This is what I’ve been doing…

for the past 10 weeks.  Not to mention writing, researching, making a website, and learning Italian.  I’m quite tired.

At least they, most of them anyway, were rather interesting books. I will probably give more in-depth reviews on these books in other posts but here’s a quick rundown for a few of them.

I highly recommend reading Jane Eyre. Not just because of the love story but also because of the brilliant job she did writing it and interweaving all sorts of symbolism and hidden meaning.  I’m definitely going to read it again.

Blu’s Hanging was, um, horrid at points but it was well written.  If you decide to read it you might want to grab a Hawaiian pigeon dictionary and be prepared for some cruel and graphic kitty scenes.  I wouldn’t have finished reading it if it wasn’t assigned because of the kitty abuse but it doesn’t continue throughout the novel.  There is also a lot of perverse sexuality in it, so considered yourself warned.

I think my second favorite book was Love Medicine.  If you decide to read it make sure you get the version that has the extra 3-4 chapters.  I managed to get a hold of the original version which was missing a few chapters, so I think I got a little screwed story wise.  There’s also two other books that go along with this one which I plan to buy; Tracks and The Beet Queen.  Love Medicine takes place on an Indian Reservation in North Dakota.  Each chapter is told from a different characters’ viewpoint, very intriguing way to read a book.

I also enjoyed The Awakening. It was published in 1899 but seems rather advanced for its time.  I won’t give away the ending but just remember to keep an open mind if you read it.  It’s the story of a woman realizing who she is and what she wants out of life and following her desires regardless of the society around her.

The Color Purple. I think half the population has read this book.  The other half has likely seen the movie, which from what I hear left A LOT out and doesn’t do it justice.  I hadn’t done either before my lit class this term, so maybe half and half isn’t exactly correct.  Anyway… the beginning of the novel is somewhat heart wrenching, but it gets better and it’s enlightening to see Celie’s transformation as you turn the pages.  I highly recommend reading this book also.

The other books were good too, I just don’t have anything to say about them right now. =)  Maybe later.  Well, I think I should remove my arse from the bed and accomplish something today.  Happy Holidays!!!

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Delightful.

I finally found some time in between all my school reading to read something uplifting and delightful.  I have always loved Audrey Hepburn, and the more I read about her the more fondness I have towards her.  How to Be Lovely is by no means a novel, but it’s filled with tidbits of Audrey and her philosophy on life.  Audrey knew about the things that really mattered in life and strove to live her life by those principles.  I admire Audrey and everything she did from Funny Face to UNICEF and my hope is to live my life not in her shadow, but in her philosophy.

There are several books out there about Audrey Hepburn.  This is the first one I’ve read, and if you like Ms. Hepburn you should pick it up.  There’s a book her son wrote about her that is supposed to be quite sensational called Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit.  If you don’t know much about Audrey perhaps start with this one as somebody so close to her probably knew her better than any other writer could possibly research.

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The Effect of Living Backwards

I was meandering about Barnes and Noble one day and just happened to see this book sitting pleasantly on a bookshelf.  Things opposite of “normal” tend to catch my eye so I picked it up, read a few pages, put it back on the bookshelf, went home and bought it online for much cheaper (Alibris, do check it out).  I do typically support book stores like B&N because I like them but I happen to be in the poor house right now so I am forced to cut corners.  You might ask “why not just borrow it from the library as that would be the cheapest way to obtain a book?”  This is true, but I’m a media junkie and like to not return the books I read.  Some women hoard shoes, I books and CD’s.

Anyway, it’s quite interesting and will keep your brain straining for a bit as you try to figure out what’s really going on and who is actually screwing who or if it’s all just a bunch of rubbish.  She makes you think back on your own experiences and question their validity.  Heidi Julavits is a talented writer, in my opinion, and I plan on reading her other books.  Do check this book out if you have the chance.  Or, if you know me, you can borrow my copy (as long as you give it back so I can make my Ikea bookshelf look ‘smart’).

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