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.