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Some exciting books on my radar | Notes from my Reading

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It's been a long time since I've talked about actually reading something. It's a little bit of a hit or miss right now, so I try to soak it up when I'm in the mood for it.
Currently Reading...I've spent the better part of last two weeks reading The Underground Girls of Kabul, and nothing else. It's a well-written book, mind you, but also littered with generalizations and a tone of something I can't put a word to yet. It's not condescension exactly (the author's tone is way too neutral for that) but there is a sense that the women in the West are better than Afghan women (better, not just better off). I'll need to think through that more. I know for sure that if I were Afghan and reading it, I would be .. maybe annoyed? frustrated? But how much of it is because of that sense of being looked down upon versus the subject of the book, is not clear yet. Hopefully after a few days of absent pondering, I'll have gotten to my point.

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Yet another Monday! (Oct 10, 2011)

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It's Monday! What are you reading this week?

Sheila @ One Persons Journey through a world of Books wants to know what we're reading. I'm only too happy to oblige!

I didn't realize how long I've been missing from here until I checked my blog front page. I ended up doing a Houdini act for a week! First, it was an injured finger that made typing a chore. And then it was a good reading rhythm that I didn't want to break. From my almost-two years of blogging, one big lesson I've learned is if you're in a mood to read, drop everything and do just that.

Books finished since the last update
-  Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (Banned Books Week read)
-  Goliath (Leviathan #3) by Scott Westerfeld (Another wonderful series is over)

News from over my blog

Reviews up!
-   The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
-   Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (Ugh)

Other posts
-  When I feel like throwing a book

Books on my nightstand
I'm finally finally going to finish Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. I don't know yet what to think of this book. It's one of the most different books I've read, so I can't wait to discuss it soon. I'm also reading two other books, and getting excited of a title I just picked from the library.

A Thousand LivesA Thousand Lives by Julia Scheeres: This is about the Jonestown Massacre, that many of you might have heard about. I hadn't, so I'm as fascinated as I am disturbed. Blind faith isn't something I understand that well, but I've known a few people who do it.
FrankensteinFrankenstein by Mary Shelley: One of my online book clubs is reading this book now and I decided to join in. This is the other classic (after Dracula) that I was very reluctant to try, simply because of its genre, but considering that I pretty much know what Frankenstein is about, I'm running out of reasons to not read it.
Happy AccidentsHappy Accidents by Jane Lynch: I LOVE Sue Sylvester aka Jane Lynch! I watch every episode of Glee, wondering what the hell will she do this time to drive more trouble towards the glee club. So the moment I heard about her new memoir, I just had to go reserve it at my library. I've been reverently staring at the cover since then and can't wait to start it. Have you seen the trailer for this book? It's Sue-typical! And my favorite Sue liner? "I'm committing Sue-icide"







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Comments

Marce said…
Guess what, new computer and I can comment on your blog (happy dance, lol)  You always have an interesting selection, and so many that are new to me, how do you do that :-)  I agree when reading is great go with it.   I had to put one down because I realised it was slowly putting me in a reading slump, eek.
October 9, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Lydia/The Lost Entwife said…
Oooo. Enjoy Frankenstein - I read that for the first time this year and really enjoyed it!
October 9, 2011 at 11:09 PM
Crazy Book Slut said…
I want to read Jane Lynch's memoir too!!! She is amazing!!!

Come check out our It's Monday! What are you reading? if you get a chance... Crazy Book Slut
October 9, 2011 at 11:31 PM
AnneBennett said…
I saw Sherman Alexie this week.  He is as funny or funnier than his book.  I also recently read A Brave New World recently.  It wasn't a favorite bt I understand why it is so highly read by high school English classes.
October 10, 2011 at 12:06 AM
Pussreboots said…
I hope you like Frankenstein. I guess it was a pretty normal week of reading for me. Please come see what I've read.
October 10, 2011 at 1:26 AM
Kathy Coleman said…
I had to study Frankenstein twice in university -- once for a first year English course and once during a science fiction course. It's actually a pretty good book. You'll be fine. :)
October 10, 2011 at 5:53 AM
Karen Sime said…
That's a shame you were so disappointed with Brave New World. I loved that book. I chose to study it for English. It was one of those books I went through a phase of reading over and over. 

Hope you enjoy Frankenstein. It's another one that I love. I can't watch any film adaptations of it but the book is fantastic. I hope you enjoy it.

I am a glee-hater. I can't stand it. Every single one of the characters irritates me no end. But, I the times I have been forced to watch it by a glee-fanatic sister I have been amused by Sue. I think Jane Lynch is a fantastic actress, extremely funny and seems to pop up everywhere. Think her autobiography would be interesting.
October 10, 2011 at 6:04 AM
Harvee said…
Congrats on reading some of he classics! Have a look at books on my shelves listed in the right column.
October 10, 2011 at 8:10 AM
bermudaonion (Kathy) said…
I do remember the Jonestown Massacre, so A Thousand Lives fascinates me.  I hope you have a great week of reading.
October 10, 2011 at 8:12 AM
Teddyree said…
I really enjoyed Leviathan but the following books in the trilogy are still waiting patiently for me :) A Thousand Lives caught my eye, I've heard of the Jonestown Massacre but haven't read anything on it.
Have a great week and happy reading!
October 10, 2011 at 8:26 AM
Leeswammes said…
I can imagine that you don't know what to think of Kafka on the Shore. I loved it, but the first Murakami I read, I also went, hey, what? But although they don't always make sense, I love his books and the atmosphere they evoke. Looking forward to your review.
October 10, 2011 at 8:32 AM
Melissa Caldwell said…
I really need to catch up with the Leviathan series! Looks like you have a week of great reading ahead of you! Good luck and enjoy!
October 10, 2011 at 8:42 AM
Kristin T. said…
I remember reading Brave New World in high school and not really loving it, but my husband definitely did and has reread it quite a few times.

Stop by my It's Monday post if you get a chance.
October 10, 2011 at 8:42 AM
Sheila (Book Journey) said…
I think Happy Accidents looks good... I want to read that one.
October 10, 2011 at 8:44 AM
Helen Murdoch said…
A Jane Lynch memoir? I can't wait to hear what you think about it, since she is fantastic! Also, the Jonestown massacre book should be good, I've read one book about it and it was really interesting
October 10, 2011 at 9:00 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Yay Marce! I'm so glad that you are able to comment now. I've gotten into so many reading funks this year, because the book I'm reading was boring or because I was doing something else. It was nice to just read last week.
October 10, 2011 at 9:06 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Great to hear that! I can't wait to read more of it.
October 10, 2011 at 9:19 AM
Juju at Tales of Whimsy.... said…
Now that is one good lesson to pass on :) Hope your finger is better!
October 10, 2011 at 9:19 AM
Athira / Aths said…
She is! I can't wait to start it!
October 10, 2011 at 9:20 AM
Athira / Aths said…
I hope to meet Alexie some time. Every one keeps talks about how funny he is!
October 10, 2011 at 9:27 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Frankenstein is getting interesting. Thanks!
October 10, 2011 at 9:27 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Wow, I'm impressed! I've only read the first letter so far, can't wait to dive in!
October 10, 2011 at 9:28 AM
Athira / Aths said…
I think I was most disappointed with Brave New World because of its narrow focus. I liked reading about the world Huxley created, plus it was way ahead of its times. But despite all the promise, he came back to the same points over and over. My other concern was the ending - it didn't seem fitting to me, it felt overly dramatic and out of sync with the rest of the story. Still, I'm glad I read the book.

I enjoy Glee - it isn't my favorite show but it is a good relaxant. And it's so worth waiting for each episode just to see Sue!
October 10, 2011 at 9:46 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks! The Jonestown massacre is oddly fascinating. Can't wait to read the rest of it.
October 10, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Athira / Aths said…
I hope you read the rest of the trilogy soon. I loved the final book!
October 10, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Laurel-Rain Snow said…
Oh, you have several very intriguing books there.....enjoy!

I read Brave New World many years ago...time for a reread?

Here's

http://laurelrainsnow.wordpress.com/2011/10/09/monday-from-the-interior-mailbox-monday-what-are-you-reading-oct-10/
October 10, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Athira / Aths said…
You said it perfectly. I'm confused about how to interpret this book, but I know I will be reading more Murakami in the future.
October 10, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks! I hope I get some good reading done this week.
October 10, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Athira / Aths said…
I think it's a hit or miss kind of book. Some loved it, some didn't. I found its negative aspects too distracting for me to like it.
October 10, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Athira / Aths said…
I can't wait to start it!
October 10, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Athira / Aths said…
I'm so excited about Jane Lynch's memoir. I can't wait to start it. The Jonestown book is pretty intriguing. This is my first exposure to this incident.
October 10, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Athira / Aths said…
Lol! Thanks. My finger is better now.
October 10, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Athira / Aths said…
If you plan to reread Brave New World, I can't wait to hear what you think.
October 10, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Lenasledge said…
I really did enjoy your reviews, An Absolutely True Diary and Brave New World, I especially enjoyed your honesty when reviewing Brave New World. You are really on a reading roll. Happy reading.
October 10, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Vasilly said…
You have some interesting reads for this week. I think that's a great lesson to learn about reading! I do drop everything to read when my rhythm is going great. Or else I'll end up resenting everything else.  Happy reading!
October 10, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Angelica Joy said…
I love Scott Westerfeld, have got this series waiting for me in my TBR pile. I'm yet to get a copy of Goliath though :( Have you read the Uglies series? 
October 10, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks! I hope to keep the rhythm going!
October 10, 2011 at 1:20 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I haven't been too good at reading when I'm in the mood, so that's one of the things I'm trying to do better.
October 10, 2011 at 1:21 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I've read the first two books of the Uglies series, need to return to it someday. The Leviathan series is very good.
October 10, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Amie Gaudioso said…
I have both Jane Lynch's biography and A Thousand Lives on my TBR pile. I enjoyed the Uglies series by Scott Westerfield.  Looks like some great books.

What I'm reading @ Mom Reads My
Books
October 10, 2011 at 2:02 PM
zibilee said…
I can't wait to read A Thousand Lives. It seems like it's going to be such a creepy and disturbing book, but one that will also be really interesting. I hope that you enjoy it, and can't wait to hear your thoughts on it!
October 10, 2011 at 2:45 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I can't wait to start the Jane Lynch book. A Thousand Lives is also fascinating so far.
October 10, 2011 at 3:34 PM
charlotte_briggs said…
I finally got round to reading Leviathan a couple of weeks ago and can't wait to get to the rest of the series!  Frankenstein is one that I studied at college and, I have to admit, wasn't a massive favourite of mine after a bad exam experience :)  It's a great story though - will be interested to see what you think!
October 10, 2011 at 3:49 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I can't wait to return to it. It's definitely fascinating so far!
October 10, 2011 at 4:04 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I've only finished the letters in Frankenstein, so I'm not sure yet how it is, but it looks good so far. Glad you liked Leviathan. Hope you enjoy the rest of the series!
October 10, 2011 at 5:33 PM
Athira / Aths said…
I hope you get to read it one more time. Even though I didn't like the book, I'm glad I read it. Besides, a lot of the readers liked the book, you might too.
October 10, 2011 at 5:34 PM
Marie said…
Wow. Brave New World and Sherman Alexie? That's some good banned reading!
October 11, 2011 at 9:03 PM
Athira / Aths said…
Thanks! I'm glad I got to them - both have been on my lists for long!
October 11, 2011 at 10:25 PM
MedeiaSharif said…
Someone urged me to read Murakami, and I plan to in the future. 

I enjoyed Frankenstein in college (but not in high school).

Happy reading.
October 13, 2011 at 12:52 AM
Athira / Aths said…
I hope you consider murakami! I just finished kafka, and it was a strange experience.
October 13, 2011 at 7:52 AM
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