Thought it was about time I did another book round-up…I’m getting behind in my logging once again! Alas. So for these past few weeks, here goes…
7. The Winds of Change…And Other Stories by Isaac Asimov. This was a fun little anthology! I randomly discovered this book in Half-Price Books a few weeks ago and thought to myself, “A old paperback of Asimov stories that I’ve never read before? Sign me up!” As you may know (or not as the case may be), Asimov is one of my very favourite sci-fi authors and so I gleefully began reading this a few weeks back. 21 short stories contained therein, perfect for bedtime reading! Most of these were somewhat sci-fi themed, although I will say I was surprised by the somewhat grounded tone of many of them! Asimov’s humor is definitely sometimes groan-inducing but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy reading every single one of these stories. For me(an Asimov and sci-fi lover!), this book was a definite success and I’m glad I got it. Will re-read at some point, I’m sure.
8. Rhapsody in Black by Brian Stableford. Apparently this is Book 2 of the “Hooded Swan” series which I began a few weeks back when I read Halcyon Drift. I loved that book so much, I bought book 2 and now…well, now I suppose I need to obtain the third book! Once again the star pilot Grainger is the protagonist of this awesome classic sci-fi book. Stableford is a master at creating a gritty lived-in universe…this book was set on a tunneled out planetoid almost devoid of light – a most fascinating setting! – and was quite gripping. Grainger almost seems like he was born to be played by Harrison Ford – that character that doesn’t really seem to care about anything or anyone, but does what is right when it comes down to it. I don’t want to discuss the plot, but just know I much enjoyed this book. Stableford has great descriptive writing skills and creates realistic characters that seem to have their own backstories and motivations…without screaming their intentions and life stories at you like what seems to be the milieu of the day. This was a fantastic atmospheric sci-fi thriller. And quite short, easily read within a few nights! And yes, now I need to order the third book of this series.
9. Scott Pilgrim Vol. 3: Scott Pilgrim & the Infinite Sadness by Bryan Lee O’Malley. Yup, I’m still proceeding (slowly, trying to not rush through these!) through the Scott Pilgrim collection, my one (and probably only) foray into graphic-novel reading. This book focused on Scott’s relationship (or past relationship, I should say!) with Natalie V. Adams, more commonly known as Envy! Also got some good progression with the Scott/Ramona relationship and of course Envy’s current boyfriend (and Ramona’s evil ex-boyfriend) Todd (who I couldn’t help but picture as Brandon Routh since seeing the movie! Evil vegan Brandon Routh!) was one of the main new characters (who is now gone forever, pulverized into little coins by dastardly Scott Pilgrim). And wow, reading over what I just wrote does make this seem like a very weird story. Sorry ’bout that? I did much enjoy this one, as much as Scott is still whiny and Ramona is still far too good for him. And Envy’s descent into villainy…quite sad, really. I’d like to know more about her motivations – as all of her bits were definitely the highlight of my read. Still enjoying this guilty pleasure of a read – now time to pick up Vol. 4!
10. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. Yes, yes, I’m sure I’ve read this quite recently. But a re-read felt in order. The more I read this series and the more I read L’Engle, the higher regard I have for these books and the higher they ascend on my all-time favorite book ranking (an imaginary list that I really have no idea of what’s on it, other than Lord of the Rings is at the 1 spot). L’Engle’s “Wrinkle” trilogy may be the ultimate comfort/inspiration read. And also most assuredly some of the greatest impact on my own writing style, as I am continually reminded of when I read L’Engle’s prose and poetry. This first book is simply beautiful. What more is there to say?
11. A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L’Engle. And if “Wrinkle” stands alone as the best of the trilogy (which I’m honestly not sure it does), I think I can say with some confidence that this book has some of the most beautiful prose of the whole trilogy and also is unrivaled for sheer emotion and beauty. I’m saying this as someone who just finished reading this last night, so yes, it is fresh in my mind, which may bias me a touch. But reading the Truth contained in this book never ceases to warm my soul. The mitochondria of our frail bodies and the luminous stars in all the galaxies – He knows them all by name. The ending of this book is assuredly the most perfect ending of any of L’Engle’s books. This book is also quite a weird book, which is not at all a bad thing. Cherubim and giants and farandolae and drives of dragons and kything and cosmic screams and all the rest…well, if you can’t handle that, then you probably shouldn’t read this. But the fantastical beauty of L’Engle’s books is something I much enjoy. One other comment – an underrated quality of L’Engle’s books is the way she grounds the fantastical and highlights the ordinary…particularly in terms of meals and food. In this book, they spend a not-insignificant time making sandwiches and homemade spaghetti sauce and good hot cocoa. And of course in the first book, you have more sandwiches and stew and…yes, even that (fake!) turkey dinner which never fails to make me hungry (and yes, most certainly inspired me to make homemade stuffing this past weekend to go along with some good mashed potatoes and chicken). I just wanted to mention that I quite like L’Engle’s including of the mundane (we like to eat) in these books. We are mundane, fantastical creatures that live in an ordinary, overwhelmingly beautiful world. And we are known by name.
