Friday, October 31, 2008
Krakauer: Day One
I listened to the first half of Under the Banner of Heaven on the drive from SLC to Boise tonight. I found myself admiring Krakauer's figurative language, vocabulary, and ability to paint a history well from his perspective. It's interesting getting acquainted with the history of a religion I grew up with from an outside, critical stance - honestly, I enjoyed the presentation. So far :) more to follow!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Jon Krakauer
November's project - reading Krakauer. A true act of discipline.
I'll admit it, I've been a Krakauer hater. I was pondering why, since I've only read segments of 3 of his novels - then remembered that I didn't think highly enough of the smattering of words I did read to attempt to read further.
But alas, because I don't believe in ignorant hatred, I've decided to take on the project of actually reading and finishing some of Krakauer's work in November. I expect one of the following outcomes from the experiment.
1. I will be converted to Krakauerism, and worship the pulpy sheets his words are printed upon. I might even buy something he's written, instead of housing the gift of Into Thin Air, virtually untouched, on my bookshelf. In future conversations regarding him, I will contribute intelligent remarks about the value of his writing in the realm of modern literature.
2. I will feel virtually the same as I do now, that Krakauer is a mediocre writer with an amazing talent for taking stories that have relatively minimal connection to his own life, and exploiting them for personal gain. And in the future, when I get fired up about the evocative, exploitive nature of his work, I'll actually be justified, instead of just feeling impressionable.
Library, here I come.
I'll admit it, I've been a Krakauer hater. I was pondering why, since I've only read segments of 3 of his novels - then remembered that I didn't think highly enough of the smattering of words I did read to attempt to read further.
But alas, because I don't believe in ignorant hatred, I've decided to take on the project of actually reading and finishing some of Krakauer's work in November. I expect one of the following outcomes from the experiment.
1. I will be converted to Krakauerism, and worship the pulpy sheets his words are printed upon. I might even buy something he's written, instead of housing the gift of Into Thin Air, virtually untouched, on my bookshelf. In future conversations regarding him, I will contribute intelligent remarks about the value of his writing in the realm of modern literature.
2. I will feel virtually the same as I do now, that Krakauer is a mediocre writer with an amazing talent for taking stories that have relatively minimal connection to his own life, and exploiting them for personal gain. And in the future, when I get fired up about the evocative, exploitive nature of his work, I'll actually be justified, instead of just feeling impressionable.
Library, here I come.
Independent People
October marks the sixth month anniversary of the day I first encountered
Independent People
by Halldor Laxness
[It drives me insane that I can't underline the title - the only options are to italics and BOLD. This great novel is deserving of both. And an underline...]
Sixth months to read a novel?!?! What is my world coming to... a lot of schoolwork and survival activities have trampled in on my reading time, but.... c'est la vie in academia.
The novel is a phenomenal sample of Icelandic culture and history that truly feeds my Iceland infatuated soul. I have a lot more to say, but just thinking about it I realize, I'd rather go read than continue blogging this very minute.
Independent People
by Halldor Laxness
[It drives me insane that I can't underline the title - the only options are to italics and BOLD. This great novel is deserving of both. And an underline...]
Sixth months to read a novel?!?! What is my world coming to... a lot of schoolwork and survival activities have trampled in on my reading time, but.... c'est la vie in academia.
The novel is a phenomenal sample of Icelandic culture and history that truly feeds my Iceland infatuated soul. I have a lot more to say, but just thinking about it I realize, I'd rather go read than continue blogging this very minute.
A New Beginning
I love my first blog so much, I've decided to bring its sibling into the world, so that my joy in blogging might be doubled.
The older of my dear bloglets is the canvas where I paint with the colors of introspection and pure interpretations of life - its meanings, currents, provocation of thought.
This blog is going to be my literary journal of sorts, where I explore and express the world of the written word. I welcome any and all readers to comment the night away on my musings of literature.
With love and wishes of happy reading to all,
JH
The older of my dear bloglets is the canvas where I paint with the colors of introspection and pure interpretations of life - its meanings, currents, provocation of thought.
This blog is going to be my literary journal of sorts, where I explore and express the world of the written word. I welcome any and all readers to comment the night away on my musings of literature.
With love and wishes of happy reading to all,
JH
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)