In the department of reading I have not been idle of late. I have, in fact, read a generous amount of books. In the department of writing about it, unfortunately, I have been more than usually lazy. So here's a list of books - each with a very, very brief comment...
The Brain That Changes Itself
by Norman Doidge, M. D.
Yet another book in the series of brain-related books I've been reading - this one was, in terms of interestingness (not a word, I know) the best. Though somewhat ethically challenging. Any book that casually mentions sewing up a kitten's eyelid and cutting off monkey's finger in the name of science is going to have me wondering at least a little...
The Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett
A really enjoyable fantasy, this one - the philosophical bits drag on a little ('Pterry' should really stick to comedy - that's what he's good at); unusual and particularly Pratchett flavoured. If I had to group it with any of the other Discworld novels it would fit in with the 'Death' books, but Death's grandaughter is really more of a central character than he is.
Diary of a Provincial Lady by E. M. Delafield
The chronicles of a 'provincial lady' in the 1930's - the edition I read contains all four: Diary of a Provincial Lady, The Provincial Lady Goes Further, The Provincial Lady in America and The Provincial Lady in Wartime. Pleasant reading - not quite deserving of the rave reviews I stupidly read beforehand, but rather nice.
Jingo by Terry Pratchett
A Discworld 'Watch' novel, but possibly my least favourite of the generally good Watch books. A criticism of war. Rather muddy and wandering in terms of plot.
The Godfather Was A Girl by Eamon Evans
About the real people who inspired famous fictional characters. A good read.
The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis
Book of amazing sermons by one of my favourite authors.
Summer Lightning by P. G. Wodehouse
One of my favourite Wodehouse books ever. Just delicious. And funny. And wonderful. The third book about Blandings - some of the characters were also in Money For Nothing (which I forgot to mention on this blog - oops!), so you have to read at least three other books to appreciate it fully - but the other books are also rather wonderful. :-)
The only thing in life that seemed really worth while was to massacre waiters; and to this task he addressed himself with all the energy and strength at his disposal.
by Norman Doidge, M. D.
Yet another book in the series of brain-related books I've been reading - this one was, in terms of interestingness (not a word, I know) the best. Though somewhat ethically challenging. Any book that casually mentions sewing up a kitten's eyelid and cutting off monkey's finger in the name of science is going to have me wondering at least a little...
The Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett
A really enjoyable fantasy, this one - the philosophical bits drag on a little ('Pterry' should really stick to comedy - that's what he's good at); unusual and particularly Pratchett flavoured. If I had to group it with any of the other Discworld novels it would fit in with the 'Death' books, but Death's grandaughter is really more of a central character than he is.
Diary of a Provincial Lady by E. M. DelafieldThe chronicles of a 'provincial lady' in the 1930's - the edition I read contains all four: Diary of a Provincial Lady, The Provincial Lady Goes Further, The Provincial Lady in America and The Provincial Lady in Wartime. Pleasant reading - not quite deserving of the rave reviews I stupidly read beforehand, but rather nice.
Jingo by Terry PratchettA Discworld 'Watch' novel, but possibly my least favourite of the generally good Watch books. A criticism of war. Rather muddy and wandering in terms of plot.
The Godfather Was A Girl by Eamon Evans
About the real people who inspired famous fictional characters. A good read.
The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis
Book of amazing sermons by one of my favourite authors.
Summer Lightning by P. G. Wodehouse
One of my favourite Wodehouse books ever. Just delicious. And funny. And wonderful. The third book about Blandings - some of the characters were also in Money For Nothing (which I forgot to mention on this blog - oops!), so you have to read at least three other books to appreciate it fully - but the other books are also rather wonderful. :-)
The only thing in life that seemed really worth while was to massacre waiters; and to this task he addressed himself with all the energy and strength at his disposal.
