Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Jen's Book Club, part deaux.

I haven't been able to get into Buck's The Good Earth yet (granted, I only gave it about 3 sentences, but hey, I'm merciless like that). I DID read her Portrait of a Marriage and I thought it was great. Very mid-century Nicholas Sparks (I know that some people will cringe at the comparison, though).

I plan to move onto Orwell next, probably 1984.

18 comments:

Fred said...

Ditto what Anna said. I loved 1984.

Sadly, I'm not reading anything other than blogs right now.

Hi Mom!!

Jen said...

Here's a description from Amazon:

William & Ruth came from two different worlds. He was a sensitive, proud artist, son of a rich and often selfish family. She was the unlettered daughter of an earthy Pennsylvania farmer. Yet, from the moment William saw Ruth, he knew he must have her. And with a stubborn intensity that shattered his family's objection, William went after this soft-spoken but provocative woman who knew nothing of art and elegance, but who was all-wise in the ways of love.... Written by Pearl S. Buck, PORTRAIT OF A MARRIAGE remains a haunting reading experience - one of the finest novels by one of America's greatest novelists.

Jen said...

Yes, I think you would, Anna.

Jen said...

And here's a review:

It's a bit romantic; a rich Philadelphia youth takes a trip to the countryside to paint, and he stops at a farmhouse in the Pennsylvania countryside to beg a lunch when he sees a pretty farm girl ring the supper bell. The farmer's daughter is indeed pretty and he paints her in the rustic 1800's farmhouse kitchen. From there, William is smitten, and despite the disappointment of his railroad tycoon father, he marries Ruth.

Ruth and William couldn't be more different; he is sophisticated and educated. She is a peasant and is uncomfortable away from the land. But their marriage is bound by a rich physical love that sustains them through their Golden anniversary. And through tragedy.

This is a simply-told tale, in the way Buck had of telling the story of people as people, almost divorced from their times. It is not as profound as "The Good Earth" but it has that elemental style that makes for great films and great stories. While this is not Buck at her best, it is a fine tale.

keesh said...

what is the book 1984 about? I don't ever read. I need to read more.

TLP said...

1984 is wonderful! I wonder if it holds up now that it's 2005?

I should read it again...still have a copy of it somewhere.

Jen said...

I've read that one, I think.

Maybe I'm thinking of Summer Sisters, by Judy Blume, one of those "grown up" books.

keesh said...

Jen - you can still be mad at me, but if you are, get over it :). You are ignoring a direct question.

Nik said...

Yeah Jen, Kish asked you a question!!!
I'm still trying to pull my way through "The Silmarillions" by Tolkien. I keep getting lost and have to re-read so many parts. He should have just given his characters one name, instead of calling them by their various names throughout the story. *Grrr*

Jen said...

I didn't know you were asking ME directly, Kish...I didn't answer cuz I don't really KNOW what it's about. I was hoping someone else would jump in.

It was written 50 or so years ago, as a look into the future at what they thought 1984 would be like. Or something.

Jen said...

LOL Renee. I usually don't like "historical shit" either, but I really liked Portrait of a Marriage.

Some other books were waiting for me at the library, so I haven't started 1984 yet...I'll let you know. (The one I'm reading now is about an 8 year old boy whose father was lost in the Towers during 9-11. He found a key in his father's belonging, and it has become incredibly important to him to find out what the key is for. It's really good so far.)

Jen said...

It's called "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" (I haven't figured out the title yet) by Foer.

keesh said...

Nee - Don't be mad, I haven't started yet :(. Things have been so hectic with the 4th and Mason's birthday, but I sure will try soon!

keesh said...

Nee - I finally started it last night and if my sister in law hadn't called I would have read more! I read like 15 pages and I was instantly drawn in!! It is good already. thanks!

Jen said...

Ditto, Anna.

Nik said...

I love Tolkien's work, but it's so damn complicated trying to keep all the people straight, considering all the differnt names each person has dependent on which race of people is referring to them. Thank God The Silmarillion has the cheat sheets at the back of the book, otherwise I'd be so lost!
Jen, where'd you find the book about the boy w/ the key? That one I must read. Still gotta read the Albom books too..........

Nik said...

Anna, I'm not gonna say anything at all. You'll just have to see how it ends on your own. hehehehe

Renee, that would be cool, but I couldn't tell you when you'd get it back. It takes me a bit to get through a book. I'm only half way through "the Silmarrilion" right now. I love to read, but don't have a whole lot of time to do it.
On another note, are you stalking me or something? How the heck would you have my address, or why even? lol

Nik said...

Ooooh, a new catalog? Hook me up.
I'll let ya know when I'm done with the book I'm on too.