Whoops... I think I forgot some
I realized that I've not been as dedicated to my blog as I was supposed to. I've read so many books, meanwhile, that I can't list them all. Some great picks were:
Running with Scissors: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs - Not for the innocent, but rather interesting. It's the story of one boy's life growing up with a rather strange psychologist as a pseudo-dad.
Guenevere, Queen of the Summer Country by Rosalind Miles - I liked this book, in spite of the fact that I've dis-liked Guenevere ever since I read The Mists of Avalon. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm still no fan of Guenevere and I think that making her a pagan while Morgan le Fay becomes a nun who practiced black magic while in the convent is a little far-fetched. Actually, her whole depiction of Morgan was disturbing - a sex-crazed woman who seduces all of the men with her "mind control" abilities. However, I did plow through the whole book, through thigh-friendships thick and thin, which implies that the story line was interesting enough to hold my attention (if only to see how crazy it got).
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen - I've decided to pick up some classics in my "old age"(HA!). For some reason, Jane Austen seemed a good place to start, if only because I'm addicted to the A&E production of Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth). I have already read Pride and wanted to move on to another of Austen's novels. Sense seemed like a good choice to me. I enjoyed the book, although the writing style slowed me down a considerable amount. I'm always annoyed at the snobby characters (Fanny, for instance) and their ability to influence those who are weak-minded and rich (John). Silly Marianne has no sense of manners, which makes it easier for men like Willoughby to become attracted to her and consequently, leaves her quite a mess when she realizes that Willoughby can not reciprocate the love she has for him. Elinor, on the other hand, is so intent on doing the right thing that she often harms herself. While keeping little Lucy's secret was the right thing to do, it put an unnecessary hardship upon Elinor that could have been alleviated by telling someone like her sister. Telling Mrs. Jennings, on the other hand, would have been a blunder, as gossip, I think, is her middle name. All in all, I enjoyed the book. I like that when you read Austen's novels, you feel the attachment between the characters without any gratuitous sex scenes.
I find it helpful before reading Austen to check out SparkNotes to get the skinny on the novel and its characters.
