Moving Alaska

[maribou]

Moving Pictures (unabridged audiobook, reread), by Terry Pratchett
I barely remember reading this the first time, but I know it isn't new to me - because I think I remember the troll nightclub singer, and I definitely remember Gaspode the Wonder Dog. I think he's still my favorite part of this novel, which has a few brilliantly shining vintage Pratchett scenes, but was not among my favorite Pratchetts. Heroism is the theme of this novel, just as cinema is its subject - and the bits that deal most directly with the nature of heroism are the best bits. A few of the narrator's choices were irritating, but for the most part he did a bang-up job.
(203/250)

Alaska, by James Michener
Parts of this were very enjoyable, but overall it was a bit of a slog. I kept thinking how both Kim Stanley Robinson and Edward Rutherfurd do the 'extremely long novel about somewhere' thing much more to my taste ... I realize that they are in some ways literary descendants of Michener, but as much credit as I want to give the guy, I can't really see reading anything else by him soon. Anyone love Centennial and not care for Alaska? Because Centennial was the only other one that really drew me, and I might still give it a shot if I had some urging.
(204/250)


Hmm. 2 more months to read 46 more books. Not sure that's going to happen. Darn you, raisinbottom, and your challenge-increasing ways! I may have to 'cheat' and go on a kidlit tear.

Comments

[numachi.livejournal.com]

Your book reading prowess is impressive. Most impressive.

[maribou]

I think I would be more impressed with myself if I had not spent most of my adolescent years reading 20-30 books a week. No matter how much I may point out to myself that a) a lot of those books were vapid crap to a point that I don't bother with anymore and b) I didn't have a life back then (for myriad definitions of the word 'life'), I still think I should be reading that much and am vaguely irritated that I don't.