So, all my exams have been administered. And, though I have 45 handwritten exams that have to be graded in the next little while, it's time to turn my brain to happier things, like my summer reading list.
I intend to finish Anthony Powell's A Dance to the Music of Time, which in and of itself is quite the commitment. I just began the fourth novel (of twelve), after some internal debate. You see, I've sort of gone and developed a crush on one of the characters, Gypsy Jones. The problem is (and no, developing crushes on fictional characters is NOT a problem), Gypsy doesn't make another appearance until the sixth or seventh novel (I checked). She's MENTIONED quite regularly, almost as if the narrator has a similar (though in his case, unspoken) infatuation, but hasn't appeared since the second novel. I had considered skipping ahead, but decided that that would be cheating.
Yesterday a student asked me about an author, Walker Percy. I was looking up the title of the novel the student was seeking today, and found myself rather intrigued by some of Percy's other titles, particularly one called The Movie Goer.
I also intend to have another go at Satanic Verses. I've tried reading it before, but usually in the middle of the semester when there are a hundred more important (or at least pressing) things that need to be read.
While this list more than fills my summer, any others suggestions from my gracious readers?
17 comments:
Percy's okay, though The Moviegoer, his first novel, remains his most honoured, best known, and most read, which is really not such a good thing. I liked the other one I read, but I can't remember anything much about it now (I think it was The Last Gentleman), which is not much of a recommendation, is it?
Best new novel I've read in the last three or four years: Joan London's Gilgamesh. If you want something truly off the beaten track, and if you can find it, try Pig on a Lead by Derek Ingrey. It's a language-lover's thing, a post-apocalyptic story a little like Russell Hoban's Riddley Walker, but I liked it better. On the other hand, some of Hoban's other novels are extraordinary and special. My wife loved R.W. and Turtle Diary (pretty good movie with Ben Kingsley and Glenda Jackson, but of course the book has its own charms), and we both found Pilgermann remarkable.
Memory Book by Howard Engel (if you have time, read one or two of the novels preceding it in the Benny Cooperman series; still, this not only stands on its own, but is simpy unique and startling). Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler (the first of a series, but interesting without that in mind). I thought The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon was excellent, and am looking forward to his new book, but if that book's theme interests you, Elizabeth Moon's The Speed of Dark is worth a go.
Classics? For summer reading, Anthony Trollope is best, though if you haven't read everything by Jane Austen, stop what you're doing and read it all.
Thanks, amphimacer. I knew I could count on you. Many good selections that I will, of course, consider.
Well, though my suggestions can’t possibly compare with amphimacer’s...
I’ve read some Rohinton Mistry in the last year and really enjoyed it, even though some describe it as “depressing”. I loved A Fine Balance, despite it being an Oprah book. It’s long-ish, so I’m not sure what kind of time you’ve got. Sounds like you’ve got lots of reading to do already.
Oh! I also love The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone.
Every other book that I can think of you’ve probably long since read – East of Eden, Rebecca, etc.
Ever consider some children’s books? There are some good ones out there. I’d recommend E. Nesbit The Five Children and It and Astrid Lindgren’s The Brothers Lionheart
I second the good doctor’s recommendation of The Curious Incident...
not moby dick...
why not?
You've made me curious - I think I might just go ahead and put that one on my list.
it's incredibly boring and reads like a textbook. great american novel my butt!! if you want to borrow it, i have it, and you'll probably like it. maybe i'm not as refined as some people, but it was really boring!!
your butt's a great american novel?
i need to get the publishing rights...
I remember being pretty bored by it in high school, I didn't get very far. Keep in mind, I liked Settlers of the Marsh. Settlers of the Marsh!
If we're confessing hatred of so-called 'classics', I hated The Grapes of Wrath.
I have no helpful recommendations, since I've mostly been reading textbooks lately. I expect after the summer I'll have a whole list of book recommendations to spread around . . .
you are probably feeling dubiuos about my reading choices after those Prov books, but really, I do read good stuff...sometimes...though not in a really long time despite working at a fabulous bookstore.
But -- here's a good one: The Lizard Cage by Karen Connelly. A contemplative story from a fascinating author set in an intriguing country.
As for Moby Dick, I'm all about prodigal word use, but after the ENTIRE CHAPTER on the horridness of the colour white, I just gave up in despair.
My favorite book over the Christmas break was "The Death of Ivan Illych" by Leo Tolstoy, if you have never read that check it out.
I dunno dude, what are you thinking about reading? I have a couple theology books that are quick, fun, thought provoking reads, "Hunting the Divine Fox" by Robert Capon for example. I wrote this blurb afer reading it the first time:
This man walks the line of heresy like no one I have ever seen before. It was quite amussing reading this book at the same time as the other book (Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview), one is talking about logical concepts and very formulated, dogmatic ideas (PFfaCW) and then the other is talking absolute craziness and refering to the trinity as football team(HtDF). I'm really not sure if I like him or not (this is the second book of his I've read) but I'll give him this, he is VERY intriguing.
I'm busting full of suggestions but I'll calm down for now.
What about The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffennegger? That's one of my favourites... Actually, now that I think of it, maybe I'll add it to *my* summer reading list.
Thanks, Corrie, but I read TTW last summer.
I just finished reading "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, and as I know that you're a fan of his, I'll heartily suggest it. It's both bleak and beautifully written, and is well worth the time.
If you're looking for something really light and fluffy, I'm currently enjoying the Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix - the first one is called "Sabriel". (I'm listening to them, and my audiobooks are narrated by Tim Curry, which makes them just that much more enjoyable.)
I see someone beat me to suggesting A Fine Balance. In all honesty, I would go with rereading Pride & Prejudice and Possession - at least you know you won't be disappointed. I know we had talked about her, but have you ever read any Rand? I'm going to be rereading Atlas Shrugged this summer, and I'm looking forward to it already.
I can't believe I missed the rest of the literary discussion!! and now no one will ever read this again. oh well. I'll respond anyway.
I'm a little surprised by Kiki's comment - I quite liked the Grapes of Wrath!! buuut I tend to really love Steinbeck in general...so I think I'm biased.
Sabriel read by Tim Curry??!!! I must find this. Sabriel was pretty good, and Tim Curry is my hero. Really.
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