Nothing exciting

[angela_o]

Yep, that pretty much sums up my day thus far. I remember when weekends used to be a lovely 48 hours of sloth and indolence. Then I had children. Now, my weekends are often spent carting one or another of the minions hither and yon and today was no exception. Ah, one of the myriad joys of motherhood. lol There really should be a sarcasm font don't you think?

Since I obviously have nothing of earthshattering import to say, I will instead pose a question. Summer swim team season started this past week and that means that I have many hours of poolside time in my immediate future waiting for the aforementioned minions to finish their respective practices. Therefore, I need to have lots of books lined up to read to pass the time. What 5 books would you recommend as can't miss reads? Don't feel constrained by time period, anything from classics to just published is fine. As for genre, I read almost anything, with the possible exception of fantasy. So, pleace rec away. It's practically a public service. :)

We're at 22. Sightings are slowing down over the past two days. Although there are an apalling number of other makes and models in the same lurid shade. I just don't get the attraction for the regular buyer. lol

Comments

[blueness.livejournal.com]

It would take me a little while to come up with 5 recommendations, especially as I do read quite a bit of fantasy, but the one book that I've read recently that I would recommend very highly is The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It is about a man who regularly finds himself involuntarily transported through time, the woman he loves, and their strange, chronologically twisted relationship. That description makes it sound pretty weird, and I guess it is, but it is beautifully written, has an intriguing storyline (even if it makes your head spin at times), and is just a damn good read.

Also, I don't know if you're at all interested in Rob Thomas' young adult novels, but Rats Saw God and Doing Time are good reads for Veronica Mars fans. They don't have any mystery or anything, but there's that same good character interaction. Skip Green Thumb, that one's more action/adventure for 13 year olds, and I didn't find it very compelling, though I probably would have enjoyed it 10 years ago just fine. I haven't been able to get my hands on his others yet.

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

The Time Traveler's Wife was one of my two favorite books of 2004. It is simply wonderful isn't it? Both heartbreaking and hopeful. I reread it immediately upon finishing it because there was so much nuance and I knew that I hadn't caught it all. Very good recommendation. :) Have you heard that they're making a movie adaptation? Gus Van Sant is directing. I wonder if the adaptation will be another example of the "never judge a book by its movie" truism?

I haven't read any of RT's young adult novels, but I love YA books, so I'll definitely check and see if my local library has any of them.

My husband is a big fantasy reader as well. Sadly, trying to read Tolkien in junior high school turned me off the entire genre. Although there have been a few random things that I've liked. Zelazny's Princes in Amber series and Eddings jewel series (Kalten is a riot) spring to mind. As a rule though, I prefer sci-fi to fantasy.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[blueness.livejournal.com]

Hehe, I'm glad to hear that you loved that book as much as me, but sorry that my recommendation wasn't any use to you. I actually borrowed it from my mom, but I haven't been able to bring myself to give it back. I just might forget to do that until she asks about it. The idea of a movie about it makes me very nervous. I'm sure I'll go see it, but it's hard to imagine that it would translate well.

I quite enjoyed the Amber series, but I've actually never read any Eddings. Have you read any Sheri S. Tepper? She's mostly sci-fi, though sometimes she crosses with fantasy. I always enjoy her books. If you haven't read any of hers I would suggest starting with The Family Tree, my personal favorite.

[blueness.livejournal.com]

Oh, and an important question. What was your other favorite book of 2004? If it's on the level of Time Traveler's Wife then I might have to give it a read.

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

It looks like we've got a considerable overlap in our reading tastes. I've read lots of Sheri Tepper. Some I've liked more than others, but they always make you think. Have you read Kage Baker? She's the sci-fi writer that I'm recommeding these days. Her Novels of the Company are excellent. Time traveling cyborgs with fascinating backstories, a big mystery, and tons of pop culture references which sounds cheesy in theory, but works really well in practice.

My other favorite book of 2004 was actually nonfiction. It's entitled The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson. A fascinating juxtaposition of the planning and implementation of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and its impact on the nation and the actions of the first American urban serial killer who was operating on its outskirts. It was riveting. Larson is a nonfiction writer with a novelist's sensibilities.

As for Time Traveler's Wife, I've managed to acquire multiple copies so I can lend it out to friends. At least four of my friends have read it so far. It occurred to me on rereading that all of Claire's major life events (losing her virginity, getting married, becoming pregnant with her surviving child, dying) all happen with an out of time Henry. Not to mention that the two places that Henry gets pulled to repetitively are both tied to death. His mother's accident and the Claire's meadow where he's shot. It's hard to believe that was Audrey Niffenegger's first novel.

[blueness.livejournal.com]

I've never head of Kage Baker, but it sounds like I should definitely check her out. I've read a lot more fantasy than sci fi, not because I like it better but because I have friends who give me great fantasy recommendations, while not so much with sci fi.

My mom actually had The Devil in the White City laying around awhile ago, too. I thought it looked interesting, but never got around to reading it. I'll have to keep a lookout for it.

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

Do check out Kage Baker and let me know what you think. My husband and I both love her books.

[marcolette.livejournal.com]

I don't actually have any book recommendations for you because I haven't had much time to read lately, and nothing I've read has stood out enough to mention. I've been doing a Pride and Prejudice marathon thing this week - reread the book last week, and then watched the BBC miniseries today. Great comfort-reading, but probably not helpful to you. I did want to say, though, that I am, as a childless person, in the midst of my own 48 hours of sloth and indolence. And it's nice, but not always all it's cracked up to be, either. :)

As for the XTerras, have you considered that you haven't seen 22 of them at all? I'm pretty sure that all the VM fanfic authors out there are wrong about Logan running off to Mexico for the summer. I think he's bolted to NC. You thought you'd seen 22 different yellow XTerras, but is in, fact, one yellow XTerra and Logan is stalking you.

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

I reread Pride and Prejudice a couple of years ago. I've never seen the BBC miniseries although I have friends who adore it. Or maybe that's just that they seem to adore Colin Firth in it. lol As for the sloth and indolence, thanks for reminding me that the grass is greener, etc. I actually really enjoy my kids. It's always amazing to me how such varied and distinct personalities can originate from the same set of parents.

As for the Logan stalking scenario, that's not nearly as disturbing a thought as it probably should be. lol Hey, he could be headed to the coast to give East Coast surfing a try. ;)

[muffinkath7.livejournal.com]

WHAATTTTTTTTT!!! Angela, Shame!!!! Rent it immediately!

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

I knew that you'd be horrified. lol

[chrisjournal.livejournal.com]

I hardly know you well enough to rec books, but I'll throw in a plug for two real favorites: The Red Tent, and Atonement

Which swim league? There are a bunch of Durham teams on the roster for the Vance Acquatics team both of my boys are on...

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the recs. I read The Red Tent several years ago for my book group and very much enjoyed it. The idea of having a scheduled time of refuge every month was very enticing. Atonement, however, is one that I've not read. One question though, do you find it to be an ultimately hopeful book? I think that I've tended to shy away from McEwan because his subject matter is often so heavy. Does he manage to balance the weight of the subject so that it doesn't become overwhelming?

As for swimteams, we're part of the Parkwood Piranhas of the Durham Summer Swim League. My husband is one of the coaches in fact. We're trying to threepeat as DSSL Champions this year, but it's going to be tough. Although my oldest is determined to do all he can to make it happen. lol

[chrisjournal.livejournal.com]

Ahhh. One of the big teams -- we're in the tiny division, but I remember watching Parkwood at the finals the last couple of years. I'm sure we'll be there this year, too.

As for 'Atonement,' I'm not sure I would call it ultimately hopeful, but I do think there's something positive about it. The subject matter is undeniably heavy, but I think it...contains...one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read. It moved me profoundly when I read it. McEwan's hand with language is masterful. Although it took me a chapter or two to sink into the rhythm, once I fell into it, I was lost.

I think it's worth the investment of time and energy, if only to read what has to be the most erotic scene I've encountered in modern fiction.

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

I think it's worth the investment of time and energy, if only to read what has to be the most erotic scene I've encountered in modern fiction.

Well, that's certainly a compelling statement. I'll put it on my list of things to check out. Thanks for the recommendation.

As for Parkwood, yes, we're the big team. But, that's mainly because we're one of the only teams in the league that doesn't require that families join the swim club in order to have their kids on the team. It's a really supportive environment and I love the way that the older kids act as cheerleaders for the younger swimmers. That sense of team spirit is one of the best things about the experience in my opinion. All 4 of my kids are on the team this year, although the youngest (not quite 6) may not actually compete. It's her first year on the team.

Plus, on a strictly shallow level, I grew up in GA so red and black work for me as team colors. lol

[muffinkath7.livejournal.com]

Lucky you, Angela! I just got back from the lake...where I read four books in the space of 72 hours and three of them were great. And, so, without further ado, I recommend:

1) Since I know you're on a non-fiction kick, as am I - "Inside the Olympics" by Dick Pound. He's Canadian, so you might have trouble getting your hands on it, but it's basically a series of essays on various Olympic issues by the ultimate insider...

2) the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich...My sister has been trying to get me to read these for a year, and I finally did this weekend. I'm now addicted. I read the first two this weekend (One for the Money and Two for the Dough) and they were both unputdownable (is that a word? It is now!)

Because you requested five, here are some old faves of mine:

3) Ride the Wind by Lucia St. Clair Robson

4) Lady of the Forest by Jennifer Roberson

5) And, since you've been disappointed by Star Wars this week, why not some GOOD star wars? The Heir to the Empire trilogy by Timothy Zahn are EVERYTHING Star Wars should be. I couldn't put them down, and they were what inspired the rebirth of my love for the idea of Star Wars. A lot of the Star Wars books are crapity crap, but these ones are brilliant.

[angela-o.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the recommendations Kath. I've already read (and reread) all the Stephanie Plum's. I read the first three in one night. They're addictive!!

I'll check out the others. Although my initial response to the idea of "GOOD Star Wars" was oxymoron. lol The Olympics one sounds intriguing though.

Thanks for playing "rec that book". :)

Angela

[muffinkath7.livejournal.com]

I know that the idea of Star Wars books being GOOD seems like an oxymoron...hee...but trust me. These ones are totally worth the time.