of the athletic shoe companies. Somehow, however, McDougall manages to weave all of these different story lines seamlessly into one of the best books I've "read" in a long time.
It's changed my thoughts about running. Like most runners, I've been seduced by the advertising and conventional wisdom that tells me that I need scientifically engineered shoes (read expensive) to address my flat feet. If I have shin splints or burning knees, it's clearly a sign that time waits for no one, and certainly not me. I'm willing to give minimalist running a try, and have already purchased shoes with thinner soles. I'm working on changing my form. I'm trying to go back in time--to recapture the joy of running, and the form that McDougall suggests is more correct than the abnormal form forced on me by my thick soled, heavy-heeled running shoes.
Overall, the book is laugh-out-loud funny in parts, educational, and ultimately inspiring. I might not ever run an ultramarathon, or even a marathon, but I want to be a running woman, who truly enjoys running.
I am not sure how to describe this book. With characters like BarefootTed, Caballo Blanco, and the "Party Kids", the story of the race in Copper Canyon would have made a sufficiently compelling story. McDougall's ability to break down scientific concepts for the layperson was such that his book could have been a simple study of the evolution of man or the physics of running. A story about the culture of Tarahumara Indians would similarly have made for an interesting anthropological read. McDougall could have easily written a scathing story of the corporate greed of the athletic shoe companies. Somehow, however, McDougall manages to weave all of these different story lines seamlessly into one of the best books I've "read" in a long time.
It's changed my thoughts about running. Like most runners, I've been seduced by the advertising and conventional wisdom that tells me that I need scientifically engineered shoes (read expensive) to address my flat feet. If I have shin splints or burning knees, it's clearly a sign that time waits for no one, and certainly not me. I'm willing to give minimalist running a try, and have already purchased shoes with thinner soles. I'm working on changing my form. I'm trying to go back in time--to recapture the joy of running, and the form that McDougall suggests is more correct than the abnormal form forced on me by my thick soled, heavy-heeled running shoes.
Overall, the book is laugh-out-loud funny in parts, educational, and ultimately inspiring. I might not ever run an ultramarathon, or even a marathon, but I want to be a running woman, who truly enjoys running.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)