Guilt, too much Guilt...

So, I did something horrible. Something I swore I would never do.


I skipped, yes, skipped three pages in 1984. It goes against everything I believe in when reading a book. I skipped approx. 50 pages, 50 wasted pages that Mr. Wells could definitely have done without - the part where he writes out the philosophy of Oceania - confusing and aggravating. I put down the book for numerous weeks (as you can tell by my lack of blogging), and then made fateful decision that if I am ever to get through this project, I just had to skip it. So I did...skimming mildly still...but, lo and behold, when I get to the end, the auther describes Wilson as not having got anything out of the book, and was no better off than he was before in understanding.

That makes two of us! Whether I am lowering myself down to Wilson's level or not, I don't care. I need to get through it. And flying I am - through the torture of Wilson Smith, and the ideals and life of freedom as we know it.

There are only 15 ish pages left - I have a feeling this does not end well, as how can it? But I'm hoping...

Ughhhhh....

So, in the middle of 1984, and can't get past approx. 30 pages of political ramblings from the works of Mr. Goldstein. On and on and on and on and on. I am not one to give up on a challenge, nor one to skip a section of a book, so I will plough on, but, struggling at the moment. The Kindly Ones is also not a late night pure-entertainment read, but since I have Late Nights on Air signed out still, maybe I will start that.

Need...to...finish! At this rate, the list will take me a century to complete! And I have way too many things to do. I am NOT going to let 30 pages of political ramblings and philosophy stop me...this will hardly be the most challenging book on the list. I will prevail...just....tomorrow morning. Not tonight.

Loving it...forgetting it...

Ok, I am loving 1984. Although I'm finding the love story between the ages a little weird right now. The book is all about establishing suspicion, yet this love story happens out of the middle of no where. Odd, but otherwise good.

Along the same lines as The Children of Men movie, a genre of near future, realisitc disasters. Even though this book is supposedly set in 1984 (who really knows), it applies to today as well.

Enjoying it, enjoying...then forgetting it on my desk at work. What in the meantime? Must...have...something...to...read...

So, lo-and-behold, there is a book hold ready pick up - The Kindly Ones, by Jonathon Littell, full of sex, history, and war. Eight pages short of 1000, it's a hefty hardcover. Can I read it in conjunction with 1984...I think so!!!

Well...it's not any of the books I mentioned...

It's......

1984!! By George Orwell - very excited by the first couple of pages. Feel like it's a bit Wrinkle In Time ish.

I'm also trying to figure out to knit, workout, and read, all at the same time, to finish all of my projects :)

Off to bed...let's see if I can get past 2 more pages....

Back Atter

Ok, so, after another viewing of Julie&Julia (which was still just as inspiring and comical as the first time) and a little nudging from the b/f, I am back at it, and I am going to finish this project, damn it!


To be honest, I have been reading, although not as much as I'd like to - I was distracted by numerous other books. So, after having 12 or so sitting on my table from the library, all acquiring library fines, I finished one - Away, by Amy Bloom. Definitely worth reading, and a very interesting story of a life of beauty and hardship, and one very strong woman. A refreshing read, really, and a surprising end. Those who love historical fiction novels like I do, this is a quick read for you.

I have also started Suite Francais, a novel in which the author was an older Anne Frank, written about the war, during the war. A fascinating read, yet again for the historical fiction fans. And, yet again, it is late back to the library, but worth returning, paying the fine, and renewing if at all possible.



Now, I think my interest has waned a little from the Board`s list - time to hunker down, skip the library fines, and read what I have borrowed from others: from Andrew, the lovely Ayn Rand novels, of which there are several on the list. From Cindy, The Hunt for Red October. Or maybe it`s time to start Ulyssess, or Kim. I will see what grabs me...interest is waning here at 10:45 pm...

Next book...

Ok, so I am like a kid at the candy store when it comes to the library...as I think I've already mentioned in this blog. It's the beginning of September...the end of the triathlon world for me, the start of school, and the crisp cool air that has the promise of sharpened pencils and chalkboards. I miss school. And with the heavy amount of rain heading my way, I am going to pick up my reading...see how many books I can read before Christmas.

As mentioned before, I have quite a few books signed out, borrowed, and ready to take back. So, I have no idea which one I will go to tonight. It's going to be a mood thing. Do I want to read something like the last book, something enjoyable, something completely different? Ahhh, the stress.

Well, I take comfort in the fact that in the end, I have to read them all, so I can pick and choose from what I have now...the last month or two of this probably will be the most painful, struggling through some of the thrilling (not) non-fiction I see on the list. But, like the hill climb today, the steepest part is at the top, but in the end it has the best view.

Fall, here I come.

Depressing...

Well, if you want a full dose of absolute realism, you've got it with Tobacco Road! A story about a guy who just can't see reality, yet it's all around him - I have to give ol' Jeeter credit - he has hope. In the end, God, or whomever, decides it's time to end his miserable existence by burning his house down. So much for prayer and believing!

At this time in my life where everything seems to be going down hill, and I don't have a lot of hope in fixing it, I can almost admire Jeeter to be blissfully ignorant in his misery.

Jeeter was a courageous man, although stupid, based on this example:

"The urge he felt to stir the ground and to plant cotton in it, and after that to sit in the shade during the hot months watching the plants sprout and grow, was even greater than the pains of hunger in his stomach".

Time for me to get some hope! If you like dark humour, this book is for you. Onto the next book.

Someone told me recently that I need to work on finishing things. I really need to finish this project.