Reading Update

(4) The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger

Everyone knows this book by name even if they haven't read it. It is a classic of American literature that is assigned in almost every high school English class. Amazingly enough, it was not assigned in any of mine, so this was the first time I had read it.

The book was interesting. It was quite well-written yet I wouldn't say I particularly "liked" it. That is because the subject matter is dark, portraying a child with very little hope and a grim even if ultimately true outlook on the world and on the people he comes in contact with. Holden sees very little redemption in the world. Let down time and time again by "phony" people he searches for some meaning and purpose in the world to no avail.

I would recommend it for its accurate portrayal of life with no hope of redemption.

Reading Update

(3) Carry on, Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse

Wonderful! I can't wait to start the next collection of stories about Jeeves and Wooster.

Reading Update

(2) 100 Cupboards - N.D. Wilson

Very Fun!

This is a children's book that I am guessing is aimed at the 12 - 14 year-old range. Perhaps a bit too scary in places for much younger than that. I enjoyed it though and I'm 32! It is part one in a series of three and I definitely plan on reading the other two.

Reading Update

(1) My Man Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse

I have discovered an author that I love! Laugh-out-loud moments and all smiles as I read about the adventures of Bertie Wooster and his hilariously clever servant Jeeves. This book is a collection of short stories, about half of which are focused on Jeeves and Wooster, the other half on Wodehouse's early versions of the same characters. If you know nothing about Wodehouse, check out the Wiki article on him and then grab a story and enjoy.

New Year - Try Again!

As you can see from the lack of recent posts, I failed in my attempt to read 24 books last year. I dare say I came closer than the blog intimates, but I can't remember what the books were that I read, yet failed to comment on here. Anyway, I will once again try for 24 books this year, but will be altering slightly the way I comment on those books. One of the reasons for the lack of posts is that when I did finish a book, I had no desire to write a detailed account of my thoughts on it. So this year I reserve the right to write one-sentence or even one-word reviews of the books I read. In some cases no doubt, I will be so captivated by a book that I will find it necessary to pontificate at great length on its excellence and so in those cases, a lengthy review will occur. So wish me luck!

Reading Update

(14) The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education - Craig Mullaney

This is one of the best books I have read in some time. Mullaney tells his story from his time at West Point, through his days as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford, to the battlefields of Afghanistan, and more. His writing is marvelous and turns this biography into a page-turner. I recommend it without reservation!

Reading Update

(13) The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - J.R.R. Tolkien

As anyone reading this will know, this is part two of the famous trilogy. One thing I noticed in reading this book was how different it was from Peter Jackson's movie. The book spans a much greater period of time than the movie. For example, the battle at Helm's Deep, which is the final battle scene in the film, takes place in the first third of the book. Anyway, a great book that everyone should find the time to read.