In the effort to clear some room on the bookshelves, Higgy and I have gone through fiction A - F and removed all books that we won't re-read or never read in the first place. This leaves me with a stack of 29 books that were on the shelves but never read. At least now I know what I'll be reading for a while...
I have not read much adventure - just one about the first trip across Antarctica (Shackelton?). That probably explains why this was in the fiction section instead of nonfiction. I don't even know where I got the book from. It's old enough that it advertises its price of 95 cents.
I recently read about Chichester's record setting solo sail around the world - Plymouth, UK to Sydney to Plymouth (back in the 60s when he was 65!). Only one port of call - with months alone in between. I don't know how he could handle the solitude - although I guess he was kept pretty busy with the ship. I know NOTHING about sailing, so most of the terms - gybe, mainsail, etc. went by me. What's the difference between a jib and a working jib? But even without a clue to what problem he was experiencing, I still felt the urgency of the problem - the feeling that things weren't as they were supposed to be. I found myself racing to turn the page to find out how things turned out. Would he have to add an extra port? Would he make it at all after capsizing?
I had always wondered why people would take these trips. It appears to be because they can - and they have the money to try. I did come to like Chichester, his ability to handle all the mishaps. But I really wondered what he was thinking in designing his ship - how could he not stand up for the design he wanted? How could he end up in a ship that weighed twice what he wanted, with several prototypes for essential functions? On the other hand, I guess that is the kind of thing I do to people at work all the time. At least my prototypes will only cost a company money, not put someone's life in danger.
While it was a enjoyable read, I don't think it's worth of a permanent home in the library - but it does deserve to be passed on to a friend rather than a book store.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Friday, March 03, 2006
How to be Alone - Jonathan Franzen
I enjoy short stories and articles, but I tend not to read them. Most short stories and articles are in a collection and I have a tendency to read straight through from beginning to end. But, I find that with short stories and articles I need to stop and think about each individual story - spend that few minutes at the end of a story to think about what it had to say or avoided saying. I usually take that time at the end of a novel, but I don't when it comes to short stories. It's like I treat the entire collection as a novel, rather than each individual story as it was originally intended. Knowing this about myself, I tend to pick up and then discard collected works several times before finishing. That is how it is with How to be Alone. I started reading it a few months ago while in a Dr waiting room. I made it through the first 2 stories - one of which stuck with me a little. It was about his experience with his father's decline due to Alzheimer's disease. This was the first time I had read a well written account of living with this disease, I could really feel the experience from both the perspective of the author and his father. The feeling of slow decline, of slow decay, and of watching others see you suffer. But in some ways, it makes me feel I could handle being afflicted with this disease - not that I welcome it.
When I picked it up this time, I read 3 more articles. The first was an article originally written for Harper's about the decline of serious literature. I was offended by many of the items in this article. The belief that only reading that is "hard" can be serious literature. I believe that any literature that makes you think - whether the reading is easy or difficult - should be considered serious. Literature does not need to be about the current world - in fact I often think that "hard" literature was not well written. I'm sorry, but if I can't make it through the book, then it doesn't matter if your point was well informed or insightful. I think serious literature is any book that stays with you, one that you think of in your daily life or one that changes the way you see situations. So many people treat mystery, science fiction, and fantasy as "easy" literature. However, a genre does not provide anything other than plot classification. A mystery novel could be making political statements or provide insight into a class of society. Science fiction and fantasy often provide views of how the world could be with different society stratification, different political systems, or altered religious beliefs. These books make me think about the society they propose and the implications of it. But of course, they would not be considered serious.
The other article that I found interesting was the one about the US Postal Service in Chicago. Having always lived in the suburbs, I have never really had troubling experiences with getting my mail. Ok, a few problems when I lived in Alexandria, VA, but all in all, not bad. With the changes in delivery methods (e-mail, fax, FedEx), I don't know how the post office can provide such bad service in cities and let it continue even in the face of congressional hearings. I found this article disturbing - a detailed look at everything government service can do badly. The things that if it was a private business would result in lawsuits and going out of business. But I think the post office is one of those services that need to be offered. I worry about privatizing this service - hopefully USPS will get itself together.
When I picked it up this time, I read 3 more articles. The first was an article originally written for Harper's about the decline of serious literature. I was offended by many of the items in this article. The belief that only reading that is "hard" can be serious literature. I believe that any literature that makes you think - whether the reading is easy or difficult - should be considered serious. Literature does not need to be about the current world - in fact I often think that "hard" literature was not well written. I'm sorry, but if I can't make it through the book, then it doesn't matter if your point was well informed or insightful. I think serious literature is any book that stays with you, one that you think of in your daily life or one that changes the way you see situations. So many people treat mystery, science fiction, and fantasy as "easy" literature. However, a genre does not provide anything other than plot classification. A mystery novel could be making political statements or provide insight into a class of society. Science fiction and fantasy often provide views of how the world could be with different society stratification, different political systems, or altered religious beliefs. These books make me think about the society they propose and the implications of it. But of course, they would not be considered serious.
The other article that I found interesting was the one about the US Postal Service in Chicago. Having always lived in the suburbs, I have never really had troubling experiences with getting my mail. Ok, a few problems when I lived in Alexandria, VA, but all in all, not bad. With the changes in delivery methods (e-mail, fax, FedEx), I don't know how the post office can provide such bad service in cities and let it continue even in the face of congressional hearings. I found this article disturbing - a detailed look at everything government service can do badly. The things that if it was a private business would result in lawsuits and going out of business. But I think the post office is one of those services that need to be offered. I worry about privatizing this service - hopefully USPS will get itself together.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Winter House - Carol O'Connell
A disappointing read. For now I'll keep it, for the completionist in me. I do have all the other books in the series. I'll try the next one and if I don't like that one, the entire book is out in the purge.
The crime was 50+ years old with all the living players in one house after many years apart. From beginning to end, there was only one part that left me quickly turning pages. The rest of the time, I could easily put it down. I can't quite put my finger on what was different about this one versus the others. The crime was astonishing - 9 murders by ice pick, only children surviving. But I never really cared for any of the characters new to this book. Of the main recurring characters, I have always preferred Riker, and he didn't have much play in this book. Instead there was focus in Charles Butler. Maybe that made the difference, focusing on a psychatrist co-star rather than the detective?
I did like the rather loose ending. Yes, the investigation was tied up neatly (if, unethically), but the relationship between the recurring characters has been thrown out of balance. Maybe if these relationships start to be more interesting, it will keep the rest of the series alive?
The crime was 50+ years old with all the living players in one house after many years apart. From beginning to end, there was only one part that left me quickly turning pages. The rest of the time, I could easily put it down. I can't quite put my finger on what was different about this one versus the others. The crime was astonishing - 9 murders by ice pick, only children surviving. But I never really cared for any of the characters new to this book. Of the main recurring characters, I have always preferred Riker, and he didn't have much play in this book. Instead there was focus in Charles Butler. Maybe that made the difference, focusing on a psychatrist co-star rather than the detective?
I did like the rather loose ending. Yes, the investigation was tied up neatly (if, unethically), but the relationship between the recurring characters has been thrown out of balance. Maybe if these relationships start to be more interesting, it will keep the rest of the series alive?
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Magazines - the choice for a car ride
After finishing up the end of my Goodkind books - which it turns out has at least one more book (yet to be published in paperback...) - we were off on a road trip.
For some reason, as an adult, I have gained some level of motion sickness - especially when I read in the car. So, rather than reading books in the car, I tend toward magazines. With a large backlog in my living room, I brought "Parenting", "Cooking Light", "Business 2.0", and "O, the Oprah Magazine". Parenting is a recent addition to the house, while the rest have been arriving monthly for years. I used to read every article in Bus 2.0 and O, but lately I haven't bothered - more skimming them before putting them aside. Cooking Light has varied, some months I read everything and make several recipes, other times I'm done in a hour or less.
Parenting - now, this is a magazine that is definitely developed for parents. I think the longest article was 3 pages - with pictures. A perfect car ride read. I didn't learn much, except that moms are stressed (DUH!) and that after 4 months, you don't have to burp your baby - they have figured out how to do it themselves! Actually, I learned from cousin, Jen, that in Tonga they don't burp their babies at all - so maybe I can start skipping it now? Probably not, because he does get fussy when he has a burp percolating. I am sure there were other things of interest, since I did read most of it. But nothing else stayed with me.
Business 2.0 - now that I am not working, I read less and less of this magazine. Actually, the less I enjoy my job, the less I read of this offering. I don't know if the quality is suffering or my interest is waning - probably both. If nothing else, it is the only business magazine I can read every month. I do enjoy the cool gadgets section, maybe someday when I am rich (HA!), I'll be able afford some of them. As I sit here, I can't remember a single article. It's only been 4 days - not a good sign.
Cooking Light - This month the focus was on soup - and, boy, do I have some inspiration for dinner this week. It was raining when I read it and it's supposed to continue all week, maybe that's why I dog-eared so many recipes? Not only did they sound good, they even contain some of the least used veggies from our CSA farm box. I've found ways to use kale and chard - items that normally decompose before they are tossed rather than find their way into recipes. I think I may try Ribollita with Herb Pesto, but it would require a trip to the store. Or maybe Red Lentil Mulligatawny with Apple-Celery Salsa? Again, I'd need to go to the store... I think I'll make a list.
O - just started and the thing sticking out most so far is the beautiful, comfy-looking green cashmere throw blankets - like I'll spend the money for those... Then there was an article about how stress affects skin problems - new dermatology clinics that include therapists or combo therapist/dermatologists. I haven't reached the reading section. I normally add something profiled to my Amazon wish list each month... we'll have to see.
Now that I am home, I started Carol O'Connell's Winter House. So far it is interesting, but not can't-put-it-down exciting. Another one of those books that are part of a series. Mallory is a sociopath - who happens to use her personality for good - working as a detective for NYPD. Not a bad series, and having such an unbalanced person makes for entertaining interactions with the other characters.
For some reason, as an adult, I have gained some level of motion sickness - especially when I read in the car. So, rather than reading books in the car, I tend toward magazines. With a large backlog in my living room, I brought "Parenting", "Cooking Light", "Business 2.0", and "O, the Oprah Magazine". Parenting is a recent addition to the house, while the rest have been arriving monthly for years. I used to read every article in Bus 2.0 and O, but lately I haven't bothered - more skimming them before putting them aside. Cooking Light has varied, some months I read everything and make several recipes, other times I'm done in a hour or less.
Parenting - now, this is a magazine that is definitely developed for parents. I think the longest article was 3 pages - with pictures. A perfect car ride read. I didn't learn much, except that moms are stressed (DUH!) and that after 4 months, you don't have to burp your baby - they have figured out how to do it themselves! Actually, I learned from cousin, Jen, that in Tonga they don't burp their babies at all - so maybe I can start skipping it now? Probably not, because he does get fussy when he has a burp percolating. I am sure there were other things of interest, since I did read most of it. But nothing else stayed with me.
Business 2.0 - now that I am not working, I read less and less of this magazine. Actually, the less I enjoy my job, the less I read of this offering. I don't know if the quality is suffering or my interest is waning - probably both. If nothing else, it is the only business magazine I can read every month. I do enjoy the cool gadgets section, maybe someday when I am rich (HA!), I'll be able afford some of them. As I sit here, I can't remember a single article. It's only been 4 days - not a good sign.
Cooking Light - This month the focus was on soup - and, boy, do I have some inspiration for dinner this week. It was raining when I read it and it's supposed to continue all week, maybe that's why I dog-eared so many recipes? Not only did they sound good, they even contain some of the least used veggies from our CSA farm box. I've found ways to use kale and chard - items that normally decompose before they are tossed rather than find their way into recipes. I think I may try Ribollita with Herb Pesto, but it would require a trip to the store. Or maybe Red Lentil Mulligatawny with Apple-Celery Salsa? Again, I'd need to go to the store... I think I'll make a list.
O - just started and the thing sticking out most so far is the beautiful, comfy-looking green cashmere throw blankets - like I'll spend the money for those... Then there was an article about how stress affects skin problems - new dermatology clinics that include therapists or combo therapist/dermatologists. I haven't reached the reading section. I normally add something profiled to my Amazon wish list each month... we'll have to see.
Now that I am home, I started Carol O'Connell's Winter House. So far it is interesting, but not can't-put-it-down exciting. Another one of those books that are part of a series. Mallory is a sociopath - who happens to use her personality for good - working as a detective for NYPD. Not a bad series, and having such an unbalanced person makes for entertaining interactions with the other characters.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Sword of Truth, cont.
After a day spent catching up on TiVO, I am still in the midst of book 9. But I think I failed to convey the communism of the series accurately in the previous post. It would be what communism would be if it were mixed with religion. My understanding of the communist countries was that they tried to outlaw religion as well. In the books, the belief is that all the suffering to make things equal for all in this life will earn reward in the next life. Similar to most of the organized religions of today, but with the twist that you don't strive to live to the best of your ability in this life, your duty is to aid all those in need around you. You are expected to do all you can for those who have less than you, even if it is a detriment to you.
The ways this belief manifests itself through the novels makes it more a religious crusade. Those who speak against this ideal are then dealt with as an enemy of the state.
Also, after speaking with Higgy on this, these books aren't a waste of time. They have made me think a little about the doctrines of both sides in the struggle. But, I doubt I will again choose to read them. Even though I read the first books in this series several years ago, I was able to remember most of the salient points. So, I would not get as much enjoyment out of them the next time through.
The ways this belief manifests itself through the novels makes it more a religious crusade. Those who speak against this ideal are then dealt with as an enemy of the state.
Also, after speaking with Higgy on this, these books aren't a waste of time. They have made me think a little about the doctrines of both sides in the struggle. But, I doubt I will again choose to read them. Even though I read the first books in this series several years ago, I was able to remember most of the salient points. So, I would not get as much enjoyment out of them the next time through.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Sword of Truth novels, Terry Goodkind
I am trying to get rid of some of what I have in my library, so have been rereading things to determine if they are worth keeping. In this vein, I have been re-reading and finishing the Sword of Truth series - I had started with Wizard's First Rule years ago -and kept up for the first 3 books, then I went on to read other things. Later I went back and read book 4 and I bought book 5, but I don't really remember reading it. So, I started back at the beginning and purchased the remainder of the 9 book series. I just started book 9, Chainfire.
I have enjoyed reading them - but they do get a little preachy. It is about the evils of communism - which considering it was started in the 80s is probably the original idea. By book 9, you are really getting hit over the head with how the idea that everyone should be equal and be able to prosper is really something that will suck the life out of everyone. There are new ideas to learn in each book - one rule for each book. For instance, in book 8 - the rule is Deserve Victory - the idea that you need to live your life such that you deserve the good things that come your way (usually as a result of your own hard work).
The fact that there many female characters is encouraging, but of course of the 4 main characters, Richard, Kahlan, Zedd and Jagang, only one is a woman. Many of the 2nd tier of characters are female, so I guess that is an improvement. Unfortunately, rape is a constant throughout the novels. Very few of the female characters have been able to avoid it during the 8 books I have read so far, a lovely implement of torture. That is one of the problems I have with the series.
Another problem I have with the series is that I doubt that the books could stand on their own. Book 7, Pillars of Creation, would be highly confusing for anyone not familiar with the series. The book is a break from the rest of the series in that it is from the perspective of the side of "evil." Unfortunately, at the end, when the character realizes she is indeed on the wrong side in this struggle, I don't think there was enough justification for her decision. Yes, she had seen the brutality of the Imperial Order, but would it have been enough for her to see that the D'Haran side was just - or would it have been a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils? Having read the rest of the series, I felt that it relied too heavily on the reader being familiar with the Imperial Order and D'Haran Empire.
So, for now, I don't think these books will be remaining in my library for another reading - but maybe book 9 will redeem them all.
Why blog?
I have a hard time figuring out what I would want to blog. Most of the things I think about, I keep to myself. So finding something that I want to share with everyone is hard enough. I also think I would miss the give and take of an actual conversation. People reading the blog would feel closer to me (at least in theory, since they know some of what I am thinking), but it is a false sense of familiarity. And I would be missing the part I enjoy most - the interaction with people.
So, I think I'll start with writing about what I am reading. Feel free to let me know if you want to post about what you are reading too.
So, I think I'll start with writing about what I am reading. Feel free to let me know if you want to post about what you are reading too.
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