What are you reading?
One reason I write my blog is to tell other readers about books I think worthy. Likewise, I’m always looking for books I might enjoy and want to write about. If you have a book to recommend, please consider noting it below in the “comments,” perhaps also telling what you liked about it.
P.S. My tastes are eclectic. I read literature, biography/memoirs, serious mysteries, history, travel essays, psychology, and more. What I generally don’t read: mass-market fiction, romances, thrillers, current events, business books, humor, erotica, westerns, science fiction, fantasy, and books written by or about politicians and celebrities.
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I have two books that have provoked me the most in the last year. It takes me time to get around to reading some books because I don’t go our & get a book because of any buzz about it. So, I may be behind the times but they are:
Paris Trout by Pete Dexter – Paris Trout is one of the most dispicable characters I have ever read. Dexter can write a great character, not that I enjoy only bad characters, but I figure if the author can evoke such strong reaction from me, he’s done well!
The other book that continues to echo through my mind is House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III. I loved this book & hated it, too. It represents to me how so many of us Americans exist like the main female character: lazy, immature, has an overblown sense of entitlement, and racist without self awareness. No one is perfect, but this woman is a composite of our ills as a society.
Currently reading a biography of Dorothy Parker (“What Fresh Hell is This?”). Is it the writing that makes writers so damaged or the damage that makes writers write?
It is recursive process, Tim, as we say in composition class. A vicious cycle. Just as exhibitionists are perhaps drawn to the stage, I think thoughtful introverts are drawn to writing. But the ongoing self-introspection that many writers suffer through likely contributes to the damage. Though perhaps James Jones came closer to what makes writers write when he stated: “I do think that the quality which makes a man want to write and be read is essentially a desire for self-exposure and is masochistic. Like one of those guys who has compulsion to take his thing out and show it on the street.”
I am reading a Biography called “Behind The Mic” by Dave Pratt, (30 years in radio)……
It gives you a little insight of Arizona and also the life of a very loved AND hated radio guy, who has entertained or disgusted, however you seem to feel about him, for many years in Arizona. I actually enojoyed the book a lot, I had never really listened to his radio shows, but certainly knew of him, if you live in Arizona, you have heard of Dave Pratt, the Mayor, as he has been dubbed…….Through this book I saw a completely different side of him, one that I liked very much. It as a very enjoyable read for me and lots of pictures to go along with the story of his life…….
Rick, I just finished reading “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” by Aron Ralston, true story about Aron having to amputate his own arm to survive. Now I really can’t wait to see the movie “127 Hours”….The book gives you a feeling of hope and faith, leaves you feeling that you can believe that all things are possible and to never, ever give up on life…….. ~Janet~
Thanks for the recommendation, Janet. Ralston’s true story would never be believable as fiction…