The experiences and exploits of a college grad trying to make it in the "real world:" leaving school and friends in New England, moving south, and living with her boyfriend. Watch as I pretend to be an adult.
So, this is the post where I act like a total dork and talk about the books I've been reading. I've finished Heaven's Harlotts and I'm about two thirds of the way through Phineas Finn. Now, normally I wouldn't discuss a book before I finished it, but... uhm, I don't really think PF is going to be developing any major plot twists in the last 100 pages or so. Heaven's Harlotts, by Miriam Williams, was very enjoyable. It's the autobiography of a woman who was in a cult called Children of God, and she describes her experiences with a rather calm voice. She discusses the sort of psychological hold the senior members held over the rest of the cult. Their lifestyle included communal living, "sacred prostitution," and polyamory. I'd say the only weak aspect of this book is the lack of emotion conveyed by Williams. She talks occasionally about being scared or upset, or in love...but never "sells" it to the reader. I found this book interesting, rather than engaging- though I would still recommed it. It's well written, and covers an interesting topic. Phineas Finn, by Anthony Trollope, is well... I should have known when I read the back. It is excrutiatingly long in the way only British novels from that era can be. It has great potential- all the elements needed for an interesting period peice are there: politics, love, courtship, unhappy marriages, a young man's struggle to make it in the world, even a duel. And yet, sadly, it drags. Perhaps because it is 600 pages long. Perhaps because Trollope spends more time describing Finn's nervousness addressing Parliament than he does describing the duel. Perhaps because, without exception, every single character is unfailingly polite in every circumstance (as only British characters from novels of this time can be). I don't know. However, I do know I would not recommend this book. Unless you have trouble sleeping, in which case, by all means- I'll send you my copy. My aunt sent me two books this week. Ishmael, which I've already read (and loved), and The Law of Similars. Ishmael, for anyone who's lived in a hole and hasn't heard of it, is a sort of philisophical dialogue between a Gorilla and his student. The Gorilla places an add (ok, he's not an ordinary gorilla) for a student, and then proceeds to challenge the young man's worldview and preconceptions. It's brilliant, I enjoyed it, and anyone who wants my second copy may have it, just let me know. The Law of Similars, by Chris Bohjalian (how's that for a name?), appears to be your typical legal mystery. A lawyer, a murder, love, danger and intrigue all mixed together with some suspense. I'll let you know how it went after I read it.
After 22 posted at 1:28 PM
