Today, I went into Oxford to hear Philip Pullman speak about his new book, The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ. It's part of the Canongate Myths series, and it was quite fascinating to hear him talk about it. His reasons behind writing the book, some of the research that he did. He talked a bit about his writing process and the style in which he wrote it. I had a great time. Photos weren't allowed, but I kind of wish now I'd brought something along to write down notes of some of the funnier bits that he said. Oh well. I left the place with a big smile on my face. And a signed copy of the book. That'll be keeping me company tonight, I'm sure.
As for the last two weeks, it's been kind of slow. The main reason I wasn't around is that I had an assignment due for my university course that took up a great deal of time. Which only left the smallest amount of time left over to read. I did manage to finish a few books though.
Two weeks ago I was reading Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby. I mostly enjoyed that, except I hate it when books are left open-ended. That gets right on my nerves. It was nice to read a Nick Hornby book that I enjoyed: I didn't get very far with some of his latest titles. Then I read two e-books that were kindly sent to me. The first, Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson was really powerful and emotional. It brought back a lot of memories of my own experiences as a teenager with an eating disorder/self-harm. It was sort of a painful subject to return to, but I'm glad I did. I was able to see how far I'm come since my teen years. I need that every now and again. I went from that to The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. And I found myself quite surprised by how much I enjoyed that. Zombies aren't a topic I've read a great deal about, but I managed to fly right through this book. Quite looking forward to Dead Tossed Waves now.
After that, I picked up Guitar Girl by Sarra Manning. Manning is one of my favourite YA authors, and Guitar Girl was very enjoyable, a nice combination of an interesting female main character, music and a bit of romance. Fun times. And then, because I'd booked my ticket to this Philip Pullman thing today, I read A Short History of Myth by Karen Armstrong which seems to be a companion book to the series? It was definitely interesting, if a little too short for my liking. I was sort of inspired to read a whole bunch of other books after reading it. Mostly fairy tales and other myths and things. (the Once Upon a Time challenge, anyone?)
Then, (!!) I picked up The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris. I finished it this morning on the train. I really loved it. I'm sure other bloggers have enjoyed this one, but I can't remember where I've seen the raves just now. But I did enjoy myself. I was wondering if I'd like his other book... we'll see, I guess. And, because of course I brought a spare book with me, I started Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Only about 25 pages into it so far, but I'm liking it.
And, if that's not enough, I keep making piles for the readathon! It'll be my first year participating and I'm super-excited about it. Here are some of the books I'm considering
Sorry for the poor photo quality, it was taken with my camera phone in the garage with poor lighting. (from top to bottom)I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley (short essays)
Child X by Lee Weatherley
What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Body Artist by Don DeLillo
Girl Meets Boy by Ali Smith
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by JK Rowling
Quidditch Through the Ages by JK Rowling
Girl With Glasses by Marissa Walsh
The Thing With Finn by Tom Kelly
The Great American Mousical by Julie Andrews
What're you reading today? Have you been to many author events? Are you joining Dewey's 24 hour readathon?
I did miss you actually!
ReplyDeleteToday I'm re-reading Bel Canto for book club... and I hope to participate in the readathon if I'm home. If I'm not home and off on a spring break adventure, I hope to at least check in with everyone and read when I can. We'll see.
I've actually read both the Winter Girls and The Forrest Of Hands and Teeth. I enjoyed both of them.. The Winter Girls gave me a little better understanding on the whole eating disorders and what not.
ReplyDeleteThe Pullman event sounds so great! I can't wait to get my hands on the book. I even pre-ordered it, but it has yet to read. Hopefully soon!
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