What I've been reading lately...

[blue_lotus13]

1. The Botany of Desire- by Michael Pollan- This fascinating book explores the history of four plants- the apple, the tulip, the potato, and marijuana. The author delves into how these plants have developed and been used and their impact on human history. This is a great book, chock full of interesting facts and tidbits. (The chapter about the apple was my favourite. Did you know that the apple originated in Kazahkstan? Or that the apple was traditionally used for hard cider, so the saying, "An apple a day" was part of a campaign to try to change the image of the apple?) Yeah, I didn't know that either.

2. Legends of Vancouver- by E. Pauline Johnson- A classic compilation of Native legends. I'm not too familiar with the stories of the Native people of British Columbia, so I read this collection to help me learn more.

3. Growing up Degrassi edited by Michele Byers- a collection of essays written by various academics and cultural critics. The writers explore how Degrassi dealt with various subjects, the use of technology in the series, race and ethnic representation on Degrassi, and various other subjects. If you're a fan of the series, or teen television in general, you'll probably like this book.

4. Veronica by Mary Gaitskill- Gaitskill is a skilled writer who excels at creating vivid and disturbing images. Her characters are always raw and reading her work is always a bit painful. However, even though this book gained a good deal of attention and praise, I must say that it didn't do much for me. I just couldn't get into the story and it didn't feel particularly original. I've always felt that Gaitskill is a much stronger short story writer than a novelist, and this novel just reinforces that theory.

Comments

[kickarse.livejournal.com]

I picked up Veronica as well and, I agree, meh. I started it but gave it up quickly. I read "Stop That Girl" by Elizabeth McKenzie instead and it was great.

[stringy.livejournal.com]

I *loved* The Botany of Desire - the tulip chapter was my fave, but really the whole book is fascinating. And I really liked Pollan's writing style too, although I don't have the literary jargon to explain why :) Have ordered his latest, The Omnivore's Dilemma, which I've heard good things about.

[charlotterusse.livejournal.com]

i agree about veronica, it just felt like something was missing. i think you're spot on about her being a much stronger short story writer, it felt like she didn't have enough plot and tension to really sustain a novel.