Commuting
I’m really enjoying re-reading American Gods, but the hardback is just too damned bulky to read while commuting.
So I had a quick look in one of the many boxes of books still packed after the move for a light little paperback to read. I managed to pick a box filled with Discworld books. Now, I’m reading Pyramids again. I’ve no idea how many times I’ve read it. I noticed that I’d written my name and the date I bought the book inside the cover – 22/08/1990! I can’t believe it’s that long since I first got it. Mind you the book does look well read now – but totally whole. I take good care of my books. You could never tell that I’m a librarian, eh?
I have to note that I’m terrible for reading several books at one time, you can expect me to be reading up to half a dozen books at once (well not literally of course). I’ve also got a terrible magazine habit and I got my copy of Mojo yesterday (I subscribe) so I spent a while reading that. Funny thing about Mojo is the thing I like the best about it is the crossword. Oh, it’s a very well written magazine, lots of articles, reviews etc. but I prefer Uncut for those things – it’s got a less serious tone and it covers films as well.
I know I haven’t done it yet, but I will start giving a little precis of the plot of books I’m reading, honest. It’s just that I started this thing off with a library book that I really had already given up on, and now I’m re-reading books.
Now, I feel guilty. Damn.
Mr Mee by Andrew Crumey is about an old man who fancies himself as a scholar. He becomes intruiged by the notion of the Xanthic cult (who believe that fire is alive) and starts on a search for Rosiers Encylcopedia, which supposedly formulates an early precursor to quantum theory. Mr Mee buys a computer (fleeced by Dixons) and gets seduced by the internet, porn webcams and all. There is a second story about two scribes working on the Encyclopedia in Paris. But I got bored with it about then, the author introduced a penniless seamstress and I just lost interest in the plot. I suppose it could work out a good book, but I can’t be bothered finding out.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman is an expert fantasy set in contemporary USA. The lead character is Shadow, who starts the book in prison, just before he’s due to be released. He gets released early however when his wife dies in a car accident. The story tells of what happens when Shadow accepts a job offer from the mysterious Wednesday. It really is a book about America and about Gods. Very well written, very involving.
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls by Peter Biskind tells the story of Hollywood in the 1970’s and takes you behind the scenes of the making of films like The Godfather, Star Wars, The Exorcist, Jaws, etc. Lots of revelations about the personalities and politics of the leading directors of American cinema.
Pyramids by Terry Pratchett is the sixth Discworld book. It’s about Pteppic, the heir to the throne of Djelibeybi, who is called home to rule after being educated as an assassin in Ankh-Morpork. It’s a very funny book, with lots of interesting things to say about identity, tradition and camels.