I've been reading quite a bit lately, but I know I haven't kept the book section of the blog updated. I'm sure I'll forget something, but here's a quick update:
I re-read Atonement
and if possible, it was even better the second time. What a book!
Blue Mars
-- the third book in the Mars trilogy -- by Kim Stanley Robinson was a satisfactory ending to the series. At his point I was very invested in the characters and enjoyed reading more about them. This is one of the most amazing sci-fi series I've ever read.
Another Pullman -- this time The Tin Princess
. Really enjoyed this book -- still a Pullman fan. I just checked out Count Karlstein
and Spring-Heeled Jack
from the library, so there is more Pullman in my near future.
I mentioned this book in conjunction with my reading of the Norton Anthology. It is the Seamus Heaney verse translation of Beowulf
. Such a well written translation -- it captures the original Old English feel. Love the facing page Old English and side margin notes.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
by Trenton Lee Stewart is a "children's book" but I'm quickly learning that many so called books for kids are equally enjoyable when you read them as an adult. This was a fun little mystery book that kept the action moving forward. Fun!
The Lazarus Project
by Aleksandar Hemon is my latest finish. Pete loved it and I have to agree that it was quite a book. The symbolism is heavy and it is a book that you could read more than once. Themes include disillusionment and the plight of immigrants or the disenfranchised in general. Another impressive book from Hemon. (I also enjoyed Nowhere Man.)
I think I'm caught up now, although I can't be sure since I went so long (over a month!) between updates. Currently reading Ursula K. LeGuin's Lavinia
and working through the Canterbury tales in the Norton Anthology.