Reading lately?
I’ve been trudging though Light in August by William Faulkner (which sounds so nice, doesn’t it?) and had to put it down because I was getting depressed. I loved the new be-seen-reading novel Freedom by Jonathan Franzen and read it in a week. I was lucky enough to take a plane ride right after it came out and got to cradle it to myself the whole time and glared at the attendants when they interrupted me (“yes, I’ll take a bloody mary, please. *sigh* yes I have my ID.”). Franzen writes like John Updike did—attempting to sum up whole generations and complicated stories. His characters always stick with me. Next up: David Sedaris’ new book, and his first ever fiction, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk. I was getting a little sick of the “this is a true story” bit, and I’m looking forward to reading something unabashedly made up by him. And then (!) Nora Ephron’s memoir I Remember Nothing. I love the way she writes. I read I Feel Bad about My Neck like three times. She is my writing icon. Comes out November 9th.
Photo is an old Kate Spade ad, of course.
10 Comments
Annie
I started more books than I finished this summer and read a lot of bad books given to me by certain relatives. I realized I do not like depressing books! In the trash can went The Outcast. Wasn’t crazy about The Post Office Girl. Kind of liked The Cellist of Sarajevo. I liked Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. I kind of enjoyed Her Fearful Symmetry. I am reading Gourmet Rhapsody now after a food trip to SF. I have five stacks of ‘to read’ books waiting for my attention! I love to hear from others about books they cannot put down! I am halfway through The Help and feel that way about the book.
Rachael
Great reviews Annie. You reminded me that I wanted to read The Help, but never wanted to buy it at the Borders in airports, which is where I usually see it. You go through books so quickly!
Annie
Are you still hoping to come to Denver-I will save The Help for you!
Allie
I had to put down one of Faulkner’s books earlier in the year because it was so dreary. Still haven’t picked it back up. Glad you liked Freedom. I received a free audiobook version. Would you recommend reading it or would listening to it be just as nice? Also agree about Sedaris writing fiction. Too many memoirs. Be sure to update on your blog about what you thought.
Rachael
I love books on tape, so I think it would be great, especially if you have a commute. You would just have to be careful because the sex scenes are usually unexpected.
Allie
Ah thanks for the tip 🙂
prettyhumanbeings
You read Nora Ephron’s excerpt in September Vogue? She evoked both a tear and a chortle in a mere three pages. Magical.
Rachael
yes! It was such a treat to find. I imagine the memoir overall will be even sadder.
Eby
Have you read the Larsson Stieg series? I’m not usually into the whodunits but enjoyed reading on trend for a change. Also love The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (memoir) and just about anything by Ann Tyler or Jhumpa Lahiri.
Rachael
I read the first one and was depressed that the entire nation was obsessed with a book about rape. I’ve been told I should read the next two and reserve my criticism, which I will do since you liked them too. Thanks for the G.C. recommendation.