What I've been reading lately
Nov 12, 2008 in Me Me Me
With apologies to Alexis for stealing a simple yet good idea.
The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano
Been meaning to read Bolano for some time and finally got nudged into reading the book. The first third was a raw and visceral bit of writing. The second, a collection of diary entries/anecdotes from about half-a-dozen viewpoints is a bit more of a slog. But apparently the last third is worthwhile… so onwards.
The Best of George Plimpton
I’ve been meaning to read Plimpton’s work for some time, so I snatched up this anthology when I saw it at a used bookstore. Also I’ve been meaning to read this highly-regarded bio of the Paris Review editor. Red Mist aka Freakdog ipod
The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell
I’ve always enjoyed Vowell’s tongue-in-cheek take on American history and this look at the Massachusetts Bay colony is no different. For all the joking around, there’s a lot of seriousness and big ideas about the DNA of the American project in this book. I interview her for the Post here if you missed the video.
Mission: Impossible III rip Y: The Last Man (vol. 10 Whys and Wherefores)
After years of picking up various bits and pieces of Pia Guerra and Brian Vaughn’s gripping comic book series about the survivor of a plague that kills of (almost) all the men on the planet, I finally picked up the last volume. It’s been a fun ride.
Soup’s On divx On deck:
Joseph Boyden’s Giller winner Through Black Spruce, John Hodgman’s More Information Than You Require, Joshua Ferris’ Then We Came to the End, Chip Kidd’s The Learners. (Yes, I know, the last two are about ad agencies… I’m not planning a career switch, don’t worry)