Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons, Watchmen (1986)

I was talking with my friend Ryan about the book The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz. Being an avid reader himself, he advised me that I read Watchmen before reading Oscar Wao. He said that I would understand the Díaz book much better for having read the Alan Moore book first.

It was my first graphic novel, & I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next. Instead of being just a comic book, the story is unexpectedly profound & full of symbolism.

As it turns out, this book is somewhat of a cult classic. Even the Peanuts gang & the Simpsons are in on it. I was totally out of the loop.



















Still, Alan Moore is a bit creepy looking, don't you think?






















This book was returned to the Tempe Public Library.

Robert A. Johnson, She (1989)

At just 80 pages, this was a quick read. The author takes the myth of Pysche, wife of Eros, & relates it to the modern woman's mind. An interesting essay, but still slightly subjugative. I wonder if it's because of the author's personal views, or a sign of the time in which the book was written. Was 1989 really that long ago? He has a companion book called "He" (of course).

This book will be traded. Let me know if you're interested.

Ann Patchett, Bel Canto (2001)

This book was interesting in the beginning, & then got interesting again in chapter 8, which starts on page 227. The rest of the book was waiting, waiting, waiting for something to happen. Not much of what did actually happen was remotely plausible.

This book was passed on to Wendy Quast.

Bill Bryson, The Life & Times of the Thunderbolt Kid (2006)

Another entertaining read from Bill Bryson describing his formative years in the 1950's & 60's.

This book was passed on to Michelle Aigner.

Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek (1974)

I heard from several people that I would like this book, but I fail to see the reason. I've read 66 pages at a gruelingly slow pace. So far, the author is describing her experiences while living in a cottage in the woods. She hasn't offered any insight to her experiences, just descriptions of the animals, the changes with the seasons, etc. It seems pointless if she doesn't expound on her observations. But perhaps there is a deeper point to the book which is far beyond my understanding.

At any rate, I'm shelving this one until later.

Slate Magazine ed., The Explainer (2004)

Everything you ever wanted to know about... everything! (But didn't know to ask.)

This book was passed on to Sharon Bohm.

Thich Nhat Hanh, Peace is Every Step (1991)

If only I could be so tolerant.

This book is in my personal library.