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Bibliofile - March


Didn't get through many books this month. Just 3. I know, I know. One might think I was slipping but one of the books was close to 2400 pages - Lawrence In Arabia. This Lawrence isn't quite as romantically portrayed as in that David Lean film from the 60s. Author Scott Anderson portrays this Lawrence as a calculating individual who never listen to his superiors. The book provides a fascinating overview of how the modern-day Middle East came into existence due to the World War I efforts of Britain, France, Germany and the United States. It was a long read but a fascinating one.

Another book I read this week - All The Light We Cannot See - was a wonderful World War II tale by Anthony Doerr - involving a young French blind girl's story on the one hand and a young German soldier on the other. What brings them together near the end of the story is woven neatly into the tale. I really enjoyed this.

The third book - Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon - was a complex, yet humorous, tale about a doper detective in 60s California. Pynchon very accurately catches the drugs and culture of the times. The book has recently been made into a movie which is why I picked it up. Pynchon has a certain way of writing that can distract the reader but I nevertheless enjoyed it.

So, 3 books in March which brings my yearly total to 17. It was hard to read more this month, having been tempted by videos and On Demand where I binge-watched such great shows as The Affair, Sports Night and Seasons 1 and 2 of House of Cards. The latter is far darker than the British version and Kevin Spacey is simply amazing to the point you want to punch him in the neck.

So what are you reading or watching? Any recommendations for me?
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Comments

Bryan G. Robinson said…
I'm at 17 books for the year too, but my books are a (heck of) a lot shorter. I'm always amazed at the length (and quality) of the books you read. I wish I had the stamina, but I like to read my books in short chunks of time, usually getting one done in one sitting or maybe two sittings, depending on the book or the amount of time I have. Eventually, we'll get to House of Cards, the American version, but I think what was putting us off is because we really enjoyed the British one. Well, at least, putting me off. Kim's ready to go ahead and watch it without me, which she might end up doing.


As for what I'm reading and watching, right now I'm reading a science fiction book called The Lives of Tao by Wesley Chu, which is pretty good so far. Watching? The Detectives? No...Kim and I have been making our way through Friends...and soon I will be making way through Cheers (again) as I just saw, as I opened another tab for Netflix to remind myself of what else I've been watching there, that they have that now. I've also been watching the new Hawaii Five-O and as always, Criminal Minds and CSI: NY, although the latter I haven't been watching as much of lately but I'll return soon.
2 April 2015 at 10:17
nonamedufus said…
I really got sidetracked from my reading this month with TV series and movies. Apart from House of Cards, I have to say my highlight was Aaron Sorkin's Sports Night. So well crafted, great acting and exquisite writing. You can see where The Newsroom came from, for sure. I also just watched a fascinating documentary called The Wrecking Crew about the group of studio musicians who play on most of the 60s and 70s musical hits from the Beach Boys to the Byrds.
2 April 2015 at 14:12
nonamedufus said…
really got sidetracked from my reading this month with TV series and movies. Apart from House of Cards, I have to say my highlight was Aaron Sorkin's Sports Night. So well crafted, great acting and exquisite writing. You can see where The Newsroom came from, for sure. I also just watched a fascinating documentary called The Wrecking Crew about the group of studio musicians who play on most of the 60s and 70s musical hits from the Beach Boys to the Byrds.
2 April 2015 at 14:19
Otto Mann said…
I gotta lotta thots and stories in our 22 blogs…

and I’m mmmore than happy to share

and give to you what God has granted me steward!

Why not?

Aren’t we all in the same family made by God?

Faith, hope, and love -

the greatest of these is love:

jump into faith...

and you'll see with love.

Doesn’t matter if you don’t believe

(what I write);

God believes in you.

God. Bless. You.

Meet me Upstairs where the Son never goes down…



MyLoveLetterToJanetIrene.blogspot.com
29 April 2015 at 14:36
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