I found the Saturday Review links quite interesting, as I clicked through, in between preparations for Hurricane Dean. I figure if I prepare diligently, it will probably go somewhere else and leave Houston alone. And, yes, I know that’s superstitious and illogical thinking. I don’t really believe that anything I do will affect the path of a hurricane. (Do I?)
I found these titles to add to my ever-growing reading list:
The Secret Country by Pamela Dean. Recommended by MoominLight.
Witness by Whittaker Chambers. Recommended by Laura at Lines in Pleasant Places. I’ve been meaning to read this historical memoir for years, but now Laura’s reminded me with a gentle push.
Collision Course by Alvin Moscow. Recommended by Lynne.
I was also glad to see that someone else enjoyed some of my past favorites:
The Queen of Carrots says that The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins has “one of the best female characters I have ever encountered.” I agree. Also, the villain is “fascinating and charming despite his age, weight, and utter ruthlessness. An unforgettable villain.”
Semicolon review here.
Sage says Gilead by Marilynne Robinson “should be read slowly, taking time to savor the language and the scenes Robinson creates.”
Semicolon review here.
Abiding liked Enchantment by Orson Scott Card. I think Mr. Card is one of the most versatile and intriguing authors I’ve read in the past several years, and I’ve only read two of his books so far, Enchantment and Ender’s Game. Can any fans suggest the next book by Card that I should read? I definitely want more of his writing.
Semicolon review of Enchantment here.
And Jennifer says that The Kite Runner by Khaled Housseini is “a beautifully written account of one man’s hopes and dreams along with the bitterness of regret.” It is that and more.
Semicolon review here.
If you’re looking for more Orson Scott Card….well, he’s a favorite of mine. I would say–and this might not be your typical response–but I loved–I mean loved–Pastwatch. I think the full title is Pastwatch the Redemption of Christopher Columbus. It is just a wonderful, wonderful book. I would say it is in the alternative history (what if)/ time travel category.
Of course you could always read Ender’s Shadow if you wanted Ender’s Game from Bean’s perspective. I liked Bean as a narrator in this first book especially.
Another favorite of mine that you don’t see talked about every day is Worthing Saga. I reviewed this one for the 48 Hour Reading Challenge in June. It is really more of a collection of stories around a particular theme.
I’ll second the recommendation for Pastwatch. Time travellers go back to the 15th century to interfere with Columbus and his crews.
Along the lines of Enchantment but much better, I think, is Magic Street by Orson Scott Card.
I must also say that The Secret Country trilogy is one of my favorites. I hope you like it as well.
I read Enchantment on your recommendation and loved it!