I've noticed I haven't written about books lately. I can't blame busy-ness because I've always made time for reading, even if it's just for fifteen minutes before going to sleep. To be honest, I think it's because I've picked up some real duds lately.
For instance, that detective Montalbano mystery I had for a couple of months. It could have been interesting but I just couldn't get into the character. It takes place in Italy (I think it was translated into English) and I guess I just don't understand the culture enough to appreciate the situations, conversations, and mannerisms of the narrative. The main character just comes off as a gluttonous asshole and the writing style is just too choppy for me.
Next up we got the Hitchikers Guide. I read this when I was about 13 and found it in Mabel's pile so I decided to pick it up again because it just came out as a movie and it's supposed to be a funny, light-hearted read. It was funny for like 2 chapters but then it became really boring because it seemed to try TOO hard to be weird. Why do geeks just cream themselves over this book? I guess my sense of humor is more into witty than weird.
I joined the reading group at work and this month is Sideways Look at Time. The synopsis sounds fascinating. So fascinating that I voted for it after just reading it. Note to self: read an excerpt while you're at it. Jay Griffith is the biggest blowhard I have ever read. Firstly, Jay's a woman. Why does it not surprise me that she is a raging feminist? I'm obviously a supporter of women's rights, equal opportunities, etc… but I don't like extremists in any direction and I just want her to calm the eff down. Secondly, and more importantly, her writing style makes me want to 1) slap her upside the head and 2) scratch my eyes out... and that's not a good feeling when you're trying to relax. Yeah, I'd say that's just about the opposite of relax. I got the gist of her thesis within the first 25 pages and after that, every page I turned was just to stroke her ego.
Then we have Umberto Eco's book. This guy is supposed to be the Intellectual's Intellectual. Foucault's Pendulum preceded DaVinci Code by about 13 years. So I thought I'd be settling into some major intrigue and crazy conspiracy theories. I admit, it's got some of that… I even got pretty hooked for about half the book. But now I'm exhausted because it's just too damned smart. Right now I don't feel like reading a book where I need a dictionary to get by. Reviewers swear it will be worth the struggle (those first two reviews are actually worth reading), but after 3 duds in a row, this is not the time to challenge me.
I have about 10 more books piled up beside my bed but now I'm so frustrated I don't want to bother. I'm definately done digging through Amazon's bargain bin. I should know that there's a reason why that hardcover is $2.
But I have a $75 gift certificate. What to do? I obviously have to get the Cinderella dvd (BEST Disney Classic, hands down), but do I try and get back in the game? Or do I treat myself to brainless goodies? hehe.