When blogging time gets in the way of reading time.

Just a short post today, as I am a few chapters away from finishing up Anne Tyler's new novel Noah's Compass, and if I skip doing much blog-writing today, I will have the time to do that. Welcome to my selfish nature.

I will say this, by way of review: I'm enjoying it. I think I always prefer Tyler's novels when her protagonist is a man, and in this story, sixty-one-year-old Liam Pennywell is the main character. I don't think it will end up to be one of my favorite Tylers, but I must admit that I pretty much always enjoy her books. They're such a weird mix of surreal (her characters often have strange jobs, or family relationships) and utterly everyday that I can't help but find them really interesting, and this book is no exception.

I'm describing it poorly. If you like Tyler, though, by all means check out one of her latest interviews. I got a real kick out of some of her shorter answers. I can't decide if I'm jealous of the interviewer (how great would it be to meet Anne Tyler?) or if I would have been terrified to be the interviewer. A little of both, I suppose.

Have a good weekend, all. Take some time to ignore some of your household or work duties to finish up a book; it's about as decadent a good time as can be had without breaking any laws.

P.S. In other news, I just read a short post about the Kindle over at Tripp's Books Are My Only Friends blog, and it's perfect. It sums up pretty much how I feel about the Kindle, too, but with more flair. Please read it.

Comments

[Tripp]

Thanks for the kind mention! I will do my best to follow your advice on the reading vs. chores decision.

[Citizen Reader]

Tripp,
I've just been over reading the 1-star reviews of "Game Change" at Amazon, and the whole situation is too ridiculous for words. Whenever I need a giggle today I'm going to think of the last line of your post, with which I COULDN'T AGREE MORE.

Yes, reading good, chores bad.

[Tripp]

OOooo, Game Change, I should be getting my hold copy any day now. I was somehow ahead of the hold curve (maybe my tip came from Reader's Advisory?) and I am hold 3 out of 350.

[Citizen Reader]

There is NOTHING more exciting than being on the hold list early. I went to request "This Book is Overdue" (a book about librarianship; I am such a nerd) the other day and then saw I am already hold #1, just waiting for it to be published. How fun!

I'm sure I'll see it on your blog, but if you don't post about it please let me know how "Game Change" is. I probably won't have the heart to read it (still off political books--perhaps for good?). Thanks!

[Tripp]

I most certainly will let you know. This book is overdue sounds like fun as well.

[Florinda]

"They're such a weird mix of surreal (her characters often have strange jobs, or family relationships) and utterly everyday..."

You perfectly summed up the appeal of Anne Tyler's books right there. I'm glad you're enjoying her latest and am looking forward to reading it myself.

[Jessica]

Hey! I just finished this book two days ago! It's like an accidental menage! (Wasn't that one of Tyler's earlier books?)

I agree that it doesn't quite make it to favorite status, but I liked it. I started telling RS the story of what happens in the first chapter, and even though he knew it was fiction he got upset.

[Citizen Reader]

Thanks, Tripp--I'll let you know about "This Book is Overdue!"

Florinda,
Thanks! I tried to get at what I love about Tyler's books, although I'm still leaving out multitudes. I've always wondered what she was like personally.

I hope you like it when you read it! Do come back and let me know what you think of it, especially if you've liked her other books.