Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Reader Girl

So, after the long weekend, I was all revved up to get down with some work today (an embarrassingly large amount of unanswered email), but I started Never Let Me Go last night and finished it this morning. And I cannot stop thinking about it. It’s one of those books where I definitely never ever want to meet the author (Kazuo Ishiguro) because if he turned out to be an asshole—or even just a regular flawed human being—a small part of my inner life would crumble. (This is meant to be a compliment.)

You know what? I’m not even going to describe it, mainly because it unfolds so beautifully but also because it came out in 2005 so you might know everything about it anyway. Just, my socks are officially blown off.

And now, Brandon just brought in the mail, and I got my copies of The Maternal Is Political: Women Writers at the Intersection of Motherhood and Social Change. It’s an anthology edited by Shari MacDonald Strong, and just looking at the TOC, I’m getting the feeling that today might be one of those Lost Days, all nose in a book. Stephanie and I have an essay in there, but guess who else does. Go ahead. Anne Lamott. Susie Bright. BARBARA KINGSOLVER. That’s right. Not to mention what I think of my Brain, Child people (which must be annoying for them), like Jane Hammons, Carolyn Alessio, and Valerie Weaver Zercher.

Ten emails and I’m calling it a day.

9 comments:

Alison said...

Never Let Me Go is stunning. I couldn't put it down either.

And the other book sounds good too. I want a Lost Day to read!

Kathy Gillen said...

I'm so inspired to blow off a day and read! Congrats on the essay and I LOVE the paperback cover.

Elizabeth M. said...

I also loved Never Let Me Go. People I talked to seemed to either love it or hate it.

Julianne said...

Buying my copy of both books now...

Thanks!

The Other Laura said...

I had a lost reading day today because I have a cold and I just got around to Liz Gilbert's EAT PRAY LOVE. (I know, I know, I'm 100 years behind everyone else, but still - it's fabulous!)

Bette said...

I just ordered Never Let Me Go based on this post.

Sam & Sara said...

Ohhhh!!! A Lost Day to read . . . that sounds wonderfully dreamy. Where do I sign up for one of those? I ran a marathon yesterday and woke up this morning to sore muscles, a pile of laundry and three smiling children and one husband. Why is it that those things can't wait for tomorrow???

Anonymous said...

I ran out and bought The Maternal is Political based on your blog. And I HEART it. I relate so deeply to these accounts. Now I shall find some way to channel this energy into something productive.

Go moms, go!

Jane Hammons said...

You can call me Brain, Child people any day. I was delighted to find myself in such good company when I saw the Table of Contents of Maternal is Political.