Thursday, January 11, 2007

Book Challenge - Two Down

I've finished two Book Challenge books. I'm stretching a little. My two books were not on my list, but I am counting them anyway since I technically haven't finished my list.

I read The Tie That Binds, a lesser known work by Kent Haruf, author of Plainsong and Eventide. The Tie That Binds is actually his first book, but as with many first books it was published with little notice. I read and loved Plainsong and Eventide a few years ago. The simple language and compelling story of these companion books about two older bachelor brothers are hypnotic. I was left wanting more. Anyway, when I was at Lemuria I noticed The Tie That Binds, and wanting more of the Plainsong melody purchased it immediately. I was not disappointed. Simple language relaying a compelling story of obligation and personal sacrifice create a stark novel that is nothing less than mesmerizing.

I also read (listened to) Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code. I never intended to read this book (It's not my type), yet so many people around here ask if I have read it indicating that I'm not well read if I haven't read this book. I succumbed to public pressure . This book has more twists and turns than a mountain road. I have to admit that the book was exciting and that I wanted to find out what would happen next. Yet, I had a sense that I was reading a screen play. I suppose I was, since it was quickly turned into a movie that I have yet to see. I am so behind the times.

Anyway, these two books were a diversion from my more dense first reading choice, The Lay of the Land. I am enjoying this Updikish journey into the mind of a 55 year old male, but it is not a fast read. I will report when I finish.

2 comments:

Jennifer said...

Updike's a favorite of mine (especially the Rabbit series and Witches of Eastwick) -- who wrote The Lay of the Land?

I, too, felt pressured, by my mother, of all people, to read The DaVinci Code. She read it and then mailed it to me; I GROANED. She was an English teacher and loved literature, so I was confused by her sending me this bit of ... pulp. However, I enjoyed the book, but not so much that I bothered with headphones when the movie was shown on our flight to Scotland.

Have you tried any of Richard Powers's novels? The Echo Maker is on my shelf as a part of my winter reading list, but I'm waiting for the right time. When I get into a Powers novel, my family tends to go unfed :-)

Wisteria said...

Richard Ford wrote The Lay of the Land. It is the third in the Frank Bascomb series. Independence Day and The Sportswriter were the first two books - Very Rabbitish.

I will try Richard Powers. I love books that are all consuming.