I have three books going at the moment:
L’Elégance du Herisson by Muriel Barbery. I am on page 155 right now and still quite unsure whether I like this book or not, in any case, I think this is a good discussion book and I see now why so many people have had such mixed feelings about it. I like the writing, and I like the concept although I have some reservations about the overall project. I’m a little wary about the overweening awe of Japanese culture by everyone in the book. But this statement deserves a much longer explanation and I’ll get to that in a few days. Again, I should finish before I start spouting these opinions!
Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman. This is a wonderful, wonderful book, a little gem for all book lovers. Fadiman’s writing is a pure delight and her thoughts on reading and books so easy to identify with. I loved the essay on merging her library with her husband’s after nearly ten years of marriage and the perils of what to do with double copies, how to organize and where to place the books throughout the apartment.
Goldberg: Variations by Gabriel Josipovici. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to sit and read this book in one sitting, which is what I feel it deserves. I might just start again when I have the time to read it as a piece. But the writing is lovely and I’m enjoying following the threads from each variation to another.
I just finished Le Rapport de Brodeck by Philippe Claudel which was EXCELLENT although very grim. Talk about a testament to the mediocrity of the human soul. (Another statement which I realize deserves further explanation!) I’ll have much to say about this particular book, hopefully tomorrow, when I have some time to put together my thoughts.
10 responses so far ↓
Colleen // June 24, 2009 at 3:57 pm |
I love Anne Fadiman’s Ex Libris too. It’s just so charming and hilarious.
Also, I’ve been meaning to read several others of the books you’ve read and you’re reminding me to feel guilty about them. Not guilty in a bad way; just aware that they were on my radar and then they fell off of it.
I’m especially re-interested in the Barbery book because I didn’t realize it was being received with so much ambivalence.
Stefanie // June 24, 2009 at 6:27 pm |
I love Fadiman’s Ex Libris! Your reading notes have me quite curious about all the books, but particularly the ones you make to big statements that need more explanation. Looking forward to the
Biblibio // June 24, 2009 at 8:48 pm |
Brodeck=excellent? Excellent. I’m now looking forward to reading it even more than before, when I was totally looking forward to reading it. In general, the last three books have me interested. I’ve heard good things about “Ex Libris” (though I suppose almost every reader will enjoy it, judging by the topic) and am curious about anything with the title “Goldberg: Variations”.
litlove // June 24, 2009 at 9:58 pm |
Your reading list looks wonderful. I join the chorus praising Anne Fadiman. And I’m intending to read that Josipovici later in the summer!
verbivore // June 25, 2009 at 8:25 am |
Colleen – don’t feel guilty! But I do know what you mean, every time I see mention of your French project I’m reminded of all these wonderful books I haven’t read…one of these days I’ll find the time, right?
Stefanie – I’m hoping to write about the Claudel book on Friday, so maybe I’ll be able to explain some of what I mean. Great books, hard to discuss!
Biblibio – I do hope you read Brodeck, mainly because I’d love to discuss it. We had a lovely discussion during my book group on Monday night, but I feel like we barely scratched the surface of what was all going on in this novel. But I warn you – not a happy book at all. Very dark.
Litlove – Oh good, we can compare notes on the Josipovici when you’ve read it. If I remember correctly, you are already a fan of his and after reading Goldberg, I can certainly see why. It’s so strange to me, how little known he is outside certain circles, especially seeing how prolific he is!
Steph // June 25, 2009 at 4:11 pm |
So glad you enjoyed Ex Libris. Not all of the essays were equal in my opinion, but there were some real gems there.
Also, I’m really interested to hear your thoughts on the Barbery (I think I would fall into the “not liking it” camp… not that I’ve read it!
) and Goldberg: Variations, which has been on my TBR list for a couple of years now!
ds // June 25, 2009 at 10:46 pm |
Count me among the many fans of Ex Libris–I adored it!
I agree with you, Goldberg needs to be read all of a piece, just as the music demands to be heard…
verbivore // June 26, 2009 at 8:32 am |
Steph – People’s reactions to the Elegance of the Hedgehog have been so diverse, I’d be interested to see what you think. We had a great discussion about it in my book group…
DS – Ex Libris is so great. I’ve been savoring an essay an evening!
Care // June 26, 2009 at 1:32 pm |
==> “a testament to the mediocrity of the human soul” ?
oh, yes, do tell more.
Dorothy W. // June 27, 2009 at 4:03 pm |
Interesting books here! I love Fadiman too and wouldn’t mind reading Ex Libris again. I’m curious about your final thoughts on the Hedgehog book, and it sounds like you had a good discussion on it, which is good. I may suggest it for one of my book groups one day. There’s tons to talk about!