Saturday, March 03, 2007
My New Year's Resolution: Read MORE!
So it has been my New Year's resolution to read more for pleasure. I read all the time for work and it can be a pleasure, but it still is work. I have been reading many wonderful books...
- My Uncle Oswald by Roald Dahl is a very adult book by the author of Charlie and the Glass Elevator. Upon his collection of the Sudanese blister beetle, Uncle Oswald with the assistance of Yasmin Howcomely and Professor Woresley creates a sperm bank with collections from the greatest geniuses in history. In the acquisition of the samples, surprises from historical figures and comedy ensue.
- Switch Bitch, also by Dahl, is collection of 4 short stories that are both dark and funny. "The Visitor," along with the other tales, is well written and transports you to another place.
- The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend is not your average children's book. Adrian Mole is the new Holden Caulfield: tragic, funny and endearing. Written as a diary, this book is an easy and entertaining read. And did I mention that their are at least 7 books in the series?! This book can be found in the young adult section, while all others can be found in the fiction section. And I just found Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction in the bargain bin at Barnes and Noble. Score!
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is a challenging read. This is a book I could only read a chapter at a time, not because it was intellectually difficult, but because it is heart wrenching. Pecola Breedlove is an agonizing character if there ever was one. Every day of her life, she is a victim. The entire time, I wondered, would I have hurt her, too? And how many Pecolas have crossed my path or will? And will I be able to make a difference, something so tiny, a small gesture of compassion that could possibly change a life forever? This book is not for the faint of heart, and I might just be one of those that should not have read this book, but slowly, afraid and wanting to at the same time, I did. Of the books listed, this one left the greatest impact. But there is no closure for this one, nothing to make you feel better.
- Now, I am reading The Color Purple, which I just had to have when I saw it at Costco. I love that movie more than anything. Every time I watch it, which is any time it is on, I think, "I can't believe that's the man-like Whoopi Goldberg of crappy movies (besides Ghost) that you'd just as soon forget." Celie is and will always be Whoopi's best role. When I saw the book in the stack, I knew it was about time I read it. Written in letter form in notes to God from Miss Celie and those written to her by her sister, Nettie, this book is also an easy read. Like many books made into movies, there is more to the book. In the film, many details are left to the imagination and are, therefore, unconfirmed, specifically with the relationship between Celie and Shug Avery. The book, so far, has painted a more complete picture. Apparently, it has now been made into a Broadway musical, which I should probably go see. Anyone interested in taking a trip to New York City to cry for Celie?
# posted by RZV @ 2:41 PM 
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I wish I read more too. I'm inspired, but have such a long reading list myself at the moment, that I can't even think about adding more. At the moment I'm reading Stone Garden and Life after Breast Cancer, depending on my mood. Next on my list is to re-read The Road Less Travelled. Just feels like I need to again. I can't wait for June when we can lay around on the sunny deck of the ferry and read our hearts out!
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