A Bookish Brunch

I had brunch yesterday with fellow fast reader Alissa and Carey, who shared such astute insights into Brothers K. The time flew by, as it does when readers get together and get on the subject of books. It was such a pleasure to spend time with people who are as passionate about reading as I am. I got some book recommendations (I think I will be checking out Michael Chabon’s newest) and got to rave about mutual love for authors like Tolstoy and George RR Martin.

Later, at a barbecue, I met another woman who is a poet, and since she is also connected to me and Alissa and Carey I think that we’ll be making such conversations a regular occurrence.

This weekend I read another one of those brand-laden YA chicklit books that I get so many of for work. They depress me.

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Harold Bloom’s Five Books vs. Mine

In Newsweek this week, literary critic Harold Bloom offers his list of the five books he’d take to the desert island with him. Touchstone Magazine’s blog has some intriguing commentary, and some fun lists in the comments.

I will not be bringing the 2nd of 3 books I read tonight for work, because it was by-the-numbers chick lit. The five books I’d bring to the stupid desert island are: Continue reading

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Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (translated by Joel Carmichael)

Synopsis:

The tale of a society woman and her unconventional love affair contrasts with that of a landowner struggling with faith and duty.

Review:

Anna Karenina. The very words have struck me with fear and awe ever since a disastrous Russian History class in 12th grade, where I discovered my superpower’s limits for the first time. I elected to read Anna for my final paper because I wanted to read Anna, but I had four AP exams happening at the same time and should’ve chosen something much shorter. The whole thing blew up in my face and I ended up getting in trouble for not reading the entire book, which at my school was an honor offense. Since other girls in my class had out-and-out cheated, I ended up just having to take a C on the paper (which was very well-written on the 200 pages I actually read). I think that might have been what kept me out of my top-choice college but I ended up loving the school I went to so, as you see, things worked out for the best even though AP exams are my Kryptonite. Continue reading

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Anna Karenina + Bathtub – Super Bowl = Yes

My superpower appears to have weaknesses. My husband & I moved on Thursday, and it has been a whirlwind of unpacking, and I haven’t been able to relax enough to read until tonight. I did a chapter or two before bed, but not my usual hour of leisurely page turning. And last night, I actually fell asleep on the couch without reading a word all day! I think that had to do with being sick.

Fear not, blog readers–I am 300 pages into Anna Karenina and can’t put it down. I’m feeling the way I felt when I “discovered” Jane Eyre a few years back–that what I’m reading is what a book shall be. I should finish it within the week. Continue reading

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