Over the past several months, without the pressure of school work (other than applying for graduate programs) and only working one job, I have found myself fortunate enough to have free time. I've used it to play the piano, play video games, try and learn a new language (German, I'm looking at you), and, most enjoyably, read.
In this time period, my favourite facebook application has become Virtual Bookshelf - where I can show my friends what I am reading and share my perspective on books I have read in the past.
I am currently reading one of the most compelling books that I have ever picked up. I don't agree with it, but I find it hard not to be completely wrapped up in it. I look forward to finishing it (I'm about a quarter of the way through) and sharing my thoughts with you about it. With any chance some of you have read it (it is a classic) and we can discuss it.
Anyways.
A book you should read:
Alias Grace by Margaret Attwood. My first Attwood book turned out to be a truly gripping novel written with incredible style and tackling some very serious and complicated issues. I was completely impressed by the book from cover to cover.
A book you should not read:
Homecoming by Bernard Schlink. My second novel by the writer of The Reader, and I was thoroughly disappointed. It unravels and intoxicates you, though you are not entirely certain of why. It is neither compelling nor a complete story - like a first draft or an outline that could've been something great if only it were fleshed out more and the ending was changed. I would not recommend this novel to the worst of my enemies.
