Back in March, I discovered that I'm allergic to library books. Not just me, my son as well. (I swear I'm not making this up. Several off and online librarians and school media personell confirmed this.) There were several books I wanted to read, as well did my children. I don't know why I decided to go to the library to borrow these books, knowing how I am in regards to books. Obsessive. Anyhow, we hadn't been to the library in probably 7 years, and when we visited again it was just awful. We went into fits of sneezing and coughing, watery and itchy eyes, and incessant allergy salutes. I immediately remembered why I LOVE purchasing books.
For starters, there's the senses factor. I love the smell of a new book, as well as the crisp feel of each page and the sound they make when they're turned. There is, of course, the collector factor. Every book I've read, I own, simply enough. There's an exception, I'll admit this much, which are several BookCrossing books, but then I was always fairly selective of the books I took home and even purchased a copy of those after reading them; some of them I still have, in a TBR status, because they don't produce any allergic reaction and because I'm not done with them yet. :)
And so we come to what all my fuss is about, the book I've recently read, and will be reading again as soon as my son is done reading it. This book has restored the love I have for fiction. It has started many intelligent conversations, as well as many passionate and poignant discussions. It's even made me ponder my personal beliefs. Life of Pi is such a book.
I'd never heard or read about this author or this book, until it was chosen as book-of-the-month for an online group I joined in March. I even had a late start reading it, as it only arrived at my doorstep mid-month, and with other things going on, I only began reading it close to the end of the month. But once I began reading, I couldn't stop. Yet stop I did, on many ocassions. I stopped because I laughed, and I stopped because I cried. I stopped because I wanted the words I'd just read to really sink in, and because I wanted to ponder further. The entire time I was reading it, I didn't want it to end.
However, as with every book, the story had been told, and came to an end. I even enjoyed telling the story to a friend that actually cried out of fear, because she said I was re-telling it with such excitement that she couldn't help but see the images very vividly. She went on about how sad it was, and that the story as I recounted seemed to her was full of terror. And yes, the story has it's terrible, fearful moments, all brimming with detail.
Every page was satisfying. I can't wait to read it again.
I'd like to know if you've read it, and what your thought are about the story. And this makes me want to put my book blog back online, and invite to discussion and maybe even an open forum there. Hmm... entertaining the idea.
I'm working on another read this month, and I say working because it isn't going as smoothly as I expected. It happens with certain books, particularly Classics. However I'll continue working on it, since it's my goal to read at least 6 Classics this year, among other reads.
So, what are you reading? Do you have any good recommendations? If so, why?
I am currently reading Haunted Ground by Erin Hart. It is a good read so far. A mystery that starts with the discovery of a perfectly preserved head being dug up in an Irish peat bog.... I keep meaning to read The Life of Pi. I should real soon it sounds like!
Zee, I loved Life of Pi too, but I have read more complaints about the book than I have compliments. I thought it was a most interesting story and had some curious twists and turns.
Wow, I'm very glad that doesn't happen to me. I enjoy reading lots of books and would not want to own all of them, so the library is great for me. But like you, when it's a book I really like I'll go buy it.
You've piqued my interest in "Life of Pi".
I'm planning on re-reading "The Da Vinci Code" while in Scotland so I will be ready for the movie premier on May 19th.
i have not read this one yet, although it's on my list... have heard the author read on CBC, and he provides awesomely intelligent interviews ...he lives up here, eh? Canuck books are good. ;)
and... libraries are quite riddled with mildew and dust mites... i used to work at one, had a lot of trouble with headaches; but, i still like libraries... there is so much nifty energy in them.
Now *I* have to read Life of Pi. I'd seen it around, but it didn't appeal to me. No idea why. Your recommendation is good enough for me.
And book club? Do tell!
I couldn't get into Life of Pi at all. I read The Plague instead. Or rather, I started to. I got sideswiped by mysteries.
If you haven't read Jane Eyre I recommend making it one of your Classics this year. Also, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
I am reading Swan Song by Edmund Crispin. It's a mystery from 1947, and well worth the time so far.
I read this book a few years ago and remember liking it a lot. I'm SO glad you mentioned that your son is reading it. It never occurred to me that it is suitable for high-level younger readers. Most books have something that I wouldn't want them to come across but I seem to remember this one being innocuous enough. Thanks for that idea!
(If you know of any other crossover adult/young preteen books, I'd love to hear! We get a little tired of how all the books aimed at young people have to do with fantasy or magic or dragons. That gets old...)
I read Life of Pi a few years ago, so my memory's a bit groggy on it, but I enjoyed it. I wasn't sure about the ending, though. Still, more plusses than minuses for it!
I'm currently making my way through Everything is Illuminated. I absolutely love it. Still, the best thing I've read lately has to be Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. Don't let the beginning turn you off, it's excellent!
I read that book many moons ago, and probably posted about it last year. I still remember it, though I've read more than a hundred since. I made Jason read it as well, which is a rare thing indeed.
Zee,
I wonder if your allergy is triggered by something like the carpeting at the library...unless you were referring to the actual books themselves.
Do you know about www.paperbackswap.com ? I've been a member for about 2 months and I am hooked!! Talk about your cheap thrills! Take a look to see what you think. You can put restrictions, i.e., smoke free only.
Hope it's something you'll like!
Blessings.
:)
I am so with you on the look, smell, and feel of a new book. Although I'm not allergic to library books - it just isn't the same... :)
My book club read this before I became a member and they still talk about it. I should read it.