long overdue book report

[vernacular_life]

My book consumption has dropped WAY down since I've stopped pumping, although I expect it to pick up next week, as I'm going to be riding the light rail/subway 1 hr each way as opposed to 20 minutes (training session out of the office)

The last 2 (non baby sleep) books I read:



Sharp Objects, by Gilian Flynn


REALLY enjoyed this.  I was pulled in by the first paragraph.  Really enjoyed the way that even thought it was told in first person, we didn't know the main character until about 2/3 of the way through the book. Kind of creepy, but not not in a "BOO" kind of way, but more in a slow, unsettling way. 
Grade:  A- (minus only because I haven't thought about it much since I finished it)



Little Children, by Tom Perrotta

Also really enjoyed this, and thought about it a LOT after finishing it.   Picked it up primarily because Kate Winslet plays the lead in the film, and I adore her (haven't seen the film yet).  Ended up liking the book a LOT more than I thought I would.   This book would be fantastic to discuss - lots of really well developed, complex characters who struggle with putting their own needs before their kids' (or not!), outward anger/vigilance to cover for one's own unhappiness, Playground/Mommy Drama.....the list goes on. 

Never read any of Perotta's books before, but will add them to my list.  Anyone who can make me feel sympathetic for a suspected child molester is an awesome writer!




Currently reading The Glass Castle, by Jeanette Walls, which is usually the kind of thing that I'd skip over (not much for whoa-was-I memoirs), but I put it on my interlibrary loan list ages ago and it just came in.  Very good read thus far (nicely unsympathetic) - almost made me miss my train stop this morning!



What have YOU  read recently that's good?

Comments

[ee-chick.livejournal.com]

Those sound good, though I'm a little creeped out at the thought that I'll feel sympathy for a suspected child molester...

The best books that I've read recently are Interpreter of Maladies and I Claim the Castle. Both were excellent, though the first was a bit depressing.

[vernacular-life.livejournal.com]

I know that its sounds illogical to feel bad for the pediphile, and I did ook myself out a bit, but the character is shown as human, which is remarkable for a writer IMHO...

Who's the author of the 2nd book? I can't find it on amazon....

[ee-chick.livejournal.com]

That's because I got the title wrong. :blushing: I *Capture* the Castle, by Dodie Smith. http://www.amazon.com/I-Capture-Castle-Dodie-Smith/dp/0312201656 It's kind of young adult, but a great book.

Also, we read The Glass Castle for my book club, and I really enjoyed it. I loved that she was so matter-of-fact.

[lavidamd.livejournal.com]

I actually enjoyed Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson. The movie rights HAVE been purchased. The rumor is that Harrison Ford will play the part of Everton Conger. But, http://www.surratt.org is reporting that production of the movie has been pushed back to 2009.

I guess they have to wait until the new Indiana Jones movie comes out. (?)

[vernacular-life.livejournal.com]

that sounds good! I remember a number of years ago the Washington Post Sunday magazine followed Booth's journey through Maryland - it was fascinating!