In a previous post, I mapped out my summer reading plan. In a moment, we’ll see how I did. My June reading included a revisit to Mr. Dickens, an introduction to Joan Didion, two Southern writers who need further exploration, a work of theology, and a mystery I first encountered decades ago. I hope (1) you find something interesting from my reading list and (2) you’ll share what you've read.
Recently, I read a Dickens and a Faulkner, too: A Christmas Carol and As I Lay Dying. In the former, I enjoyed the word play and clever turns of phrase. From the latter, I don't think I got everything out of it that I should have. I read the Styles book 2 years ago -- for a first novel, I thought it was great! I couldn't figure it out until the very end. I put the Heart Aflame on my alphabetical To-Read list (between Harry Harrison and Hemingway bio by Dearborn). What was the De Young book about? You gave us the intriguing title, but no clues as to the content.
A Heart Aflame is the connecting point we've all be looking for between Harry Harrison and Hemingway! :) Ah, the De Young book is about being true to a gospel-centered life rather than the thing of the moment. It's pretty good, and short enough that high school graduates might actually read it!
Erebus by Michael Palin. A fascinating account of the British ships involved in Arctic and Antarctic Exploration, specifically the search for a Northwest Passage.
I'm reading a work of genius by Joyce Carol Oates, my favorite author. I don't have words for how brilliant it is. It's called Fox and was just published. It is so dark and so compelling! I have to make myself take breaks from reading. It's best not to know what it's about until you start reading it. Then you are hooked! I can't recommend this book enough!
I think the Poirot novels got really consistently good starting with Peril At End House in the early '30s, for about ten years after that, with almost all of the best ones in that time span. The notable classic prior to that is of course The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd.
With the short stories, there are plenty of good ones over time, but actually my favorite is the very first one, The Affair At The Victory Ball. Terrific plot with great clues and deduction.
Great to hear from you, Haggai! I'm not sure I'll read them all, there are some Poirot novels and stories I read many years ago that I'd like to revisit including Roger Ackroyd. I'm about to end Richard Stark's (Donald Westlake) Parker books and will need another series soon.
I can also definitely recommend this comprehensive review of Poirot stories and adaptations over the years. Lots of interesting details on Christie's career throughout as well as some rarely discussed adaptations, including a number of radio performances. I didn't know until this book that Orson Welles had adapted Roger Ackroyd, doing double duty as the narrator and as Poirot.
Recently, I read a Dickens and a Faulkner, too: A Christmas Carol and As I Lay Dying. In the former, I enjoyed the word play and clever turns of phrase. From the latter, I don't think I got everything out of it that I should have. I read the Styles book 2 years ago -- for a first novel, I thought it was great! I couldn't figure it out until the very end. I put the Heart Aflame on my alphabetical To-Read list (between Harry Harrison and Hemingway bio by Dearborn). What was the De Young book about? You gave us the intriguing title, but no clues as to the content.
A Heart Aflame is the connecting point we've all be looking for between Harry Harrison and Hemingway! :) Ah, the De Young book is about being true to a gospel-centered life rather than the thing of the moment. It's pretty good, and short enough that high school graduates might actually read it!
Just what I need right now!
Erebus by Michael Palin. A fascinating account of the British ships involved in Arctic and Antarctic Exploration, specifically the search for a Northwest Passage.
Thanks for sharing! Erebus sounds fascinating. I'll check it out. (I didn't know it was the same Michael Palin I was thinking about!)
I also plan on reading Joan Didion, Notes To John (2025). These are notes to her therapist, sure to be excellent as all her work is.
I definitely plan to read more Didion.
I'm reading a work of genius by Joyce Carol Oates, my favorite author. I don't have words for how brilliant it is. It's called Fox and was just published. It is so dark and so compelling! I have to make myself take breaks from reading. It's best not to know what it's about until you start reading it. Then you are hooked! I can't recommend this book enough!
Thanks for sharing, Anne! I haven't read any Joyce Carol Oates for some time. I think I might check this one out.
I think the Poirot novels got really consistently good starting with Peril At End House in the early '30s, for about ten years after that, with almost all of the best ones in that time span. The notable classic prior to that is of course The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd.
With the short stories, there are plenty of good ones over time, but actually my favorite is the very first one, The Affair At The Victory Ball. Terrific plot with great clues and deduction.
Great to hear from you, Haggai! I'm not sure I'll read them all, there are some Poirot novels and stories I read many years ago that I'd like to revisit including Roger Ackroyd. I'm about to end Richard Stark's (Donald Westlake) Parker books and will need another series soon.
I can also definitely recommend this comprehensive review of Poirot stories and adaptations over the years. Lots of interesting details on Christie's career throughout as well as some rarely discussed adaptations, including a number of radio performances. I didn't know until this book that Orson Welles had adapted Roger Ackroyd, doing double duty as the narrator and as Poirot.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48836641-agatha-christie-s-poirot
I’m actually reading that myself! It’s a fun book. I’m only about 50 or 60 pages in, but it’s quite good.
Need to read me some Didion, long overdue!