My latest round of books...
I mentioned here the other day that I was swamped with books. I'm happy to announce that I finished 3 of the 4 on time! The one leftover wasn't really due by any certain date, but I wanted to have it finished last week. Such is life. I'll finish it this week instead.
As for the books I did finish, one was In Our Time, by Hemingway. I've read a few of Hemingway's books before: The Old Man and the Sea (the obligatory high school choice) and A Moveable Feast (after I saw City of Angels in college). In Our Time was good. Especially since I'm all wound up in a mad short story phase. I've disliked 98% of short stories for the majority of my life, but all of a sudden I can't get enough. I love that on the surface Hemingway's work is very plain and to the point but underneath there's a whole maze of meaning.
The Cambridge Companion to Modernism.This one was for a book review. It was dry, it was overwhelming, don't bother unless you have a death wish or a class requirement.
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon, was a quick read. On the surface it wasn't one I might normally love. It just wasn't terribly engaging to me, BUT I was reading an interesting article on disability theory at the time, which brought out a lot of additional meaning. I could go on a long rant about it, but I'll spare you. Read it, then we'll talk.
Note: Today I finished Cane, by Jean Toomer. I'll write about it later (it's late and I'm going to bed). I'll be starting Cather's The Professor's House tomorrow.
As for the books I did finish, one was In Our Time, by Hemingway. I've read a few of Hemingway's books before: The Old Man and the Sea (the obligatory high school choice) and A Moveable Feast (after I saw City of Angels in college). In Our Time was good. Especially since I'm all wound up in a mad short story phase. I've disliked 98% of short stories for the majority of my life, but all of a sudden I can't get enough. I love that on the surface Hemingway's work is very plain and to the point but underneath there's a whole maze of meaning.
The Cambridge Companion to Modernism.This one was for a book review. It was dry, it was overwhelming, don't bother unless you have a death wish or a class requirement.
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon, was a quick read. On the surface it wasn't one I might normally love. It just wasn't terribly engaging to me, BUT I was reading an interesting article on disability theory at the time, which brought out a lot of additional meaning. I could go on a long rant about it, but I'll spare you. Read it, then we'll talk.
Note: Today I finished Cane, by Jean Toomer. I'll write about it later (it's late and I'm going to bed). I'll be starting Cather's The Professor's House tomorrow.
posted by Andi at 1:25 AM
6 Comments:
The little Hemingway I've read I loved. I really need to read more by him.
The Cambridge does sound dry and I will avoid it at all costs.
Sounds like you had the same feeling as I did about Night-time.
Heatheroo,
Try to pick up In Our Time if you get a chance. It's SUCH a quick read and really interesting.
Have I mentioned I love the web site design you did for the 'zine. Sorry just had to gush. ;)
I'm glad you like it. I'm reserving judgment until I see it on a smaller screen, but so far I really like it too!
As for short stories I am sure you have read, "The Lottery".
Hemingway is a great one but holds no candle to Steinbeck or Jack London.
Pirate,
The Lottery is one of my favorites from high school, along with A Rose for Emily and Roman Fever from Faulkner and Wharton. Great stuff. I enjoy London and Steinbeck as well, but I think Hem has 'em beat. :)
Since I don't have a death wish (or for that matter, a class requirement) I'll be avoiding the Cambridge Companion.
I agree with your assessment of A Curious Incident . . .good, but not quite as wonderful as everyone else seemed to think.
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