Reading List
On my birthday, I decided to treat myself to some new books. I have a shelf full of unread books but none of them appeal to me right now so I wanted some fresh material. Particularly, I wanted a good novel to read as I’ve mainly been reading non-fiction and magazines lately. So I went down to Strand and decided to give myself a budget of $50. That goes a long way at the Strand where the prices are much lower than Barnes. Going there is as much a political choice as an economic one as I’d rather not by from a big chain whenever possible.
After an hour or so of serious looking, using the folded and creased list that I’ve kept in my wallet for years as a guide, I emerged with the following: “Take the Cannoli” by Sarah Vowell (I’ve never read any of her books but love her on “This American Life” and the hilarious goth makeover piece is in there); “Play It As It Lays” by Joan Didion(I’m half way through “After Henry,” her collection of essays on politics and culture. I enjoyed it but didn’t want to finish it at this time); “Ten Little Indians” by Sherman Alexie (I read one of his stories in The New Yorker a few years ago and liked it); “A Long Way Down” by Nick Hornby (loved “High Fidelity” and thoroughly enjoyed “How To Be Good”; and “Post Office” by Charles Bukowski.
I started the Bukowski first. I read the first few pages in the library last year, but didn’t check it out. How can you not like a book that has this passage on the second page: “But I couldn’t help thinking, god, all these mailmen do is drop in their letters and get laid. This is the job for me, oh yes yes yes.” Bukowski’s language is simple and straightforward, yet the images it portrays are remarkably vivid. Much like Camus in “The Stranger,” he cuts through the flowery bullshit and puts you right inside the demented mind of his main character, Henry Chinaski.
I promise more updates as I get through these books, but I must warn you that I am a slow reader with a short attention span.
