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]

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.