I finished this a while ago, but it's very fitting at this time of year. This passage actually made me cry, so I thought I'd put it up here. It also makes you think about all the stuff that everyone is out buying in a shopping panic. Enjoy!
From Mr Edwards meets Santa Claus in Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Something was shining bright in the top of Laura's stocking. She squealed and jumped out of bed. So did Mary, but Laura beat her to the fireplace. And the shining thing was a glittering new tin cup.
Mary had one exactly like it.
These new tin cups were their very own. Now they each had a cup to drink out of. Laura jumped up and down and shouted and laughed, but Mary stood still and looked with shining eyes at her own tin cup.
Then they plunged their hands into the stockings again. And they pulled out two long, long sticks of candy. It was peppermint candy, striped red and white. They looked and looked at that beautiful candy, and Laura licked her stick, just one lick. But Mary was not so greedy. She didn't take even one lick of her stick.
Those stockings weren't empty yet. Mary and Laura pulled out two small packages. They unwrapped them, and each found a little heart-shaped cake. Over their delicate brown tops was sprinkled white sugar. The sparkling grains lay like tiny drifts of snow. And the inside of that little cake was white!
It had been made of pure white flour, and sweetened with white sugar.
Laura and Mary never would have looked in their stockings again. The cups and the cakes and the candy were almost too much. They were too happy to speak. But Ma asked if they were sure the stockings were empty.
Then they put their arms down inside them, to make sure.
And in the very toe of each stocking was a shining bright, new penny!
They had never even thought of such a thing as having a penny. Think of having a whole penny for your very own. Think of having a cup and a cake and a stick of candy and a penny.
There had never been such a Christmas.
Tuesday 17 December 2013
Saturday 7 December 2013
Young Adult-ness
I've just read Divergent - a book I actually saw the film trailer for a couple of weeks ago. I bought it for a long train journey, and quite enjoyed it; although it's not particularly well written, it's got some interesting ideas.
People are divided into five factions, based on their personality traits. There are those who value honesty most of all, then courage, intelligence, kindness, and selflessness. But some don't fit into these categories so neatly, and that's where the fun starts.
It got me thinking about which faction I would be in, if I lived in that world, and maybe even more difficult to decide, which one I think has its priorities right. Of course they're all good traits and I aspire to have them all, but where would I actually fit?
I like to think it would be Dauntless - the faction that honours courage above all else. The one I would like to be more like is probably Amity (kindness) or Abnegation (selflessness). The book itself has an interesting perspective on this; that in many cases, selflessness and courage are nearly interchangeable. We can be at our bravest when we are thinking of others and not ourselves. Forgetting the self can help us to act, even when we are scared.
People are divided into five factions, based on their personality traits. There are those who value honesty most of all, then courage, intelligence, kindness, and selflessness. But some don't fit into these categories so neatly, and that's where the fun starts.
It got me thinking about which faction I would be in, if I lived in that world, and maybe even more difficult to decide, which one I think has its priorities right. Of course they're all good traits and I aspire to have them all, but where would I actually fit?
I like to think it would be Dauntless - the faction that honours courage above all else. The one I would like to be more like is probably Amity (kindness) or Abnegation (selflessness). The book itself has an interesting perspective on this; that in many cases, selflessness and courage are nearly interchangeable. We can be at our bravest when we are thinking of others and not ourselves. Forgetting the self can help us to act, even when we are scared.
Wednesday 4 December 2013
1,2,3 write!
A little while ago, Lift (a fantastic new app which helps people to build habits and hold themselves accountable for whatever they choose to commit to) asked me to create a writing coaching plan.
It's a 30-day plan; sign up and you'll get a new tip each day, based on things that have helped me get down to writing, even when I don't particularly want to, or when I don't know what to say. The tips are simple and (hopefully) fun - I'd love you all to have a look and tell me what you think. It's the first time I've ever written anything like this, but I really enjoyed it.
You can find the plan here.
I've also been tweeting a bit about my plan; if you like it, please sign up and/or share it yourselves. Happy writing!
It's a 30-day plan; sign up and you'll get a new tip each day, based on things that have helped me get down to writing, even when I don't particularly want to, or when I don't know what to say. The tips are simple and (hopefully) fun - I'd love you all to have a look and tell me what you think. It's the first time I've ever written anything like this, but I really enjoyed it.
You can find the plan here.
I've also been tweeting a bit about my plan; if you like it, please sign up and/or share it yourselves. Happy writing!
Tuesday 26 November 2013
Giving Iain Banks another chance
Time for a post about reading, after all these writing ones.
I hated The Wasp Factory. I mean, really hated it. So much so that I never even finished the book. I think I got up to the last or second last chapter and realised I was having a properly horrible time.
But I know Banks is well renowned as a fantastic writer. And he's also written a lot of sci-fi.
So I decided to give him another chance with one of his Culture novels: The Player of Games. My first thoughts were not very positive: the beginning, as with most 'hard' sci-fi (I hate that term though), is full of obscure invented words and concepts that you have to try and decipher, or ignore. It seemed very much like these things were there just for show - I've created this new world, so I can put whatever I want into it. Of course any alien world is going to be very different from ours, but it was just uncomfortable as a reader.
That first part of the book was not particularly enthralling. It did get a lot better once Gurgeh gets on the voyage to the Empire; there was finally a purpose to the story. Descriptions of the different world, and the games he plays, are a lot more interesting and I read the second half of the book pretty quickly.
Unfortunately, I didn't like the ending much either.
It feels like something exciting and unexpected is going to happen - it does, but it's very difficult to tell what's actually happening, or why. As the book gets closer to the end, I liked the main character less and less. Not being allowed to see much of his thought process, particularly about some of the most important things he has found out, was frustrating. By the time of the final battle, I didn't even care if he was going to die.
The twist was also unfulfilling.
It's not great news, as second chances go. I liked some of the ideas enough, and the writing, to think I might try another Culture novel. But only 'might'.
I hated The Wasp Factory. I mean, really hated it. So much so that I never even finished the book. I think I got up to the last or second last chapter and realised I was having a properly horrible time.
But I know Banks is well renowned as a fantastic writer. And he's also written a lot of sci-fi.
So I decided to give him another chance with one of his Culture novels: The Player of Games. My first thoughts were not very positive: the beginning, as with most 'hard' sci-fi (I hate that term though), is full of obscure invented words and concepts that you have to try and decipher, or ignore. It seemed very much like these things were there just for show - I've created this new world, so I can put whatever I want into it. Of course any alien world is going to be very different from ours, but it was just uncomfortable as a reader.
That first part of the book was not particularly enthralling. It did get a lot better once Gurgeh gets on the voyage to the Empire; there was finally a purpose to the story. Descriptions of the different world, and the games he plays, are a lot more interesting and I read the second half of the book pretty quickly.
Unfortunately, I didn't like the ending much either.
It feels like something exciting and unexpected is going to happen - it does, but it's very difficult to tell what's actually happening, or why. As the book gets closer to the end, I liked the main character less and less. Not being allowed to see much of his thought process, particularly about some of the most important things he has found out, was frustrating. By the time of the final battle, I didn't even care if he was going to die.
The twist was also unfulfilling.
It's not great news, as second chances go. I liked some of the ideas enough, and the writing, to think I might try another Culture novel. But only 'might'.
Friday 22 November 2013
Day 22
Another NaNo post. There's just over a week to go, and it's getting really good. Sitting down to commit a couple of thousand words to the page is easier and easier - I watch my word count less like a hawk as I write, and the actual words seem better, the story more cohesive.
Making the time to write each day, and the space, and the concentration; I hope these are things I can carry through after this month is finished.
Most of all, I can't wait to actually read what I've written. So far, I've only allowed myself to look back at the last sentence or so to check my place. I wonder what it's like. I hope it (more or less) makes sense.
I've started getting nervous about all the people I said could read it once it's done. Before I began, the book was an abstract thing, and I had no emotional investment in it, no reason to say no. Now I am protective. I want the chance to edit it a bit, improve it.
In the past week or so I've started reading again, looking to authors I haven't read much of for inspiration. I've noticed that there's probably a lack of description in my story. Maybe that's a good thing, that I've got enough to say on plot and dialogue. But it'll need adding.
The pep talks from NaNoWriMo have been particularly useful, and the forums are equal parts comforting and hilarious. It's a lovely community of writers; a very supportive environment for first-time novelists.
Here's a confession: I didn't think I'd actually be able to do it.
Now, I know I will. I'm just over 10,000 words shy of the 50,000 pass mark and there's still enough time to write the extra scenes I'll need to finish the book. I have a better idea of how much I can write in an hour, in half an hour. I know without a doubt that I need, at the very least, a basic plan to write a book. My list of scenes has been the best thing to keep me writing each day, even if I don't feel particularly inspired at the time.
Just over a week to go.
Making the time to write each day, and the space, and the concentration; I hope these are things I can carry through after this month is finished.
Most of all, I can't wait to actually read what I've written. So far, I've only allowed myself to look back at the last sentence or so to check my place. I wonder what it's like. I hope it (more or less) makes sense.
I've started getting nervous about all the people I said could read it once it's done. Before I began, the book was an abstract thing, and I had no emotional investment in it, no reason to say no. Now I am protective. I want the chance to edit it a bit, improve it.
In the past week or so I've started reading again, looking to authors I haven't read much of for inspiration. I've noticed that there's probably a lack of description in my story. Maybe that's a good thing, that I've got enough to say on plot and dialogue. But it'll need adding.
The pep talks from NaNoWriMo have been particularly useful, and the forums are equal parts comforting and hilarious. It's a lovely community of writers; a very supportive environment for first-time novelists.
Here's a confession: I didn't think I'd actually be able to do it.
Now, I know I will. I'm just over 10,000 words shy of the 50,000 pass mark and there's still enough time to write the extra scenes I'll need to finish the book. I have a better idea of how much I can write in an hour, in half an hour. I know without a doubt that I need, at the very least, a basic plan to write a book. My list of scenes has been the best thing to keep me writing each day, even if I don't feel particularly inspired at the time.
Just over a week to go.
Thursday 14 November 2013
642 things to write about
Write a short story that is set in Argentina in 1932, in which a teacup plays a crucial role.
The wind is blowing through the door, rattling the china. Maria's hand shakes as she pours the tea, trying not to make eye contact with either of the men.
Sharp suits and sharper scars, they scowl across at each other, palms flat on their knees. The waitress backs away and for a heartbeat nobody moves. The blue pattern on their cups is chipped, and the white paper tablecloth is stained.
A knife rests next to each man's boot, another dozen unseen around his person. As if on cue, the men get to their feet; slowly, deliberately. Their faces are completely immobile.
In the back, the waitress wishes she could quiet her breathing and become as forgettable as possible. The door creaks in the wind, and outside a coyote starts to howl.
"We can come to an arrangement," the older man says, his voice steady. His friend shakes his head, his movements cutting the air like a shark.
A Spanish broadcast comes on the radio, breaking the silence.
"We can pay. Just a little more -" the first man starts. He never finishes the sentence.
The other man pulls his knife out of his chest, wiping the blood away on his shirt.
A police officer charges into the door as the body becomes a corpse and takes out his baton, eyes wild. But the assailant fires a shot at his teacup and shards of pottery and scalding liquid burst into the officer's eyes as he makes his escape.
The wind is blowing through the door, rattling the china. Maria's hand shakes as she pours the tea, trying not to make eye contact with either of the men.
Sharp suits and sharper scars, they scowl across at each other, palms flat on their knees. The waitress backs away and for a heartbeat nobody moves. The blue pattern on their cups is chipped, and the white paper tablecloth is stained.
A knife rests next to each man's boot, another dozen unseen around his person. As if on cue, the men get to their feet; slowly, deliberately. Their faces are completely immobile.
In the back, the waitress wishes she could quiet her breathing and become as forgettable as possible. The door creaks in the wind, and outside a coyote starts to howl.
"We can come to an arrangement," the older man says, his voice steady. His friend shakes his head, his movements cutting the air like a shark.
A Spanish broadcast comes on the radio, breaking the silence.
"We can pay. Just a little more -" the first man starts. He never finishes the sentence.
The other man pulls his knife out of his chest, wiping the blood away on his shirt.
A police officer charges into the door as the body becomes a corpse and takes out his baton, eyes wild. But the assailant fires a shot at his teacup and shards of pottery and scalding liquid burst into the officer's eyes as he makes his escape.
Thursday 7 November 2013
Seven days down
So, it's seven days in to NaNoWriMo - how's it going?
Fortunately, it's been easier than I expected. 50,000 words sounds overwhelming, but 1,677 words a day is not actually that bad.
It also isn't taking me as long as I planned to meet the word count target each day. Since I completely cleared my schedule out before November started, that leaves me with the lovely sensation of having extra time on my hands. Keeping on track now feels comfortable and manageable.
Now I just need to use that time to work on improving my plot and sub-plots, to really get to know my characters, instead of just saying "I'm done!" after a few hours each day.
A lot of this comes from my number one revelation (and probably something I already knew) - that I cannot work without a plan. I only managed one day of 'pantsing' before I admitted this and drafted out an outline. Now I'm working from a list of scenes. I can add to or modify the list, but that's my basic structure.
The more I write, the more I want to write. At just over 10,000 words, it's become the most I've ever written on a single project. That in itself is a success. I'm seeing inspiration everywhere and my desire to write is extending to other projects - ones I probably don't have time for but am really excited about working on.
One big, exciting thing: I'm going to Glasgow for a weekend - the city where my story is based. This is where my romantic side shows up: the idea of walking around the same places my characters live in, seeing the same buildings they see and hearing the same accent, fills me with joy. The long train ride is also perfect for getting in some extra writing.
A note for NaNo critics: you're basically missing the point. It is a month of fun, experimentation and feeling free enough to try to create something substantial.
Hopefully the rest of the month will go as smoothly; I'm trying to gradually increase the amount I write each day. More soon.
Fortunately, it's been easier than I expected. 50,000 words sounds overwhelming, but 1,677 words a day is not actually that bad.
It also isn't taking me as long as I planned to meet the word count target each day. Since I completely cleared my schedule out before November started, that leaves me with the lovely sensation of having extra time on my hands. Keeping on track now feels comfortable and manageable.
Now I just need to use that time to work on improving my plot and sub-plots, to really get to know my characters, instead of just saying "I'm done!" after a few hours each day.
A lot of this comes from my number one revelation (and probably something I already knew) - that I cannot work without a plan. I only managed one day of 'pantsing' before I admitted this and drafted out an outline. Now I'm working from a list of scenes. I can add to or modify the list, but that's my basic structure.
The more I write, the more I want to write. At just over 10,000 words, it's become the most I've ever written on a single project. That in itself is a success. I'm seeing inspiration everywhere and my desire to write is extending to other projects - ones I probably don't have time for but am really excited about working on.
One big, exciting thing: I'm going to Glasgow for a weekend - the city where my story is based. This is where my romantic side shows up: the idea of walking around the same places my characters live in, seeing the same buildings they see and hearing the same accent, fills me with joy. The long train ride is also perfect for getting in some extra writing.
A note for NaNo critics: you're basically missing the point. It is a month of fun, experimentation and feeling free enough to try to create something substantial.
Hopefully the rest of the month will go as smoothly; I'm trying to gradually increase the amount I write each day. More soon.
Tuesday 22 October 2013
NaNoWriMo
After finding out about NaNoWriMo on the 5th of November last year and promising I would do it in 2013, I'm trying to prepare for the mammoth task of writing a 50,000 word novel in a month. I am beyond excited.
My planning isn't exactly concrete - I have a basic idea and a few details about my main character, but that's about all so far.
I am really looking forward to being able to concentrate purely on writing for a while, although it does mean I'm racing to get things sorted out in the last bit of October.
There are also local meet-ups near where I live, and support via social media. I particularly like the way the NaNo team send emails encouraging you to do it, and I'm sure they'll be really useful when I'm stuck with writer's block.
It's a lovely idea, and if it gets me writing more regularly and just more, then it'll have been a success. For all the people who think it's a stupid idea to write so much so quickly ("It'll just be poor quality!"), there's always December for editing, and you can't edit what you haven't written.
Is anyone else taking part this year? Or any advice from NaNo veterans?
My planning isn't exactly concrete - I have a basic idea and a few details about my main character, but that's about all so far.
I am really looking forward to being able to concentrate purely on writing for a while, although it does mean I'm racing to get things sorted out in the last bit of October.
There are also local meet-ups near where I live, and support via social media. I particularly like the way the NaNo team send emails encouraging you to do it, and I'm sure they'll be really useful when I'm stuck with writer's block.
It's a lovely idea, and if it gets me writing more regularly and just more, then it'll have been a success. For all the people who think it's a stupid idea to write so much so quickly ("It'll just be poor quality!"), there's always December for editing, and you can't edit what you haven't written.
Is anyone else taking part this year? Or any advice from NaNo veterans?
Sunday 13 October 2013
Running and writing
I've just started reading Haruki Murakami's 'What I talk about when I talk about running', which is ideal for me as both an aspiring writer and runner. It's a short book, and although it's biographical it's written in exactly the same sort of style as IQ84, which I guess makes sense. It's refreshing to know that's actually what Murakami is like, rather than a way of writing reserved for fiction. You get the sense that it's how he speaks as well.
It's also very interesting, because the style of IQ84, and this book, is quite strange. It's methodical, precise, and sure. He freely admits quirks around the way he lives his life - giving each successive task everything he has, enjoying time spent alone and dislike of being told what to do. It's made me wonder whether this is true for everyone; are we all that weird? I suppose we must be, and maybe Murakami is only more honest about it. It's a nice thought in one way, that it makes me think everyone has the potential to write a novel, and for it to be worthwhile. It also makes for a much more interesting world. When you look at how pigeon-holed society seems to be at the moment (I'm biting my lip not to say 'these days', because I know it's not true) that's reassuring.
Murakami writes about running, as laid out in the title, but the book is more about how running fits into his life; its similarities to writing, and why he has decided to live his life the way he does.
Reading about running always makes me want to go do it - I started halfway through 'Running like a girl', swept up in stories about marathons and the transformative effect running seems to have. The same is true with this book. It made me remember why I started running, and what a shame it would be if I let that all slip away.
Although Murakami is modest (to the point of irritation for me - I think it downplays something more important than the actual work itself if you dismiss deserved praise) this is actually helpful, as he sets out in stages exactly how he developed the motivation to write and run so regularly and the philosophy which underpins this. It makes the magical secrets of creativity seem a little easier to unlock.
All in all, it's an interesting book, and one I'm looking forward to finishing. Murakami is a fascinating writer and this book has made me more sure than ever that I want to read more of his work, and that I want to write myself.
It's also very interesting, because the style of IQ84, and this book, is quite strange. It's methodical, precise, and sure. He freely admits quirks around the way he lives his life - giving each successive task everything he has, enjoying time spent alone and dislike of being told what to do. It's made me wonder whether this is true for everyone; are we all that weird? I suppose we must be, and maybe Murakami is only more honest about it. It's a nice thought in one way, that it makes me think everyone has the potential to write a novel, and for it to be worthwhile. It also makes for a much more interesting world. When you look at how pigeon-holed society seems to be at the moment (I'm biting my lip not to say 'these days', because I know it's not true) that's reassuring.
Murakami writes about running, as laid out in the title, but the book is more about how running fits into his life; its similarities to writing, and why he has decided to live his life the way he does.
Reading about running always makes me want to go do it - I started halfway through 'Running like a girl', swept up in stories about marathons and the transformative effect running seems to have. The same is true with this book. It made me remember why I started running, and what a shame it would be if I let that all slip away.
Although Murakami is modest (to the point of irritation for me - I think it downplays something more important than the actual work itself if you dismiss deserved praise) this is actually helpful, as he sets out in stages exactly how he developed the motivation to write and run so regularly and the philosophy which underpins this. It makes the magical secrets of creativity seem a little easier to unlock.
All in all, it's an interesting book, and one I'm looking forward to finishing. Murakami is a fascinating writer and this book has made me more sure than ever that I want to read more of his work, and that I want to write myself.
Saturday 12 October 2013
San Fran Writers' Grotto #1
A storm destroys your uncle's shed and kills his six-year-old son. Describe the colour of the sky right before the storm hit.
It's the middle of the night, but there's yellow in the sky. It tinges the edges of the clouds, which are swirls of the deepest greys and blues. It's the shade of soft, ripe fruit just as someone takes the first bite. The sky is so big tonight it looks like there's more night than land, only cloud and moon as far as you can see. It's darker in the east, and the swirls are moving quickly now. It's too light for this late, light that almost looks like it's shining on another planet.
It's the middle of the night, but there's yellow in the sky. It tinges the edges of the clouds, which are swirls of the deepest greys and blues. It's the shade of soft, ripe fruit just as someone takes the first bite. The sky is so big tonight it looks like there's more night than land, only cloud and moon as far as you can see. It's darker in the east, and the swirls are moving quickly now. It's too light for this late, light that almost looks like it's shining on another planet.
Thursday 10 October 2013
Classic Horror
Here's some pre-Halloween inspiration - 50 of the scariest books ever. Since I've previously complained that books don't really scare me (without reading many), now I've got some great recommendations.
What book scared you the most?
What book scared you the most?
Tuesday 8 October 2013
Birthday books
It wouldn't be a birthday without books. I turned 24 yesterday and, as well as having a wonderful day, was lucky enough to receive these:
He's a stud, she's a slut, and 49 other double standards every woman should know - Jessica Valenti (Obviously continuing my feminism-based reading. It's smart, funny and most importantly, has a focus squarely on what we can [all] do to change these double standards.)
El leon, la bruja y el ropero - C.S Lewis (It's The lion, the witch and the wardrobe in Spanish. Very touched by this one - I'm trying to learn Spanish at the moment but my understanding is pretty basic. This is one of my most-read books in English, so I know the story very well. That will help enormously as I try to read my first [full-length] book in a foreign language.)
Three mini moleskine notebooks - every writers' favourite. I can't wait to fill these up!
And finally...
642 things to write about - the San Francisco Writers' Grotto (This is basically hundreds of writing exercises, aimed to get you thinking about different ways of looking at the world, and to realise that there are still plenty of new ideas to write about. I like this idea so much that I think I'm going to include a few of them here on this blog, along with my 'answer'.)
He's a stud, she's a slut, and 49 other double standards every woman should know - Jessica Valenti (Obviously continuing my feminism-based reading. It's smart, funny and most importantly, has a focus squarely on what we can [all] do to change these double standards.)
El leon, la bruja y el ropero - C.S Lewis (It's The lion, the witch and the wardrobe in Spanish. Very touched by this one - I'm trying to learn Spanish at the moment but my understanding is pretty basic. This is one of my most-read books in English, so I know the story very well. That will help enormously as I try to read my first [full-length] book in a foreign language.)
Three mini moleskine notebooks - every writers' favourite. I can't wait to fill these up!
And finally...
642 things to write about - the San Francisco Writers' Grotto (This is basically hundreds of writing exercises, aimed to get you thinking about different ways of looking at the world, and to realise that there are still plenty of new ideas to write about. I like this idea so much that I think I'm going to include a few of them here on this blog, along with my 'answer'.)
Tuesday 24 September 2013
The Age of Miracles
Thompson Walker has set up a very convincing dystopian thriller with her first novel. She's landed, quite accurately, on the idea that our destruction probably won't be one of the many factors we are already aware of, but something completely unexpected.
This feeling of unpreparedness, alongside a distinct lack of understanding (no explanation is ever found for the earth's slowing), and thus control, adds up to a pretty frightening future. The earth turning is something we do not question. This makes it perfect for Thompson Walker to play with - if this, then what else could we be wrong about?
It also helps that the threat itself is barely visible - like the best horror movies are the ones where you never come face to face with the villain, scary phenomena are scariest when they are unknowable and intangible.
Written from the point of view of an eleven-year old girl, the story is more self-absorbed than traditional sci-fi novels - and the book reads more about coming of age and the loneliness of adolescence, the quiet breakdowns of everyday life that would have happened with or without the earth's slowing.
Sometimes Thompson Walker hints at the darker implications of longer days and nights, but these only fit into a kind of background of unease. For Julia, the pain of your best friend icing you out, bus-stop bullying and first crushes almost eclipse the strangeness of her new reality.
It's a lovely book, despite it's horrifying theme. The Age of Miracles manages to portray normal life in an extraordinary time.
This feeling of unpreparedness, alongside a distinct lack of understanding (no explanation is ever found for the earth's slowing), and thus control, adds up to a pretty frightening future. The earth turning is something we do not question. This makes it perfect for Thompson Walker to play with - if this, then what else could we be wrong about?
It also helps that the threat itself is barely visible - like the best horror movies are the ones where you never come face to face with the villain, scary phenomena are scariest when they are unknowable and intangible.
Written from the point of view of an eleven-year old girl, the story is more self-absorbed than traditional sci-fi novels - and the book reads more about coming of age and the loneliness of adolescence, the quiet breakdowns of everyday life that would have happened with or without the earth's slowing.
Sometimes Thompson Walker hints at the darker implications of longer days and nights, but these only fit into a kind of background of unease. For Julia, the pain of your best friend icing you out, bus-stop bullying and first crushes almost eclipse the strangeness of her new reality.
It's a lovely book, despite it's horrifying theme. The Age of Miracles manages to portray normal life in an extraordinary time.
Thursday 19 September 2013
The Method - Juli Zeh
This is a great little dystopian story focusing on health as the highest ideal, that made me question a few of my beliefs about public health and individual responsibility.
Set in the future, disease has all but been eradicated and citizens are required to constantly measure their health, uploading the data to the state in an extreme form of telemonitoring.
Most people would agree that a world without illness, without pain, would be a better one; an ideal to strive towards.
But it raises some serious questions. Individual public health has a huge economic and social impact - so should we be allowed to live however we want?
I've been of the mind that there is a balance to be struck - having worked in the health sector for the past two years, I might be biased here - but one where both individual and state have responsibility for public health.
The problem lies beneath and beyond this continuum of responsibility; at one end, as depicted in The Method, the restrictions and regulations are too extreme. At the other, too many people die needlessly. It's an interesting question that pertains to many other areas of life - how much is too much? How much is enough?
The main character Mia also has a strange journey; from rationalist to revolutionary with a little free-wheeling philosophy to aid her on her way. Philosophy is actually a key theme of the book (which I love), raising questions around ethics, free will, how far you should fight for what you believe in, and whether it makes any difference in the end.
I encourage you all to read it.
Sunday 15 September 2013
Manchester City Library...
Is relocating. To the town hall, although most of the books will have to go into storage as there isn't enough space. It's part of the move before the new main library opens in the Spring (so far away!). I went to city library yesterday - the last day it was open - and felt a profound sense of panic as I tried to gather as many books as I could. It's a strange sensation, being in a building for what you know is the last time. I realise I'm being overly sentimental, but I will never see those shelves again, never wonder around, eyes peeled for my next book. The temporary library was really close to my work; I could pop in at lunch. Now what am I going to do?
Here's a list of everything I took out:
The Age of Miracles - Karen Thompson Walker (a slow-burn sci-fi)
The Method - Juli Zeh (medicine and dystopia: a perfect fit)
Selected Poems - Pablo Neruda (because one book of Spanish poetry is not enough, right?)
Pronto 1 - Ken Hall & Steve Haworth (Spanish textbook)
Stories from Latin America - Genevieve Barlow (more dual-language folk tales)
Stories from Mexico - Genevieve Barlow (and again)
20 Something Manifesto - Christine Hassler (because I've never tried reading self-improvement. More on this later)
Spanish audio lessons A + B - Pimsleur Language Programs (I can listen to these while I knit, or whatever)
All this is on top of the books I was already making my way through - a bunch of feminist books a friend gave me, the Pinker book, original Spanish poetry book,the Shadow Rising etc.
I'm sure the new library is going to be fantastic. But I don't know if I can wait that long!
Here's a list of everything I took out:
The Age of Miracles - Karen Thompson Walker (a slow-burn sci-fi)
The Method - Juli Zeh (medicine and dystopia: a perfect fit)
Selected Poems - Pablo Neruda (because one book of Spanish poetry is not enough, right?)
Pronto 1 - Ken Hall & Steve Haworth (Spanish textbook)
Stories from Latin America - Genevieve Barlow (more dual-language folk tales)
Stories from Mexico - Genevieve Barlow (and again)
20 Something Manifesto - Christine Hassler (because I've never tried reading self-improvement. More on this later)
Spanish audio lessons A + B - Pimsleur Language Programs (I can listen to these while I knit, or whatever)
All this is on top of the books I was already making my way through - a bunch of feminist books a friend gave me, the Pinker book, original Spanish poetry book,the Shadow Rising etc.
I'm sure the new library is going to be fantastic. But I don't know if I can wait that long!
Tuesday 27 August 2013
Aramanth and reflections on society
Despite being a “children’s book” (just refer back to one of
my many rants against anti-YA snobbery), The Wind Singer (by William Nicholson, part 1 of the Wind on Fire series) also paints a really
interesting political picture when viewed with a bit more life experience and
understanding.
The city of Aramanth is basically built upon the principles of
strivers vs. skivers, as propagated by our very own government. Their daily creed is: "I vow to strive harder, to reach higher, and in every way to seek to make tomorrow better than today."
The whole society rests on the myth of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, of hard work and fair chances for everyone, with plenty of testing for the wrong thing and a healthy dose of class segregation.
It’s eerily similar to the world outside my window, and as
the book wonderfully demonstrates, is not a system which can work for any
length of time. Even the people who believe in the punishing structure of their
lives do not benefit from it – there is a horrifying lack of kindness in the
city, with a tendency to tell tales on your neighbours that borders on
Orwellian.
It also portrays quite nicely how difficult this kind of
policy is to shift – the basic principles are not something you can clearly
argue against, and the importance of order and this notion of deservedness is
one which embeds very deeply within people’s minds.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a wind singer to save us. The
discrimination isn’t quite as easy to spot – we don’t have colour-coded
districts and uniforms, nor an explicit whole-family ratings system. But we do
have very clear classifications of people – those who wear designer labels and
those who do not, business suits, hair dye and style, accent and leisure activities,
even food. Some people live in desirable (read: rich) neighbourhoods, and others
are in rough parts of town, just as they do in this book.
(Image: Channel 4)
We’re not as far away from Nicholson’s imagined world as we
could be, and that’s certainly scary. You can mask mistreatment of those less
lucky in life with tabloid sound-bites and the impression of strong morals.
There’s
nothing inherently wrong with the idea that people must work hard to maintain a
fair society – which is why certain political parties get away with it so
easily – but implementing this ideal on very strict lines, from a perspective
of power that has never known anything but privilege and prosperity, is
intensely problematic.
It means people with less, get less. It means no help for
anyone who needs it, just blame and division and guilt over being thought of as
a burden. Everyone needs to be carried sometimes, in some way, and I want to
live in a state that allows and even encourages that.
For some people, tomorrow will never be better than today.
That’s not because they are weak, or stupid or lazy. It’s because they were
born into a class system which pretends it doesn’t exist, and they ended up on
the bottom tier. Or it’s because circumstance has so much more influence on our
lives than positive thinking and hard graft can ever have. Sometimes it’s because
success by one person’s standards is not one-size-fits-all, and a different
version of “better” simply doesn’t count. And it’s definitely because we are a
social species who evolved to help each other out – when we don’t, is it any
wonder some of us don’t make it?
The whole idea of exams and status as the best way to separate
the sheep from the goats (whoever said they needed separating anyway?) is also
based on the notion that is it only things which can be measured in numbers and
frequencies and pounds to the economy that have real value. I reject this
completely. A society where people are kind, polite, supportive and free is so
much better than one where the Government can quotes reams of statistics to
prove their impact.
Both in the fictional Aramanth, and modern day Britain, I can
see why a system that only focuses on achieving is in place. It’s easy. Testing
and then dividing people up is a far clearer way of organising society. When
everyone has an “equal chance”, you can move quite swiftly to “we’re all in
this together” and many people will agree with you.
Viewing the world in black and white, deserving versus
non-deserving, is simple to understand and simple to enact. It takes a wider
worldview, one which accepts that society should be inclusive and not
exclusive, to promote a truly fair blueprint for how we should live.
In The Wind Singer, the people of Aramanth grow this way
after an evil named the Morah inhabits them. Out in real life we can’t point to
some external force, there’s only us: people who do good things and bad things.
What we choose to spend our energy doing, and what we choose to accept from our
leaders, is what makes the difference.
Monday 19 August 2013
Childhood heroes
I wanted to do a post about the characters that really inspired me when I was younger; the ones I wanted to be, the ones I thought of as my friends and the ones I looked up to.
Top of the list has got to be Lyra - my friend is reading The Amber Spyglass for the first time and I'm so jealous of him discovering that amazing new world that I don't know what to do with myself. Lyra was, and still is, a fantastic character. She's not that nice; she can be mean and ruthless, but she is also kind and selfless and brave beyond measure. I wanted to run around on rooftops and go to the North with her, and she so brilliantly encapsulates character progression as she comes to understand the terrible choices we can, and must, face.
Lyra is in good company on my list with other girls who don't sit still; Anne (of Green Gables), Jo March, Lucy (why did no-one believe Lucy?) and Alice (proving curiosity trumps being sensible every time). And how could I forget Alanna, who made me want to be a knight and go out fighting sexism before I knew what that meant.
Ludo (of and the Starhorse fame) is also a firm favourite, again representing the underdog and showing that courage and kindness can take you very far in life, as in adventure. Kes from the Wind on Fire for saving her people and Mumpo for loyalty more valuable than brains. Demetria for giving up everything she ever knew to take a chance on a fairytale a stranger tells her, and Ender ('s Game) who represents almost every good quality I look for in a human being, without being too perfect to be truly human.
John from You Don't Know Me, for being as flawed as you can get whilst still envoking empathy and the pure hope that things get better. (I am) David for determination and a reminder that the world is still beautiful even when life is not.
I love Rand, but it was Egwene who made me cry when the series ended, who grew up too quickly because she had to, and it was Lan who showed me what responsibility meant.
Twig, who gets lost in order to find everything, but never forgets where home is.
Thinking up my favourite characters has been really fun, and its interesting to see that its not necessarily my favourite books which determines the best people, although I don't think there's any from a book I didn't like. For some of my best-loved books, it's just the story, or the underlying themes which I adore, rather than the characters.
Top of the list has got to be Lyra - my friend is reading The Amber Spyglass for the first time and I'm so jealous of him discovering that amazing new world that I don't know what to do with myself. Lyra was, and still is, a fantastic character. She's not that nice; she can be mean and ruthless, but she is also kind and selfless and brave beyond measure. I wanted to run around on rooftops and go to the North with her, and she so brilliantly encapsulates character progression as she comes to understand the terrible choices we can, and must, face.
Lyra is in good company on my list with other girls who don't sit still; Anne (of Green Gables), Jo March, Lucy (why did no-one believe Lucy?) and Alice (proving curiosity trumps being sensible every time). And how could I forget Alanna, who made me want to be a knight and go out fighting sexism before I knew what that meant.
Ludo (of and the Starhorse fame) is also a firm favourite, again representing the underdog and showing that courage and kindness can take you very far in life, as in adventure. Kes from the Wind on Fire for saving her people and Mumpo for loyalty more valuable than brains. Demetria for giving up everything she ever knew to take a chance on a fairytale a stranger tells her, and Ender ('s Game) who represents almost every good quality I look for in a human being, without being too perfect to be truly human.
John from You Don't Know Me, for being as flawed as you can get whilst still envoking empathy and the pure hope that things get better. (I am) David for determination and a reminder that the world is still beautiful even when life is not.
I love Rand, but it was Egwene who made me cry when the series ended, who grew up too quickly because she had to, and it was Lan who showed me what responsibility meant.
Twig, who gets lost in order to find everything, but never forgets where home is.
Thinking up my favourite characters has been really fun, and its interesting to see that its not necessarily my favourite books which determines the best people, although I don't think there's any from a book I didn't like. For some of my best-loved books, it's just the story, or the underlying themes which I adore, rather than the characters.
Monday 12 August 2013
Unfinished business
A cool infographic showing the most common unfinished books inspired me to write a similar list of books I've started but haven't finished, and why.
A lot of classics and well-known books:
Dracula - Dull as ditchwater.
Catch-22 - Never got the appeal.
Dreamcatcher - Really, truly disgusting.
Game of Thrones book 4 - Just got bored of the series.
The Wasp Factory - Again, a well-loved book that I just found miserable and nasty. Read all but the very last chapter before I realised I was exhausted. Life's too short for bad books.
Lolita - I think people just read this to say they have. Not very good.
Treasure Island - Maybe I read this all the way through when I was little, but can't remember.
More recently:
Chavs - only started reading out of lack of better books. Not too bad.
Contagious - again, a book of convenience rather than choice.
The Better Angels of Our Nature - I'm definitely going to finish this. Some day.
Delusions of Gender - I'll probably finish this, slowly. It's non-fiction, what can I say?
Gaia - As much as I like the idea of this book, I've never finished it and probably never will.
Hegemony and Survival - Interesting, but put-down-able.
To be honest, I thought there would be a lot more. I don't have a rule that 'I never leave a book unfinished' but I don't like to do it either. It's really obvious what kind of book makes me lose interest as well; non-fiction, bad classics, and only truly bad more modern novels. I have finished terrible books before, but the satisfaction of justifying your initial impressions doesn't often stretch that far.
What's on your list?
A lot of classics and well-known books:
Dracula - Dull as ditchwater.
Catch-22 - Never got the appeal.
Dreamcatcher - Really, truly disgusting.
Game of Thrones book 4 - Just got bored of the series.
The Wasp Factory - Again, a well-loved book that I just found miserable and nasty. Read all but the very last chapter before I realised I was exhausted. Life's too short for bad books.
Lolita - I think people just read this to say they have. Not very good.
Treasure Island - Maybe I read this all the way through when I was little, but can't remember.
More recently:
Chavs - only started reading out of lack of better books. Not too bad.
Contagious - again, a book of convenience rather than choice.
The Better Angels of Our Nature - I'm definitely going to finish this. Some day.
Delusions of Gender - I'll probably finish this, slowly. It's non-fiction, what can I say?
Gaia - As much as I like the idea of this book, I've never finished it and probably never will.
Hegemony and Survival - Interesting, but put-down-able.
To be honest, I thought there would be a lot more. I don't have a rule that 'I never leave a book unfinished' but I don't like to do it either. It's really obvious what kind of book makes me lose interest as well; non-fiction, bad classics, and only truly bad more modern novels. I have finished terrible books before, but the satisfaction of justifying your initial impressions doesn't often stretch that far.
What's on your list?
Friday 19 July 2013
Saying goodbye to Sookie
Ah, Sookie Stackhouse, what a character. There's never a dull moment in Bon Temps, and if the storylines sometimes push you to the edge of belief, the people of this small town always make up for it. I liked the final book in the series; it wrapped everything up quite well, although it is hard to imagine that life will ever be anything close to peaceful for long where Sookie is concerned.
The ending was a little easy-option for me, and perhaps a bit rushed considering her history. Anyway, I thought I'd put together a few reasons why I like Sookie so much, and why you should too.
She stands up for herself and what she believes is right.
Good old-fashioned Southern manners; the importance of loyalty and honesty and respect.
Her acceptance of her own flaws: sometimes you have to make terrible choices and you make mistakes and there's no need to continue beating yourself up about it.
That she will be okay on her own - even though Sookie always has a long line of men who would happily do anything for her, and she enjoys the company, she also likes to maintain her independence and is confident in her ability to be happy on her own.
She reads.
I'm so glad I got introduced to this series; it's so much fun, but also has a lot more to say than just blood and sex. It provides a really good window into our own prejudices and how difficult it can be to overcome societal divides.
The ending was a little easy-option for me, and perhaps a bit rushed considering her history. Anyway, I thought I'd put together a few reasons why I like Sookie so much, and why you should too.
She stands up for herself and what she believes is right.
Good old-fashioned Southern manners; the importance of loyalty and honesty and respect.
Her acceptance of her own flaws: sometimes you have to make terrible choices and you make mistakes and there's no need to continue beating yourself up about it.
That she will be okay on her own - even though Sookie always has a long line of men who would happily do anything for her, and she enjoys the company, she also likes to maintain her independence and is confident in her ability to be happy on her own.
She reads.
I'm so glad I got introduced to this series; it's so much fun, but also has a lot more to say than just blood and sex. It provides a really good window into our own prejudices and how difficult it can be to overcome societal divides.
Tuesday 16 July 2013
Dead Ever After
Dead Ever After is the final Sookie Stackhouse novel, after a monster ride through the supernatural. I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of the book from my local Waterstones and I cannot wait to start reading. I'll post a review of the entire series and how it compares to the TV series, True Blood (in short they're both brilliant) when I'm finished.
Sunday 30 June 2013
The to-do list
I started reading this just because it was there, and because I am a huge fan of the to-do list. It's a lovely book, not about high-flung ambitions that never get ticked off; this is about a man's attempt to get on top of the mundane tasks he has been putting off, not a bucket list.
It includes several sweet examples about connecting with and appreciating the people in your life, as well as those who have got 'lost'. Doing little things to make his friends smile, meeting up with old friends and spending quality time with his family; those are perhaps more valuable lessons than people who aim to high and come out with less.
It's also just a really good motivator to get up and cross some of the things of my own lists!
It includes several sweet examples about connecting with and appreciating the people in your life, as well as those who have got 'lost'. Doing little things to make his friends smile, meeting up with old friends and spending quality time with his family; those are perhaps more valuable lessons than people who aim to high and come out with less.
It's also just a really good motivator to get up and cross some of the things of my own lists!
Monday 17 June 2013
The Great Hunt
Yes, it's another post on the Wheel of Time. I'm now on the second book of the series, The Great Hunt, and I have a few more observations about how good it is to re-read things, especially when it's been such a long time since I started.
Knowing which characters eventually turn out to be evil - nobody is explicitly marked out as bad in these books, and most of the time the ones you least think could be enemies turn out to be. Reading the series for a second time allows that wonderful moment of knowing more than the characters, and trying to look for any early indications of their real purpose.
Recognising physical descriptions of characters - most appearance based descriptions are only mentioned when a character is first introduced, and after 14 books, some of these characters have been around for a very long time. I had completely forgotten who is meant to look like what, meaning some secondary characters have a very different image in my mind.
Getting more out of the deeper themes in the book - I read the Great Hunt when I was about 14, long before I had studied philosophy. This meant I completely missed the implications of many parts of the books. For instance, the Great Hunt includes characters travelling through possible worlds, which are weaker or stronger depending on how close they are to the original world. Knowing now that this is actually a useful theory that some believe not only in principle, but in practice, is very interesting. I am also noticing much more of the characteristics assigned to different people and how this is inspired by cultures in the real world.
One last example of why the detail in WoT surpasses anything else I've ever read: in the books, people have common tunes and songs across different countries and territories. But the lyrics are usually different, often reflecting themes and values of the people of that particular place. This is so realistic. Humans share certain universals, but the details can often vary significantly, even to the point of incomprehensibility. Just think about common phrases or idioms that are changed from place to place.
Knowing which characters eventually turn out to be evil - nobody is explicitly marked out as bad in these books, and most of the time the ones you least think could be enemies turn out to be. Reading the series for a second time allows that wonderful moment of knowing more than the characters, and trying to look for any early indications of their real purpose.
Recognising physical descriptions of characters - most appearance based descriptions are only mentioned when a character is first introduced, and after 14 books, some of these characters have been around for a very long time. I had completely forgotten who is meant to look like what, meaning some secondary characters have a very different image in my mind.
Getting more out of the deeper themes in the book - I read the Great Hunt when I was about 14, long before I had studied philosophy. This meant I completely missed the implications of many parts of the books. For instance, the Great Hunt includes characters travelling through possible worlds, which are weaker or stronger depending on how close they are to the original world. Knowing now that this is actually a useful theory that some believe not only in principle, but in practice, is very interesting. I am also noticing much more of the characteristics assigned to different people and how this is inspired by cultures in the real world.
One last example of why the detail in WoT surpasses anything else I've ever read: in the books, people have common tunes and songs across different countries and territories. But the lyrics are usually different, often reflecting themes and values of the people of that particular place. This is so realistic. Humans share certain universals, but the details can often vary significantly, even to the point of incomprehensibility. Just think about common phrases or idioms that are changed from place to place.
Saturday 1 June 2013
The book that everyone is talking about...
I have a very high regard for Steven Pinker's work - even though I disagree with some of his ideas, I think he puts them across very well. And I have heard nothing but good things about this book. The friend who lent it to me quoted it consistently for about a week after reading it. I've only just read the preface, but I have to say if the other 841 pages are as good then I'm in for a treat.
Friday 31 May 2013
Back at the beginning
I re-read Eye of the World, the first book in the Wheel of Time series, while I was away and had a couple of revelations...
First of all, I first read this book when I was about 13. The Eye of the World was published the year after I was born and I have been reading this series for an entire decade.
Also, it was really interesting to read it again now that I know (most of) what happens in the end. For example, certain characters which become major later but begin as relatively minor, are introduced very early on. Earlier than I realised. You can see the sparks flying between characters who will later get together as well - one couple declare their love for each other quite shortly after first meeting, and having hardly spent anytime talking together.
It's still difficult to keep all the characters straight in your head. We are introduced to a lot, and you have to try and guess who will become important and who is secondary, or wear yourself out concentrating on every new person.
The main characters do seem significantly younger in this first book - although several of the heroes do not change much in the way of personality, they are very naive about the world and their place in it. I think Jordan does a very good job of writing from the viewpoint of people struggling to expand their viewpoints to match a much larger reality.
It's strange which parts have stuck in my head, which have moved around in the order I thought they were set out, and those I have completely forgotten. Some are the cliches which Jordan can be mocked for - the constant habit of all the three boys at the center of the story to believe their friends are more confident and adept with girls, for example. Certain characteristics are also hammered home time and again; Perrin's slow manner, and Nynaeve's tugging of her braid (at some points in the series this quirk is present every time she is present).
Reading Eye of the World again was like revisiting old friends, the way you used to know them. Despite everything I know that has happened since, it was lovely to see the people they were, before being swept up in a grand adventure.
First of all, I first read this book when I was about 13. The Eye of the World was published the year after I was born and I have been reading this series for an entire decade.
Also, it was really interesting to read it again now that I know (most of) what happens in the end. For example, certain characters which become major later but begin as relatively minor, are introduced very early on. Earlier than I realised. You can see the sparks flying between characters who will later get together as well - one couple declare their love for each other quite shortly after first meeting, and having hardly spent anytime talking together.
It's still difficult to keep all the characters straight in your head. We are introduced to a lot, and you have to try and guess who will become important and who is secondary, or wear yourself out concentrating on every new person.
The main characters do seem significantly younger in this first book - although several of the heroes do not change much in the way of personality, they are very naive about the world and their place in it. I think Jordan does a very good job of writing from the viewpoint of people struggling to expand their viewpoints to match a much larger reality.
It's strange which parts have stuck in my head, which have moved around in the order I thought they were set out, and those I have completely forgotten. Some are the cliches which Jordan can be mocked for - the constant habit of all the three boys at the center of the story to believe their friends are more confident and adept with girls, for example. Certain characteristics are also hammered home time and again; Perrin's slow manner, and Nynaeve's tugging of her braid (at some points in the series this quirk is present every time she is present).
Reading Eye of the World again was like revisiting old friends, the way you used to know them. Despite everything I know that has happened since, it was lovely to see the people they were, before being swept up in a grand adventure.
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Fun in the sun
I'm off to Morocco this weekend, and very excited. As always, the number of books I will take are starting to compete with the number of clothes...Here is my draft list of what I want to take with me:
The Great Gatsby (going to see it this week, and think I should probably read it to compare)
Hegemony and Survival
The final Sookie Stackhouse book? (I would have to buy it, maybe in hardback, as it's not been out long)
The Better Angels of Our Nature (downsides: it's HUGE and borrowed from a friend, so would have to be more careful with it)
Wheel of Time - Eye of the World
Plus a magazine. And a notebook (but of course!).
The Great Gatsby (going to see it this week, and think I should probably read it to compare)
Hegemony and Survival
The final Sookie Stackhouse book? (I would have to buy it, maybe in hardback, as it's not been out long)
The Better Angels of Our Nature (downsides: it's HUGE and borrowed from a friend, so would have to be more careful with it)
Wheel of Time - Eye of the World
Plus a magazine. And a notebook (but of course!).
Sunday 12 May 2013
Running Like a Girl
This is a brilliant book. I'd seen it advertised and was quite intrigued - I have been thinking about maybe, possibly, starting running sometime soon. Or at least giving it a try. This book actually made me get up and out the door, on my first proper run in a very long time. Alex is incredibly motivational, and her story manages to combine sound advice with humour and a welcome acknowledgement of the difficulties of starting a new sport and managing to keep at it. It also made me cry, on at least three separate occasions.
Have a read.
Have a read.
Wednesday 8 May 2013
On my bookshelf
I've been doing most of my reading online lately, with a whole host of lovely blogs I've recently discovered. I'm still struggling through The God Delusion, but there's only so much of Richard Dawkins you can take at any one time. I also started Hegemony and Survival, by Noam Chomsky (really wanted to read some of his non-language stuff), which is good, but obviously less easy to get into than fiction.
I need to go back to the library really, especially as I am going away in about two weeks. What shall I pack for the trip? Probably Eye of the World - I honestly intend to reread the entire series, regardless of how long it takes me.
I've also been promised some free sci-fi from a friend, which sounds good. Speaking of which, if anyone hasn't seen the Ender's Game trailer:
Of course I'm going to be more picky about this particular film adaption than almost any other. I would also like to take this opportunity to BEG everyone I know to read it first. You really will not regret it.
So, things I like: the battle room looks really, really good. Things I don't: What's up with Ben Kingsley's face? And WHO is that girl in the middle of the trailer? If they have invented a love interest for the sake of "spicing things up" (they're meant to be kids, for God's sake) I think I might be sick. Also, also! Where is Bean? (How are they even going to portray Bean??) Disappointed there is no mention of Peter either. I know it's only a trailer, but I already have far too many expectations for this film.
I need to go back to the library really, especially as I am going away in about two weeks. What shall I pack for the trip? Probably Eye of the World - I honestly intend to reread the entire series, regardless of how long it takes me.
I've also been promised some free sci-fi from a friend, which sounds good. Speaking of which, if anyone hasn't seen the Ender's Game trailer:
Of course I'm going to be more picky about this particular film adaption than almost any other. I would also like to take this opportunity to BEG everyone I know to read it first. You really will not regret it.
So, things I like: the battle room looks really, really good. Things I don't: What's up with Ben Kingsley's face? And WHO is that girl in the middle of the trailer? If they have invented a love interest for the sake of "spicing things up" (they're meant to be kids, for God's sake) I think I might be sick. Also, also! Where is Bean? (How are they even going to portray Bean??) Disappointed there is no mention of Peter either. I know it's only a trailer, but I already have far too many expectations for this film.
Friday 19 April 2013
This just never gets old...
I'm indulging in what is becoming a yearly habit - I'm rereading The Stone Gods, by Jeanette Winterson. Despite it being my favourite book, I continue to forget how perfect it is. Every time I start reading, it all comes flooding back. The sentences are delicious. The plot is intriguing and the characters feel more real than some people I know. This is how I would like to write, to write something so brilliant that it can make another person feel this way.
Gushing praise aside, I realised why I relate to this book so much - but not really any of her other work (I have tried; at least three of Winterson's other books). It's because the main character, and the overarching theme of the story is very much in line with my own beliefs. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if much of the way I feel about the world actually stems from The Stone Gods, rather than simply reiterating my own perspective.
It also reconciles my pessimism with the human race, with a huge dollop of hope, and the idea that maybe it was always going to be this way. That's not to say I subscribe to fate controlling us, but as Spike says, "This is a quantum universe, neither random nor determined. It is potential at every second. All you can do is intervene."
It's that potential that makes me feel better about everything.
Gushing praise aside, I realised why I relate to this book so much - but not really any of her other work (I have tried; at least three of Winterson's other books). It's because the main character, and the overarching theme of the story is very much in line with my own beliefs. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if much of the way I feel about the world actually stems from The Stone Gods, rather than simply reiterating my own perspective.
It also reconciles my pessimism with the human race, with a huge dollop of hope, and the idea that maybe it was always going to be this way. That's not to say I subscribe to fate controlling us, but as Spike says, "This is a quantum universe, neither random nor determined. It is potential at every second. All you can do is intervene."
It's that potential that makes me feel better about everything.
Thursday 11 April 2013
It's not (quite) all about fiction
As a fiction aficionado, it may sometimes appear that I don't read anything else. Having recently uploaded a large proportion of my book history onto Good Reads it does show that I clearly prefer stories to facts. But there are some important exceptions; I recently reread one of my old philosophy textbooks, which is about delusions and rationality (and is fantastic), and am currently reading the God Delusion. I realise I'm pretty late on that bandwagon, but Richard Dawkins irritates me so much I had to calm down before I could pick it up. Still not sure it's a good idea, but some of it is interesting.
I also enjoy even less fictiony books; the last couple of books I got were a Rough Guides travel book - sort of an Argos catalogue, but for the world - and a recipe book for slow cooking. I don't even own a slow cooker. But seriously, some of the recipes are really good and I like trying to make new things.
It all depends what you read for - most of the time, for me, this is entertainment pure and simple. It also helps to distance yourself from the truth of a situation; I really enjoy sad books, but knowing it is fiction can somehow protect you from the brunt of all that emotional pummelling.
I also enjoy even less fictiony books; the last couple of books I got were a Rough Guides travel book - sort of an Argos catalogue, but for the world - and a recipe book for slow cooking. I don't even own a slow cooker. But seriously, some of the recipes are really good and I like trying to make new things.
It all depends what you read for - most of the time, for me, this is entertainment pure and simple. It also helps to distance yourself from the truth of a situation; I really enjoy sad books, but knowing it is fiction can somehow protect you from the brunt of all that emotional pummelling.
Thursday 21 March 2013
Good Reads
Just a quick note to say, everyone should get on Good Reads now! It's like IMDB, but for for books and allows you to list all the books you've read, are reading and want to read, as well as see what your friends are reading and how they rate books. It's so much fun, and pretty addictive. It also demonstrates some things about you that you might not acknowledge or publicise that often. For example, my top rated books sort of imply that I have the literary taste of an eight-year old girl. While I'm okay with this - much like music, I do not stop loving certain books as I get older, I just increase the number that I love - it's slightly different to let the world know.
Wednesday 13 March 2013
Cloud Atlas
I went to see this in the cinema last night, and after struggling for a whiel with my ailing memory, had come to the conclusion that I was at least 90% sure that I had read the book. Then I saw the film and did not recognise a single scene or plotline.
How did I come up with such a ridiculous amount of confidence that I had read it? A lot of people pointed out that its the kind of book you don't forget, but I am quick to point out that sometimes I really cannot remember a single thing about a book until I pick it up again (even then, it can often take a while - like with The Stone Gods).
I am keen to read it now, and catch up with where I thought I was. I loved the film, and thought it was very well done, considering some poor reviews and an incredibly complex cast. Anybody want to lend me a copy?
How did I come up with such a ridiculous amount of confidence that I had read it? A lot of people pointed out that its the kind of book you don't forget, but I am quick to point out that sometimes I really cannot remember a single thing about a book until I pick it up again (even then, it can often take a while - like with The Stone Gods).
I am keen to read it now, and catch up with where I thought I was. I loved the film, and thought it was very well done, considering some poor reviews and an incredibly complex cast. Anybody want to lend me a copy?
Wednesday 27 February 2013
Blindsight
I'm reading Blindsight at the moment, by Peter Watts. I'm about halfway through and I don't really understand what's happening. Despite that fact, it's really good, and I'm finding it fascinating. It's that kind of incomprehensible where every sixth word just doesn't make any sense - it's very densely scientific. I guess this is my first real foray into hardcore sci-fi and there is a lot of made-up and/or niche vocabulary.
A large part of the story is around human psychology, and how messed up it can be. It simply blows me away how much craziness our brains can make us believe, and yet somehow everyone still resolutely relies on their senses and trusts our rationality.
It also covers some really interesting linguistic theories and angles; the whole thing appears to be some intense thought experiment on a grand scale.
I'm sure when I've finished I will have some bones to pick with it - I have some suspicions abotu a few things already - but we'll wait and see.
Not a book to read when you only have twenty minutes, or if you're looking for something light, but I'd definitely recommend it.
A large part of the story is around human psychology, and how messed up it can be. It simply blows me away how much craziness our brains can make us believe, and yet somehow everyone still resolutely relies on their senses and trusts our rationality.
It also covers some really interesting linguistic theories and angles; the whole thing appears to be some intense thought experiment on a grand scale.
I'm sure when I've finished I will have some bones to pick with it - I have some suspicions abotu a few things already - but we'll wait and see.
Not a book to read when you only have twenty minutes, or if you're looking for something light, but I'd definitely recommend it.
Wednesday 30 January 2013
Life of Pi - Yann Martel
Finished this last night and thought it was very good. A few people had been mentioning to me that it had left them underwhelmed - perhaps because of all the hype with the film coming out. Speaking of which, I am very excited that I managed to finish it before the film goes out of the cinemas, so I can still see it on the big screen, even though I must be the last person in the land to have read it.
I was a bit confused at the end - I gather most people were - about how much was true (within the story) and which version of events to believe. Of course there was a lot of unbelievable stuff in the book, but essentially it was a survival story, which is right up my street.
For some reason these types of apocalyptic (either in terms of the entire world, or a single individual) story really fascinate me - it makes me consider how I would react in such a situation.
The addition of the tiger was a nice touch as well, to show how important another life is to maintain any stretch of sanity, even if they belong to a different species. Having another sentient being to share such a terrible experience would certainly make it easier, at least to have a reason not to give up.
Surprisingly, I also found the book light-hearted in places, which made me laugh out loud at a number of points. Any book that can combine such tragedy with comedy is evidence of a great writer.
I was a bit confused at the end - I gather most people were - about how much was true (within the story) and which version of events to believe. Of course there was a lot of unbelievable stuff in the book, but essentially it was a survival story, which is right up my street.
For some reason these types of apocalyptic (either in terms of the entire world, or a single individual) story really fascinate me - it makes me consider how I would react in such a situation.
The addition of the tiger was a nice touch as well, to show how important another life is to maintain any stretch of sanity, even if they belong to a different species. Having another sentient being to share such a terrible experience would certainly make it easier, at least to have a reason not to give up.
Surprisingly, I also found the book light-hearted in places, which made me laugh out loud at a number of points. Any book that can combine such tragedy with comedy is evidence of a great writer.
Tuesday 22 January 2013
A Memory of Light
So it's all over. Finished. Complete. All in all, I loved it. Even though it was pretty tense, being mostly one long battle. Still not entirely sure what happened in some parts, and wish there was more about other bits...will definitely be rereading the entire thing as soon as I can dig out Eye of the World. In the meantime...
* SPOILERS *
With the Forsaken being brought back to life all the time in new bodies, with new names, it got more and more difficult to keep all the characters straight in my head. Sort of like any spy novel, I guess, whenever people might switch to the other side at any point it gets complicated very quickly. Rereading will probably help with this though.
Things I liked:
That the Shara finally got into the story!
There was a really good tie-in reason for Nyneave's long running respect for non-power healing techniques.
That the Dark One speaks in capitals. Actually sounded like he was booming in my head.
Pretty much every scene with Telmanes in it.
The Ogier in war-mode.
The fact that it made me cry - I kinda hoped it would.
Tam swordfighting with Rand.
The main ending.
Androl - never noticed him before, but really nice character.
The huge philosophical, free will and meaning of suffering debates.
The overriding 'it is not me, but us which are important' theme.
Perrin 'doing what Rand cannot' - very poetic.
Perrin's power-wrought hammer - reminds me of Northern Lights!
Egwene bonding Leilwin. Brilliant.
Lan and his death threats: "Who are you?" "The man who is going to kill you" - if they ever do films (please DON'T do films) I'm voting for Liam Neeson to play him.
Loads and loads of the Old Tongue. Everything sounds cooler in a made-up language.
Things I didn't:
Not quite enough Seanchan. Still too curious!
The very very end. Not satisfied really.
Padan Fain dying far too easily - extremely interesting sub-baddie, killed off in an instant.
Everyone continually sending last messages of love through their bonds, just to survive and do it all again five minutes later.
That Matt was no longer bound to the Horn but no-one noticed, or cared when this was revealed.
Things I still don't understand:
Who was Moridin originally?
Are Luc and Slayer separate people? If so, who?
What was the Bowl of Winds for - just to keep evil storms at bay?
Was Matt coming on to Min briefly?
What happened to Alvairin? (It might be I've just completely forgotten this already - it seems highly unlikely she would have been left to run around on her own)
That Moriane went through everything at the Tower of Ghenjii (in full knowledge that it would happen), and Lanfear wasn't even killed? Or even imprisoned very well.
There are plenty more, but that's just a taster.
* SPOILERS *
With the Forsaken being brought back to life all the time in new bodies, with new names, it got more and more difficult to keep all the characters straight in my head. Sort of like any spy novel, I guess, whenever people might switch to the other side at any point it gets complicated very quickly. Rereading will probably help with this though.
Things I liked:
That the Shara finally got into the story!
There was a really good tie-in reason for Nyneave's long running respect for non-power healing techniques.
That the Dark One speaks in capitals. Actually sounded like he was booming in my head.
Pretty much every scene with Telmanes in it.
The Ogier in war-mode.
The fact that it made me cry - I kinda hoped it would.
Tam swordfighting with Rand.
The main ending.
Androl - never noticed him before, but really nice character.
The huge philosophical, free will and meaning of suffering debates.
The overriding 'it is not me, but us which are important' theme.
Perrin 'doing what Rand cannot' - very poetic.
Perrin's power-wrought hammer - reminds me of Northern Lights!
Egwene bonding Leilwin. Brilliant.
Lan and his death threats: "Who are you?" "The man who is going to kill you" - if they ever do films (please DON'T do films) I'm voting for Liam Neeson to play him.
Loads and loads of the Old Tongue. Everything sounds cooler in a made-up language.
Things I didn't:
Not quite enough Seanchan. Still too curious!
The very very end. Not satisfied really.
Padan Fain dying far too easily - extremely interesting sub-baddie, killed off in an instant.
Everyone continually sending last messages of love through their bonds, just to survive and do it all again five minutes later.
That Matt was no longer bound to the Horn but no-one noticed, or cared when this was revealed.
Things I still don't understand:
Who was Moridin originally?
Are Luc and Slayer separate people? If so, who?
What was the Bowl of Winds for - just to keep evil storms at bay?
Was Matt coming on to Min briefly?
What happened to Alvairin? (It might be I've just completely forgotten this already - it seems highly unlikely she would have been left to run around on her own)
That Moriane went through everything at the Tower of Ghenjii (in full knowledge that it would happen), and Lanfear wasn't even killed? Or even imprisoned very well.
There are plenty more, but that's just a taster.
Friday 18 January 2013
Towers of Midnight
I finished rereading the second-to-last book of Wheel of Time much faster than I expected, mostly due to how amazing it is, which made me think that a) I shouldn't have put it off for so long and b) I could have started back a bit further, on book 11 or 12.
But number 14 is finally here, and the series in which I have invested about ten years of my life is coming to an end. I'm so excited to read the final instalment, although I will also be very sad when it's over. I might have to start again right from the beginning - there are still a number of areas where I can't keep track of who is who, or who is evil, and could certainly do with a refresher.
I read number 13 as a break from the Game of Thrones series, and it just made me appreciate both Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson's writing so much more. The world that Jordan created simply dwarfs that of any other fantasy writer I can think of. It is so indepth, such a complete and detailed universe that it feels almost more realistic than other books in this genre.
Of course there are still characters which are boring, and plots which are confusing (to say the least), but the breadth of description that readers are shown - plus all the rest behind the scenes information - creates a beautifully immersive experience.
A few highlights I love about WoT: really strong, stubborn characters (always so much more fun to read about), multiple vices and motivations for their actions (so you can never quite keep up with what will happen next) and enough different cultures to keep the wannabe-anthropologist inside me happy (particularly the Seanchan - still want to know more about them.)
But number 14 is finally here, and the series in which I have invested about ten years of my life is coming to an end. I'm so excited to read the final instalment, although I will also be very sad when it's over. I might have to start again right from the beginning - there are still a number of areas where I can't keep track of who is who, or who is evil, and could certainly do with a refresher.
I read number 13 as a break from the Game of Thrones series, and it just made me appreciate both Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson's writing so much more. The world that Jordan created simply dwarfs that of any other fantasy writer I can think of. It is so indepth, such a complete and detailed universe that it feels almost more realistic than other books in this genre.
Of course there are still characters which are boring, and plots which are confusing (to say the least), but the breadth of description that readers are shown - plus all the rest behind the scenes information - creates a beautifully immersive experience.
A few highlights I love about WoT: really strong, stubborn characters (always so much more fun to read about), multiple vices and motivations for their actions (so you can never quite keep up with what will happen next) and enough different cultures to keep the wannabe-anthropologist inside me happy (particularly the Seanchan - still want to know more about them.)
Wednesday 2 January 2013
2012 book list
JANUARY
1. Perfume - Patrick Suskind
2. Xenocide -Orson Scott Card
3. Tietam Brown - Mick Foley
4. The Life of Hunger - Amelie Nothomb
5. Annabel - Kathleen Winter6. The Stone Gods - Jeanette Winterson
FEBRUARY
7. Q&A - Vikas Swarup
8. A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian - Marina Lewycka
9. The Jungle Books - Rudyard Kipling
10. Persuasion - Jane Austen
MARCH
11. The Psychopath List - Jon Ronson
12. Don't sleep, there are snakes - Daniel Everett
13. To kill a mockingbird - Harper Lee
APRIL
14. Who's afraid of Mr. Wolfe? - Hazel Osmond
15. The Magus - John Fowles
MAY
16. Before I Go to Sleep - S J Watson
17. Embassytown - China Mieville
18. Children of the Mind - Orson Scott Card
JUNE
19. The Day of the Triffids - John Wyndham
20. The Handmaids Tale - Magaret Attwood
21. Game of Thrones (Book one) - George R. R. Martin
22. How to be a Woman - Caitlin Moran
JULY
23. Sing You Home - Jodi Picoult
24. On the Road - Jack Kerouac
25. A Clash of Kings - George R. R. Martin
AUGUST
26. Under the Skin - Michel Faber
27. Farenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
SEPTEMBER
28. The Stand - Stephen King
29. Pandemonium - Lauren Oliver
30. I am Number Four - Pittacus Lore
31. The Man Who Forgot His Wife - John O'Farrell
OCTOBER
32. Shadows in Flight - Orson Scott Card
33. Moranthopology - Caitlin Moran
37. The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey
38. IQ84 [Parts 1 & 2] - Haruki Murakami
39. The Flood - Stephen Baxter
40. IQ84 [Part 3] - Haruki Murakami
DECEMBER
41. Ark - Stephen Baxter
42. Write your novel in 30 days - Karen S. Weisner
43. Blue eyed boy - Joanne Harris
44. Pigs might fly - Emily Rodda
45. Is it just me? - Miranda Hart
46. Science & Islam - Ehsan Masood
47. A Storm of Swords - George R. R. Martin
1. Perfume - Patrick Suskind
2. Xenocide -Orson Scott Card
3. Tietam Brown - Mick Foley
4. The Life of Hunger - Amelie Nothomb
5. Annabel - Kathleen Winter6. The Stone Gods - Jeanette Winterson
FEBRUARY
7. Q&A - Vikas Swarup
8. A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian - Marina Lewycka
9. The Jungle Books - Rudyard Kipling
10. Persuasion - Jane Austen
MARCH
11. The Psychopath List - Jon Ronson
12. Don't sleep, there are snakes - Daniel Everett
13. To kill a mockingbird - Harper Lee
APRIL
14. Who's afraid of Mr. Wolfe? - Hazel Osmond
15. The Magus - John Fowles
MAY
16. Before I Go to Sleep - S J Watson
17. Embassytown - China Mieville
18. Children of the Mind - Orson Scott Card
JUNE
19. The Day of the Triffids - John Wyndham
20. The Handmaids Tale - Magaret Attwood
21. Game of Thrones (Book one) - George R. R. Martin
22. How to be a Woman - Caitlin Moran
JULY
23. Sing You Home - Jodi Picoult
24. On the Road - Jack Kerouac
25. A Clash of Kings - George R. R. Martin
AUGUST
26. Under the Skin - Michel Faber
27. Farenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
SEPTEMBER
28. The Stand - Stephen King
29. Pandemonium - Lauren Oliver
30. I am Number Four - Pittacus Lore
31. The Man Who Forgot His Wife - John O'Farrell
OCTOBER
32. Shadows in Flight - Orson Scott Card
33. Moranthopology - Caitlin Moran
NOVEMBER
34. Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
35. The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky
36. Written on the Body - Jeannette Winterson
37. The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey
38. IQ84 [Parts 1 & 2] - Haruki Murakami
39. The Flood - Stephen Baxter
40. IQ84 [Part 3] - Haruki Murakami
DECEMBER
41. Ark - Stephen Baxter
42. Write your novel in 30 days - Karen S. Weisner
43. Blue eyed boy - Joanne Harris
44. Pigs might fly - Emily Rodda
45. Is it just me? - Miranda Hart
46. Science & Islam - Ehsan Masood
47. A Storm of Swords - George R. R. Martin
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