It has been a while since I have reviewed or discussed any of the books that I've been reading so this post may get a bit long as I try and cover just what has been passing these eyes over the last few weeks.
Recently I was reading Diana Gabaldon's blog and came across a really great post called How do you Read? In it, Diana addresses the all important issue of reading. And how, where, and when she gets the time to read. And I have to say, I'm pretty darn impressed. I thought I was good sneaking in pages (rarely chapters) when the kids are actually playing nicely together, while I'm cooking breakfast, or feeding the kids their lunch. But Diana...let's just say I haven't progressed to doing it while brushing my teeth!! What a hero!! No wonder her books are so totally excellent!
So, what's been on my agenda lately?
The one that I have been wanting to blog about for a while was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
Not only is this brilliant, talented and funny writer Australia, apparently (according to my friend Jenny) he's also a bit of a cutie. Not that that bares any weight at all on his writing, I just thought I'd mention it. In case you were wondering. Now you know.Set in Nazi Germany this story is told from the perspective of Death, a sentient and rather compassionate being who has massively strong and caring arms with which to sweep up the millions of souls that die on his watch.
The story deals with a young girl's (Leisel Meminger) experience during the war. She is fostered into a home after her younger brother dies. Her foster parents are the most complex yet sweet-hearted characters I have read in a long time. And I can just picture Hans Hubermann's (her foster father) crinkly silver eyes.
Anyway, as the title indicates Leisel becomes, quite by accident, a book thief. After discovering a book at the grave of her younger brother, The Gravedigger's Handbook, she slowly yet enthusiastically develops a love for the written word. At a time when many books were condemned to the pyre, she, with the help of her touchingly loyal friend Rudy, acquires a variety of books to help fulfill her curious and intelligent mind.
The theme of World War 2 Germany is not a new one, yet I absolutely loved the way Zusak created it in The Book Thief. It was fresh and original and a delightfully inspiring read. This book stayed by my side - in the rumpus room, the kitchen and the bedside table. Couldn't leave it alone. (Much to the poor Captain's dismay.)
Next on my list is a return to an old favourite writer, Italo Calvino. I first met (in the literary sense) Calvino during my studies of Italian at Sydney University, 104 years ago.
To say that I didn't quite get him in Italian would be an understatement but I fell in love with him in English. I have just borrowed Invisible Cities from the library and it blows me away.
This short story is actually a clever collection of descriptions of cities, given by the explorer Marco Polo to the great Kublai Khan. The reader learns, though, that he is actually just describing the one city to the Chinese ruler. The incomparable Venice.
With superlative imagery and adjectives, Calvino is a master at creating the scene, without being repetitive or boring. I look forward to finishing this book, just so I can read it again and discover what I've missed!! This one lives in the rumpus room, because with it's singular page chapters, I'm sure to get a few good chapters in each day!!
La Bella Figura by Beppe Severgnini was originally borrowed as research for my story (which I have yet to detail on here - sorry!) but turned out to be such a funny account of "the Italian mind" that I ended up reading it just for the humour!
If you are planning to travel to Italy or you are interested in the Italian way of life, or the people, or their food, or their art or architecture, please read this book. That's all I'm going to say on that. It beats The Lonely Planet guide by a million. (How's that for an eloquent review?!)
I have also started re-reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon because I actually read this book first (even though it's number 6 in the series!) without realising! So now that I've read the other seven I'm going back to my beginning to discover all the wonderful things I missed out on the first time!!
There are a couple of other books that I'm currently coasting, but I won't go into them just yet.
I hope you're all reading something (even if it just this blog once in a blue moon!!) and please share...
What are you reading now? Or what have you just finished that was really worthwhile??
Ciao xox
3 comments:
I would love to be able to read while making breakfast but I would just end up reading the same sentence over and over. Anyway since you asked, here is what I'm reading at the moment.
"Choosing Gratitude" - pretty self-explanatory.
"The Mother At Home" - written by a minister in the 1800's this book talks about disciplining children. Some examples are so extreme that they're almost funny but he does have lots of good tips.
"For the Children's Sake" - Lots of great ideas for teaching children.
"Mommy Teach Me" - Montessori approach to teaching pre-schoolers.
"Sanctuary" - how to make your house a home.
Geez, Lis anything lighthearted on your shelf?? I think I'd go crazy if I didn't at least have one novel going!!! Thanks for the feedback!
I can't remember the last novel I read. I don't have time for such lighthearted whimsy haha.
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