This book was beautifully written, but difficult to read from the standpoint that it examines the depths of human suffering. And yet, the author manages to make everything ok in the end, even if not in the traditional sense. It is a very powerful book, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Housekeeping - 1001 Books style
Now that I have completed my first book from the 2010 version of the list (see post on Elegance of the Hedgehog), I have to go update my Excel spreadsheet. I am thinking that I will keep separate tabs for each version (a kind Goodreads friend has sent me the books added to the 2008 and 2010 versions). I will keep a running total for each version and a SUPERTOTAL for all books read from all versions. My supertotal is up to 28, I guess with the two recent additions. Woo-hoo. Now to make more progress on Crime and Punishment and start the pre-cursors to the Dorothy L. Sayers list books. Happy reading everyone!
Elegance of the Hedgehog - 2010 version of the LIST
I don't usually like character studies as they tend to be slow moving in my experience. However, I did not find this to be slow moving at all. I found it to be one of the most beautiful books that I have ever read. To the point that I literally teared up as I completed it just now. The language is beautiful. The descriptions of the other tenants by both the narrators is priceless. The movement of the book through short chapters and the exchange of the narration between a 12 year old girl and a 54 year old woman was marvelous. As someone who obtained a minor in Russian in college, and read Anna Karenina with Oprah, I definitely enjoyed the references to this text. I can't say enough good things about this book. I am so glad that my mother-in-law recommended it. It is on the 2010 version of the 1001 Books to Read Before you Die list, and for good reason. I can't wait to pick up Gourmet Rhapsody from the local library. It is definitely now on my to read list.
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