As you know, normally the only thing I feel like doing is reading. And normally, I feel like reading anything and everything, including nonfiction and fiction (although nonfiction remains my one true master). Very rarely, however, I'll admit, do I pick up either plays or poetry. I'll wander through some poetry as I find it, every now and then, but with the exception of being IN plays, way back in the dark ages of high school, I don't think I've ever actually READ a play.
That may have to change, as last night Mr. CR and I saw a performance of George Bernard Shaw's "The Philanderer," and it was AWESOME. Full of good stuff about the ongoing battle between men and women, and what it means to be a manly man and a womanly woman. (It was also quite funny, and, by play standards, relatively short, which also made me happy.) But in the second act I started to lose the thread of the conversations a little bit. So now, I think I may actually look into reading a play for the first time ever. Further bulletins as events warrant.
In other wanna read news, the other night I couldn't sleep and, as per usual, hooked up a little J.D. Salinger comfort reading, in the form of his novella Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters. Of course one of my favorite bits in that book is his character's quoting of a line of poetry from Sappho: "Raise high the roof beam, carpenters. Like Ares comes the bridegroom, taller far than a tall man." Other than being a bit concerned at the comparison of a bridegroom to the god of war, I think that's a stellar line of poetry. And now I may have to hook up some Sappho as well.
May you all have a good weekend, filled with things you want to read and actually get the time to read. And on Monday? Report right back here for our Book Menage, starring Michael Perry's Population 485 and Tom Bissell's The Father of All Things! I never say this about a Monday, but it's the way I feel: I can't wait!
christopher durang is dark and hysterically funny. great playwright. particularly a fan of "the marriage of bette and boo" and "betty's summer vacation".
and for some really awesome poetry featuring barbie turned on her head, check out denise duhamel's kinky.
http://www.amazon.com/Kinky-Denise-Duhamel/dp/0914061615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247845264&sr=8-1
Posted by: Beth | 17 July 2009 at 10:44 AM
Awesome, Beth, thank you. Anytime you combine "dark" and "funny" I'm interested. Also "Barbie" and "on her head." Lovely!
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 17 July 2009 at 11:53 AM
You're very welcome! I hope you enjoy them :)
Posted by: Beth | 17 July 2009 at 12:29 PM
I had a friend who read almost nothing but nonfiction and plays, and I went through a phase where I read only nonfiction and poetry. But then nonfiction is a constant, right?
Poetry in JD Salinger always, always makes me think of "John Keats/John Keats/John./Please put your scarf on." I can't at the moment remember what book it's in, though, despite having read them all a gazillion times.
Posted by: laura | 17 July 2009 at 12:53 PM
Laura,
All I can say after a year of reading a lot more fiction than I had for years previously is: ah, the sweet constant of nonfiction. Sweet, sweet nonfiction.
And, dammit. Now I'm going to have to go on a Salinger bender, just to find the Keats scarfy line. If I have to, I have to! Have a great weekend, you.
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 17 July 2009 at 01:08 PM
May I offer up The Wisdom of Eve b Mary Orr and Reginald Denham - if you would like a play to read? I've had it on bookmooch but no one seems to want it. I'd be very happy to send your way; just e/m me. :)
I didn't read the Menage books but I'll be reading everyone's comments! have fun, Care
Posted by: Care | 17 July 2009 at 07:00 PM
"The Importance of Being Earnest" is hysterical. "Lysistrata" is even funnier. I also enjoyed "Waiting for Godot" and "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead." The great thing about plays is that they can be read fairly quickly, unlike those 800-page novels we always get suckered into.
Posted by: Jessica | 20 July 2009 at 12:34 PM
Hm, Importance of Being Earnest. That's interesting. I've always wanted to read some Oscar Wilde. If "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern" is anything like the movie, though, I'm going to have to stay away--I was totally confused by it! (Yes, I know, I have spoiled my brain through chick flicks. I can't help myself.)
Posted by: Citizen Reader | 20 July 2009 at 02:07 PM