Finally got around to reading the definitive book about Yugoslavia and the author Lloyd Cole name checks in Rattlesnakes.
The White Album: Essays
Beautifully concise writing about issues in the 70s. Always interesting, even when the subject matter isn't.
Huck Finn's America: Mark Twain and the Era That Shaped His Masterpiece
Interesting look at Huck Finn in the context of life in the author's world. Twain loved minstrel shoes as a boy and became a champion of civil rights in the 1880s, but never lost his fondness for an art form that fell precipitously from public favor. Seems entirely consistent with a fantastic novel that is a bit messy in parts.
The Last Thing He Wanted
Picked this up at the library when Play it as it Lays was out. Beautifully economic writing cannot save an implausible story. Learned later that this was her last book, and not considered among her best by any means.
 The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking
Short entertaining look at various philosophical approaches to happiness. Nobody writes books about the failures who never quit on themselves.
The Big Payback
Comprehensive history of the business of hip hop. Interesting throughout, but too much detail, even for this fan.
 Black Lamb and Grey Falcon
Been meaning to read this doorstop since 1997. Has lost some of its currency, but the history is interesting, the writing superb and there is much that still speaks to issues in the former Yugoslavia today.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment