Anybody else got plans to lower the height of their reading pile over the next few weeks? (or working their way through the downloads on the e-reader?) If so, what are you going to be reading?
You think you've got a pile of books? THIS is a pile of books. | Image by Callum Scott shared under CCL 2.0
Last week, while on hols oop nawth, I read Terry Pratchett’s Snuff on my Kindle and Karen Healey’s Guardian of the Deadas a proper page-turner. Both highly recommended in their different ways: Pratchett for more of what you’ve come to expect only ever more sharply observed, Healey as a powerful new urban fantasy voice (and set in NZ for a change).
Over the festive season I will be catching up on/rereading some fine classics on my Kindle (Conan Doyle, Dickens, Austen)and almost certainly a few new reads that I will receive as gifts (I’m hoping for the new Neal Stephenson, definitely as an e-book, because he writes door-stops).
And what about the telly box? or DVDs? Of course I’m hanging out for the annual Doctor Who Christmas special, and will look forward to catching up on some of the stuff that my DVR box has recorded over the last few weeks that I haven’t yet had a chance to see (Killing Time, Dexter, Boardwalk Empire for starters). The family’s also got a few boxed DVD sets in their stockings that we will all enjoy together. We may also well end up going to see the latest astonishing stunts from the Mission Impossible team, possibly in IMAX.
What about you?
Gave Snuff to my son as ebook, getting it from him in paper. He too thought it very sharp. Am giving a lovely movie to my parents ‘from time to time’ starring Maggie Smith. Other than that have good scifi &fan anthologies from the library, to keep me going
I have a huge pile of sci-fi books to get through on my kindle. Lots of quite good authors making a decent living publishing ebooks now that would have not made it pre-kindle era.
I will be reading Psychic Detective Yakumo, maybe buying some more steampunk fantasy stories, and watching a large amount of Big Bang Theory. I also want to watch Tintin.
I’m looking forward to the laziness! But I have to work on Boxing Day, sadly…
An acquaintance handed me a copy of The Chalice and the Blade (Riane Eisler) and insisted I simply ‘had’ to read it. I’m not sure what to expect.
Fran, I guess you should expect some kind of sword, and possibly a cup or something like it.
Just finished the complete Molesworth, chiz chiz chiz.
Now for a spot of sci-fi with Lucifer’s Hammer.
I’m looking forward to reading In Defence of Dogs: Why Dogs Need Our Understanding that I bought for my wife (after she has read it, of course, but she is a very quick reader).
Several of us ex-schoolmates, all in our late 40s now, will head off to see what Spielberg has done to Tin-tin. From what I’ve seen it may be a little unpleasant. I have the animated series from the 80s (I think) which are extremely faithful to Herge’s stories and drawing technique. The recent film may deviate somewhat but it’s more about remembering childhood I think.
The rest of Sophie Cunningham’s Melbourne (I got distracted by workloads halfway through), Elliot Perlman’s The Street Sweeper, Charles Frazier’s Nightwood, the journals of South Australia’s first Colonial Secretary Robert Gouger (again), and Beverley Sutherland Smith’s recipe for Fresh Cherry and Toasted Almond Ice Cream (also again).
Also got Reamde (Stephenson’s latest) on the pile. And Umberto Eco’s latest, some more Jeffrey Barlough, and the first of the non Robert Parker Jesse Stone books (be interesting to see how they continue, Parker was formulaic but good – wondering more what Ace Atkins will do with Spenser).
And then the rest of the sci fi and steampunk I’ve collected through the year but not got around to reading – Robert V S Redick, Alexey Pehov, Chris Wooding, Mark Hodder, Peter V Brett. And some fingerpicking guitar and some IOS programming – need more holidays!
Planning to settle into Frank Moorehouse’s Cold Light, which I’ve arranged to get from Santa, Will follow it with Nicholas Hasluck’s Dismissal. There aren’t too many novels set in Canberra,
I’ve just finished Joan Didion’s Blue Nights. I found it very tragic. It’s very typically self-aware, which doesn’t bug me about her writing as much as it does many people, but The Year of Magical Thinking documents a long attempt to understand marriage and grief, Blue Nights just documents grief.
About to try some of her novels for the first time, I am curious to see how well liking her non-fiction translates.
In the fanfic world the annual Yuletide collection goes live very early on the 26th (Sydney time). It’s a rare fandoms challenge, including a lot of literary and book-based fandoms. Looking forward to that too.
Have got a heap of books on 18C Virginia and slavery in 18C Virginia to get through. Currently reading Edmund S. Morgan’s American Slavery, American Freedom. Then plan to start on Gerald Mullins’ Flight and Rebellion. Slave Resistance in Eighteenth Century Virgomia. Then, Jeffrey Bolsyrt’s Black Jacks. African American Seamen in the Age of Sail. And heaps motr.
Have got Joan of Arc, with Peter O’Toole and Wagner starring Burton, Geilgud, Olivier – a 7 hour epic – to watch pm FBD.
On Tv am foing to watch Noel Coward’s adaptation, I think, and the Dr. Who Xmas special. (How did the final episode of that end up? I was oin hospital and missed it._
Still have French Lieurwbabt’s Woman to watch, too.
I’m working my way through the Basic Writings of Bertrand Russell. After that I’ve got Main Currents of Western Environmental Thought by Peter Hay. Both were purchased at the Hobart Book Shop in Salamanca Square, which I commend to anyone visiting Hobart.
MOAR of A Dance to the Music of Time, by anthony Powell. I’m up to vol. 6 or something. I have no idea why I enjoy this series, nothing ever really happens in it – of course there are Sweeping Sagas of War and Politics going on but the characters just basically potter about doing two fifths of buggerall.
The Ballroom, by Dolores San Miguel. An account of the explosion of culture in Melbourne in the 80s in which I was a bit player. Halfway through this one already.
Adelaide by Kerryn Goldsworthy, which to my shame I’ve only just bought.
Jilly Cooper’s Riders which I found for 50c at a Library culling sale. Ideal mindless crap for a sunny afternoon on a deckchair with a white wine, G&T or similarly bourgeois and frivolous concoction.
Hoping to sample a few DVDs of the series which I always miss out on due to endless domestic duties and the vagaries of TV programming.
What of the poor old cinema? There are lots of fine choices out there at present, and some beauts coming up too.
Leading the list is a silent French film titled “The Artist” that won a best actor award at Cannes this year. Aside from being a thoroughly entertaining and charming film, it features the best canine role these eyes have witnessed. And I know many readers here have the love for the doggies.
It opens nationally on Feb 12th.
Book-wise, I enjoyed JG Farrell’s “Singapore Grip” this year, and will spend the next few weeks doing his trilogy in reverse. After reading this powerful fictional version of the state of confusion as the Japanese descended upon Mayalsia and Singapore, I really did wonder how my high school education seemed to more or less gloss over the Asian theatre of WW2.
Seasons greetings to all.
I’m looking forward to ‘The Iron Lady’, ‘Hugo’ and ‘The Descendants’ at the cinema, as well as a doco by Isabella Rossellini at ACMI called ‘Animals Distract Us’.
I’ve also bought a couple of beautiful Asian films on DVD; “Poetry” and “Still Walking”, so I’m looking forward to re-visiting them.
I said above that I wasn’t sure what to expect from Riane Eisler’s The Chalice and the Blade but this wiki bio certainly suggests that she is an interesting woman.
I suspect she’s going to be a little too attached to metaphysics for me, but she certainly seems to be engaged with many of the key questions for those interested in equity in public policy.
Writing my thesis. Meh.
dear Paul Burns
i envy you your “wagner”, that “wagner”. i loved that epic (as you rightly call it) when I saw it late last century over several sessions of afternoon tv (of all times).
its campy & rambling & totally envgrossing. irresistible once started. i love to see history of ideas topics (like the case of wagner) treated with such commitment & verve & intelligence.
and there’re vanessa redgrave & ralph richardson, too. oh and the music. and the scenery. and the sets. the costumes. sigh. did I say I envy you?
is this what you’re getting the black forest cake for?
yours sincerely
alfred venison
Just rewatched “Secret Sunshine” and “Poetry” myself, so I can safely you’ll have no regrets Fine. However I’m going in the opposite direction as I’ve just been lent a batch of Zulawski films. I’m imagining that Klaus Kinski in a Zulawski film must be the histronic acting equivalent of Death By Chocolate.
I’ve bee studying these dietary recommendations from Leviticus:
Probably good advice.
Don’t fret akn, insects are still on the menu!
Damn. I was torn between birds of prey and bats for my “bring a plate” contribution to the Christmas lunch. It’ll have to be Turducken again.
John, I don’t know Zulawski – sounds like someone I need to catch up with. I’m looking forward to rewatching ‘Poetry’.
IIRC Merc, while chowing down on locusts or grasshoppers or beetles was considered fair enough as long as you chose those with wings and four feet. Touch the wrong thing however (much less eat it) and woe betide.
Mind you, I’m glad they left all those other birds of prey and bats alone, even if they did it out of disgust or perhaps a fear of idolatry.
Although I’m only a few pages into it I’m going to recommend Sophie Cunningham’s Geography – if you haven’t already read it. I am also reading some Garth Nix – the Abhorsen Trilogy – starting with Sabriel.
Mindy @27 – I love the Abhorsen Trilogy! Australia seems to have quite a few good sci fi and fantasy authors.
I’m a few chapters into “Delusions of Gender” by Cordelia Fine. A cracking read which takes on basic assumptions about female and male and blows them up. Must get back to it…
Mindy@27 Abhorsen is a wonderful series. Nix is agreat author.
For your podcast listening pleasure if you get stuck with the washing-up:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/ahow
BBC Radio 4′s series “A History of the World in 100 Objects” is a fabulous bunch of 10-15 minute podcasts, giving a global overview from 1.5 million years BC through to the present day — all told through artefacts housed in the British Museum.
Each podcast is the perfect length for ironing 2-3 shirts, and far more enlightening!
First disc of Wagner (over 2 and a quarter hours long) was awful. A fifty-something Burton playing a yoof is not convincing. Directorially excessive, without the panache of Ken Russell (unless Russell did direct it – too blind to read the jacket cpver. Though this gtrat ruin of an actor still had absolute control of that wonderful voice. OTOH, disc 2 was a delight, bot for Burton, who was better, but for the delightful ensemble performance of Gielgud, Sir Ral[h Richardson and Olivier as courtiers/bureahcrats/advisers at the coitt of mad King Ludwug.
Pod cast:
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/musicshow/robert-wyatt-one-of-the-most-distinctive-voices-/2923272
Book:
Elizabeth David, French Country Cooking (yum)
DVD:
Prime Suspect, Complete Box.
During ecology 101 we had an interesting discussion about religious doctrine regarding certain foods and the notion of bioaccumulation. Higher order feeders (meat eating predators) would accumulate more toxins (heavy metals etc) than herbivores, my lecturer hypothesized that instinctively humans, given a choice, will favor a diet that excludes predatory species. Might explain some of old Leviticus.
My dad always seemed to have some kind of logic for every kosher rule he followed, the ones he ignored were described as superstitious mumbo-jumbo. Heh.
I’m reading classics at the moment. Stead’s ‘The Man who Loved Children’, and McCuller’s ‘The Heart is a Lonely Hunter’. Also rereading all of Sallinger. Will finally start on Proust, ‘In Search of Lost Time’ in the new year.
I dont have a screen at home at the moment so whether I go to the cinema depends on the weather. If we get a heat wave I’ll see whatever is on at palace and the mercury. Will prolly watch ‘life of Brian’ tomorrow with my Mum.
Also, why no listening in the thread? I’m currently listening to Iron and Wine, but I’ve been avoiding most media lately, so I’d be curious to hear about any new music people have discovered this year.
Belated solstice good wishes to all.
Oops, forgot the one I have open right now – Hanrahan’s ‘The Scent of Eucalyptus’.
FB, I’ve ordered Gurrumul Yunupingu’s first CD online, as I’ve only heard him on RN and have been ravished by his voice.
Also, and sorry everyone I AM OBSESSED, but Joe Pug has just made a live album available – online only – Live at Lincoln Hall. It’s available on his website joepugmusic.com. Not having an iPod, I am going to buy a cheaper version from Dick Smith’s and it will be the first thing I download.
Also, for Mercurius: If you haven’t come across the Mark Steele lectures, google them. They have played them on RN in silly seasons past, and may do so again. They’re fabbo.
And the podcast series ‘The History of Rome’ by Mike Duncan (yes, he said ‘THE’ — he went there!).
In its 4th year, going on 160 episodes each of 20-30 minutes duration. Heading towards the Gothic sack of Rome, I’d say episode 200 is a likelihood!
As history, it’s fairly unadventurous re-telling of the affairs of elites, with little social history. But, it holds a certain charm and the writer/reader/essayist/producer Mike Duncan is one of those very rare things: an apparent autodidact who’s actually worth a pinch of s***. Engaging, humourous — if you want to know how a hipster would write Roman History, it’s well worth a listen.
@Helen – just make sure it is a new one, not a returned one!
Indeed Mindy! And may you have a lovely holiday season full of not-returned presents.
Thank you Helen, you too.
With some time I hope to get into some 20th century Russian writers that I had previously overlooked, mainly Vasily Grossman – “Life and Fate” – often considered the 20th century equivalent to War and Peace (also “Everything Flows” which I picked up for $12), and Vladimir Voinovich “The Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Private Ivan Chonkin” which I ordered in from overseas.
If I have some more time I’m toying with reading some more Iberian writing – rewarding myself with a Juan Goytisolo or a Javier Marias novel.
On Joan Didion’s fiction – I have read “Play it as it Lays” – which is a sort of post-modern Hollywood novel stripped to the bone – its a very impressonistic novel. Its bare details chronicling the void of La-La-Land, lead it to seem at first inconsequential – but thats sort of what the work is doing – describing inconsequentiality of life in the studio world. I didn’t notice when I first read it – but the work definitely has lingered in my memory – I was originally put off by the unusual characterisation – but it definitely voiced something or I wouldn’t remember its details so well.
I’ve put a review of The Adventures of Tintin on my blog.
Thanks for the reminder, Helen. I have that Gurrumul CD and probably over-played it initially…..it’s about time I revisited it. Will look into Joe Pug.
Too much booze for me today, so I’m forgoing the life of Brian ritual in favour of a nap.
Finished watching Wagner. Burton was seriously miscast.