reading (Asimov's July)

I finished this edition of Asimov's on Saturday, I think. I ended up reading it between doing lots of other things so it took me two weeks to finish it. It was a good variety and a strong showing.

I'm a sucker for stories like "26 Monkeys", which was just strange enough and just predictable enough. The world of "Cascading Violet Hair" is a logical extension of a popularly pictured future. I don't think I've ever seen quite that take on it. Dyst-hope-ia, or perhaps just getting by. "Lester Young" gave a good flavor of jazz without getting lost in it. I felt I could have gotten more out of "The Philosopher's Stone" if I was more familiar with the political intrigues and factions of the time period it was based in. The only story that didn't hit a note with me this month was "The Woman Under the World." It just didn't do it for me, but that's fine.

Overall, a good mix.

24. Asimov's July 2008

reading (Animal Farm)

I had never read "Animal Farm" before. I know, again, hard to believe what books you miss. I finished it in less than 24 hours. Yeah, it is an easy read, but mainly I liked it.

Orwell's subject matter is as current today as it was when it was written. I know certain of the characters represent historical figures and it was meant to be very pointed to a specific situation. But the actions and lessons are much more universal than Orwell might have initially intended. Just glance at the news and you can see the same kind of actions, manipulations, and obfuscations. "Animal Farm" was pointed, but now the finger points in different directions.

There is a reason this book is a classic. Let's hope the lessons in it are not lost to being about "history".

25. George Orwell "Animal Farm"

reading (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time)

I started this book on Sunday evening and finished it last night, despite the fact that I had to do inconvenient things like working. I really loved this book. It is so much fun. Is it a mystery? Is it an adventure? Is it something else? I won't spoil it by telling you. As best as I can tell, Mr. Haddon gets the voice right. I was constantly thinking "I'm just like that" or "how strange to think like that".

I think it is more than just fun and funny, but how I'm not sure, I was too busy laughing. Maybe because you see more in this book than you do through your own eyes.

26. Mark Haddon "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"