What Are You Reading Right Now?

[GypsySorcerer]

Well, it's been three months since I bumped this, so I figured it was time again!

I noticed in my last post I mentioned 100 Years of Solitude, which unfortunately, I never really got into and then stopped reading. I'll revisit it eventually.

I finally read Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey Niffennegger. The Time Traveler's Wife is one of my favorite books ever, so I knew I would probably be underwhelmed by her follow-up. It was a disappointing read, but not because of comparisons to her debut. Her Fearful Symmetry started out really promising for me (I enjoy a good ghost story), and just fell completely flat at the end. The final resolution was a freaking single paragraph! I will say I appreciated the prominent role of the Highgate Cemetery in the book -- some great historical information.

I also read We Need to Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver. Wow - has anyone else read this? Basically, it's the story of teenager who commits a mass school murder, written in the form of letters from his mother to her estranged husband. The form sounded gimmicky to me at first, but it really fits the "confessional" nature of the story. It's easily one of the most disturbing books I've ever read. I can't really say I "liked" it, nor could I ever deem it a "favorite" book. However, I won't soon forget it. Overall, a very bold contemplation on motherhood and personal responsibility.

Just finished up The Help by Kathryn Stockett, based on recommendations by several people. It was enjoyable enough, and I can understand its popularity. The richness of a few of the characters, especially Aibeleen, was the book's strongest aspect.