The Black Prince by Iris Murdoch. An aging retiree plans to head to the country to restart his writing career; family and relationships intrude and events spiral out of control. It is not clear what truly happens in the story and what is a fabrication of the narrator and other characters. Quite interesting.
Archive for November 1, 2008
Books — Persepolis, Avalanche
- Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. A very quick read, graphic novel format. Excellent true tale of growing up in post-revolution Iran, presents a lot of stunningly tough situations but in a way that is readable.
- Avalanche: A Sheriff Bo Tully Mystery by Patrick McManus. Great yarn about a smalltown sheriff and murder. Great characters throughout, I would happily read more.
Election thoughts
Rich, with his reflections on the recent election, has inspired me to share a few of my own personal thoughts.
Like many commentators, I am inspired by the actions of the electorate, overcoming a history of bias and bigotry to overwhelmingly support a minority American. And I found McCain’s concession speech to also be very inspiring, his support of the President-elect and his call to all of us to work together on the challenges ahead was gracious and high-integrity.
I am saddened tho by the passage of gay marriage bans in California, Arizona, and elsewhere. I just don’t understand the bias and hatred that we demonstrate towards a set of our fellow citizens. Allowing loving adults to have the full legal benefits and status of a marriage certainly does nothing to threaten or compromise the quality of my marriage. I hope we continue the dialog on this point as a nation.
Tangle of Wires — Scott Axworthy Blog
Tangle of Wires. — Scott has a blog now. Amazingly great Halloween constructor.
Recent books
- Down River by John Hart. Wow wow. A real pip of a story. A young man returns to his bucolic hometown after a 5 year disgraced absence, and a whole shitstorm of family dysfunction, unresolved conflict, betrayal, assault, and murder explodes. Fun!
- Forgotten Continent: The Battle For Latin America’s Soul by Michael Reid. Like many US citizens, my conception of South American history and politics is basically this: conquered by Spain, freed by Bolivar, a mess of revolutions ever since. That is pretty much what I remember from middle school. This was thus a great book for me, a little long and tough going in parts, but a pretty good walk through of these societies and politics over the last 100 years. Way too much to absorb but a great read.
Desks at Espasso
Desks at Espasso : Design Milk. Awesome desks.