what i've been reading

I realize it's been a while since I divulged what my nook and I are paging through.  To name a few I'll give a quick book review of my current favorites.

After being highly advised by my editor to "immediately stop the use of semicolons," he followed his harsh words with a strong recommendation to read Madame Bovary.  "It's the most perfect piece ever written." 

Apparently Flaubert was such a perfectionist that he could be heard shouting each line out loud until it was flawless.  I began reading this for the editorial aspects but fell in love with the story line as well.  It transcends decades, centuries, and I find many hints of myself in Emma Bovary.

As a side note, the column I submitted to Dennis this week received this comment: "I love this column. It's my favorite you've written so far. I think it's the "ideal" column beause it's conversational, it's personal, it's gently funny, it's full of great visuals and it makes points everyone can relate to. It's also the perfect length. Love it! I can guarantee you readers will enjoy the hell out of it."

Those comments don't come free, or ever.  Let's hope the publisher feels the same way and runs it this week.  I'll send a link when possible.

A super quick read.  Man runs his car into girl on a bicycle.  Man lives to deal with the fallout.  It's very real, very "what if" and very "no turning back."  I admire this piece and the courage he has to tell it, just the way he wants, in a short but powerful memoir.

I chose this book for my new book club this month.  Gustavus, my alma mater chose it as well for their "reading in common" program this fall.  I was interested in Nerburn as a Minnesota author and for his unbelievable storytelling skills.  A beautiful read, a wonderful journey, and one you won't put down.

For good measure I threw in Jane Eyre.  It's maybe the fifth time I've read this one and have never fallen out of love with her.  Here's to the classics!