The current Babble-17 book is "Declare" by Tim Powers. I've only just aquired it and I can already tell I'm going to have a difficult time getting very far in it. Power's has a complex and multi-layered way of telling a story which makes it difficult to follow unless you are paying close attention. I suspect the satisfaction of reading will come sometime near the end of the story.

I zoomed through Lemoney Snickett's "The Bad Beginning" and "The Serpent Room". Very enjoyable, even when they repeat somewhat in style. I borrowed these books from Purple as well as a "difficult reading" book he recommended called "The Crypto-Amnesia Club" by Michael Bracewell, so I'm going to finish the "difficult" book before I polish off the next Lemoney Snickett book, "The Wide Window".

The list lengthens...!

1. Snowcrash by Neal Stephenson, seminal Cyberpunk novel
2. Peter Pan by James Barrie, seminal children's novel of the twenties
3. Hyperion by Dan Simmons, science fiction
4. Wormwood by David Levien, fictional indictment of Hollywood and absinthe addiction
5. Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
6. The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson
7. American Gods by Neal Gaimon
8. The Bad Beginning by Lemoney Snickett

China Mieville, Perdido Street Station

China Miéville interview by Paula Guran

So, anyway, I've been meaning to say something recently about Perdido Street Station, because it is yet another book I've completed this year. I read it in conjuntion with Babble17, a local reading group that reads science fiction and fantasy. The discussion last month was very intriguing partly because I was very intrigued by the book itself, but mostly becaues here are new people that I've never discussed books with, people with their own ideas about what a novel should be. I haven't sat down to write a review of the book, which is my plan...and I'd better get to it because I will most definately forget some of my impressions. But I will say here that the book, despite having flaws, is definately worth the effort to pursue. Dark, urban gothic with plenty of wonder and adventure, it is a wonderful read.

So, I've decided that this year is the year of READING. In other words, I'm going to attempt to complete as many books as possible. Already I've been able to read four books from cover to cover, no small feat for me considering that I usually take a year to get half-way through a single book and often drop several books over the course of a year. I don't think I've finished reading any specific book over the past five years.

So here's my list so far:
1. Snowcrash by Neal Stephenson, seminal Cyberpunk novel
2. Peter Pan by James Barrie, seminal children's novel of the twenties
3. Hyperion by Dan Simmons, science fiction
4. Wormwood by David Levien, fictional indictment of Hollywood and absinthe addiction

I have a couple that are partially finished but I won't include until I've finished them. Purple tries to read around a hundred books or so a year, I dont' think I'll be able to keep up at this pace, but already I'm happy with what I've accomplished.

Jeni's Snow Crash Site

Just finished reading "Snow Crash" today by Neal Stephenson. I don't know why I waited so long to read it, although I could never find it used in paperback. I knew it was a good book and Stephenson has pretty much followed through on the promise of his talent with his other books such as "The Diamond Age" and "Cryptonomicon". "Snow Crash" is pure science fiction, no doubt, but so much of what he talks about is factual or has been realized scientifically that it does not resemble traditional science fiction. In fact, it is the personal relationships and social-political relationships in the novel that are fictional. Like many cyberpunk novelists, Stephenson manages to surf the crest of information technology and general knowledge to create a fast paced piece of eye candy, that resonates powerfully within the mainstream litergy.

Savoring the Spice Coast of India

Amazon.com: buying info: Teleny


Powell's Books - BLACK BEAUTY THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A HORS by Anna Sewell

I’ve been visiting the Public Library since they moved to just down my street (actually over on Pike at the convention center). I nabbed a handful of Asian cookbooks and have been reading up on the various Indian cuisines. I’ve even bought some whole spices, but I have yet to attempt to recreate any recipes. Cleaning the kitchen is daunting.

Also, my work on a friend’s web site has lead him to send me a copy of the Victorian “Socratic” novel “Teleny”. I’ve jumped in with two feet and think it is fascinating. It has a long and checkered history.

Also picked up my 1920s copy of Black Beauty I purchased on Ebay a while ago. I remember extensive lines from a Disney storytelling record I had as a child. Very impressive since the version I remember was an extreme condensation.

I've been working my way slowly through a collection of F. Scott Fitzgerald Short Stories. I decided after reading half-way through a biography of the author that I wasn't familiar enough with him although we had read "The Great Gatsby" in high school. I may have to reread that as well.