One's reading: 2014

Sunday, October 19, 2014

The Golden Notebook, Doris Lessing

...tried hard to finish, but gave up after 90 pages. Maybe next time. Just could not stand all that talk about socialism, communism, unions, etc...Sorry, Doris :-(

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, Anthony Marra

Good storytelling. Interesting subject: life of ordinary people in post war Chechnya...Thank you, Anthony!

Sunday, September 28, 2014

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou

Autobiography, but written as a novel. According to wiki, it is the first of the seven volume series. Captivating storytelling. Maya Angelou was amazingly brave to open herself up in such deep level. Will read the remaining series to witness her inspiring life to the end.

Herzog, by Saul Bellow

Oh, I love this cover. When I read I often find myself thinking about a cover of the book. What would be the best way to illustrate in a single image the entire novel. Some illustrations are so good, I become jealous ;-)
Back to Saul Bellow... When I was in my twenties, he was on my reading list. That I remember so well. But I never had a chance. Maybe it was a good thing, because back then I would hardly be able to appreciate the subject and style as much as I do now. It is a slow read, not because it is difficult, but because YOU want to slow down: it is so good! In fact, I am taking breaks between reads to prolong the pleasure. Bravo, Saul Bellow!

Curious Case of Benjamin Button, by Scott Fitzgerald

This was a third book from my sister's pile she brought me to read while I was staying at my mom's place. Story is so different from the movie with the same title, and not in a good way. For the first time I find a screen adaptation better than a book (IMHO).

Like Water for Chocolate, by Laura Esquivel

Something that I would read only on vacation (which I did). So funny, in my previous visit, seven years ago, my sister brought me the same book to entertain me. I realized it when was half way through it. LOL

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

when visiting mom this August I asked my sister to bring me something to read.
My mom's bookshelves were stacked with two types of literature: poetry, and magazines about crocheting. I was not in the mood for poetry, not to mention knitting/crochet. My sister brought me randomly selected books and I started with this one... A good inspiring story, maybe best for teenagers.