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Monday, September 08, 2008

Water Glass Roll Call: What Are You Reading?

I've been moving at a faster clip than usual with my reading recently, largely due to the fact that I read when I'm procrastinating writing. It also helps that I've been reading light books that keep me page turning. I'll find any excuse to get my book out of my bag when I'm reading a good book, even if it's just to occupy me during a short elevator ride.

I recently finished Hoot by Carl Hiaasen. I've never read any of his other work, but I knew this children's book was highly praised, and that sparked my curiosity. Having found quite a bit of delight in Louis Sachar's Holes, I thought I might repeat the experience of reverting to childhood in a similar way. And indeed, I did. Hoot is a well written adventure for children, with a good sense of humor, and a knack for capturing life's small moments of illumination.

Now I'm onto Wicked by Gregory Maguire, which is not at all what I expected. It is more inventive and imaginative than I anticipated, though I confess that having never read the L. Frank Baum originals, I don't have the original text with which to compare it. I have only Judy Garland's ruby-heel-clicking version in mind.

So, a few questions for you:

What did you last finish reading? How did you like it?

What are you reading now? Is it what you expected? How do you like it so far?

8 comments:

Sven said...

The last physical book I read cover to cover was the 7th Potter book. I loved it. I used to devour books as a kid but now I'm finding it harder and harder to pick one up and finish it. I've fallen into the habbit of listening to books on tape, as I spend a lot of my time in the car. It's not the same though, I miss reading. I need to find a good book and make the time.

Right now I am digging through The Watchmen. Wordiest damn comic book ever.

Anonymous said...

I'm reading Portnoy's Complaint. Roth's prose is, of course, fantastic. Linguistically it's really interesting. As far as the voice, the plot, the narrator... well let's put it this way: at least five times I've caught myself shouting, "Oh just shut up already!" It's a fierce and vital book, but certainly not anything I'm really enjoying. Curse you, Important American Authors! Curse you!

stu said...

I'm on a bit of a supernatural thriller kick at the moment, so the last thing was a re-reading of Jim Butcher's Small Favour. I'm currently re-reading Laurell K. Hamilton's Obsidian Butterfly. The last new thing I read was probably Storm Born, by Richelle Mead, which was alright, but not as good as her Georgina Kincaid series.

Unknown said...

Huh.
Well I'm always reading what you last read. So now I'm reading the Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Love it so far. Sorry can't be of any more help...but I follow your lead.

Prince Gomolvilas said...

The last time I finished a book?

...Man, I can't even play this game.

Kim said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

The last book I finished was David Sedaris' "Me Talk Pretty One Day". I plowed through three of his books in four days, actually. His personal essays are like potato chips: not particularly profound, unlikely to change your life, and maybe a little bit fattening - but a great pleasure to munch away at, disappointed when the whole bag is gone.

Andi said...

Just finished I Am Legend (Richard Matheson), and while I loved the novella "I Am Legend" the included short stories didn't really blow my skirt up.

Now I don't know what to read. I'm thinking something quick and involving. Maybe some YA. A Great and Terrible Beauty looks like a good place to start.