I have been slammed with work lately and haven't gotten to post this week. But here's an update from the bookish part of my life:
- Yet another person that I respect told me today that I would enjoy reading Twilight, as she did. I still haven't read it.
- I chaperoned my daughter's field trip to a bookstore today. Among the many books I saw there was this one: The Slap, by Christos Tsiolkos. It looks good – has anyone read it yet?
- I have been assigned to read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot for work. I don't usually read non-fiction but this one got great reviews. Has anyone read this one?
- I am almost done with the audiobook of Songs for the Missing, by Stewart O'Nan. Review forthcoming.
- I like this poem, which I got via email in from The Writer's Almanac on Monday:
The Return of OdysseusWhen Odysseus finally does get home
he is understandably upset about the suitors,
who have been mooching off his wife for twenty years,
drinking his wine, eating his mutton, etc.In a similar situation today he would seek legal counsel.
But those were different times. With the help
of his son Telemachus he slaughters roughly
one hundred and ten suitors
and quite a number of young ladies,
although in view of their behavior
I use the term loosely. Rivers of blood
course across the palace floor.I too have come home in a bad mood.
Yesterday, for instance, after the department meeting,
when I ended up losing my choice parking spot
behind the library to the new provost.I slammed the door. I threw down my book bag
in this particular way I have perfected over the years
that lets my wife understand
the contempt I have for my enemies,
which is prodigious. And then with great skill
she built a gin and tonic
that would have pleased the very gods,
and with epic patience she listened
as I told her of my wrath, and of what I intended to do
to so-and-so, and also to what's-his-name.And then there was another gin and tonic
and presently my wrath abated and was forgotten,
and peace came to reign once more
in the great halls and courtyards of my house.