What are you currently reading? Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
What did you recently finish reading? Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler (but I didn’t actually finish it). Before that, River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay (which I did finish, and which is a strong contender for best book of the month).
What do you think you’ll read next? Hero’s Song by Edith Pattou, the first in a young adult duology I got from the library.
Bam.
What are you currently reading? River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay. This fantasy inspired by Chinese history looks like it will be as excellent as Under Heaven. It takes place many years after the glory of the empire in the prior book has declined. Ren Daiyan, the third son of a minor clerk, dreams of restoring the country to greatness, and if he must become an outlaw to do so, he is prepared.
What have you recently finished reading? Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy was barely a blip. I read less than ten percent of it, and so will not add it to my books read list. Twice it put me to sleep–not joking–so I switched to something more lively. Before that, I read Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal, the third book in the Glamourist Histories featuring Jane and Vincent. It’s a Regency fantasy, inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma, and quite delightful. I recommend the series to fans of novels of manners or of genteel fantasy.
What do you think you’ll read next? Z: A Novel of Zelda by Therese Anne Fowler, a much-reviewed novel based on Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Having taken a class on F. Scott Fitzgerald, I know a bit about their biography: Zelda accused Scott of having used her diaries in his novels. He probably did; they sometimes published her stories under his name for more income; but the line between how much he stifled her creativity (as she claimed) is very blurry. As this novel is written in Zelda Fitzgerald’s voice, I’m sure it will be a case of an unreliable narrator, which is a favorite style to this reader.
What are you currently reading? The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach (originally titled These Fragile Things, prior to the 2011 film). In order to get his aging father-in-law out of the house, a British doctor decides to open a retirement home with his cousin in his home country of India. The rundown, ramshackle Marigold Hotel attracts residents who are each looking for something out of life. Their stories are funny and sad and profound, even if the latter trait is sometimes a bit forced.
What have you recently finished reading? The Escapement by K. J. Parker. The final book in this fantasy trilogy, like the others, contains no magic. It does, however, contain the choice piece of wisdom that the easiest way to do something is properly. Even if that includes destroying cities.
What do you think you’ll read next? Heart’s Blood, a standalone novel by Juliet Marillier, author of Wildwood Dancing, which I liked a lot, has tied with The Golden Egg by Donna Leon, the newest Guido Brunetti mystery just in from the library. But since I left my currently-reading at work, I might have to crack one of these open tonight.
I missed my WWW Wednesday post. Mostly because I had a bad work day (week), which sapped what little mental acuity I ever possessed. Never mind.
Recently finished:
The Tenth of December by George Saunders. A bizarre collection of short stories, and, mind you, this is “bizarre” coming from me, the reader who thinks “kind of strange” is a hearty recommendation. If you like Karen Russell, you will like George Saunders? I don’t think I do much, either one. Good authors, but a matter of taste merely.
Ironskin by Tina Connolly. A young adult fantasy steampunk reversed Beauty and the Beast retelling slash Jane Eyre retelling slash Tam Lin retelling. Too many things? Yes, unfortunately.
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. A magical realist novel set in the 1920s in Alaska. Jack and Mabel are childless homesteaders who, one night, create a snow girl who comes to life. Lovely writing and a bittersweet ending. I liked this one a lot.
Currently reading:
The Escapement by K. J. Parker. And now the city of Mezentia shall fall! Hundreds of thousands will die, and all because of that terrible force called love.
A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett. On audiobook. A much slower start than The Wee Free Men, but I’m halfway in now, and it’s picking up nicely.
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