Photo from US Navy
It’s been awhile since I’ve asked this of anyone, but what the hell: would you mind looking at this strange growth on my—wait, hold up, mixed up my notes.
This post is about reading. Yes, that’s right. So, what are you reading right now? What are you planning to read this year?
Me, I’m currently navigating through Moby-Dick for our book group, and excerpts from two novels being workshopped in my writer’s group. After Melville I’ll get back into Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (I’m a little over halfway home there), and then plan on diving into The Book of Lost Things, by John Connelly. From there it’s finally time to open Drood, by Dan Simmons.
Also on the 2012 to-read list are Affliction, by Russell Banks, Freedom, by Jonathan Franzen, and The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. Then there’s State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett and The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, by Aimee Bender.
Hopefully, I can get these (and more?) in between my writing projects. Of course, to quote Stephen King, “If you don’t have time for reading, you don’t have time for writing.” And if you disagree, he will fight you.
Send me your lists!
I am currently reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, author of Seabiscuit. It’s the story of Louie Zamperini, an Olympic class runner whose hopes were dashed by WWII and further dashed by being shot down into the Pacific, then captured and interred by the Japanese. It’s excellent but I don’t yet see where the horse fits in and he becomes really obnoxious in the lifeboat. I am also reading “The Pueblo”, an account of an American spy frigate captured by the North Koreans in 1969. Too early to tell but I hope there isn’t a horse in it.
Fantastic, Scott. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Unbroken, but you’re not the only one wondering where the horse fits in. The horse is pretty frustrated too. I don’t know anything about “The Pueblo,” but it sounds intriguing. I wonder if those North Koreans may have eaten that pony?
I’ve recently discovered Terry Pratchett. He’s sold millions of books so I suppose I’m at the tail-end of the parade. Started with “Good Omens” which he co-authored with Neil Gaiman. Then into some of the Discworld series. He effortlessly weaves fantasy, satire, and hilarity into gripping stories. Time after time. It’s hardly fair.
Thanks Tim. I’ve never read him but I do have Good Omens up there on the shelf. I can see it now, staring at me, wondering why I haven’t given it any attention. Based on your recommendation, I’ll have to check Mr. Pratchett out sooner than later.