Mailbox Monday

I have to cheat a little on Mailbox Monday this week because no books came into my house last week -- at least not to stay. But this is the last week Marcia -- who invented Mailbox Monday and made it so much fun -- is hosting this popular weekly event, so I didn't want to miss out.  I did get three audio books from the library that will have to count. I have started two of them already -- one in the car, the other on my iPod.

Starting in August, Mailbox Monday will rotate hosts. Read the details here. I'll be hosting in January 2011 -- woo hoo!

Down River by John Hart (Edgar winner, so this counts as entertainment and a chance to scratch something off one of my lists --  I'm almost half-way through this one on my iPod.)



The Idea of Perfection by Kate Grenville (Orange winner -- another list opportunity; I am halfway through this one in the car)



The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson (I want to read these in order, so this one will have to sit in my iTunes library until my hold on the first one comes in)

Review of the Day: Deaf Sentence

David Lodge’s fourteenth novel, Deaf Sentence, takes up similar themes from his earlier campus novels, this time from the perspective of retired professor of linguistics, Desmond Bates, who finds himself at loss now that his job has gone the way of his hearing. The story is told through Desmond’s journal, which he has taken up as a way to sort through his conflicting feelings about his deafness and his retirement.

The academic rivalry, potential for mischief with graduate students, strained marital relations, musings on religion or its alternatives, and bookish references are all there, although mellowed some with Desmond’s years. The kinky – maybe crazy – come-ons of an American Phd. candidate are more panic-inducing than titillating for Desmond. He is filled with “late-flowering lust” for his wife, although sometimes incapable of following through. Caring for his 89-year-old father leads to general deliberations on aging and mortality. And through it all, Desmond fumbles and fiddles with his hearing aids, mis-understands conversations, and ponders the science and art of deafness, all to great comic effect.

After starting off as hearing-impaired slapstick, Deaf Sentence ends on a more somber, contemplative note. But throughout, the book is an enjoyable ramble with one of Britain’s great novelists.

OTHER REVIEWS

(If you would like your review of this or any other David Lodge book listed here, please leave a comment with a link and I will add it.)

Opening Sentence of the Day: Peaceful Places, Los Angeles

"Tranquility isn't the first word that comes to mind when most of us think of life in Los Angeles, especially these days."

  -- Peaceful Places, Los Angeles by Laura Randall.

 I actually already reviewed this one (here), so my posts are switcherooed.



NOTE

Book Beginnings on Fridays is a Friday fun "opening sentence" event hosted by Becky at Page Turners. Post the opening sentence of the book(s) you started this week and see what other books people have going.

Review of the Day: Peaceful Places Los Angeles

 

In Peaceful Places, Los Angeles, Laura Randall explores “110 Tranquil Sites in the City of Angles and Neighboring Communities,” providing descriptions, photos, and useful information for those seeking serene respite in a megalopolis known for glitz and traffic.

The sites are organized alphabetically, from Amir’s Garden in Griffith Park (Hollywood) to the Zona Rosa Caffe (Pasadena), and ranked with three stars (“heavenly anytime”), two stars (“almost always sublime”), or one star (peacefulness limited to certain designated times). Randall also offers two alternate “paths” for finding the sites – by category and by geographic area (sort of like a Zagat guide to tranquility).

The sites fall into several categories: enchanting walks, historic sites, museums and galleries, parks and gardens, quiet tables, reading rooms, spiritual enclaves and others. Randall’ s descriptions are detailed and evocative. She has a breezy style that is like getting information from a well-informed friend.

This book is a treasure for Los Angeles residents looking to explore the quieter corners of their city. It is also a must-read guide for visitors who want a break from the hectic bustle of the typical trip to southern California.

NOTE

This is one of the books I got from the LibraryThing Early Reviewer program. I am not quite caught up on my Early Reviewer list, but I am working on it.

OTHER REVIEWS

(If you would like your review of this book listed here, please leave a comment with a link and I will add it.)

Teaser Tuesday: Small Island

"A black man was running from four whites while several more black men chased them.  The ground tremored under their big boots."


--  Small Island by Andrea Levy.

I am back to reading Small Island, after having been distracted by Up in the Old Hotel for a couple of weeks. This one was slow for me to get into, but now that I am in, I don't want to leave. Great book!

This teaser is from a pivotal scene in which the hero, Gilbert Joseph, a British RAF volunteer from Jamaica stationed in England during WWII, finds himself in the middle of a Jim Crow-style standoff with American GIs in a movie theater, trying to watch Gone With the Wind.


Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by Should Be Reading, where you can find the official rules for this weekly event.