I've really been into reading lately. In the past year, since Lola came along, sadly I've only read two books! Not enough time for that sort of silliness when you're caring for a newborn, looking for a job, starting a new job, working hard to lose weight and all of that! But, the two that I have finished, I absolutely loved. Now, I am on a roll and am currently enjoying TWO books at the same time. I hope to read at least 5 by this time next year!
So, first book was "Paint It Black" by Janet Fitch. A recommendation from Ms. Nicole Nodarse, and a follow-up to Fitch's awesome "White Oleander". I absolutely loved "White Oleander", so I was excited about starting a new Fitch novel. I started reading this when I started back at the gym, it was easy to get through 60 minutes of cardio while reading something. At first, I wasn't really into it. The story of a punk-rock, art-student, alcoholic, druggie 19-year old, whose boyfriend kills himself and her life going forward, trying to get through it, and who forms an odd relationship with the dead boyfriends mom. It was tough for me to really care or empathize with her character at first. She was annoying, self-pitying and dramatic. But, I guess that's how the reader was supposed to feel. I eventually began to enjoy it when the story focused more on the developing relationship/friendship between Josie and Meredith (girlfriend/mother). It definitely progressed as it went on, and it ended up being a good read. Not as good as "White Oleander", not at all, but still it was enjoyable. I'll give it 2.5 out of 5 stars. And only 2.5 because I wasn't particularly fond of the ending, and just like the absolute end, not the whole end, if that makes sense; and that joined together with the rough beginning will only allow me to give it 2.5 stars.
BUT - my second read was a definite 5-star book! "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides, author of "The Virgin Suicides". Never read The Suicides, and really hated the movie. I was hesitant to buy the book. And actually, I bought the book about 5 years ago and tried to read it then, but for some reason, never picked it up. Glad I finally did! Oh, it's just a great story. I think I loved it so much because it's practically a historical fiction. Lots of historical information and facts thrown in there to keep it interesting and "real". Pretty much a story about Calliope, a hermaphrodite raised as a girl, and her coming-of-age story. It's a great read and all of you should read it!
Currently reading "A Long Way Down" by Nick Hornby, whom I know Guadalupe was a fan. I'm already halfway done with the book and I just purchased it this weekend. I never read that fast! But, the book is awesome. I really like it. I will have to give it more of a review when I am done, hopefully by the end of the week!
And, I just got my copy of the Ryan Adams "Infinity Blues". Dude is awesome. Prose & poetry from the best singer/songwriter out there!? Yes, please. There is definitely a Bukowski feel about it though, but I'm not complaining! I will probably be using some well-written quotes from the book some time soon. I love him. *swoooooooon*
3 comments:
i am constantly recommending THE ROAD by cormack mccarthy to anyone and everyone, fyi.
the chairman of my board just sent me a book he finished and i'm waiting on it to get here. it's called the THE SONG IS YOU....."A man who's not quite young anymore, his relationship trouble, and his iPod: at first glance Arthur Phillips's The Song Is You sounds like strictly Nick Hornby territory, but it turns out to be a lot closer to The Red Shoes, a story of love and art in which the two are confused and jealously compete. And as in The Red Shoes, but so rarely in other works of art, it's the art-making that carries the most power and mystery. Julian Donahue is a "creative": a skilled director of commercials who has come to know his limits. Cait O'Dwyer is a singer, and a bit of a comet that Julian somehow catches the tail of. Their courtship--as Julian evades a marriage split by an unbearable loss and Cait shoots single-mindedly toward stardom--is an intricately constructed pas de deux that is both surprising and convincing throughout. It's Phillips's first novel set in the present since Prague, and in its artful structure, style, and heart it's a match for that smart and charming debut. --Tom Nissley "
just thought i'd say. i'm looking forward to it, i don't read enough AT ALL!
i love reading too. i don't get to do too much of it during the school year. but i was able to read 3 last week on vacation. so i'm up to 5 off my summer reading list. so when you say book club....are you serious?
Erica, I will definitely look into both of those books. They sound like something I would enjoy. Monique, I am also going to get that Southie book you recommended. And a for real book club? I'm down. But, one thing - I can't read a book in a day. You read like a ninja! We may have to do a book per month...but I am definitely game!
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