Monday, January 4, 2010

Currently Reading: The Girl Who Played with Fire and Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It

I'm up to my ears in fiction and very much enjoying the excellent reads I received as Christmas gifts. The Girl Who Played with Fire has been keeping me up late at night. I take that back--what's REALLY been keeping me up is our crazy Newfoundland puppy barking her head off.


But the books make the barking noise more tolerable. I do hope the neighbors also have something good to read.

Maile Meloy's latest collection of short stories fascinates me. How is it possible to relay such complete stories in so little space? I read the collection in two nights and am now picking my way back through more carefully. She is a superb writer, plus her focus--Montana, domestic matters--interests me. And has there ever been a better title for a book?

Oh, January--the time to settle in and tend the home fires. Together with spring, summer, and fall, a most excellent reading season.

4 comments:

AppyLove said...

Just read The Tender Bar by JR Moehringer. I couldn't put it down! Now I'm reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, which has made me cry twice in the first 120 pages. I'm definitely going to check out the short story collection you wrote about. I LOVE short stories, and the title is irresistible. Thanks!

500Jerk said...

I'll have to look up The Tender Bar. Edgar Sawtelle is good, but dark. Keep me posted on what you're reading--I'm always looking for recommendations!
Best
500Jerk

Unknown said...

I'm enjoying "Unaccustomed Earth" by Jhumpa Lahiri. It is excellent, low key, intense and memorable. Next I will read "The Namesake". Thanks for introducing me to this wonderful author.
Barbara

AppyLove said...

I finished Edgar Sawtelle. I figured out the direction it was headed early on, and hoped I was wrong about it being a very close remake of a famous tale, but alas, I was not. Overall, I loved the writing, but not the story. It did make me hug my dog a little tighter, though, so that's always worthwhile.

Next I'm on to a Lydia Davis collection my brother gave me, then the short fiction from this post! I'm aiming for 52 books in 52 weeks this year. I can already tell a difference in my mood, and can't remember now why I haven't been reading more in recent years. It's a powerful act/ivity.