On this day, the 23rd day of February in 2006, one week into my 35th year of life (technically, I guess it is my 36th year), I finished a book. Not just any book, but a Pulitzer Prize winning book with almost 550 pages! To many, this is not a huge feat, but for me it is worth writing about. You see, since our move to California in 2000, I can count on one hand (after lopping off my index, ring, and pinky fingers) how many non-computer books I have completed. I have started many, but usually don’t get more than 100 pages in before tiring and retreating to the 600 channels on DirecTV.With two completed books in six years (Capote’s In Cold Blood, and Vonnegut’s The Sirens of Titan), I set a goal to become more literate on our trip. Without Mr. TiVo and Ms. Wireless Internet Access serving as distractions, reading at least one book a month seems an attainable goal. Other books currently in the queue are two Raymond Chandler books (Thanks, John!), The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay (read 78 pages in my first failed attempt), and The Avengers (given to us by Allyson’s father). Still need more reading material, so please offer up suggestions based on your favorite reads. I look forward to your recommendations; after all, reading is fundamental … and fun!!
I was reluctant to start my first book, and feared finding something that I could really get into so early on in the trip. So, I asked Allyson her thoughts, and she recommended “Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenides. Suggested by Sue and having just completed it herself, Allyson said the blend of history (the Turks, the Greeks, the Burning of Smyrna), the science (Genetics, Nature vs. Nurture, and gonads), and the personal relationships (The Obscure Object, Clementine Stark, and Zora) would appeal to me. Apparently, it did, as I finished the book in less than two weeks (Call Guinness!). A great read with a unique style of writing. Also, I had an added pressure: it must be completed before Heather and Eugene’s arrival in Fiji on 3/1, as Allyson had already promised the book to Heather.
Serving as a nice segue, this book exchange, I must take a moment to say how excited we are for our friends’ arrival. The last 18 days have been very good for me and Allyson, dealing with the ups and downs of budget travel … together, opening up lines of communication, seeing amazing things and meeting interesting and culturally different people. However, to share a week with two of our best friends will be the perfect way to end our time in Fiji.
After Fiji’s Yasawa Islands, the four of us will travel together to New Zealand for a week, then Heather and Eugene go on to Sydney alone. While we’ll surely be busy catching up, touring the sights and sharing new experiences, I do hope to find a spare moment or two to read a few more pages. ..........
3 Comments:
you'll have to report back with what you think of the Chandler suggestions. knowing me, I most likely built it up to be the greatest idea EVER. :)
also: good luck on the Chabon book. I failed on my first attempt as well. let me know when you start it, and I'll try again at the same time.
have fun guys!
Bryan, it was nice to hear from you on the site! It's great that you have the time and energy to read and enjoy books now. You will be like a kid in a candy store. Such a different world from TV. Happy reading. I'm afraid I don't have any suggestions, mostly reading women type books myself, and not being a history buff, but I'll keep my antenna up if I hear any good suggestions.
Thanks to you both for sharing your all your travel experiences. It makes your trip an adventure for all of us! Love, Mom Joan
Congrats Bryan! So proud of you!
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