First of all, I didn't read this book. I only read an excerpt in Sports Illustrated.
Second, I warn anybody who read past my first sentence that this post may be more of a sports blog than a book blog.
Why am I bogging on it then? I was inspired. And I was looking for blog filler. And I did read that excerpt.
Agassi grew up playing tennis. He went to Nick Bollettier's tennis academy as a kid. Like a lot of those kids, when he emerged as a pro he was a bit of a punk. As a player, he had some success in tournaments and would disappear in others.
At some point during his career, though, Andre Agassi transformed himself from resident tennis "punk" to elder statesman. It seemingly happened overnight. I trace it back to when he shed his formerly-trademark locks. All of a sudden, the guy was an adult. He had matured. Or at least that's how his public persona evolved.
For most of his career, he single-handedly made American tennis relevant. When I was a kid, American tennis was always relevant. Players like Connors, Evert and McEnroe made it relevant. Sure, the end of Agassi's career coincided with the end of the career of arguably the best tennis player of all time--Pete Sampras, another American. Because Sampras' public persona was very different than Agassi's--Sampras was basically an automaton who showed little or no emotion on the court--Agassi was the soul of American tennis.
American tennis hasn't been relevant since Agassi's retirement.
That brings me to "Open." Does the world need an autobiography on Agassi? Personally, I think not. And some of you have undoubtedly read portions of the book that have been released. Did we really need another overbearing father book? Really? Did we really need an "I took [insert drug name here--crystal meth in Agassi's case] but escaped punishment because I was a celebrity and never had to take responsibility for my actions" book? Again, I think not.
Listen, maybe the book was cathartic for Agassi to write. If this is the case, he can be forgiven. I hope he didn't write the book to make a buck or because he was tired of being "irrelevant" or because he wanted forgiveness for his transgressions.
No matter his motivation, do you really think there's anything here that we haven't seen or heard before? Lest you not be confused, I do not mean to trivialize Agassi's life, his upbringing, his challenges in life. I have no doubt that his life stories are authentic. But his audience can't identify with the typical overbearing father, drug experimentation and life difficulties of a famous wealthy world class athlete. So the only reason to read the book is to watch a train wreck, and there are better train wrecks to watch. Save your $$ and google "Open Andre Agassi" about a week from now, and you'll get all you need out of the book in about 15 minutes.
RIF
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Mission Somewhat Accomplished
Reason No. 3 for this blog (You can find it RIGHT ON THE BLOG. Yes, it's here. Look on the right side. About halfway down the page. Yeah, that's it.)
"3. I, too, want book recommendations from those I trust (so I may or may not read your recommendation). From this blog, you can see what I've liked--you may not like my taste, may never come back to the blog--that's ok. If, though, you like some or all of what I like, tell me. And, more importantly, tell me what else I'd like!"
I have read two (almost three) books that I wouldn't have read if not for the blog:
1. Blindness by Jose Saramago.
2. American Pastoral by Philip Roth (like I said, I had never finished it. . .)
3. (70% through) Anathem by Neal Stephenson.
All have been (or are) great reads. So, MISSION SOMEWHAT ACCOMPLISHED, right?
I suppose. I'm not sure if anybody has read or not read a book after seeing it on the blog.
I did want to provide a compendium of books/authors that/who have been recommended by others--either on this site or via email or other medium--to me. Some I've read, some not, as indicated:
In no particular order
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (haven't read it; always want to make his last name "Gladstone" like he's a Flintstones character; haven't read The Tipping Point either; both on my long list)
Blind Side by Michael Lewis (outstanding)
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers (OK, so Dave Eggers also did the script for the movie "Where the Wild Things Are" and recently published a novel entitled "The Wild Things." [Interlude:
Well, on the old set you could slide the men up and down the ice, and now all they do is spin around. It was more like real hockey the old way. Why did they change it?] A virtual Diet Coke to she/he who first identifies the movie)
Other Novels by Jose Saramago
The Bone People by Keri Hulme
Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
Ghostwritten (and others) by David Mitchell
Keep up the good work and, remember, RIF
"3. I, too, want book recommendations from those I trust (so I may or may not read your recommendation). From this blog, you can see what I've liked--you may not like my taste, may never come back to the blog--that's ok. If, though, you like some or all of what I like, tell me. And, more importantly, tell me what else I'd like!"
I have read two (almost three) books that I wouldn't have read if not for the blog:
1. Blindness by Jose Saramago.
2. American Pastoral by Philip Roth (like I said, I had never finished it. . .)
3. (70% through) Anathem by Neal Stephenson.
All have been (or are) great reads. So, MISSION SOMEWHAT ACCOMPLISHED, right?
I suppose. I'm not sure if anybody has read or not read a book after seeing it on the blog.
I did want to provide a compendium of books/authors that/who have been recommended by others--either on this site or via email or other medium--to me. Some I've read, some not, as indicated:
In no particular order
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (haven't read it; always want to make his last name "Gladstone" like he's a Flintstones character; haven't read The Tipping Point either; both on my long list)
Blind Side by Michael Lewis (outstanding)
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers (OK, so Dave Eggers also did the script for the movie "Where the Wild Things Are" and recently published a novel entitled "The Wild Things." [Interlude:
Well, on the old set you could slide the men up and down the ice, and now all they do is spin around. It was more like real hockey the old way. Why did they change it?] A virtual Diet Coke to she/he who first identifies the movie)
Other Novels by Jose Saramago
The Bone People by Keri Hulme
Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
Ghostwritten (and others) by David Mitchell
Keep up the good work and, remember, RIF
Monday, October 26, 2009
Long Overdue Post
The obvious flaw in a blog such as this is that I can only read so much and so fast. Consequently, when I'm in the middle of a long novel like Anathem, I'm going to struggle for material without some input from my terrific reader(s).
I am 60% through Anathem. I am hoping (fingers crossed) to be finished by the end of next weekend. Then, I will have time to breeze through Superfreakonomics before Under the Dome arrives. I might even be able to sneak a second (short) book in.
Another problem with reading a long book for big readers is backlog. My nightstand runneth over--which puts my wonderful wife over the edge. Sure, some of my book purchases stay in the trunk of my car (until I have to empty my trunk to go to Costco--let's just say that some books "magically appeared" yesterday). I hide away other books in other parts of the house. For the most part, I remember where I put them. Every once in a while, though, I see one and say, "Oh, I was wondering where that was."
And, the problem with backlog, is that some books get lost in the shuffle. I forget exactly what motivated me to buy certain books. Did someone recommend it? Did I see a review in a newspaper? Seriously, sometimes I don't know--just like I don't know how books appear on my Barnes & Noble wish list. Then, when that book makes it to the top of the pile, I'm not as interested in reading it as I must have been when I first acquired it.
Anyway, I know that there's not much real substance here. As promised earlier, I still intend to post a compendium of all book recommendations received to date from blog readers.
Until then, RIF.
I am 60% through Anathem. I am hoping (fingers crossed) to be finished by the end of next weekend. Then, I will have time to breeze through Superfreakonomics before Under the Dome arrives. I might even be able to sneak a second (short) book in.
Another problem with reading a long book for big readers is backlog. My nightstand runneth over--which puts my wonderful wife over the edge. Sure, some of my book purchases stay in the trunk of my car (until I have to empty my trunk to go to Costco--let's just say that some books "magically appeared" yesterday). I hide away other books in other parts of the house. For the most part, I remember where I put them. Every once in a while, though, I see one and say, "Oh, I was wondering where that was."
And, the problem with backlog, is that some books get lost in the shuffle. I forget exactly what motivated me to buy certain books. Did someone recommend it? Did I see a review in a newspaper? Seriously, sometimes I don't know--just like I don't know how books appear on my Barnes & Noble wish list. Then, when that book makes it to the top of the pile, I'm not as interested in reading it as I must have been when I first acquired it.
Anyway, I know that there's not much real substance here. As promised earlier, I still intend to post a compendium of all book recommendations received to date from blog readers.
Until then, RIF.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
E Readers
So, Barnes & Noble officially launched its Nook e-reader yesterday. The Nook is available for pre-order and will begin to ship on November 30. Sony has a couple of E-Readers as well. And, of course, there's the Kindle.
I tried the Kindle (Kindle 1). I wasn't a fan. Here were my three biggest complaints, and I'm not sure whether these complaints are specific to the Kindle 1 or are applicable to all e-readers as I haven't tried any others.
1. I often have a bite-sized window to read a chapter or a portion of a chapter of a book. I like to sit down, page through my book and see, "Can I get to the end of the chapter? Is there a good place to stop if I cannot?" I couldn't do that with the Kindle. Screens obviously don't load anywhere near as quickly as you can flip them in a physical book.
2. I have no conception of "pages" on the Kindle 1. Even if I could easily figure out how many "screens" there are until the end of a chapter, I have no conception of what that means. I have around 35 years of reading experience and have come to understand the concept of, "Honey, I'll turn off the light soon--I have five pages until the end of the chapter." I know, based on the book, how long that's going to take. "Honey, I'll turn off the light soon--let me see--counting screens--still counting [See 1 above]--OK, I have 22 screens" just isn't helpful.
3. I like paging back. Sometimes, I want to remember a character's name or a reference from earlier in a book. I can generally picture in my mind approximately where in the book I need to look and where the reference appeared on a page. On the Kindle 1, I could bookmark a page, but usually I don't know that I am going to want to go back there until much later. And, as the Daniel Suarez Virtual Book Club book is Anathem, complete with a glossary beginning on page 890, it's nice to be able to easily flip to and fro without having to press a bunch of numbers.
My other problem with e-readers in general is that I cannot figure out what books, magazines and newspapers I can get on what e-readers. Each manufacturer says something different about what's available. I am assuming (though do not know for sure) that items like best selling books are available on all e-readers.
If anyone can enlighten me here, please comment. I have met many Kindle lovers who have few, if any, complaints--all of which are outweighed by the convenience of the Kindle.
Remember, Reading is Fundamental. I know that because that's what they used to say on Saturday mornings.
I tried the Kindle (Kindle 1). I wasn't a fan. Here were my three biggest complaints, and I'm not sure whether these complaints are specific to the Kindle 1 or are applicable to all e-readers as I haven't tried any others.
1. I often have a bite-sized window to read a chapter or a portion of a chapter of a book. I like to sit down, page through my book and see, "Can I get to the end of the chapter? Is there a good place to stop if I cannot?" I couldn't do that with the Kindle. Screens obviously don't load anywhere near as quickly as you can flip them in a physical book.
2. I have no conception of "pages" on the Kindle 1. Even if I could easily figure out how many "screens" there are until the end of a chapter, I have no conception of what that means. I have around 35 years of reading experience and have come to understand the concept of, "Honey, I'll turn off the light soon--I have five pages until the end of the chapter." I know, based on the book, how long that's going to take. "Honey, I'll turn off the light soon--let me see--counting screens--still counting [See 1 above]--OK, I have 22 screens" just isn't helpful.
3. I like paging back. Sometimes, I want to remember a character's name or a reference from earlier in a book. I can generally picture in my mind approximately where in the book I need to look and where the reference appeared on a page. On the Kindle 1, I could bookmark a page, but usually I don't know that I am going to want to go back there until much later. And, as the Daniel Suarez Virtual Book Club book is Anathem, complete with a glossary beginning on page 890, it's nice to be able to easily flip to and fro without having to press a bunch of numbers.
My other problem with e-readers in general is that I cannot figure out what books, magazines and newspapers I can get on what e-readers. Each manufacturer says something different about what's available. I am assuming (though do not know for sure) that items like best selling books are available on all e-readers.
If anyone can enlighten me here, please comment. I have met many Kindle lovers who have few, if any, complaints--all of which are outweighed by the convenience of the Kindle.
Remember, Reading is Fundamental. I know that because that's what they used to say on Saturday mornings.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Getting Interactive (Well, a Little)
A blog reader (ok, she's my sister and she almost HAS to read the blog because, well, SHE'S MY SISTER!) suggested that I do a "blog review" of books recently discussed on the blog in case somebody wanted to refer back to the posts. I'm going to do that here, and I'm also going to list some books that are "on my list."
Readers (to the extent they exist) of this blog know that the first Daniel Suarez Virtual Book Club selection, Anathem by Neal Stephenson, is my current read. I crossed the 300 page threshold over the weekend and am picking up steam. This will still take a minimum of another week--more likely closer to two. I WILL BE FINISHED BY THE TIME THAT MY COPY OF UNDER THE DOME ARRIVES!
On to the recap. . .
Recent Blog Posts for Recommended Reads:
Adderall Diaries (September 25)
Zeitoun (September 8)
This is Where I Leave You (August 21)
Shadow of the Wind and Angel's Game (August 13)
Girl Who Played with Fire (August 10)
Recent Blog Posts for Reads that I Couldn't Exactly Recommend:
American Pastoral (October 10; enjoyed the book but felt that I couldn't add anything to the Pulitzer committee stamp of approval)
Blindness (September 19; enjoyed the book but found it a read that would not be enjoyed by all)
Recent Blog Posts for Non-Fiction Reads that Require Special Interests:
The Machine (September 29; if you love the Reds and grew up in the late 80s, read it; if you grew up in the mid-70s or before, there's nothing new here)
Blood in the Cage (August 20; about ultimate fighting)
Joker One (August 19; about a marine platoon in Iraq)
Recent Blog Posts for Reads You Should Skip:
South of Broad (August 29; read only if you've read everything else Pat Conroy has written and can't resist reading his new one.
On my list:
Anybody who has read the blog knows that after Anathem, my next two books are Under the Dome and Superfreakonomics.
While I expect these three books to take me close to Thanksgiving, here are some current books which are on my list, and I'm interested if anyone has read any of them:
Wolf Hall - I've said before that historical fiction isn't my thing, but this looks enticing to me. The book just on The Man Booker Prize as well, but I have to tell you, I don't know what the hell The Man Booker Prize is exactly.
Here are the 2009 National Book Award finalists. Of these, Far North interests me the most. Far North is apparently compared to The Road, and I've referred to The Road and two other post-apocalyptic novels--The Stand by Stephen King and Swan Song by Robert McCammon--in prior blog posts. American Salvage looks good, too, but also looks depressing (which is ok). Let the World Spin looks like something I'd like as well. Of the other two, one is apparently a "coming of age" novel and interests me very little without an independent recommendation. The last finalist takes place in feudal times and sounds a little too historical fiction-y for me.
Remember, RIF.
Readers (to the extent they exist) of this blog know that the first Daniel Suarez Virtual Book Club selection, Anathem by Neal Stephenson, is my current read. I crossed the 300 page threshold over the weekend and am picking up steam. This will still take a minimum of another week--more likely closer to two. I WILL BE FINISHED BY THE TIME THAT MY COPY OF UNDER THE DOME ARRIVES!
On to the recap. . .
Recent Blog Posts for Recommended Reads:
Adderall Diaries (September 25)
Zeitoun (September 8)
This is Where I Leave You (August 21)
Shadow of the Wind and Angel's Game (August 13)
Girl Who Played with Fire (August 10)
Recent Blog Posts for Reads that I Couldn't Exactly Recommend:
American Pastoral (October 10; enjoyed the book but felt that I couldn't add anything to the Pulitzer committee stamp of approval)
Blindness (September 19; enjoyed the book but found it a read that would not be enjoyed by all)
Recent Blog Posts for Non-Fiction Reads that Require Special Interests:
The Machine (September 29; if you love the Reds and grew up in the late 80s, read it; if you grew up in the mid-70s or before, there's nothing new here)
Blood in the Cage (August 20; about ultimate fighting)
Joker One (August 19; about a marine platoon in Iraq)
Recent Blog Posts for Reads You Should Skip:
South of Broad (August 29; read only if you've read everything else Pat Conroy has written and can't resist reading his new one.
On my list:
Anybody who has read the blog knows that after Anathem, my next two books are Under the Dome and Superfreakonomics.
While I expect these three books to take me close to Thanksgiving, here are some current books which are on my list, and I'm interested if anyone has read any of them:
Wolf Hall - I've said before that historical fiction isn't my thing, but this looks enticing to me. The book just on The Man Booker Prize as well, but I have to tell you, I don't know what the hell The Man Booker Prize is exactly.
Here are the 2009 National Book Award finalists. Of these, Far North interests me the most. Far North is apparently compared to The Road, and I've referred to The Road and two other post-apocalyptic novels--The Stand by Stephen King and Swan Song by Robert McCammon--in prior blog posts. American Salvage looks good, too, but also looks depressing (which is ok). Let the World Spin looks like something I'd like as well. Of the other two, one is apparently a "coming of age" novel and interests me very little without an independent recommendation. The last finalist takes place in feudal times and sounds a little too historical fiction-y for me.
Remember, RIF.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Feeding the Beast; and I Need Some Help!
I wanted to pass on some information regarding the the Amazon/Walmart price war. I'm not sure how long it will (or can) last, but I'd take advantage of it if there's a book (like the new Stephen King book Under the Dome) that is impacted by the war. I just ordered my $35 copy of Under the Dome for $9.54 (free shipping all by itself) from Walmart (Amazon would have charged $3.99 for shipping--it lost the battle). The only pain in the butt was that Walmart would not let me ship the book to my address. I got an error that there was a "state restriction" (whatever that is). Fortunately, Cincinnati is close to the OH/KY border, and one of my most nicest partners who lives in KY was willing to accept the responsibility of receiving the package and bringing it to me. I will pass along more information on this price war as it becomes available.
On another note. . .
I need some post ideas for use when I'm in the middle of a book. Particularly when I'm in the middle of a long book--as I am now.
I am enjoying Anathem; I'm just not making the progress I would like because it is a difficult read. I'm hoping to be able to report that I've made a significant dent in the book by Monday, but I'm not certain.
My initial hope when I set up this blog was that I'd get some post ideas and guest postings from followers and others who read the blog. Of course, since nobody reads the blog, that's proved difficult.
I kind of see myself as the Jodie Foster character from the movie, Contact. Remember Contact? The Jodie Foster character basically spends all day, every day monitoring radio signals trying to find proof of extraterrestrial life. SPOILER ALERT: One day she thinks she finds evidence!
Well, one day I hope to find evidence that somebody is reading this blog. Even if nobody is, I will continue to blog--every couple of days whether I need it or not.
Remember, RIF.
On another note. . .
I need some post ideas for use when I'm in the middle of a book. Particularly when I'm in the middle of a long book--as I am now.
I am enjoying Anathem; I'm just not making the progress I would like because it is a difficult read. I'm hoping to be able to report that I've made a significant dent in the book by Monday, but I'm not certain.
My initial hope when I set up this blog was that I'd get some post ideas and guest postings from followers and others who read the blog. Of course, since nobody reads the blog, that's proved difficult.
I kind of see myself as the Jodie Foster character from the movie, Contact. Remember Contact? The Jodie Foster character basically spends all day, every day monitoring radio signals trying to find proof of extraterrestrial life. SPOILER ALERT: One day she thinks she finds evidence!
Well, one day I hope to find evidence that somebody is reading this blog. Even if nobody is, I will continue to blog--every couple of days whether I need it or not.
Remember, RIF.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Random Musings - And I Mean RANDOM
1. Yesterday, the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book came out. My 9 year old LOVES these books. She initially wanted to pre-order it online, but I knew that her "instant gratification" bent would lead to the following discussion which would have occurred yesterday:
Her: Dad, why isn't the book here?
Me: Honey, it was just RELEASED today so it was sent today. It will be here Thursday.
Her: But my friends already have it.
Me: [With no place to go but an unhelpful "I told you so."] I told you that would happen three weeks ago.
Her: Well, can we go BUY the book today and return the other book on Thursday?
Which is what probably would have happened. So, I successfully fended off her suggestion to pre-order. We went to buy the book yesterday. For some reason I cannot fathom, the Greatest Store on Earth (some of you call it Costco) wasn't carrying the book. Also, my daughter's aunt (my sister in law) had freaked my daughter out that the book would be sold out everywhere (how this could possibly be is beyond me, and how it gets my house riled up is also beyone me). They only had, oh, 75 copies in a display at the front of Barnes & Noble and another, oh, 50 copies in a display right by the check out line.
2. The two members of the Daniel Suarez Virtual Book Club started Anathem over the weekend. One of us is 100 pages in. The other is intimidated by the timeline at the front of the book, the glossary at the back and the fact that (and I quote from an email) "There was so much made up language [vs. the Lord of the Rings trilogy] (I also spent too much time on the timeline) that I had little reference for what on earth they were talking about." Dude, they're not on earth; that's part of your problem.
3. While it is confession time (see my previous post), as I may have alluded to in earlier posts, I wasn't as dedicated a reader in high school. Well, that's not entirely true--there were plenty of nights that I was up late reading Pet Sematery (not a favorite) or Christine (a surprisingly excellent book given the ludicrous premise of a haunted or possessed car). But Grapes of Wrath? Not so much. Let's just say that in 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985 I received holiday cards from John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (you know them as the publishers of Cliffs Notes--and despite my intimate knowledge here, I don't know who "Cliff" is).
4. I've blogged about paperbackswap.com, good bookstores, etc. If you want great used book options, the site to use is Alibris.com. Alibris.com is an online marketplace for independent sellers of new and used books, music, and movies. I especially like the site because I often prefer hardcover copies of books (which is a big reason why I am a library consumer for books which have been out a while), and used copies can often be purchased for under $10 (even after paying shipping). Like borrowing from the library, though, make sure that you apologize to Mr. Publisher and Mrs. Author as these books have been bought and paid for--your purchases will not result in any royalties. However, you will be helping some terrific used and rare bookstores throughout the country.
What are you reading? Remember, RIF.
Her: Dad, why isn't the book here?
Me: Honey, it was just RELEASED today so it was sent today. It will be here Thursday.
Her: But my friends already have it.
Me: [With no place to go but an unhelpful "I told you so."] I told you that would happen three weeks ago.
Her: Well, can we go BUY the book today and return the other book on Thursday?
Which is what probably would have happened. So, I successfully fended off her suggestion to pre-order. We went to buy the book yesterday. For some reason I cannot fathom, the Greatest Store on Earth (some of you call it Costco) wasn't carrying the book. Also, my daughter's aunt (my sister in law) had freaked my daughter out that the book would be sold out everywhere (how this could possibly be is beyond me, and how it gets my house riled up is also beyone me). They only had, oh, 75 copies in a display at the front of Barnes & Noble and another, oh, 50 copies in a display right by the check out line.
2. The two members of the Daniel Suarez Virtual Book Club started Anathem over the weekend. One of us is 100 pages in. The other is intimidated by the timeline at the front of the book, the glossary at the back and the fact that (and I quote from an email) "There was so much made up language [vs. the Lord of the Rings trilogy] (I also spent too much time on the timeline) that I had little reference for what on earth they were talking about." Dude, they're not on earth; that's part of your problem.
3. While it is confession time (see my previous post), as I may have alluded to in earlier posts, I wasn't as dedicated a reader in high school. Well, that's not entirely true--there were plenty of nights that I was up late reading Pet Sematery (not a favorite) or Christine (a surprisingly excellent book given the ludicrous premise of a haunted or possessed car). But Grapes of Wrath? Not so much. Let's just say that in 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985 I received holiday cards from John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (you know them as the publishers of Cliffs Notes--and despite my intimate knowledge here, I don't know who "Cliff" is).
4. I've blogged about paperbackswap.com, good bookstores, etc. If you want great used book options, the site to use is Alibris.com. Alibris.com is an online marketplace for independent sellers of new and used books, music, and movies. I especially like the site because I often prefer hardcover copies of books (which is a big reason why I am a library consumer for books which have been out a while), and used copies can often be purchased for under $10 (even after paying shipping). Like borrowing from the library, though, make sure that you apologize to Mr. Publisher and Mrs. Author as these books have been bought and paid for--your purchases will not result in any royalties. However, you will be helping some terrific used and rare bookstores throughout the country.
What are you reading? Remember, RIF.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
American Pastoral by Philip Roth
Confession time. Before yesterday, I had never finished American Pastoral. I had started the book at least twice. The paperback version that I own is 423 pages. I thought that, perhaps, I had gotten 100 pages in to the novel in the past. The dog ear on page 194 begged to differ with me.
As I passed page 194, I wondered what had caused me to put the book down so far into it in the past. Many questions arose. Was I bored? Did something happen? Did a new book I really wanted to read come out? Did I take a vacation and plan to go back to the book? Who invented liquid soap and why? (Bonus points for the somewhat obscure movie reference for the last question)
American Pastoral is a dense, rich, excellent read. Many, many themes. The novel traces much of the life of Seymour Levov, the Swede. The Swede was a high school sports legend. A Jew who looked to have the world by the gonads--smart, athletic, heir to a family business, married to a Miss America contestant. As Philip Roth's literary alter ego, Nathan Zuckerman, says, ''Swede Levov's life, for all I knew, had been most simple and most ordinary and therefore just great, right in the American grain. . . I was wrong. Never more mistaken about anyone in my life.''
Swede Levov endures a family tragedy, a parental nightmare. And Roth (well, Zuckerman), imagines a plausible construct before, during and especially after the tragedy which is used as a vehicle to show the cracks in the foundation that could have fortold the tragedy or at least given a glimpse into Swede's world--a world that clearly wasn't what it seemed from the outside. Many themes--capitalism, anti-war, Jewish issues, anti-semitism, interfaith marriage, appearances vs. reality, appearance vs. substance and that's just a start.
I cannot recommend/not recommend a Pulitzer Prize winning novel. American Pastoral won the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and again, I do not feel qualified to second guess. Not that I would in this case, as American Pastoral is, again, a great read.
Remember, RIF.
As I passed page 194, I wondered what had caused me to put the book down so far into it in the past. Many questions arose. Was I bored? Did something happen? Did a new book I really wanted to read come out? Did I take a vacation and plan to go back to the book? Who invented liquid soap and why? (Bonus points for the somewhat obscure movie reference for the last question)
American Pastoral is a dense, rich, excellent read. Many, many themes. The novel traces much of the life of Seymour Levov, the Swede. The Swede was a high school sports legend. A Jew who looked to have the world by the gonads--smart, athletic, heir to a family business, married to a Miss America contestant. As Philip Roth's literary alter ego, Nathan Zuckerman, says, ''Swede Levov's life, for all I knew, had been most simple and most ordinary and therefore just great, right in the American grain. . . I was wrong. Never more mistaken about anyone in my life.''
Swede Levov endures a family tragedy, a parental nightmare. And Roth (well, Zuckerman), imagines a plausible construct before, during and especially after the tragedy which is used as a vehicle to show the cracks in the foundation that could have fortold the tragedy or at least given a glimpse into Swede's world--a world that clearly wasn't what it seemed from the outside. Many themes--capitalism, anti-war, Jewish issues, anti-semitism, interfaith marriage, appearances vs. reality, appearance vs. substance and that's just a start.
I cannot recommend/not recommend a Pulitzer Prize winning novel. American Pastoral won the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and again, I do not feel qualified to second guess. Not that I would in this case, as American Pastoral is, again, a great read.
Remember, RIF.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Kids Reading - An Interlude
When I was a kid, we didn't have remote controls for the tv's. We kids WERE the remote control!
And when I was a kid, we had the Hardy Boys. I read 50+ of those books. Why? That's pretty much all you had.
Sure, there were other books but nowhere near the selection that kids have today. If your child is a sports nut there are several series of books, for different ages, your child can read. Like horses? Books. And, if your child likes magic and wizards? Books, books and more books.
My kids are pretty big readers, mainly because, when they were younger, we always read to them at night and then transitioned them to reading every night. [We're pretty sly, huh?] Now, it's just part of the routine.
What made me think of posting regarding kids books and reading to your kids? My Anathem-reading buddy reminded me of the following Princess Bride quote as he is reading an abridged version of The Three Muskateers to his 9 year old:
"Has it got any sports in it?
Are you kidding? Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters. Chases. Escapes. True love. Miracles.
It doesn't sound too bad. I'll try and stay awake.
Oh. Well, thank you very much. It's very nice of you. Your vote of confidence is overwhelming."
[I read all seven of the Harry Potter books out loud to my son. As a parent experience, that one is going to be tough to beat. We started when he was probably about 7, and we were able to pretty much read them straight through Book 6 (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince). We had to wait almost a year for the last book. By then, he could have read them on his own, but we still did it together.]
[Contrast this with my girls who, when they were very young, ALWAYS selected the longest, most boring book to read EVERY night. You couldn't even skip pages because, well, did I mention that WE READ THE SAME BOOK EVERY NIGHT! My son loved Go Dog Go. We read that a bunch, too.]
As far as book recommendations for kids--well, I'm not equipped. They should ask their friends about what they read. And, of course, the teachers know. My oldest daughter LOVES sad books. ["I was reading this book about a little girl, and she got kidnapped, and the kidnapper stole her kidney for his son, and then she got rescued, but her other kidney went bad, and she needed a kidney donor, and it turned out that she got a kidney donor who was the daughter of the kidnapper, and they became great friends, but the kidnapper's daughter died during the kidney transplant, and they she got close to the son who had her first good kidney, and she married him, and they had a little girl but she died in childbirth. Isn't that great?]
I will post about American Pastoral in the next day or two. I will not "recommend" or "not recommend"--I'm not anywhere near worthy second-guessing the Pulitzer people.
Remember, RIF.
And when I was a kid, we had the Hardy Boys. I read 50+ of those books. Why? That's pretty much all you had.
Sure, there were other books but nowhere near the selection that kids have today. If your child is a sports nut there are several series of books, for different ages, your child can read. Like horses? Books. And, if your child likes magic and wizards? Books, books and more books.
My kids are pretty big readers, mainly because, when they were younger, we always read to them at night and then transitioned them to reading every night. [We're pretty sly, huh?] Now, it's just part of the routine.
What made me think of posting regarding kids books and reading to your kids? My Anathem-reading buddy reminded me of the following Princess Bride quote as he is reading an abridged version of The Three Muskateers to his 9 year old:
"Has it got any sports in it?
Are you kidding? Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters. Chases. Escapes. True love. Miracles.
It doesn't sound too bad. I'll try and stay awake.
Oh. Well, thank you very much. It's very nice of you. Your vote of confidence is overwhelming."
[I read all seven of the Harry Potter books out loud to my son. As a parent experience, that one is going to be tough to beat. We started when he was probably about 7, and we were able to pretty much read them straight through Book 6 (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince). We had to wait almost a year for the last book. By then, he could have read them on his own, but we still did it together.]
[Contrast this with my girls who, when they were very young, ALWAYS selected the longest, most boring book to read EVERY night. You couldn't even skip pages because, well, did I mention that WE READ THE SAME BOOK EVERY NIGHT! My son loved Go Dog Go. We read that a bunch, too.]
As far as book recommendations for kids--well, I'm not equipped. They should ask their friends about what they read. And, of course, the teachers know. My oldest daughter LOVES sad books. ["I was reading this book about a little girl, and she got kidnapped, and the kidnapper stole her kidney for his son, and then she got rescued, but her other kidney went bad, and she needed a kidney donor, and it turned out that she got a kidney donor who was the daughter of the kidnapper, and they became great friends, but the kidnapper's daughter died during the kidney transplant, and they she got close to the son who had her first good kidney, and she married him, and they had a little girl but she died in childbirth. Isn't that great?]
I will post about American Pastoral in the next day or two. I will not "recommend" or "not recommend"--I'm not anywhere near worthy second-guessing the Pulitzer people.
Remember, RIF.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
First Virtual Book Club Selection Announced! And my next three books. . .
Since one (ONE!) person has agreed to read Anathem by Neal Stephenson, the selection of OUR FIRST DANIEL SUAREZ VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB selection (hardcover 960 pages; mass market paperback 1008 pages) was OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVED. With, as always, apologies to the publisher, I'm borrowing Anathem from the library.
I'm still reading American Pastoral by Philip Roth and don't expect to finish it until later this week (about 100 pages left--dense book--not much dialogue--great book, too). If it's only two of us reading Anathem, I see no reason to set a reading deadline. If, however, anyone else has interest in joining the VBC and the ensuing expected spirited discussion, let me know. I'd expect that it will take a couple of weeks to get through Anathem.
Two books are on my radar to follow Anathem (I have both on order from BN.com. While I link from this site to Amazon, I generally buy from Barnes & Noble. No real reason other than the fact that I am a Barnes & Noble member and get the member discounts. Plus, I get additional cash back if I buy through my Chase Visa. OK, so I guess there is a real reason. Also, repeat after me: Paying shipping is for suckers. Yes, Super Freakonomics--see below--comes out on October 20 and my copy won't be shipped until November 10 with Under the Dome--see below--because I needed to spend $25 for free shipping. But what of it?)
The first will be released on October 20 and is the follow up to the Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner non-fiction book entitled, "Freakonomics." The sequel is aptly named, Super Freakonomics. Freakonomics discusses apparent mysteries of everyday life and how they could be illuminated and made even more fascinating by asking the right questions and drawing connections. One of my favorite discussions related to the effect of home sales agents on the market prices for homes. Freakonimics is a recommended read even for those who may not or will not agree with the authors' methodology or analysis. The book is thought provoking, and I expect nothing less from Super Freakonomics.
Meanwhile, on November 10, 2009, shortly after my birthday, Stephen King's upcoming magnum opus Under the Dome will be released. This one is 1080 pages. Even with Super Freakonomics' manageable 288 pages, that's 2,348 pages accounted for. I'm thinking that I'll need until November 30 or so to get through all of that which means upcoming fluff posts if I can't get any new material from readers.
Remember, RIF.
I'm still reading American Pastoral by Philip Roth and don't expect to finish it until later this week (about 100 pages left--dense book--not much dialogue--great book, too). If it's only two of us reading Anathem, I see no reason to set a reading deadline. If, however, anyone else has interest in joining the VBC and the ensuing expected spirited discussion, let me know. I'd expect that it will take a couple of weeks to get through Anathem.
Two books are on my radar to follow Anathem (I have both on order from BN.com. While I link from this site to Amazon, I generally buy from Barnes & Noble. No real reason other than the fact that I am a Barnes & Noble member and get the member discounts. Plus, I get additional cash back if I buy through my Chase Visa. OK, so I guess there is a real reason. Also, repeat after me: Paying shipping is for suckers. Yes, Super Freakonomics--see below--comes out on October 20 and my copy won't be shipped until November 10 with Under the Dome--see below--because I needed to spend $25 for free shipping. But what of it?)
The first will be released on October 20 and is the follow up to the Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner non-fiction book entitled, "Freakonomics." The sequel is aptly named, Super Freakonomics. Freakonomics discusses apparent mysteries of everyday life and how they could be illuminated and made even more fascinating by asking the right questions and drawing connections. One of my favorite discussions related to the effect of home sales agents on the market prices for homes. Freakonimics is a recommended read even for those who may not or will not agree with the authors' methodology or analysis. The book is thought provoking, and I expect nothing less from Super Freakonomics.
Meanwhile, on November 10, 2009, shortly after my birthday, Stephen King's upcoming magnum opus Under the Dome will be released. This one is 1080 pages. Even with Super Freakonomics' manageable 288 pages, that's 2,348 pages accounted for. I'm thinking that I'll need until November 30 or so to get through all of that which means upcoming fluff posts if I can't get any new material from readers.
Remember, RIF.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Random Musings - Kurt Vonnegut - Update on Daniel Suarez Virtual Book Club Selection
I don't know what made me think of Kurt Vonnegut recently. It's not like I saw Back to School on cable or anything.
I know that some kids had a tendency to go a little Vonnegut crazy in high school. I didn't go Vonnegut crazy, though I read Slaughterhouse Five and Cat's Cradle each twice (Cat's Cradle is by far my favorite). I also loved Breakfast of Champions and read a couple of others that I don't remember as much as I remember these three.
I always enjoyed Vonnegut's sense of humor, I liked his style--a little different. Yes, the Slaughterhouse Five time traveling and the Cat's Cradle sci fi theme were right up my alley as well.
One of my favorite lines from a book comes from Breakfast of Champions where Vonnegut says something like (I remember the gist but not the exact quote), "In 1492, Columbus discovered America notwithstanding the fact that ________ indigenous people had been there for _____________." While not as striking for an adult, the quote proved memorable for a 10th grader.
I will unveil the first Daniel Suarez Virtual Book Club Selection tomorrow--so if you have any last minute recommendations, let me know. The emails have been flooding in (if you describe zero emails as a flood).
Remember, RIF.
I know that some kids had a tendency to go a little Vonnegut crazy in high school. I didn't go Vonnegut crazy, though I read Slaughterhouse Five and Cat's Cradle each twice (Cat's Cradle is by far my favorite). I also loved Breakfast of Champions and read a couple of others that I don't remember as much as I remember these three.
I always enjoyed Vonnegut's sense of humor, I liked his style--a little different. Yes, the Slaughterhouse Five time traveling and the Cat's Cradle sci fi theme were right up my alley as well.
One of my favorite lines from a book comes from Breakfast of Champions where Vonnegut says something like (I remember the gist but not the exact quote), "In 1492, Columbus discovered America notwithstanding the fact that ________ indigenous people had been there for _____________." While not as striking for an adult, the quote proved memorable for a 10th grader.
I will unveil the first Daniel Suarez Virtual Book Club Selection tomorrow--so if you have any last minute recommendations, let me know. The emails have been flooding in (if you describe zero emails as a flood).
Remember, RIF.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Classics Never Die - Animal Farm
As I'm in the midst of a book that I likely won't finish for a while, I thought it appropriate for another installment of The Classics Never Die.
I was all ready to write this post about Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (an all time favorite of mine that I haven't read in years). I always pair Brave New World with 1984 by George Orwell. And when I think about 1984, I think of Animal Farm. And, then, when I thought of Animal Farm, I thought of one of my all-time favorite lines from any novel, which is discussed below. So, we'll put off Brave New World for a while.
(While there are a bunch of these lists all over the place, here's a link to the Modern Library best 100 novels--as selected by its Board and by its readers. Animal Farm is No. 31 on the Board list and No. 20 on the Readers List. I do have some lists bookmarked, etc. If you have any lists that you could post or send to me, that would be great. I will then do a blog entry listing these. The lists can be fiction, non-fiction or even a particular type of fiction or non-fiction. Here's a sci fi list, for example.)
Back to Animal Farm. I've read this book at least twice though not in many years. There are many levels to the book. Of course, the book is about ANIMALS on a FARM. If that's all you got from the book, stop reading, you missed it.
It's also an allegory for the Communists coming to power in Russia-USSR-Russia. On a third but related level, it's about how power corrupts. I'm sure there are more.
My favorite part of the novel has always been the Animal Farm Constitution and how it "evolves." I had to google it (I didn't do this from memory), but here's the initial Animal Farm Constitution:
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill another animal.
7. All animals are created equal
Now, to refresh your recollection of the story, this Constitution is drafted after the animals "overthrow" the evildoer humans (which consisted of a FARMER and his wife. After all, the story takes place on a FARM). Gradually, of course, the animals in "power" on the ANIMAL FARM begin to eliminate or modify one after another of the items in the Constitution ("No animal shall sleep in a bed WITH SHEETS").
My favorite line from the novel has to do with the modification to Item 7 which, after a while, becomes, "All animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal."
I urge you to re-read a favorite classic--especially if you haven't read it in many years--or pick up a new one. It may not be a page turner, and it may not be an especially good read. But it's a classic because it has something to say--something that, I guarantee you, survives to this day even if the book was written long ago--Animal Farm was published in 1945!
Remember, Reading is Fundamental.
I was all ready to write this post about Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (an all time favorite of mine that I haven't read in years). I always pair Brave New World with 1984 by George Orwell. And when I think about 1984, I think of Animal Farm. And, then, when I thought of Animal Farm, I thought of one of my all-time favorite lines from any novel, which is discussed below. So, we'll put off Brave New World for a while.
(While there are a bunch of these lists all over the place, here's a link to the Modern Library best 100 novels--as selected by its Board and by its readers. Animal Farm is No. 31 on the Board list and No. 20 on the Readers List. I do have some lists bookmarked, etc. If you have any lists that you could post or send to me, that would be great. I will then do a blog entry listing these. The lists can be fiction, non-fiction or even a particular type of fiction or non-fiction. Here's a sci fi list, for example.)
Back to Animal Farm. I've read this book at least twice though not in many years. There are many levels to the book. Of course, the book is about ANIMALS on a FARM. If that's all you got from the book, stop reading, you missed it.
It's also an allegory for the Communists coming to power in Russia-USSR-Russia. On a third but related level, it's about how power corrupts. I'm sure there are more.
My favorite part of the novel has always been the Animal Farm Constitution and how it "evolves." I had to google it (I didn't do this from memory), but here's the initial Animal Farm Constitution:
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill another animal.
7. All animals are created equal
Now, to refresh your recollection of the story, this Constitution is drafted after the animals "overthrow" the evildoer humans (which consisted of a FARMER and his wife. After all, the story takes place on a FARM). Gradually, of course, the animals in "power" on the ANIMAL FARM begin to eliminate or modify one after another of the items in the Constitution ("No animal shall sleep in a bed WITH SHEETS").
My favorite line from the novel has to do with the modification to Item 7 which, after a while, becomes, "All animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal."
I urge you to re-read a favorite classic--especially if you haven't read it in many years--or pick up a new one. It may not be a page turner, and it may not be an especially good read. But it's a classic because it has something to say--something that, I guarantee you, survives to this day even if the book was written long ago--Animal Farm was published in 1945!
Remember, Reading is Fundamental.
Daniel Suarez Virtual Book Club Suggestions
As expected, the volume of suggestions for the VBC (Virtual Book Club) was underwhelming. (Actually, can it be both "expected" and "underwhelming"? I think so.)
Right now, the options are:
Anathem by Neal Stephenson and
100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (an oldie but apparently a goodie).
I'm still taking other suggestions before finalizing. I know that I have one blog follower (the poor speller who suggested the VBC in the first place) who will read the selection no matter what it is, and I won't even post as a suggestion anything that I am unwilling to read.
In other words, if you follow this blog and you are a good speller, you can pretty much write your own ticket and suggest any book that makes sense.
Currently, I am reading American Pastoral by Philip Roth. I have not read much of Roth, but I have had this book on the pile for, well, years, and it's time I read it. The VBC book will follow.
Remember, Reading is Fundamental.
Right now, the options are:
Anathem by Neal Stephenson and
100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (an oldie but apparently a goodie).
I'm still taking other suggestions before finalizing. I know that I have one blog follower (the poor speller who suggested the VBC in the first place) who will read the selection no matter what it is, and I won't even post as a suggestion anything that I am unwilling to read.
In other words, if you follow this blog and you are a good speller, you can pretty much write your own ticket and suggest any book that makes sense.
Currently, I am reading American Pastoral by Philip Roth. I have not read much of Roth, but I have had this book on the pile for, well, years, and it's time I read it. The VBC book will follow.
Remember, Reading is Fundamental.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)