I am re-reading Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. I am enjoying it - it is an amusing read. But I don't think I am enjoying it as much as when I first read it 35 years ago. Hardly surprising no doubt, as it treats adolescent themes and I was an adolescent. But for it to be a seminal work, there should be a bit more in it than this. In fact, on a re-read with another 35 years of life behind me, I should be discovering all sorts of truths that I missed first time around. But I don't think I am. What is annoying me is that one of the books chief themes is to be decrying "phonies" - people who aren't what they claim to be. Looking at Salinger's life, he seems to be have been every bit as guilty as the phonies that Holden Caulfield despises. And this just has to subtract from the work. Any more "book reviews"?
New year resolution is to stop watching various series on the iPad whilst on the train to work and read more. Will be watching this thread avidly.
The last fiction I read was the bible...funny how my tablet autocorrected this sentence to friction! Currently reading Samsung S5 for dummies. And the whole raft of legislation that became law on the 1st. Fgas etc.
I re read the hobbit a couple of years ago, still enjoyed it thoroughly Tolkien's ability to submerse the reader in to his fantasy land is commendable. Couple of other authors I like are R.A Salvatore, David Eddings and for humor Terry Pratchett.
The Catcher in the Rye apparently sells 250'000 copies a year according to Wikipedia. Can you believe that? About 60 years after it was first written. Morality: write a book that is easy for kids to read and it will be used every year as a set book to encourage them to read. Salinger is no more, but I bet his estate is happy.
It was originally meant for adults though and then adapted for teenagers, think total sales is over 65 million books to date.
Oranges are not the only fruit.....is what made me think I was a lesbian and why I started to loath the North, due to how the locals treated her.
I know there are quite a few Yorkshiremen on here (but probably not on this thread, eh?) Has anyone read David Peace's Red Riding quartet? It makes you really loathe Leeds and environs. Brilliant books, but intensely dark.
A blind couple I know tried the Braille version of the " Karma Sutra " and both ended up in traction. It turned out the book was upside down.
I'm a Cormac McCarthy freak. The book I've read more times than any other and will no doubt read again is Suttree. Its like instantly accessible polished and lubricated Joyce with all the wit, humour, pathos and technical fireworks but in a deep southern accent. Complex, lyrical, humane, life-affirming and massively entertaining. Suttree is my favourite McCarthy but his sledge hammer masterpiece is Blood Meridian. Too violent and disturbing to call it a favourite - you have to be in the mood - but a magnificent piece of writing shot through with poetry, full of flawless set-pieces and starring one of the most brilliantly drawn figures of Mephistophelian evil in modern literature. I've read those books too. You can't get them in Smiths any more. You have to use the seedy newsagent round the corner or order off the internet. Ah, happy days..
http://www.kiddofspeed.com/chapter1.htmlhtml Is not a book, but still a fascinating read. One of the true gems of the early internet.
I'd love to read more. I can't concentrate unless I pretty well have total silence....so I only tend to read on holiday or, while on the way to holiday. Reading is out at home....3 kids at the age where theyre in your face all the time, doesn't bother me, its just the part of life they're in....never get the chance to watch any TV either.....never seen one episode of breaking bad, walking dead, homeland etc etc....I think this the TV is stuck on cartoon network.... However, when I get the chance to read I love Clive cussler.
