This is my last week of free time before school starts. One would think that since I picked up Clarissa and read a small chunk and was excited about the progression and even, to myself, promised that I would come as close as I could to finishing it before summer quarter, that I would focus, focus, focus. Hah!
Can I blame the email from the library telling me the book I put a hold on two weeks ago was ready for pick up? The book that I thought I wouldn’t get for some time yet? Can I blame needing to start in on the next Slaves book? I must blame something because it certainly can’t be my fault that I also started reading a third book in addition to the other two.
How am I to defend myself from the assault of books? Pepper spray doesn’t work, though I suppose if I turned it around and sprayed myself that would put me out of reading commission altogether for a while. Kung fu doesn’t work either. Maybe that’s because I don’t know any. I’ve tried staring down the books but I’m always the first to blink. They know I am weak and defenseless and they take advantage of me. I cannot be held responsible. I am the victim.
The three books I have begun all within the last 4-5 days are:
- The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall. This is the one I wasn’t expecting from the library so soon. And I have to read it because I only get three weeks because there are other holds on it. I found out about the book from Brandon. I’m about 100 pages in and it is delightfully bizarre. And I discovered today, it even has it’s own Wikipedia page and a website that I am not ready to explore because I’m certain there are spoilers there.
- Then there is Edith Wharton’s Glimpses of the Moon for the Slaves discussion on June 30th. What fun this one is. Anyone who wants to join in the discussion is welcome. And if you don’t want to buy the book and your library doesn’t have it, it is available several places online.
The Library at Night by Alberto Manguel. Ever since this book moved in in early April it has been harassing me, whispering things to me like, “hey little girl, wanna read about libraries and books?” and “C’mon, you know you want to.” Finally I could stand it no longer and collapsed in a heap before the book, sobbing, “yes, yes I want to!” I am not disappointed.
Do you see how I am the victim? I don’t want to prosecute though. The police will likely it call it a crime of passion and the attorney for the defense will find a way to pin it on me. So unfair! What is the world coming to?
The Raw Shark Texts sounds interesting. I eagerly await your final review.
Oh, you are absolutely the victim! I mean, libraries should buy hundreds of copies of books so that patrons aren’t caught having to read a book that can’t be re-newed due to its having countless numbers of holds on it. And that _The Library at Night_? Do you know it just tottered out of your sight, picked up the phone to call me, and while showing off that it can heavily breathe with the best of them, started whispering, “Hey, little girl, wanna have some fun? You just know you need to meet up with me.”
Books really are an addiction aren’t they? I keep thinking I’ll have to go through rehab but what with all that time on my hands after I check in, I probably just end up reading
Wil, it has a Murakami sort of feel to it so far. I am hoping that will continue.
Emily, thanks for supporting me
You’ve got to watch out for The Library at Night, it’s one of the most predatory books I have ever met.
Verbivore, LOL! I can imagine your room being searched for illegal “substances”
I was dating “Library at Night” for a while. We met in a library. He was just sitting there like he has been waiting for me all our lives.
It was a beautiful relationship. He’s passionate, romantic, learned and funny. But we have to break up because I had to go somewhere (okay, another country). I had to set him free.
I thought it was my fault the relationship ended. I wept. I tore at my hair. I beat my heavy cheat.
But now I know he’s been cheating on me with you! And Emily!
Okay, I meant “heavy chest” *sigh*
Typos are so embarrassing.
It’s not your fault. When books assault you like that there’s simply no resisting. Needless to say, I understand. And I keep thinking if I just concentrated on Les Mis I could finish it in no time at all, but I fear it is going to become my own personal Clarissa….
You are completely under assault!!
Absolutely not your fault! You are after all, only human, and “Libraries at Night” is a BOOK, for God’s sake.
Since I am not worried about spoilers, I checked out the Wikipedia page. “The Raw Shark Texts” sounds wickedly bizarre.
Books are definitely an addiction. I understand that. It really is an assault…
Dark Orpheus, so sorry you had to break off your relationship with Library at Night. You shouldn’t be surprised at the cheating though. A book like that, well, it gets around
Danielle, oh no! I hope Les Mis doesn’t become your personal Clarissa! Maybe a big push like you did with War and Peace. You can do it!
Daphne, there is no escape!
JD, thank you. I feel much better
Raw Shark Texts starts of so normal and the bizarre comes swimming up from the depths, just like a shark. Hmmm…
ruthibelle, I knew everyone here would understand
Oh, I don’t blame you at all! I’m looking forward to starting the Wharton book, perhaps today, and I’m curious about the other two — I’d love the Manguel, I’m sure, and The Raw Shark Texts sounds weirdly fun!
-cackles like a mad scientist- So you like “The Raw Shark Texts,” eh? Exxx-cellent!
You’re right about the Murakami comparison. That’s exactly what I thought as I read it. And it just gets weirder and weirder.
Quite by accident, I discovered that there was a viral marketing campaign behind the book. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/user/FirstEricSanderson There aren’t any spoilers, so you’re safe. And it’s worth a look for anyone else interested in the book.
By the way: go ahead and check out the Raw Shark Texts website–it’s spoiler-free, and it gives you a personality assessment with Rorschach inkblots. Stay away from the Wikipedia, though. Spoilers abound, obviously, but it’ll be interesting after you’ve finished the book.
Dorothy, thanks. It’s so nice when others help me in my justifications
Brandon, thanks for the link and the tip that the website is ok. I will be checking both out!