New Book

I'm now reading John Updike's Rabbit novels, beginning with Rabbit, Run. This is my first introduction to Updike, so I'm enthusiastic about what I may discover within the book's pages. The Rabbit novels are well-known and critically beloved, so it seems likely that my findings will prove positive. Of course, I didn't care for Harry Potter (not that they are necessarily comparable points of literature).

The Roth Stuff

Having just finished Cormac McCarthy's No Country for Old Men (and prior to that Blood Meridian), I've decided upon a literary change of pace: Philip Roth's Zuckerman trilogy beginning with The Ghost Writer.

I'm currently only forty or so pages into The Ghost Writer but so far I've enjoyed what I have read; Roth has tenacious wit and I'll often catch myself smiling at his clever character observations. This is my first foray into the wonderful world of Roth and it seems his work only gets better from here. If these first pages are any indication, it looks like I'm in for a treat.

more things on a desk

Right now, the following things are on my desk:

Blood Diamond (FS)
This is a fullscreen copy of the Edward Zwick film Blood Diamond starring the venerable Leonardo DiCaprio, classy Jennifer Connelly, terrific Djimon Hounsou and the never-able-to-live-down-The-Mummy Arnold Vosloo. Michael Sheen is also in it-- a great actor who sadly might best be recognized as some sort of werewolf from the Underworld franchise.
Truth be told, I haven't seen Blood Diamond. I picked it up for the sweet, low cost of two dollars (along with several other movies) but upon return to my apartment I was chagrined to discover it be a fullscreen edition. I hate fullscreen. Feel free to insert another incendiary remark if you'd like. I don't think I'll ever watch this.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Absolutely indispensable holiday music from the late, great Vince Guaraldi. The Peanuts gang of characters and stories were fantastic by themselves, but when coupled together with the sweet piano jazz of Guaraldi the result was instant alchemy. At once mournful and full of life, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" reminds us that the true meaning of season is discovered in the simplistic, unassuming treasures we've all been given.

On The Road Again.

I just purchased an audiobook of Cormac McCarthy's The Road on iTunes. Normally I don't do the audiobook thang, but the siren call of a $4.95 auditory Road experience beckoned me hither and my obsession knows no bounds. It's really is a great book and it probably won't be the last time I purchase it in some form or another. I still need that hardcover edition.

things on a desk

Right now, the following items are on my desk:

A Box of Marshmallow Peeps
Peeps Marshmallow Bunnies to be exact. Their color is yellow and they mock me with their promises of gentle springtime dreams and plush, airy sweetness. But I know their secrets. I know that within their sticky centers nothing but sickness and disillusionment await. A million wishes dashed to pieces with one trusting taste. Damn you, Marshmallow Peeps. Damn you.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Probably one of my favorite books in recent memory. If you haven't yet read this modern classic, I'll resist the urge to scold you publicly and instead advise you to make your way posthaste to the book seller of your choosing-- fourteen dollars and ninety-five cents ready in outstretched hand-- to purchase this outstanding achievement in poetic storytelling.

Pilot Drawing Pen
A cruel reminder of my steadily stagnating drawing efforts. It lies ready and waiting whilst I fritter away my free moments with trite Internet flotsam and garish Youtube manias. It'd be easy to hide away this sweet instrument of creation but I choose to leave it in the open-- an ever-present apparition of guilt that will hopefully urge me to action once again some day in the future.

Resolutions 2009: Literature

It's Day One of a new month and that's why it's time for:

RESOLUTIONS 2009!

I used to read frequently. I'd visit the local library every week and return home with a stack of interesting books. This habitual reading, however, has trickled down to almost nothing-- something I mean to correct.

Resolution #1:

Read an acclaimed novel every month (this would include classic works of fiction, pulitzer prize winners, nobel prize winners, etc.)

The book that I've chosen to initiate this hearty resolve is Cormac McCarthy's harrowing tale of the wild west, Blood Meridian. I've just recently finished McCarthy's award-winning The Road (a movie adaptation of which hits later this year) and I'm now ready to read everything else by this author.

Those interested are free to read along. We can pretend it's a game! Points will be tallied on on Tuesday, March 31st.

Oscar Predictions

The Reader wins everything except for costume design. Boiled Ham takes costume design.