is this the end?
Sep. 5th, 2001 07:03 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
decemberthirtyI don't know how feasible it's going to be for me to continue this journal. I've just started a new job where I don't have the constant internet access that I used to have. It's my dream job, however, so that makes up for it... I don't know yet whether or not I'm quitting for good. Maybe I can work something out from home... We'll see.
But because I don't want to leave you all hanging, oh my adoring multitudes, I'll fill in a little of what I've been reading since I last updated. I finished the Earthsea series and of course loved it, and felt my soul expanded from the experience of reading those books once again. I think it's about time that Maureen read that series.
After that I read -Catch 22- by Joseph Heller. I found it to be decent, although not engrossing. All in all, it's a little bit dated. Worth reading, probably, but I certainly didn't find it earth-shattering. Also, none of the characters really grabbed me. I find that I really need good characters to maintain my interest in a book, and that was certainly lacking here.
After -Catch 22-, I read -Napolean Symphony- by Anthony Burgess. A true tour de force by a true genius. I have loved all of Burgess's fictional biographies, and this one is no exception. It is amazingly researched, excellently written, and, in contrast with -Catch 22-, features brilliantly drawn characters. Burgess does an amazing job of capturing Napolean himself, humanizing him and exposing the real complexity of his nature. It's a difficult read, and not for the faint of heart, but I recommend it highly for those who are willing to do the work.
I am currently in the middle of John Updike's -Rabbit, Run-, which I am enjoying. I haven't read too much Updike, but he seems to be quite a linguistic craftsman. This is another book that is showing its age a little bit, but it seems to have held up somewhat better than -Catch 22-. It does an excellent job of portraying the stifling suburban lifestyle of the mid-sixties.
And that's about all... I don't know when I'll return, if I do at all.
But because I don't want to leave you all hanging, oh my adoring multitudes, I'll fill in a little of what I've been reading since I last updated. I finished the Earthsea series and of course loved it, and felt my soul expanded from the experience of reading those books once again. I think it's about time that Maureen read that series.
After that I read -Catch 22- by Joseph Heller. I found it to be decent, although not engrossing. All in all, it's a little bit dated. Worth reading, probably, but I certainly didn't find it earth-shattering. Also, none of the characters really grabbed me. I find that I really need good characters to maintain my interest in a book, and that was certainly lacking here.
After -Catch 22-, I read -Napolean Symphony- by Anthony Burgess. A true tour de force by a true genius. I have loved all of Burgess's fictional biographies, and this one is no exception. It is amazingly researched, excellently written, and, in contrast with -Catch 22-, features brilliantly drawn characters. Burgess does an amazing job of capturing Napolean himself, humanizing him and exposing the real complexity of his nature. It's a difficult read, and not for the faint of heart, but I recommend it highly for those who are willing to do the work.
I am currently in the middle of John Updike's -Rabbit, Run-, which I am enjoying. I haven't read too much Updike, but he seems to be quite a linguistic craftsman. This is another book that is showing its age a little bit, but it seems to have held up somewhat better than -Catch 22-. It does an excellent job of portraying the stifling suburban lifestyle of the mid-sixties.
And that's about all... I don't know when I'll return, if I do at all.
Burgess - Heller
Date: 2001-09-26 06:17 am (UTC)Heller has written some other master pieces. God Knows, the story from (biblical) David, as told by himself was hilarious, Closing time features prominently on my shelf as well.
I guess I like it when exaggeration makes thing more obvious than when hidden inside a 'normal' story.
Re: Burgess - Heller
Date: 2001-09-26 02:30 pm (UTC)I find your opinions on books to be very interesting. Can I add you to my friends list?
Re: Burgess - Heller
Date: 2001-09-26 02:34 pm (UTC)