Sofa Shelf - Time for Reading

Adding two books to the shelf this week:

Time Warped - Claudia Hammond

This is a book about time - which you could have guessed from the title. But it is about how time works and how we perceive it. So far it is very interesting and it is the first non fiction book that I haven't been able to put down. (Actually it may be the second, I had a similar experience with The Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale).

The Scarlet Letter and Selected Tales

I first read this novel when I was studying for my A-levels. Because I have studied it I feel like it is an old friend. However, I am a bad friend because I haven't read it since. So I am revisiting it to see if my thoughts about it have changed.

Sofa Shelf Update

It's been a while but here is an update:


Celebrated Crimes - Alexandre Dumas

Finished this one, this is what I thought.



One Thousand and One Ghosts - Alexandre Dumas 

Quite a bit about speaking decapitated heads. Spooked. 



A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas

At roughly the halfway point and the main character seems to have given up on his ambition to be an actor. Nice to read something that doesn't have murder in it.


Inferno - Dan Brown

Finished this one, this is what I thought.

Iron Sharpens Iron - Orlando Saer

Finished it. Read about it here.

Mosses from an Old Manse - Nathaniel Hawthorne

Finished this one, this is what I thought.

On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz

Read the first chapter so far, and she has done the walk by herself and then a second time with her nineteen month old son. Cute. I like that he treats inanimate objects as though they are real.

Sofa Spotlight - Inferno, Dan Brown

What's it about?

It's the latest novel about Robert Langdon, and it is another race against time. In this adventure, Langdon is following the trail set down by a scientist who claims to be about to change the world. The scientist character has been concerned about population growth and how the planet will cope with the increase, or rather how the planet will not cope. It sounds like he is planning to wipe out a massive chunk of the world's population. This is not ok with Langdon. The plot has a lot to do with Dante's Inferno, something I now intend to read at some point, and plagues.

What was good?

I enjoyed this book more than other Dan Brown novels because Langdon didn't have much opportunity to give lengthy explanations about symbology. It wasn't as creepy as The Lost Symbol, so although I was terrified about plague, I wasn't so scared I couldn't enjoy it. Remember I am a wimp.

What was bad?

The ending wasn't really resolved. Which in some ways was good, it was different, but I think there was something missing. And I couldn't have guessed the ending which made me sad, because I like seeing things coming, but I suppose it probably qualifies as a good thing.

Who is it for?

Someone who enjoys a thriller that isn't too taxing to read. Maybe not so good if you are squeamish. I felt sick a couple of times, but I worked through it.

Sofa Spotlight - Celebrated Crimes, Alexandre Dumas

What's it about?

There are five crimes/stories (for want of a better word) in this book. Wouldn't recommend one a day as they are quite lengthy, although if you have nothing else to do for a week then you could always try. Anyway here are the crimes that Dumas has chosen:

The Borgias 

This required a bit of concentration and knowledge of European geography and history. I lacked that knowledge but I could still follow what was going on. Sort of. In essence this is about family politics and there is no problem murdering or bribing so long as you get what you want. That seems to be the philosophy of the Borgia family. That is until your enemies become more powerful than you and want revenge, then Borgia policy seems to be run and hide.

Joan of Naples

Self preservation at its best I think. Again it would have helped to have had a bit of geographical and historical knowledge, but I got on ok. From what I can gather Joan of Naples came into power a bit too young and didn't know how to handle it. A few murders happen, and there is a quest for justice and everyone seems to die on the same spot. I think that is what happens.

Nisida

Family protects each other from ruling prince who thinks he can take whatever he wants. Ruling prince ends up dead - probably best to ask permission before taking what you want.

The Cenci

I had mixed feelings about this one. The crime committed was a murder that was sort of self defence, but justice and punishment for said crime all got a bit messy.

Vaninka 

This had the quote about all bearded men being drunk, in it. Vaninka is in love, and lover is in her room at night. Vaninka's father decides to visit and so Vaninka and maid hide lover in chest and cover with wool. Father leaves, but Vaninka and maid discover that lover has suffocated. Now they have a body to get rid of. Which is where it all goes wrong and Vaninka turns nasty. More murder happens.

What was good?

It was an interesting read. My knowledge was stretched and Dumas writes it in a readable way, although concentration is required.

What was bad?

As I didn't know that much about European history I got lost at times.

Who is it for?

People who enjoy non-fiction and history. Or you enjoy writing that is readable about a subject that you know little about. The stories are exciting, particularly Nisida, so this could be one for you if you enjoy a good tale.

Three Reasons to Read Nathaniel Hawthorne

If you've been near me when I've been reading any of Hawthorne's books you might wonder why I would want to recommend that you read one. Well here are three reasons:

1. They shed light on an emerging culture

From what I have read so far, Hawthorne writes of an America that is just beginning to emerge as the America we know today. When I have been reading his works I have kept forgetting that he is writing about America and not the UK. I have enjoyed seeing what those early days would have been like, it has broadened my horizons a bit.

2. They make you appreciate concise writing

This may be a bit harsh, so shoot me down if I deserve it, but Hawthorne likes to express his opinion a bit too much. In my opinion he wanders along tangents for too long and they often get in the way of the story. But, you don't miss the water til the well runs dry, and you don't miss concise prose until you read waffle. Sorry Hawthorne, I do like your work, though at times that might be difficult to believe.

3. Because sometimes you find a gem that makes it all worth it.

In a collection of short stories called Mosses from an old Manse I found a short story called the Celestial Railroad. It was brilliant and I loved every minute of it. Hawthorne had borrowed a bit from John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress to create a sequel that I found to be very accurate. In my mind it was worth reading the rest of the book just for that one story. There were other good stories in there too, so that was a bonus.

Sofa Spotlight - Mosses from an Old Manse, Nathaniel Hawthorne

What's it About?

Nathaniel Hawthorne invites you into the study of his house, which is an old manse, to listen to some stories that he wants to tell. The book is made up of these short stories, some of which are better than others. The first chapter of the book is Hawthorne's invitation. He describes the house that he is living in, and he does so with a large amount of detail. If I'm honest, the thought did cross my mind that if I wanted to read descriptions of houses I could just look at rightmove.com. Anyway he ends this description by taking you to the study and asking you to listen to the stories that he is going to tell.

What was Good?

Some of the stories were very good. My favourite was one called The Celestial Railroad. It is a sort of sequel to John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. Set in the time that Hawthorne was living, the way to the Celestial City has been replaced by a train that provides a much pleasanter journey. However, it is operated by some very dubious characters. It isn't a perfect analogy but I think it is a good reflection on the attitude that we can have towards the hard aspects of the Christian life. You should get this book just for that story.

Also the book cover of my edition is one of those old leatherish type covers that look and feel amazing.

And another good thing was that he said nice things about Charles Dickens, albeit in a very weird story that I didn't understand.

What was Bad?

Hawthorne gives his opinion too much. Reading the opening chapter I hated it, but then Hawthorne said some very nice things about his readers and I forgave him for waffling. I read this part of the book aloud and my Dad summed Hawthorne up with, "if he were here I would tell him to get on and say something". Maybe I was just feeling benevolent. Be warned though, some of these stories are just plain odd/weird - or they are genius and I have just missed the point.

Who is it for?

People who like short stories, American literature, and can cope with waffle. And those looking to try something a little bit different.

A Starless Night

The gang 

Yep, for me there have been no stars for a while. EG has done better and is in the twenties. I am not.

Part of the problem is that I spend time doing other stuff. Like having adventures, or preparing for Bible study. This year I have been co-leading a Bible study group of students (well most of them are students, there is a rogue accountant thrown in there too). We've been doing a Bible overview and I think we have all enjoyed the big picture of the Bible.

This summaries Hebrews 8-10
Points for guessing how!

Apart from studying the Bible, which is very important, my fav bit has been the last part of the study, where we put together a picture to summarise the passage we have studied. I don't think I have ever laughed as much as I have with the crazy ideas that they come up with. (I say "they" sometimes it is me - but not very often! ahem)

But all good things must come to an end, and at the time of writing, there are only two more studies left. Anyway to those people who have been a part of that group - it's been a riot and I hope that you have had fun and learnt stuff too.