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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
http://knitgirl2013.com/2013/07/29/bookshelf-ex-libris/
funny
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
As relatable as I found Fadiman, I could not help but feel embarrassed for the absurd pride she took in her own intellectual snobbery (and that of her family). There are a few gems in here that are clever and witty without confusing her own privilege and education for actual superior intelligence, and I enjoyed those.
Really fun little essays on the reading life. Beautiful language to be devoured slowly!
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
There is nothing more annoying than a person who insists on telling you repeatedly how interesting and clever they are. If I had to sit next to this woman at a dinner party I think I would stab myself in the ear with a butter knife. Maybe it's impossible to write personal essays and not sound like an arrogant ass, but even Anne's(faux)self-depreciation shouted 'but really, I'm AMAZING'.
Some treasures: 'Uncommon Shelf' (I can't talk about Arctic Exploration at dinner parties because no one understands it/me)
'My husband and I read aloud because were so in love with each other and with books - look at this funny joke he made up about Telemachus to keep me on my toes when I was falling asleep'
"We're too busy NOT to read Homer
"Had I been a better mother, I would have said, 'AFTER breakfast.' But instead I sat down and joined the audience."
Thinking that maybe I'm a cynical ass, I didn't mention this during discussion of the book. But when a friend came over and picked up the copy on the coffee table she shared the same impression and began reading her favorite eye-rolling-shut-up-already parts out loud.
Hey Anne, I get it.
P.S. 'Winter's Tale' was hollow and not that great (read:bad) - so that's great that you're friends with Mark Helprin, but I'm nonplussed by that so you don't have to mention it more than once.
Some treasures: 'Uncommon Shelf' (I can't talk about Arctic Exploration at dinner parties because no one understands it/me)
'My husband and I read aloud because were so in love with each other and with books - look at this funny joke he made up about Telemachus to keep me on my toes when I was falling asleep'
"We're too busy NOT to read Homer
"Had I been a better mother, I would have said, 'AFTER breakfast.' But instead I sat down and joined the audience."
Thinking that maybe I'm a cynical ass, I didn't mention this during discussion of the book. But when a friend came over and picked up the copy on the coffee table she shared the same impression and began reading her favorite eye-rolling-shut-up-already parts out loud.
Hey Anne, I get it.
P.S. 'Winter's Tale' was hollow and not that great (read:bad) - so that's great that you're friends with Mark Helprin, but I'm nonplussed by that so you don't have to mention it more than once.
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
funny
informative
lighthearted
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Love books about books. Sometimes literary lovers can sound a bit pretentious when they wax on about the lose of long words but Fadiman is so goddamn sincere that it comes off as a charming trait. This was the pick me up book that I needed, it's self-aware and endearing while making me want to reexamine my relationship with books.