Saturday, July 27, 2013

Midsummer In The Middle of Books

I'm not exactly sure when "midsummer" occurs, but I like the word and have wanted to fit it into a blog post for quite some time.

Sorry for the long hiatus, O Blob o' Mine.  Call me neglectful.  I can't seem to settle into a bookish rhythm here in the US on vacation.  It was there at first as I galloped through two Betty MacDonald books, Anybody Can Do Anything and The Plague and I, which were both oh-so-enjoyable.  At some point, I'm going to do proper reviews of these two memoirs.

Now I'm rhythmless and  in the middle of several books.  All good reads, but I'm making no headway:

The Surrendered - Chang-Rae Lee.  

An Atheist in the FOXhole - Joe Muto.  Actually, this one has just edged past the middle, largely because of the way Muto structured the book.  He cuts back and forth from his experiences at Fox and the agonizing wait after he hears the 'Fox Mole' has been found.

The Lost Weekend - Charles Jackson.  Dark, disturbing look at five days in an alcoholic's life.  First published in the 1940s, this is a classic.  Both book and movie are brilliant.

Meeting Jimmie Rodgers: How America's Original Roots Music Hero Changed the Pop Sounds of a Century - Barry Mazor.  That subtitle is annoyingly clunky, but I'm loving the tapestry Mazor is weaving to include all of Rodgers' influences and the artists he went on to influence.  I'm headed to Nashville in a few days, so what better read to take on the road with me?

4 comments:

Jeane said...

Can't wait to hear what you have to say about the Plague and I. I really liked her books Anybody Can Do Anything and The Egg and I, but haven't yet got my hands on Plague.

Susan said...

I love the title of your post, midsummer in the middle of books! That's how every book worm wants to be. I'm glad you are enjoying your trip to the US so much, and getting some things read. Have a happy trip over here! Can hardly wait for your reviews......

Unruly Reader said...

The Blob and I are glad to hear from you! Enjoy your travels, enjoy your reading, and maybe Nashville will restore your rhythm.

Care said...

Your next trip to US you are invited to New England. We can sit on the bow of the boat and read.