I do it every time...current reading

Once again, reading too much at once.

I had ordered Tobias Bucknell's Sly Mongoose through ILLwhen I first read about it - shortly after it came out. Being so new, most places wouldn't lend it. So I began something else in the meantime - Lincoln's Melancholy (see mention here). I'm enjoying it. I don't read too much non-fiction that isn't anthropology, archaeology, or mandated for class. This is something very different - historical psychology of sorts. I'm only up to 1841 and one of Lincoln's great breakdowns and crazy moments. He jumped out a window.

A couple days ago Sly Mongoose came in. So I started it. The loan period on it isn't v. long, and I doubt they'll grant a renewal since it is from their new books shelf. Not sure what I think thus far. It's heavy sci-fi spec - he's making up new planets, species, words - the whole deal. Thus far a guy fell from space, a city in the sky is near poverty, and a dude is dead. Too early to tell.

It is still interesting how our societies idea of spec fic has changed. The sci-fi that caught me on to the genre was the classic Asimov-type stuff of the 1950s and 60s. Most of the scenarios were utopias, or utopias crumbling. Or they were hopeful - in the future all is equal and cars fly. I still gravitate twds that type now and then. Sometimes you need optimism and flying cars.
Already in Sly Mongoose it is aparent that the future is not happy alien friendships. There's been invasion, denial of aliens, death, and poverty. And I'm less than 50 pages in. But that's good sci-fi, too. What WILL the future be like? Why will we leave this planet for another, and who among us will leave? It's naive to think that aliens species we encounter will be friendly. It's good to really think, "What's possible?"

So I'm reading about the past and future - all while trying to forget the present.

Also, have fallen in love with the illustrations of Laurel Long. Picked up The Magic Nesting Doll because of the pretty cover. Now have another by her and one on the way. Her style is elegant with a Russian feel to it. Image search for her on google

too.many.books

Haven't we all said it at one time? Thought it? Considered buying the t-shirt? "Too many books, too little time."

Now I find myself living it.

I am continuously caught in the trap of reading two to three books at once. Or picking up a graphic novel or two on the side. Ordering books from ILL as I see them, despite surely NOT having the time to finish them before they're due. Suddenly the overdue notices spring up on you!
I am currently reading the novelization of Fritz Lang's film Metropolis by his wife Thea Harbou, a version illustrated beautifully by Michael Kaluta. I keep being torn from it by other things and life. I must focus on this one.
I had begun The Threepenny Opera but I think I'll drop it for now. I can learn of the play's plot later.
Recently author John Scalzi released a new book, and reviews of it (on one or more of the various blogs I read that would mention such things) mad me think that I should read Old Man's War first. I'm 50 pages in and I love it. Good sci-fi and humor - just what I need right now. Space travel is my favorite.
While at the public library looking for something completely different I stumbled upon the comic Marvel 1602. It's Marvel characters in the year 1602. Not a big X-men fan, so it's not doing too much for me. I can only pick out a few of the characters anyway. Not sure if I'll finish it or not. Depends on how soon the due date sneaks up on me.
Another sci-fi book is (perhaps) on its way to me via ILL. It JUST came out, so I'm doubting anyone will send it. Prolly better that way - gives me more time to read the above! TI's called Sly Mongoose and I can no longer remember what it's about. I read about it online (BoingBoing?) and ordered it two seconds later. Damnit, libraries will be the end to me, I swear! In addition, a book about food culture and growing, Animal, vegetable, miracle: a year of food life by Barbara Kingsolver was recommended to me. Depends on how the next few weeks go before I think of cracking the cover. I also want to read, at some point, the same author's Poisonwood Bible.


I've been thinking lately about my reading. I am always reading something - I often carry a purse that a book will fit in. But lately I think my reading has been taking my time, energy, and brain power away from other things in life. Important things. Like my future. I'm caught at the moment in a paralyzing fear and detrimental stasis regarding life and my future. I have been wasting my life away at a worthless job (albeit in a library, thus providing me with plentiful books!) and avoiding doing all that needs to be done to move on. This fear has, lately, truly come to mind and I think that I may be subconsciously distracting myself. Sink my brain in to wondrous other worlds rather than face reality.