what misscurly read in 2011...

The City of Dreaming Books

How can a book lover resist a story based so entirely around a love of literature? She can't.

The story itself was a magical/mystical/fantastic one, which may appeal more to younger readers. I was particularly amused by the names of people, places, and books, which were often parodies of real works. Optimus Yarnspinner, ancient dinosaur/dragon, groomed to be a literary giant, is possibly the most naiive character you will ever read. Although the work is extremely light and tongue-in-cheek, it begs to be shared.

Faust

So fantastical it's hard to follow. I recognized some parts which inspired other books, like the trip to see the witches (in The Master and Margarita). I couldn't imagine a stage production of this; it must really be amazing. But it was difficult to read, and I was unfamiliar with many of the mythical characters who were introduced into the story to entice Faust.

Lady Chatterly

Titillating, and full of four-letter words. Which had a strange dynamic when juxtaposed against the prudish upper class Victorian dialoguges. The disenchantment of the generation, and the search for real experiences, reminded me a great deal of Holden Caufield's search through the bars of New York.

First Circle

I've said it before, and I will reiterate it now. I love reading Russian writers! There's something about the way they write, as if trying to explain the kernel of what it is to be Russian, but by using such verbose descriptions that the kernel is like a prize you need to find.

I picked up this book because 1) I like Russian writers, 2) I was intrigued by the words "uncensored edition" on the front cover, and 3) I was four when the iron curtain fell, so I know little or nothing about the former Soviet Union.

As much as any book written by a Russian author can be "about" something, this story was about life behind the Iron Curtain, which apparently really meant life in prison/waiting to be sent to prison. Horrifying, terrifying, unacceptable situations were commonplace, and although this work is a fictional account, it seems sincere and based on genuine experience. And I wonder if the scraps of notes smuggled out of the Sharashka were actually notes on this story?

Memorable quotes:

"It is rightly said that we reach maturity at forty" (118)

"Must love for your native land extend to any and every government it may have? Must you go on abetting it in destroying its own people?" (449) <----- For me, the kernel of this story

"A good wife makes all the difference in life"(500)

"The loftier your aim, the nobler must be your means"(515)

Moonwalking with Einstein

Written by a journalist who goes deep inside the world of competitive memorization...

It wasn't a guide to memorization skills, so don't pick it up for that reason. And the story line wasn't really all that interesting, either.

Women in Love

I kept hoping these girls would take action on their ideals, and live the lives they wanted to live! But they just kept talking and talking. I really dislike dialogue full of pseudo-intellectual crap, and I hate when things are over analyzed. Both terms sum up this book. :(

Tortilla Flat

I like Steinbeck's style. It's deceptively simple, but there is a lot more going on underneath the simple exterior of these characters. At least, that's the feeling I get while reading their thoughts and adventures. Poor Danny never had a chance when he inherited that house, and he seemed to know it right away.

Rabbit

Probably because I'm a recent newlywed, anything that deals with extramarital relationships leaves me righteously outraged. I feel like I'm turning my nose up at this book for that reason, despite feeling empathy for Rabbit's crappo marriage situation and thoroughly enjoying the beautiful prose. This author writes like my all my favourites; accessible at first try, but full of depth and allusions that you can return to which keep the "discussion" alive.

So, I have mixed feelings about Mr. Angstrom and his adventures. Since I've picked up a dual-novel volume, I will continue on to read Rabbit Redux. Let's hope Harry stays on the straight-and-narrow this time :)

Rabbit Redux

Poor Rabbit is clueless and continues bumbling through his life, not accomplishing much. He's so neutral you just can't get a good feel for him, or have any sort of emotional reaction to his life and situations. Even his wrong choices are fairly bland; he's an armchair athlete of his life. So while the writing is functionally lovely, the content isn't something that draws me. In this tale, Rabbit deals with more marital issues, drug use, and the political and cultural climate during Vietnam. If it were the last book on Earth, I`d read it. Otherwise I'd pass it by

Myra
A quick read with a few interesting twists. Some of the discussions about Myra's love (films of the forties) got a little dry and repetitive.

A Nurse's Story

A great read, but I have a sneaking suspicion that only other nurses really get the humour of these anecdotes.

Christmas Stories
We all know A Christmas Carol. This book included several other stories as well as the perennial classic. Most of the stories weren't even about Christmas, but the real problem with this volume is that several pieces included were selected chapters written by Dickens and not the entire story! It is frustrating to finish one chapter, and find an editor's note explaining the next two chapters weren't included. How can a reader be expected to put up with that??