Blackbird's Book Blog

I don't write traditional book reviews, especially for classics.  I feel that I cannot make a contribution that others have not already.  I am more interested in how each book adds something to who I am and I how I see the world and my life.  Of course, with my keen interest in literature, I may throw out an observation, insight, or criticism, usually brief, occassionally snarky.

 

I love classic literature, literary fiction, and poetry.  Well done sci-fi and fantasy will also find it's way into my hands.  When I want the literary equivalent or junk food, I gorge on horror.  My strongest interest is in books written between the world wars.  WWI changed everything - I wish I had been around to take part.

 

Wallace Stevens changed my life.  That's why I am the Blackbird.

Rendezvous with Rama

Rendezvous with Rama - Arthur C. Clarke I just love a story about the archetypical exploration journey. Dante, [book:House of Leaves|24800], [book:The Night Land|970602]- even exploring dungeons in an RPG. The ending hints there might be a sequel - I must investigate further. Clark is good at leaving the reader with a sense of mystery, yet I know that there is more story to be told here.

Frances and Bernard

Frances and Bernard - Carlene Bauer When I was young, I was dedicated to letter writing. I fantasized that when I was a famous poet, my letters would get published after my death. Oh well.

This book made my literary heart giddy. There's something about a story told through letters. Add to that a passionate romance, a touch of madness, and heartbreak and you get a book that is engrossing and a delight.

You should read this.

The Man in the High Castle

The Man in the High Castle - Philip K. Dick "Hmmm. This seems like a fun book. Something light, but engrossing to listen to on my commute," I thought to myself. Nope. So while I didn't get what I expected, I was blown away by what I got. I am going to have to go back and read instead of listen to it because I know I missed pieces and I still have tk work out more meaning. Especially that ending.

Took off one star because the author paid so much attention to meaning and symbolism that the story suffered.

Miss Lonelyhearts

Miss Lonelyhearts - Nathanael West Any book that makes me think this much and packs such a powerful emotional punch is a 5 star read.

The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom - Bernard Cornwell First rate piece of historical fiction. Although it is difficult to be a visitor in this world because the brutality is soul crushing. However, the quality of the writing and the thought provoking themes will keep me reading the whole series. But maybe t ake a break between books.

Mercer Girls

Mercer Girls - Libbie Hawker I can never get enough of stories about women taking that leap of faith into the developing west. This one has the added bonus of the strong theme of sisterhood and great character development. Could have been a little more disciplined in cohesiveness.

Inhuman

Inhuman - David  Simpson Another installment of the plucky band of futuristic humans facing down the destruction if the earth, the solar system, and the universe. I've read these books for the sheer entertainment value they add to my commute, but they are also quite well done in character development and a thought provoking underlying message.

Wessex Tales

Wessex Tales - Thomas Hardy Well, that was depressing. But totally worth it because experiencing the work of a master is pure pleasure. So I thank Thomas Hardy for bringing us these tales of lives brought to ruin and waste because of bad decisions.

Dangerous Ages

Dangerous Ages - Rose Macaulay So many great books are spoiled by a bad ending. I was engrossed and delighted and then it was suddenly over. It's like the author got sick of telling the story and just wanted it over. I believe if I were a novelist I would have this flaw.

The Semi-Detached House (Dodo Press)

The Semi-Detached House (Dodo Press) - Emily Eden, Elizabeth Klett I have read that Emily Eden is considered the Victorian Jane Austen. She also reminds me of EF Benson in some of those scathing characterizations. However, Eden lacks the depth that both Austen and Benson bring to their work. She also does not create the kind of characters that are beloved through generations. That said, this is a solid story and a very welcome retreat into civility and sensibility.

Beauty

Beauty - Robin McKinley When I read this book as a teenager, I was completely enchanted. Now, ahem years later, I was equally so.

The Glassblower (The Glassblower Trilogy Book 1)

The Glassblower (The Glassblower Trilogy Book 1) - Samuel Willcocks, Petra Durst-Benning A lovely book.

Ancestor

Ancestor - Scott Sigler Despite some trying, painful, and pointless passages, this was very exciting and just the thing for my long commutes.

Contagious

Contagious - Scott Sigler This author`s weakness is dialogue and this one is heavier on it than the previous one. So I ended up not enjoying it quite as much. But still worth reading if your goal is pure entertainment.

The Vegetarian: A Novel

The Vegetarian: A Novel - Han Kang I really liked this, but think that maybe it held just a tad too much back. But the writing was magnificent and the story engrossing.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

Uncle Tom's Cabin - Harriet Beecher Stowe On the whole, the book had a little too much Jesus for my taste. However, that was kind of the point, wasn't it? It's a plea to Christian people to end the evil of slavery and makes it's case on that basis.

I was impressed at the thoroughness of the author's arguments and how well she constructed the story to illustrate her points, even better than her sermonizing. The slaves in the book were powerful people in their own right and in their own ways. I wasn't expecting that. I was expecting her to portray them as victimized children. But the book was way more subtle and complicated than that.

She calls out the southern slave owner who is a kind master who loves his servants, but is complicit in the system as much as the cruel plantation owner who treats his slaves worse than he treats his animals. She also calls out the self-righteous Northerner who professes to hate slavery, but does not see the slaves as people and equals.

I'm glad I finally read this!

Currently reading

The Confessions of Young Nero
Margaret George
The Japanese Lover: A Novel
Isabel Allende