Well, hello again. I've just got time to give you a quick update on another couple of books I've read, bringing the total to six this year! Six, eh? Who would've thought it? Watch out Dinah - Here I come!
Book the first was ::drumroll:: The Witches Of Eastwick by John Updike.
I know. You can't believe it. Well, I can barely believe it myself, but finally I have finished that damn book! I know I've moaned about it quite a lot, but, quite frankly, it deserved it.
Well, maybe it didn't. It's likely that I was disappointed that it was so different from the film, which I love. This disappointment is unusual, as in most instances, I much prefer the book to the film adaption. However, I can see how the film's characters evolved from those in the book, and how some of the scenes did, too. I'm not going to go into a full-on book review for two reasons. One: I don't want to spoil it for anyone who may want to read it, and Two: I can't remember enough details about it to review it properly. Apparently, the New York Times said it was 'Dazzling', and who am I to argue with them?
Book the second was Neil Gaiman's Marvel 1602.
Now this isn't really a 'book' book, it's a graphic novel, but it still counts. Marvel 1602 is a story about what would happen if the superheroes, villains and mutants of present day were instead from the turn of the 17th century. The story is set at the end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth and the beginning of King James of Scotland's reign over England, too. America, the New World, has just been discovered and the Spanish Inquisition and a certain Count Von Doom are making things difficult for all and sundry.
The artwork is excellent, the prose suitably old fashioned and the characters easily believeable and recognisable, despite their attire (or lack of, in some cases). Again, I'm not going to give away the story, but for those who like their history with a twist, I highly recommend this book.
You might like to notice that rather than find images of these books on the interweb, I've used my camera to take pictures of my actual books (and a bit of tablecloth)! Yay me, eh?!
You really are becoming quite the photographer aren't you?
ReplyDeleteThe tablecloth reminds me somewhat of those big peppermint candy sticks. Mmmmmm. I wish it could be Christmas every day.
Good work on the books! I've only read 4 this year and I was going for a total of 12.
I really should learn how to use my camera properly - It can do so many things, but I just point and click.
ReplyDeleteYou've still got time to read more books. One a month should see on target.
True, and I bought 3 more from amazon that should arrive sometime during the week.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite excited about them.
Are you suffering from this heatwave too? My flat is unbelievably hot and there is no help going outside as there is no wind at all.
I've just seen the pictures at Taz and Piggy's and have come to exclaim at how tall you are! And also how handsome, of course. Such good pictures.
ReplyDeleteAnd yours too! Your tablecloth seems quite fancy.
CyberPetra: I'm always excited about buying books. I bought three last week, Marvel 1602 was one of them. I just don't know when I'll read them?
ReplyDeleteI've still got two to read from the last batch of three I bought!
As for the heatwave: Tell me about it! This past week has been so hot. Luckily, I had Thursday & Friday off work, but I haven't done much as it's been too hot!
Dinah: Exclaim away! I'll take any compliment I can get, as they're so few and far between.
As for the tablecloth: It is some kind of expensive fabric, but you should see the edges - They're frayed and dangly because I haven't got around to hemming them yet.
Yes, Dinah. He is quite handsome, isn't he? I suppose that is why he is our stylish witch overlord.
ReplyDeleteI am going to make it my business to read 1602 now. That just sounds like such a fantastic premise for a story!
Our little witch has come so far...reading books with big words (well, pics in the second case) and taking photographs all by himself.
ReplyDeleteIf the tablecloth is frayed, you may as well have just used a pair of your underpants as the background for the same effect.
The Witches of Eastwick was better in film adaptation. The book sucked! and not in a good way either.
ReplyDeleteNice fotos...keep that camera handbook within easy access. You'll never know when inspiration hits!
I don't have a table cloth.
MJ I hope his skippies don't have that pattern though
ReplyDeleteI was at a bookstore this weekend and had a couple of graphic novels in hand...until I saw the outrageous price! $35.00 for a glorified comic book!
ReplyDeleteI ended up getting The Screwtape Letters instead...but if anyone wants to buy me a couple of Marvel Universe Graphic Novels, I'll gladly accept them with heapings of thanks.
Oooh - now I want to read the graphic novel. And I'm not normally that much of a fan. I did like V for Vendetta though.
ReplyDeleteErm... So how come Dinah didn't comment at ours? We're shocked and appalled.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, witchy-arse...
How come you didn't mention the poofy Justin and Colin book that you dribble over?
What what what? Tell us all about it!
ReplyDeleteSorry! I got scared. But I'm going to do it now.
ReplyDeleteI read 1602 as individual issues. It was OK.
ReplyDeleteT-Bird: Handsome and a stylish witch overlord? You're really spoiling me!
ReplyDeleteMJ: I don't even move my lips when I read anymore.
And my pants are immaculate, I'll have you know!
Eros: Use some underpants - Just make sure you don't invite MJ around...
CyberPetra: You can sleep easy - They don't.
Rimmer: $35? That's only about 50 pence - I'd've snapped them up.
Snooze: As long as you know something about the Marvel Universe, you should enjoy it.
P&T: Colin & Justin are for my eyes only!
T-Bird: Oh, nothing. Just a couple of poofy scottish interior designers who I like more for their bitchy put-downs, squabbles, stubborness, giant ties and ridiculously oversized button-hole flowers (Justin).
Dinah: I see you did. I hope you washed your hands afterwards?
Tim: I don't know why you didn;t just type 'meh' and have done with it?
Is the Gaiman book like that Batman by Gaslight? That was quite good, if I remember correctly.
ReplyDeleteHerge: Batman by Gaslight? Never heard of it, but then I'm not really a DC fan. Although, I am now intrigued...
ReplyDeleteAnd: Hello and thanks for stopping by.