|
Post by MaxQuad on Sept 1, 2007 23:47:36 GMT -5
Just finished The War on Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts by Louis De Bernieres. Though it took me more days to read than anticipated due to the significant professional work load of balancing two projects in Doha, it was a rollicking read - humor and the horror of politics and war rolled into one chaotic, crazy, and magical South American country. This, his first novel, is part of a trilogy. The two subsequent books are in my "to read" pile. Prior to moving on within the trilogy, however, I have decided for a change of pace: The River Why by David James Duncan. (Yes, James Duncan.) He is the author of the outstanding The Brothers K - a must read book.
MQ
|
|
|
Post by RepairmanJack on Oct 3, 2007 22:54:15 GMT -5
A couple days ago I finished The Alchemist's Daughter by Katharine McMahon. A little slow to start and then it picks up. Young Emilie is raised by her alchemist father to follow in his footsteps. What she does not know is she is his latest experiment. He thinks he can control her upbringing and raise her to be the perfect scientist. Of course the first real man that shows up to their country home has other ideas. I nice glimpse into early 18th century England.
|
|
|
Post by RepairmanJack on Jan 8, 2008 16:39:31 GMT -5
Today I finished the book Round Ireland with a fridge by Tony Hawks. If you like travelogues or humor in your non-fiction books I highly recommend this title. The author makes a bet with a friend that he can hitchhike the circumference of Ireland. The catch is he has to bring a small refrigerator with him. I really want to travel to Ireland now. The author met a lot of interesting people and spent quite a bit of time visiting the local pubs. Sounds like a fun trip to me!
|
|
|
Post by stubedoo on Jan 12, 2008 0:10:16 GMT -5
I just started the Fire and Ice series. Fabulous.
|
|
|
Post by MaxQuad on Jan 13, 2008 0:47:59 GMT -5
I just started the Fire and Ice series. Fabulous. Stubedoo, based on your post I read a bit about this series. Sounds quite interesting. Keep us posted. Maybe something I will invest in as I get back to the States. MQ
|
|
|
Post by MaxQuad on Jan 19, 2008 6:57:26 GMT -5
The Story of Forgetting
The Story of Forgetting by Stefan Merrill Block tells the tale of devastation of a familial form of Alzheimer's from two perspectives: one, seventy year old Abel and the other, the teenaged Seth. In the end, the common thread of their stories is revealed in a quiet, reflective, and touching way.
Surprising to say, given the young age of the author, it is the elder voice which is more convincing. The memories shared by Abel and the descriptions of his current reflective life resonate more genuinely than does young Seth's "empirical investigation" to learn about his mother's disease. The voice of Seth is often too mature in tone and too sophisticated in language (no matter how precocious he may be). In addition, the basis of his "investigation" is a bit of stretch from my perspective. The most credible passages of Seth's occur early in the book, when he describes his mother's first symptoms of illness and the actions and reactions of his which result.
As a physician, it is hard for me to admit, but the passages in which Seth offers summaries of research and scientific explanations detract from the emotional flow of the book. They were a signifciant distraction rather than enhancement. Similarly, some of the first person accounts in Seth's investigation seem stiff and unnatural, created solely to be sure that certain perspectives on the disease are communicated to the reader.
Abel's story is told much more convincingly and lyrically than Seth's. The complexity and human frailty of his story go beyond the center piece disease of the book's theme. It is one aspect of a multi-layered story, though it is a devastatingly important aspect. In fact, it is Abel's description of the final outcome that is most moving, most revealing.
On the whole, it is an affecting description of the profound impact Alzheimer's has upon individuals, families, and generations. It is also more than that, as many families can likely claim something similar in their histories, whether medical or otherwise, that significantly impacts within and across generations. Experiencing those insights was when the book most resonated and was most satisfying.
(Note: This review is based on an Advance Reader's Edition from Random House.)
|
|
|
Post by Shutter Girl on Jan 20, 2008 9:21:37 GMT -5
That was an interesting review Max, thanks for sharing!
I wonder why they sent you that book in particular? It doesn't seem to be the kind of thing that you read most often, or am I wrong?
I've been reading (don't laugh) Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. It's a good addition to the series thus far, I think Rowling does an excellent job of character building as well as setting the scene in general. I can see why she has billions of followers, she deserves the adulation.
Next on the plate will be People of the Book by Pulitzer Prize Winner Geraldine Brooks. I loved her book Year of Wonders so I can't wait to delve into this one. She just visited our library system this past Friday but I was too busy at work to attend.
And for my book discussion at work: Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts. It's the story of the amazing women who helped form our country during the American Revolution. If you get a chance to listen to the cd, please do -- Cokie's narration of her own work is excellent.
|
|
|
Post by MaxQuad on Jan 21, 2008 10:48:52 GMT -5
That was an interesting review Max, thanks for sharing! I wonder why they sent you that book in particular? It doesn't seem to be the kind of thing that you read most often, or am I wrong? Next on the plate will be People of the Book by Pulitzer Prize Winner Geraldine Brooks. I loved her book Year of Wonders so I can't wait to delve into this one. She just visited our library system this past Friday but I was too busy at work to attend. SG, the book was obtained via lottery at LibraryThing.com, an "early reviewers" group. The way it works: a small number (or larger number) of copies of a number of books are offered each month; you peruse the list and request only those that seem of interest to you; and then at a certain date the books are allocated via a lottery system. The hope is that one will post a review and spread the word. Posting a review (whether positive or negative) increases one's chance of receiving future books. Long winded answer to let you know that I expressed interest in the book. Hey, it's fiction, which is my genre of choice. As for the Geraldine Brooks book you will be reading - recall my lukewarm review of March. MQ
|
|
|
Post by MaxQuad on Feb 13, 2008 9:57:47 GMT -5
Though it starts quietly with the reflections of Harry Winslow soon after the death of his wife Lily, Empress of Asia is filled with whirlwind experiences that take him from a small town in British Columbia to the Asian Pacific during World War II.
The story is told in three parts - and all told as an internal conversation of Harry with his deceased wife. That technique works well in the first portion of the book, less well during the lengthy second portion as Harry recounts his Asian experiences, and, at times, it is annoying during the third portion, as Harry repeatedly wonders if Lily had "seen this" or "was familiar with that" during his surprising discoveries about Lily's life.
Harry's initial descriptions of the chaos in the Pacific during World War II draw one in effectively, including his explanation of how he met Lily amidst that chaos - however, this section of the book, the lengthiest one by far, lost steam for me, especially in the latter portions.
The final section of the book brings resolution to the mystery we encounter in the first few pages, providing surprise, sadness, and wonder about the challenge of moving forward while reflecting on the past. It is an ending that raises interesting questions in one's own life even if the life events and final twist are not as spectacular as those in Harry and Lily's.
The book was generally a good read. Like the music of The Tragically Hip, it is (in some ways) refreshingly Canadian - which is a very positive thing.
A bit of a minor note: the music of Fats Waller plays a role in the story, but it is a role that does not resonate with me, despite my love of music and the impact of music in my own life. In fact, Harry's "top of mind" recall of the music in times of crisis, chaos and resolution is unconvincing - the associated passion seemed an aside to the story (in my mind) rather than an integral piece of understanding Harry.
A personal note: It was wonderful to read the name of Gordon Sinclair - a great reminder of watching Front Page Challenge on CHCH television out of Hamilton, Ontario while spending summers on Long Point, Ontario as a kid. Fred Davis hosting - Gordon Sinclair as one of the panelists - often Pierre Burton, too. Great stuff.
Final note: This review is based on an Advance Uncorrected Proof provided by Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press
MQ
|
|
|
Post by MaxQuad on Feb 14, 2008 12:47:05 GMT -5
I just started the Fire and Ice series. Fabulous. Stubedoo, based on your post I read a bit about this series. Sounds quite interesting. Keep us posted. Maybe something I will invest in as I get back to the States. MQ Stubedoo, I purchased the first book in the series, but it is the bullpen of reading choices right now. Just started reading Gravity's Rainbow again (my 5th attempt!) - in a bit of a challenge with my soon-to-be 18 year old son. Then I need to read No Country for Old Men - another Cormac McCarthy book - the movie of which is absolutely great. MQ
|
|
|
Post by Shutter Girl on Feb 20, 2008 9:29:59 GMT -5
Just finished Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts, it relates the stories of the women behind the fathers of our country.
It's really fascinating, you learn about Deborah Franklin, who had a very neglectful hubby named Ben.... Peggy Shippen, who helped her husband spy on his own countrymen for the British - his name was Benedict Arnold.... Eliza Pinckney, who at age 16 started her very own indigo plantation.... Martha Washington, the first first lady of our country. And what a hostess she was, both at Mount Vernon and also at the encampments where she visited her husband.... Kitty Greene, who was the flirty ho of her age. Did you know she came up with the idea for Eli Whitney's cotton gin? There are so many great tales here, not only do you get to know their husbands as well. Did you know that John Adams wouldn't write mushy stuff to Abigail in letters because he was afraid his communications would be confiscated by the British?
When I was in grad school, popular histories were really looked down upon by scholars. I happen to love them, I think it brings the wonderful stories of our past to 'the people' and Roberts does an excellent job in her narration.
|
|
|
Post by MaxQuad on Feb 21, 2008 20:25:15 GMT -5
Just finished Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts, it relates the stories of the women behind the fathers of our country.....When I was in grad school, popular histories were really looked down upon by scholars. I happen to love them, I think it brings the wonderful stories of our past to 'the people' and Roberts does an excellent job in her narration. SG, I have always been impressed with Cokie Roberts - she is thoughtful and well spoken. I agree with your assessment of popular histories. In many ways, I think we need more of them, as people become more ignorant in a very complicated world. They serve a purpose. We are not all academics, right? :-) MQ
|
|
|
Post by MaxQuad on Apr 20, 2008 14:56:34 GMT -5
Wrack and Ruin by Don Lee
Hopefully Woodrow Wilson Song has thought of producing a movie about the outrageous Labor Day weekend (of which he is a part) chronicled in Wrack and Ruin, the new novel by Don Lee. Such a movie just might give him the success he desperately seeks in his "second life" career.
Brothers Lyndon and Woodrow Song provide the principal stories with which others intersect in this story of second chapter lives. Each brother has started anew. Both are haunted by personal issues that have forced each to abandon his initial career path, with an additional layer of complexity added by their long estrangement, an estrangement precipitated by Woody's fall from grace.
The story takes place over a Labor Day weekend in the small California coastal town of Rosarita Bay. This is the community that has become Lyndon's home after abandoning his brief meteoric art career to become, of all things, a grower of organic Brussels sprouts. Despite the brief time period covered, we get to know the brothers well. In addition, we meet an array of other quirky and eccentric characters, each providing enough of a glimpse into his or her history to provide depth - and reasons to care.
In one sense, the story is quite over the top, with calamity after calamity occurring at a rate that is hard to believe. Yet, despite the incredible string of events, one eventually comes to realize that the coming together of all of these people, of all of these personal histories, could happen in no other fashion. This Labor Day weekend has become the perfect storm.
There are many moments of hilarity which serve to highlight absurdities (personal and corporate) that we see around us each and every day. There are also more reflective moments that punctuate the book, though these moments of reflection may actually occur in the midst of some pretty wild circumstances. It is a wild ride that is entertaining, outrageous, and insightful at the same time.
In the end, despite the devastation, destruction and ruin implied in the title, there are epiphanies and quiet personal victories that put the chaos in perspective. Life moves forward, all survive, some have grown, some have moved on to new adventures. It is a book well worth the suspension of disbelief so that the rapid fire sequence of incredible events does not detract from the personal journeys and transformations we hear about and experience.
And yes, Woody, this would make an entertaining movie…
MQ
|
|
|
Post by MaxQuad on Apr 20, 2008 14:58:28 GMT -5
Imagine Me and You: A Novel by Billy Mernit
Imagine Me and You is a delightfully off-center romantic comedy written by Billy Mernit. This, his first novel, is a romantic comedy about a romantic comedy writer who creates a love interest in hopes of making his wife jealous enough to return to him after their recent separation. The only complication? His creation becomes all too real - a development that eventually profoundly impacts all aspects of his life, including his career path and relationship with his wife.
Mernit cannot resist falling into his role as teacher of romantic comedy writing, a role he shares with his main character Jordan Moore. Each section of the book brings to life the "construction formula" of the romantic comedy, serving as a live example of each defined term. This provided a surprisingly instructive and interesting twist to the book, knowing what he wanted to accomplish with each section, yet wondering just how he would pull it off. In the end, Mernit never failed to surprise and delight with his choices.
Just as Jordan Moore desired to have the final script of the movie based on his first novel accurately reflect his desire to avoid the conventions of the genre, Mernit has successfully done so with this novel. The ending, certainly not one I expected, was surprisingly and remarkably satisfying given the unconventional resolution.
Though not necessarily drawn personally to reading romantic comedies, I would heartily recommend this book to each and all. Imagine Me and You is an enjoyable, intelligent read. I am left wondering, however, how many rewrites and artistic compromises Mernit will face when asked to write the script for the movie based on this book. Will it go the way of Jordan Moore's Clinch?
|
|
|
Post by MaxQuad on Apr 21, 2008 16:25:30 GMT -5
It only took 30 years
At some point in 1978, while a young college student, I purchased a copy of Gravity's Rainbow, the novel by Thomas Pynchon. At the time it was classified by Bruce Allen of The Library Journal as "the most important work of fiction produced by any living writer." (Well, Pynchon is still alive, as are many other authors. I wonder how Allen would vote now. Wait, is Allen still alive??) Other's castigated it, including the Pulitzer Prize board despite the recommendation of the three panel jury for fiction to honor it in 1974. I was oblivious to the controversy, fully trusting the quoted endorsements and review excerpts on my $2.95 copy of the book.
I started reading with great energy and excitement, loving the early chapters and the various culinary uses for bananas dreamed up by Pirate Prentice. I was introduced to Roger Mexico. And then, of course, Tyrone Slothrop. Soon, however, like all who read it, I did not find it a light piece. It was, in fact, hard work. Fatiguing. I put it down and did not finish it at the time, which is unusual for me. I didn't come back to it for a few years.
Over the ensuing years, I periodically would pick it up, determined to get through the full tome. I was always enthralled with Pirate's banana cuisine, but also always lost steam, never finishing. It even accompanied me to Qatar for a full year, again with a failed attempt or two during those twelve months.
A number of weeks ago, my soon-to-be eighteen year old son asked me to suggest a book to read, a "classic." For some reason, Pynchon's work immediately came to mind. Not Moby Dick. Not War and Peace. Why is that? Well, maybe I had a personal stake in the matter, knowing that if I challenged him to read it with me that I'd have a much better shot at finally finishing it.
Within a few days I purchased a copy for him and dug out my late 1970s copy - and we were off to the races. My copy was a challenge to read: pages stiff, yellowed, tattered, and frail. After valiantly making it one-third of the way through the book (marveling and wondering at the passages I had underlined in my early 20s), many pages starting pulling away from the binding, falling out and making it a challenge to read comfortably. I broke down, purchased a new copy and kept forging ahead. It took me close to two months, but I successfully reached my goal: Gravity's Rainbow read from the first page to the last. Finished. Done. Khalas.
The verdict? It remained a difficult book. I found it hard to read a large number of pages at any one time. It is a confusing book, with Pynchon's love of extremely long sentences, parenthetical thoughts and difficult to follow connecting-of-dots forcing one to reread many passages to even get a glimpse of what was described. There are innumerable characters, characters which appear and reappear at unexpected places and times. It is a long book about a circuitous chase as Tyrone seeks his Holy Grail, the cryptic "schwarzgerat." It is a book as much about sensation and process as it is about content.
In the end, I can't say that I fully understand it - or even partially understand it. Yet, the writing is, at times, simply incredible. It evokes responses of all sorts - visceral, emotional, spiritual, and physical. It was well worth the effort and time spent - and (dare I say?) that it will likely yield so much more upon rereading. After 30 years, I consider it a victory to have finally experienced the full text. Now, bring on Don Quixote…
MQ
|
|