What I'm Reading

I've noticed a lot of 'what I'm reading' posts lately, so here's my list:



On Thursday, I splurged at Barnes and Noble. I bought Wicked, the Silmarillion, and the Secret Life of Bees.



I also wanted to buy Playing with Boys, Reading Lolita in Tehran, Amelia Peabody's Egypt and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, but they'll have to wait.



I finished Wicked on Saturday, it is an incredible book. The first time through anything I read for enjoyment, just to find out what happens next. Then I go back and look at the levels, the symbolism, and how the tale is pieced together. I love how the author turned familiar scenes on their head by a simple 90 degree shift in perspective. I know there's a ton more to mine out of this one, once I brush up on Baum's originals. I read the Wizard of Oz a gagillion years ago, but missed the others. Still, it's highly recommended. Matt's got more on it here.



I'm about a quarter of the way through the Silmarillion now, mainly because there are enough names and places to keep straight that I have to keep flipping back and forth rather than doing a straight read-through. I'm learning a lot of detail about the LOTR background, but the stories read more like exerpts from biblical texts than a novel. Good stuff so far, but not for the casual peruser.



I've also got a couple of classic mystery collections lying out right now, which include versions of the original Psycho (Norman was bald?!) and Double Indemnity, and such. And the latest issue of Glamour.



I think that's it right now.



Oooops, nope. Ellen (Not the Moonbat) says I've got to check out Devils Knot by Mara Leverett. From what she tells me, it sounds fascinating.