April Reading

Life has been busy, but I had to post about what I've read just to assure myself that I did get some reading time in, even though I read only a smidgen of what I would have liked to have read.  I'm already fantasizing about a reading binge in about a couple of weeks when a few stressful things come to completion.  Then it's party time!  (Or so I always think, and then I'm proven wrong.  But I have high hopes.)
One of my favorite April memories is our Spring Break Staycation in which the "fort of all forts" was built in our living room:

The picture just doesn't capture the coolness of it.  My kids spent several nights sleeping in it, as it was furnished with bed areas, and even an entertainment zone:

I was a bit jealous as I had to sleep in my own bed--not enough room for me in there.

Anyhow, April's reading mostly consisted of finishing books, short novels, and audiobooks for the usual accompaniment for housework.

Finished up this month

The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu  (Personal Enjoyment Rating: 2/5)
This only took me four months to read, and it was sheer compulsion that drove me through to the end.  At first I was entertained, especially by one long conversation in which Genji and his companions discuss what qualities they deem necessary in a woman.  These guys are going to be searching for a long time for a perfect woman that doesn't exist.  Which seems to be what Genji does, over and over and over again.  The repetition wore on me, but I had to finish what is considered by some to be the first novel in the world, written in Japan during the early 11th century.  There is much spontaneous spouting of poetic couplets, and lots of sleeves wet with tears (and snot, I presume).  Man, I really wanted them to invent Kleenex, those poor souls.

The Capture:  Guardians of Ga'Hoole #1 by Kathryn Lasky (Personal Enjoyment Rating 4/5)
I read this one aloud to my two youngest daughters ages 11 and 9 because my youngest had bought it at the book fair.  I'll admit, if I had read this alone I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much.  But my girls really got into it, asked so many questions, looked up pictures of owls on the internet, and just made it so much fun to read.  I was actually quite disturbed at the beginning of the book because the brainwashing of orphan owls creeped me out a bit.  I think maybe I've just read too much dystopian fiction and wondered where it was headed.  But it took a positive turn eventually, albeit with some fairly gruesome scenes, and ended with me feeling like I could fly if I just believe in myself.  BTW, the movie sucks compared to the book.

Short books

The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene (Personal Enjoyment Rating 4/5)
In thinking back on reading this short novel, the plot seems almost unremarkable, almost boring.  But I so love the way Greene writes that I simply don't care.  In my fantasy reading/blogging world, I plan give this book its own post.  So I'll leave it at that for now.

The First Battles:  A Sourcebook on the Civil War by Carter Smith (Personal Enjoyment Rating 4/5)
I feel a little silly even mentioning this one.  It is the first of a childrens series about the American Civil War.  I just feel the need to express my frustration that I have not yet been able to immerse myself in all things Civil War-related in the way that I envisioned for this year.  Just a sprinkling is all I've gotten, and it's just not good enough.  Maybe over the summer...

Audio Books

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming, narrated by Simon Vance (Personal Enjoyment Rating 4/5)
I was really worried that I wouldn't be able to follow along with a spy novel in audio format, but this was really very easy to listen to.  It turns out the most difficult part was listening to M being read as a man.   I mean, isn't M a woman who sounds like Dame Judi Dench?  I'm obviously a James Bond newbie who only feels the need to watch Bond movies in which I can be mesmerized by Daniel Craig's eyes, and in which the sexism of Fleming's character is tempered by giving the job of the head of MI6 to a woman.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carre (Personal Enjoyment Rating 3/5)
Feeling quite proud that I understood Casino Royale, I moved on to this highly recommended Smiley novel.  But this book made me feel DUMB!!  I had to admit to myself that I do not speak spy!  I think it was really one that I need to read in print.  I loved The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, and am willing to give this another one another chance someday.  In the meantime, I'm going to try to watch the BBC series.  Then maybe I'll know what happened in the book...

Really long book that I had to read in two weeks instead of eight because someone else placed a hold

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (Personal Enjoyment Rating 4/5)
I don't always appreciate comparisons to highly-popular books, but this one kind of struck me as "Harry Potter goes to university and drinks real booze instead of butterbeer."  There's much more to the book than that, but it sort of had the feel-good aspect of Harry Potter with a bit of an edge, and it was certainly not  a copy-cat of HP.  There's a lot of humor, ample adventure, and an overdose of romance in some parts.  Maybe my estrogen levels were just to low at the time, but the lovey-dovey parts are what took this original book down a point in my rating.  Otherwise, great entertainment!  I have the second book on hold, and some other patron will have to rush through it so I can get my turn.

In May, I hope to finally attempt a review of my experiences with Ulysses.  I just need to get a horrid history final out of the way first, and then hope there's something left in my brain to share.

Happy reading!

24-Hour Readathon: No-Go

I can't participate in the read-a-thon tomorrow, but I also couldn't just pretend it wasn't happening!  It is truly one of my favorite events of the year.  Hopefully next October will work better. Have fun reading, eating, blogging, twittering, etc.  I'm hoping to find some time to visit and see how everyone's doing.

The Devil and Miss Prym (Ulysses Survival Reading #4)

Author: Paulo Coelho
Narrator: Linda Emond
First Published: 2000
Source: Library
Challenge(s): From 1001 List

Personal Enjoyment Factor: 3/5

Only 16 pages left of Ulysses!!! I suppose I should just go on and finish, but I need a little break from Molly's "sentence". It reminds me of the 80's song "88 Lines About 44 Women" by The Nails, only it's probably 2,000 lines and (mostly) about men.  Molly has taken TMI to a whole new level in this novel, which I didn't think was possible.  I had no idea Joyce was holding out a little grossness to spring on me in the end.  

Thus I find myself wanting to share some thoughts on this short tale of Paulo Coelho's simply because it is quite the opposite of Ulysses.  Where Joyce's writing is earnestly complicated, and seems to avoid any inkling of a moral, Coelho's goal is simplicity, and to convey a message that will have some sort of uplifting effect upon the reader.  

In the case of The Devil and Miss Prym, the question explored is whether mankind is inherently good or evil.  A man with a tragic past comes to the small village of Visco, and promises a large amount of gold to the village if they will agree to murder just one person.  Discussions and justifications follow, as the people of the town decide if and who will be sacrificed for the future prosperity of Visco, or in some cases, for their own selfish gains.

In the end, the predictable message is that each individual chooses between good and evil within, rather than mankind as a whole being one or the other.  Our choices can be influenced by fears of loneliness, punishment, failure, or loss of reputation, but ultimately we are responsible for our own choices. Forgive me, but my main thought upon finishing this was "Duh!"   Am I taking it for granted that most people feel this way already, or do I live in a bubble?

Whatever the case, I found the story interesting even if it was not paradigm-shifting.  I find myself underwhelmed by Coelho, but it may just be a case of inflated expectations.  On the back flap of the book cover, it says "Paulo Coelho is one of the most beloved authors of our time.  With sales of more than 75 million copies worldwide, his books have been translated into 61 languages and published in 150 countries."  With all of that fanfare, I think I just expect more of something.  Not just a reinforcement of something I already believe, expressed through a story that I found somewhat unbelievable.

Did Joyce care about whether mankind was good or evil?  I've done such a superficial reading of Ulysses that I can't be sure, but the overall feeling I get is that mankind is what it is, and that's all there is to it.  We live, we think, we die.   At least that's what I've gotten from the first 917 pages...

Two by Jessica Day George (Ulysses Survival Reading #2-#3)

It's actually been a few weeks since I've read these, but right now I'm in the middle of Episode 15 of Ulysses, which involves prostitutes, a lucky potato, and a generous amount of nightmarish gibberish that I don't understand, all put together in the form of a play with a million characters.  It's time for an intermission.  Refreshments wouldn't hurt, either.

These two books allowed me to escape into a fantasy world much different than that of Stephen Dadelus or Leopold Bloom, thank goodness.  Jessica Day George is clearly first and foremost a storyteller.  From page one until the end, the story (in each book) is engaging, easy to read, and I was rooting for the good guys to win.  In both of these books, the "good guy" is a strong female lead who uses her wits to get the job done.  Not much time is spent on characterization or inner monologues (take that, Joyce!), which may sound like a weakness, but it contributes to the feel of sitting by a campfire riveted to a humorous and adventurous story that lets you escape into a different world.  Which is what I needed.

For more information on what these books are actually about, you can check out the information on the author's website.  I knew next to nothing about these stories before I picked them up, and I liked it that way. I will just let you know that one involves huge polar bears, trolls, and a nameless girl who can talk to animals, and the other includes dragons, a spoiled princess, and shoes that itch.  No lucky potatoes--hallelujah!

Sun, Moon, Ice and Snow

Published 2008
336 pages

Personal Enjoyment Factor:  3.5/5

Dragon Slippers

Published 2007

324 pages

Personal Enjoyment Factor:  4/5

Thank you, Jeeves (Ulysses Survival Reading #1)

Author: P.G. Wodehouse
Originally Published: 1934
Length:  229 pages
Source: Library
Challenge(s): 1001+
Personal Enjoyment Factor: 4/5

About Bertie:

"Mr. Wooster, miss," he said, "is, perhaps mentally somewhat negligible, but he has a heart of gold."

About Jeeves:  

I must say I can't see why Jeeves shouldn't go down in legend and song.  Daniel did, on the strength of putting in half an hour or so in the lions' den and leaving the dumb chums in a condition of suavity and camaraderie; and if what Jeeves had just done wasn't entitled to rank well above a feat like that, I'm no judge of form.

One cannot be expected to read Ulysses exclusively, or else one might become mentally deranged.  Consequently,  I've picked up a few reading selections on the lighter side. It seemed a good time to discover the "comic genius" of Wodehouse.

Thank You, Jeeves fit the bill perfectly.  This is my first introduction in any format to Bertie Wooster, who has a knack for getting into sticky situations, and his valet, Jeeves, who inevitably shows up to save the day.  In this first full-length novel of the pair, Bertie's annoying banjolele playing has driven Jeeves into other employment, and Bertie must move into a cottage where he can develop his musical "talents" without the complaints of neighbors.  While there, Bertie encounters (and often creates) situations worthy of an I Love Lucy episode as he tries to bring two lovers together despite the obstacles.  And he wouldn't be able to pull it off without the help of the ever-resourceful Jeeves.

Did it make me laugh?  I found the first three-quarters of the book pleasantly, but mildly humorous.  During the last part, however, I had more than a few satisfying belly laughs, some involving one of my favorite foods--butter.  I immediately added Jeeves and Wooster to my Netflix queue, and I'm ready for more chuckles (and a break from Joyce's epic conundrum).  I would also love to go back and read the short stories that preceded this novel.  I have a feeling it's the kind of humor that builds as you go along.  I am left with only one question:  Where can I get my very own Jeeves?? I need, I need!

Ulysses Readalong - Pride, Humility, and Shock

Before beginning Ulysses, I had this idea that if I really applied myself--took notes, read and reread, researched different commentaries--I would "get" it, all in one go.  Go ahead and have a good laugh at that one.  It took about 20 pages of note taking filled with question upon question to accept that not only do I not have the time for such a detailed reading, but it also was not getting me any nearer to comprehension.  Which was really sad, because during my reading of The Odyssey, I actually took notes on every other page to leave room for what would be my copious Ulysses notes: 

Yeah, I'm pretty nerdy, but I think I'm in good company.

Ulysses, of course, is not so neat and tidy.  It's more of a crazy, chaotic mess.  One that will take more than one reading to make any sense of, and then, I suspect, it will still be a crazy, chaotic mess.

So I threw aside the notebook, shunned any outside commentary, and began to read Ulysses naked.  (Meaning the book, not myself.  Not that Joyce would mind a bit of nudity.  I'm sure he would fully approve of me reading on, say, the toilet or in the bathtub, and then relating all of the details on my blog.)

And then, here comes the shocking thing:  I actually like it!  It's a true Life moment:



What I am most enjoying is the random rhythm of the writing.   I couldn't say exactly what it is, but my brain is entertained by it.  I don't even have to know what he's talking about [sigh of relief].  Something about the combination of short phrases, incomplete thoughts, one-word "sentences", words scrunched together, and playful alliteration all add up to a some sort of drunken party of language.  I've come to look forward especially to phrases that are sort of ticklish:

• "Croppies lie down" (38).
• "Oot:  a dullgarbed old man from the curbstone tendered his wares, his mouth opening:  oot" (116).
• "Lovephiltres.  Paragoric poppysyrup bad for cough"  (104).
• "Boys are they?  Yes.  Inishturk.  Inishark.  Inishboffin.  At their joggerfry.  Mine.  Slieve Bloom." (70).

Other parts I find just plain gross, even more so than the booger and bathroom situations:

Perched on high stools by the bar, hats shoved back, at the tables calling for more bread no charge, swilling, wolfing gobfuls of sloppy food, their eyes bulging, wiping wetted moustaches. . . A man spitting back on his plate:  halfmasticated gristle:  no teeth to chewchewchew it (215).

And some passages I do find darkly beautiful:

A cloud began to cover the sun wholly slowly wholly.  Grey. Far.

No, not like that.  A barren land, bare waste.  Vulcanic lake, the dead sea:  no fish, weedless, sunk deep in the earth.  No wind would life those waves, grey metal, poisonous foggy waters.  Brimstone they called it raining down:  the cities of the plain:  Sodom, Gomorrah, Edom.  All dead names.  A dead sea in a dead land, grey and old.  Old now.  It bore the oldest, the first race . . . (73)

There is one statement that actually sunk in a bit--I can at least pretend I understand what he's getting at: 

"Like him was I, these sloping shoulders this gracelessness.  My childhood bends beside me.  Too far for me to lay a hand there once or lightly"  (34).

I have found that I do not like the conversational bits.  I am not offended by the unconventional dashes, I'm just bored by their dialogue.  I'm more comfortable inside Bloom's brain.  Frightening!

I have also been largely ignorant of the many allusions I've heard about.  Of course I can see The Odyssey intertwined into the plot, and a few things that gave me vague Shakespeare vibes, but that's about it. 

So, for now, I'm enjoying the novelty of Joyce's experimentation.  But I am wondering how long it will take for the "novelty" to wear off.  There are many more pages for it to morph into "been there, done that." (I'm behind in my reading, I'm not even sure where I'm--my edition has no chapters.)  But maybe Joyce has more up his.

Ulysses Readalong - Page One

I'm already behind on my reading schedule for Ulysses, due to a shortage of reading time combined with the complexity of material--is this really written in my native tongue?  But I will not be vanquished, James!

I have moved beyond the first page, but I thought I would show why my pace is so slow by sharing my notes/thoughts  from just page one.  I'm probably admitting a good portion of ignorance on my part, but I'll just lay it all out:

• "Stately, plump Buck Mulligan"--stately and plump don't seem to go together.
• Buck's dressing gown--"sustained gently"  strange choice of words, also kind of oxy-moronic 
• "Introibo ad altare Dei" --what the heck does this mean, look up online
• "he peered down"  the stairs but called "up", then tells "Kinch" to come up.  Huh?  Where are these characters positioned.
• gunrest?  what part of the stairs is this, look up online
• what's the deal with the blessing, gurgling, shake his head?  Is he being critical of religion?  Is it significant that the mirror and razor were "crossed"?
• Stephen Dedalus - I think Dedalus was the one who tried to build wings to fly to the sun but burned up, look up online.  Why does Buck call him Kinch?  Look up in dictionary/online.
• Buck's face long like a horse, hair like an oak.  Untonsured-check dictionary
• Why does he look in the bowl?  Why does he say "Back to the barracks"?
• "Christine" Christian?  Ouns-check dictionary.  White corpuscles?????  I'm pretty sure I know what corpuscles are, but check dictionary to clarify.  What would this have to do with him mocking a sermon?
• Why does he start whistling, and who answers with a whistle?  Why does he stick the word "Chrysostomos" into the paragraph.  Check dictionary or look up online.

Just 932 more pages of this stuff. 

Two general impression I have from the rest that I have read so far are that Buck is an annoying jerk, and I'm really grossed out that he wiped this razor with a dirty snot rag.

Today, thanks to the flu, I have time to read.  One of my ears is plugged up and it's messing with my equilibrium.  Feeling off-balance and reading Joyce should go hand in hand. 

Not that this post is a great selling point, but if you want to join in the fun*, this readalong is hosted by Jill at Fizzy Thoughts.

*For the record, I do honestly find this fun, otherwise I wouldn't be doing it.  Maybe I'm as unhinged as Joyce seems to be.