November has ended and the holiday season is well on its way. For the people who read House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, I hope you enjoyed it. Yes. it was a really weird look into post modernism and I know there were a lot of ‘WTF’ moments within this book. But I do hope everyone got something out of it, even if it is just the ability to say, “Yes, I’ve read it”. For me the book was far too pretentious, even if that is normally my thing. I’m glad to have read it, but I don’t think it is something I would read again. There were some interesting discussions about the book, including if the book is a novel or a piece of art.
In December we will be reading the Beat classic; On the Road by Jack Kerouac as part of our Travel theme. This is a relatively short book so I’m sure people will be able to fit it in around all the festivities.
My monthly reading this month might have leaned heavily toward genre fiction but I felt like it was an enjoyable and relaxing month of reading for me, apart from House of Leaves. Highlights for me include Metroland by Julian Barnes, a look into the life of Christopher as he looks over his past and tries to work out if he is happy with his life. I’ve been looking to read another Barnes book for a while and this was well worth it. Then there was The Marriage Plot by Jeffery Eugendies; finally a book where a love triangle is done properly. This was a book of discovery as we watch three interconnected young adults grow into adults.
What have you been reading this month? What are the highlights?
- Perchance to Dream by Robert B. Parker
- House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
- Without Warning by John Birmingham
- San Miguel by T.C. Boyle
- Truth by Peter Temple
- Shadow of the Rock by Thomas Mogford
- Books: A Memoir by Larry McMurtry
- Mr Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
- No Orchids For Miss Blandish by James Hadley Chase
- The Dirty Streets of Heaven by Tad Williams
- The Artist as Mystic by Yahia Lababidi
- Metroland by Julian Barnes
- The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
I notice quite a lot of 2 stars in your November reading, I guess this is a symptom of exploring your options rather than playing it safe.
You’ve encouraged me to check my November reading stats, 17 books read plus one audio book whilst training. The highlight was definitely the classic noir Beast in View by Ross MacDonald’s wife Margaret Millar. The lowlight being the disappointing reaction to the first Lucifer Box novel by Mark Gatiss. That leaves five 3 star books and ten with 4 stars. Not a bad return I’d say.
I think I’ve become a harsher judge on books (which I think is a good thing). But there were some books that failed to satisfy, in one way or another.
Sounds like you’ve had a good month with your reading.
It’s easy to have a good month when you are as fussy over what you read as I am. One of the reasons I don’t join a book club is to have this freedom to only read books I’m almost certain to enjoy.
What I’m hearing is you’re too scared to discover something new
Nah, my book education happened a long time ago, I know what I’m certain not to like, everything else I buy and will get around to reading. I have 500 books i want to read on my bookshelves, why would I read a book I think sounds incredibly boring instead?
That’s a very good point
Oh, so you didn’t really warm up to House of Leaves? Hmm. Makes me think of changing my first read for next year, hahaha.
It’s an interesting look into post modernism (can you read between the lines here 😛 )
So I just realized that you hosted a reading group on Goodreads (how’d that go unnoticed?) and am jumping on board. I’ve been meaning to read On The Road so this is a fantastic opportunity.
Also, I feel bad that you weren’t too pleased with House of Leaves. I freakin’ loved that book in college/mid twenties-ish. I remember staying up late at night and even crying in it. Although I can’t remember which part I cried at and have been meaning to reread it over the past few years. I know he’s come out with another book, which I’ve been meaning to pick up.
Glad to have you join us