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Post by MaxQuad on Nov 12, 2008 11:16:54 GMT -5
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The language is spare in this post-apocalyptic journey of father and son, but is often lyrical in the rhythmic patterns with which they converse. Their endurance on the harsh road is a testament to unconditional love and determination. Though a dark book, there is a glimmer of light and hope in the end. This is a powerful story.
MQ
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Post by MaxQuad on Nov 12, 2008 11:19:21 GMT -5
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 1) by George R. R. Martin
Medieval mayhem and maniacal monarchs with moments of magic. What more can one ask for? This book essentially provides the history and sets the stage for moving forward in the fantasy series. Deaths abound, many surprising given it is only the first of a (currently) four book series (Series: A Song of Ice and Fire). I believe I am going to enjoy these books. Recommended.
MQ
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Post by MaxQuad on Nov 12, 2008 11:22:28 GMT -5
Love Marriage: A Novel by V.V. Ganeshananthan
Love Marriage simultaneously tells the story of a Sri Lankan family while providing moving insight into the political and social realities that dominate the Sri Lankan diaspora. Political history and loyalties cannot be separated from family history and personal belief. The pressures brought to bear by conflicts large and small yield surprising results in this beautifully written, affecting book. The language is often direct and unadorned, yet almost always remarkably poetic. I recommend it without reservation.
MQ
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Post by MaxQuad on Nov 12, 2008 11:23:48 GMT -5
America America: A Novel by Ethan Canin
I feel fortunate to have read Ethan Canin's latest novel in the midst of an historic presidential race. It provides a remarkably engaging story of politics (and more) during America's tumultuous early 70s. Through the personal story of Corey Sifter and his relationship to Liam Metarey, a member of a fading industrial family, and Senator Henry Bonmiller, a rising political superstar and presidential candidate, Canin simultaneously touches on many aspects of the political and personal.
Canin sets his story in the fictional western New York town of Saline - a town experiencing change as profound as the political landscape of which it has played a part. Henry Bonwiller, the flawed politician whose presidential campaign we follow, provides the basis to wonder whether his campaign represents a new hope of great ideas or a grand form of political pandering. No matter the answer, as Bonwiller eventually falls from grace, one cannot help but believe that the time for great leadership has passed and all that is left is a base form of partisan politics.
America America prompted me to reflect on what may have gone wrong and when with our domestic political process. It also provides a glimmer of hope that leadership, great ideas, and a better world are still possible. Maybe this is the year?
Note: written before the election!
MQ
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Post by MaxQuad on Nov 12, 2008 11:24:22 GMT -5
The Garden of Last Days: A Novel by Andre Dubus III
My first read of a Dubus book. An interesting view of making one's way through life from the perspective of a variety of people connected directly or indirectly with a "gentlemen's club." The personal struggles are outlined through internal reflections of the characters, with significant past experiences remembered and current ones evaluated through those filters. It is not a book filled with action. It is a book of self reflection, defintion and re-definition of self by those we meet. No one's path has been straight. No one's path has been easy. In the end, the book seems a tad too long, with many of the self reflections a tad too repetitive. The last few pages were not momentous (despite the powerfully infamous event which marks the book's transition). Quiet acknowledgement of new life decisions, growth (insha'allah), and survival. A good, but not great book.
MQ
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Post by MaxQuad on Nov 12, 2008 11:26:26 GMT -5
Sorry for the flurry of book reviews. Just catching everyone up on my last few months of reading. ;D
When I write a book it will be entitled:
A Novel: A Novel
MQ
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Post by Shutter Girl on Nov 21, 2008 7:44:52 GMT -5
Great reviews, Max, thanks!! I've always wanted to read The Road, that post-apocalyptic stuff gets me every time. And I definitely want to try the Martin books, sounds like my cup of tea! I love a good fantasy, haven't read one in a long time. Right now I'm reading Just After Sunset: Stories by Stephen King. King excels in the short story genre and this so far, the stories have been great. The first story gave me chills that will last for a long time to come. If you go here you can see a vid of Uncle Stevie talking about his craft: www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m18OTMA9XW7NBY/ref=flash_player_2_preplayI'm also reading The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner. Weiner is a curmudgeonly foreign correspondent for NPR who covers some of the worst disasters around the world. In this book, he sets out to do just the opposite: He wants to find out why people in certain areas of the world are happier than other people. His travels take him to Iceland where he talks to elves and eats fermented shark, Bhutan where he sees people happily worshiping a penis, the Netherlands where he smokes hash and other fun filled places. This is of particular interest to Max -- there's a mention Qatar in there!
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