Book Menage Day 4: The wrap-up.

I know, I know, I thought the original title for today's post would be "On Memory." I thought we'd talk a little bit about memoirs and how they're written, but I think we had a great talk about that yesterday. So I thought I'd skip ahead to the big questions, and tomorrow we can consider which books we'd like to read for the next Menage.

So here we go:

1. How did you feel about these books? If you haven't yet read them, do you think you will, based on the other days of our discussion?

and

2. Would you read anything else by these authors? Why or why not?

I've said it before, but I think this has been a great discussion. If I can track down email addresses and the necessary energy to stalk authors, I might email both of these men and see if they want to answer or speak about any of the questions we had earlier this week. If I get any answers I'll post them.

Tomorrow: Suggestions for the next Menage?

Comments

[Jessica]

Wow, I keep being first! That's weird because I'm on the West Coast and I'm usually last.

1. I enjoyed both these books. I thought "Population, 485" in particular was amazing.

2. I am planning to read Perry's Truck book soon. I would probably read something else by Bissell, but maybe not until next year, because I assume his other books are also dense and thick. It's petty, I know, but I want to hit 500 this year and I have to keep them light and brief.

[Care]

I can answer Q1: YES. I think I would be more willing to read the fire fighter small town book first, but I think the Vietnam book would be perfect for my World Citizen challenge. But yes, these discussions have motivated me to get these books.

[Citizen Reader]

Jessica!
Good on you, for being first! I've rather enjoyed sitting back this time, and think it has made for a better discussion. With books I tend to get all over-excited and pushy, so I think the flava of these discussions has been much more open than previously.

Couldn't agree more with you about Population 485. Gosh, I loved it. But I think over the course of my lifetime I will end up re-reading The Father of All Things more often--as I re-read this time, I caught myself reading with my mouth open and totally immersed, which was interesting, considering I'd read it before.

You might want to try Bissell's collection of stories--"God Lives in St. Petersburg," I think is the title--if I remember correctly, that's a pretty shortish book. And I'd be fascinated to hear what you think of that! I rather prefer his nonfiction myself but of course, I always lean toward the NF.

Care,
I do hope you read these--I think you might find something to like in both. And the Bissell would be excellent for your World Citizen Challenge!!

[Jessica]

Okey dokey. It's only 212 pages, so how can I lose? I probably won't see it for about two weeks, though.

[Tripp]

I loved em both! Despite being similar in category, I thought the reads were different enough that I can't really say I like one over the other. The Bissell would win on subject matter though.

I plan to read both authors. I would never have read a book called Truck A Love Story based on the title, but after this I will. The Central Asia book by Bissell will also be on my reading list.

I love finding authors that I enjoy. Too late in collegiate life I learned the secret to enjoyment was picking classes based on the professor and not the subject. I find the same is true with books. John McPhee is so great I will read anything he writes, and he writes about everything. I suspect the same is true of Bissell and Perry.

[Citizen Reader]

Jessica,
If you do read Bissell's stories, do let me know what you think. I'll hold off with my opinion until I hear back from you.

Tripp,
I'm so glad you enjoyed the books! I look forward to hearing your reviews if you read more of their titles as well. And I couldn't agree more about John McPhee. I don't love him as much as I love William Langewiesche (who also writes on a wide variety of subjects) but he's definitely a talented writer.