I used to be loyal. Loyal to my friends and family, of course. But also loyal to just one book at a time. Somehow, over the last few months, I’ve fallen into the habit of having more than one book in my currently-reading list.

I am currently reading:

1. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon - Third in the Outlander series. I had to take a break from the series after reading books 1 and 2 because each one is so long. This one is just a tad over 1,000 pages and amusingly, there’s a dialogue early on in the book about whether lengthy books are more or less worthy of reading thus justifying Gabaldon’s own style of writing.

“Do you think that the size of the book is justified by the complexity of the story?” Grey asked, leaning forward to light a cheroot from the candle on the sideboard. “It must after all be a great expense to the publisher, as well as requiring a substantial effort from the reader, a book of that length.”

<snip>

“What is it–twelve hundred pages? Aye, I think so. After all, it is difficult to sum up the complications of a life in a short space with any hope of constructing an accurate account.” [Fraser replied]

“True. I have heard the point made, though, that the novelist’s skill lies in the artful selection of detail. Do you not suppose that a volume of such length may indicate a lack of discipline in such selection, and hence a lack of skill?”

Fraser considered, sipping the ruby liquid slowly.

“I have seen books where that is the case, to be sure,” he said. “An author seeks by sheer inundation of detail to overwhelm the reader into belief. In this case, however, I think it isna so. Each character is most carefully considered, and all the incidents chosen seem necessary to the story. No, I think it is true that some stories simply require a greater space in which to be told.” He took another sip and laughed.

I must agree. Gabaldon’s books haven’t felt tedious in the least although I did need a break from the whole 18th century Scotland thing after immersing myself in the world for a couple of weeks. Although, this is probably because I’m used to alternating between fiction and nonfiction.

beware of book

2. Fermat’s Last Theorem by Simon Singh - This book is deceptively simple. I can’t seem to read more than 20-30 pages before getting overwhelmed by the math. I’m not scared of math by any means but I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite subject either.

3. Queen Bee Mums and Kingpin Dads (the British version hence the “mums” instead of “moms”) by Rosalind Wiseman - Absolutely hilarious and many parts ring true. It probably applies even more to parents of pre-teens and teenagers. I’ve been keeping this book in my bag to read while I’m out and about because it doesn’t take a lot of concentration and is highly entertaining.

4. The Changing Face of China by John Gittings - Still trudging through this book. I thought it would have more about the current situation in China. Instead, there’s loads about communist history during the Mao era.

5. A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby - Probably a quick read but I haven’t clicked with any of the characters. Maybe I’ll make this my bathroom book. ;)

How many books do you have going at one time?

~~~~~
Join us at The Sunday Salon!