We Need to Talk About Kevin

We Need to Talk About Kevin

Lionel Shriver

I tried and tried to get into this novel and I couldn’t. The writing is weird. It’s written from the point of a view of a mother whose son hasn’t committed the unthinkable. I think she is writing the letters to her husband (estranged) and she talks about the past and what it’s like now. I got in about 20 pages and just couldn’t go on anymore. Why doesn’t she just leave town- start over some place else? If you finished it let me know. The writing is written as though is stream of conscious, her thoughts, like you are in her head. Which is nice, but hard to follow?

It’s a hot book. I waited for a while for it on Paperback swap, finally got and as soon as I posted it was gone the next day. If you liked it let me know. Maybe I’ll give it another chance…

Meanwhile I'll just keep waiting for Jodi Piccoult's newest, Nineteen Minutes, which is about a similar incident.

Reading Lolita in Tehran

Reading Lolita in Tehran- A Memior in Books

Azar Nafisi

I bought this book in August of 2004, as I was preparing to take a class on Arabic Literature; the teacher mentioned this book as something I might enjoy. I started reading then, but unfortunately I have not finished.

The author takes you an a autobiographic journey through her life amidst the Iranian revolution and its aftermath, but she parallels her experiences with or to other well known books such as Lolita, Pride & Prejudice, The Great Gatsby and Washington Square. When I tried to pick up this book again 2006, I decided that maybe I would appreciate it more if I actually read (or re-read in the case of Lolita and P & P) the books listed.

I haven’t done that. For some reason I just cannot finish this book. Everyone raves about how great it is, but I just haven’t finished it, however I vow never to give up on it. I started reading it again last week while I was waiting for my newest book to arrive- Still Life With Husband. unfortunately as soon as the UPS man delivered my package, this went back into my car. I keep it there in case I get stranded somewhere ( waiting for someone or something- not broken down- knock on wood) and am forced to read it as I wait. As of now- I'm about half way through( although I imagine i've skipped parts)

One day I will finish this book.