So this month’s entry kicks off the “-ber” months (most of them are “-ember’s, too), and coming up with enough books that start with “E” is going to be tricky. It was fun revisiting some of these books, at least for these brief paragraphs. Like I have for the previous 8 months, I’m tempted to stop everything and re-read at least half of this list today.
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Straight ManRichard Russo’s novel traces the week of the chairman of an English Department at a Pennsylvania university. It’s hard to imagine how much damage a man can do to his own life in so short of time. It’s one of those “serious” novels for literary readers that is (intentionally) funny—and still manages to tell a good story, with a lot of heart—and a little academic satire, too. And any book with a duck like that on the cover has to be worth a read, right? |
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EragonSay what you will about Christopher Paolini’s debut, the story of his writing and getting it published is pretty cool. I remember enjoying it for what it is—a fun MG story about a 15-year-old who finds a dragon egg, which launches a bunch of adventures that reminded me a bit too much about Star Wars. (which didn’t make it less fun, just made it a different kind of fun). |
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The Phantom TollboothNorton Juster’s children’s classic is one of those books that I can read and enjoy today. The story of a dull boy who receives a magic tollbooth and travels to a strange world where he has to use his mind and imagination. I loved (and still do) the wordplay, the puns, and the very strange companions that Milo picks up along the way. Jules Feiffer’s illustrations are the perfect companion to the story, and when I listened to an audiobook version of it, not having them took a little away from the experience. |
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True GritThis has to be the best-known work by Charles Portis—and it deserves its renown. Mattie Ross is such a great character. Her interactions with Rooster Cogburn while they hunt for her father’s killer was unexpectedly entertaining. I really wouldn’t have imagined this to have been so entertaining before I dove in—but I had a blast with this feisty protagonist. |
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Envy the NightThis was the first stand-alone thriller from Michael Koryta, and I remember not being sure what I’d think about it. My memory for the details is hazy (it’s been 14 years), but I remember being gripped. It was a new tone and a new kind of character for him, but everything else—the writing, the storytelling, and the suspense of the novel were just what the reader had become accustomed to. |
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MirrorshadesBruce Stirling’s inaugural collection of cyberpunk stories is one of the very few short story collections that I’ve read multiple times. It defined a movement, brought it to the masses, and is just so much fun. |
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Brighton Beach MemoirsI don’t know how many times I watched the movie version of this, but the script for the play is just so much better. The story of Eugene and his family struggling to get by, worriedly watching what’s going on in Europe in 1937, and preparing to take in their relatives who are clearly going to need a new place to live. Genuine laughs, a lot of heart, and a solid coming-of-age story. |
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Everything ChangesThis was the first Jonathan Tropper book that I read. Having read them all (most more than once), it’s not my favorite, but as it was my first, I do have a soft spot for it. With his wedding coming up, Zack deals with the death of his best friend (2 years prior), Zack’s less-than-Plantoic feelings for his friend’s widow, and his father returning to his life after decades. As less than positive I might have sounded, it did bring me back for more—I can’t get enough of Tropper’s voice. |
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The RangerIt’d take about 30 seconds of not-very-intense research around here to see that I’m an Ace Atkins fan—and the series that kicks off with The Ranger is a big part of that. In this novel, Army Ranger Quinn Colson comes home from Afghanistan to discover that his uncle, the county sheriff, either committed suicide or was killed. Colson looks into the death and learns a lot more than he expected. Colson’s story (and the story of that county) is still going strong after 11 books. |
Celeste | A Literary Escape
I’ve been meaning to do this meme for some time…one month I’ll get around to it! As for Eragon, I remember reading it when I was in high school, but I don’t think I ever finished it. I think I was a little bored? I don’t quite remember…I was actually thinking about this book the other day and wondering what I’d think about it now if I attempted a reread.
HCNewton
Was talking to a friend about Eragon tonight–he never got around to finishing the series either. I sort of wonder what it would be like now, too. Am guessing realistic expectations would be important.