Blog RSS Feed2010 reading update: June
Well, June didn’t turn out to be quite the reading month that May was! The reason, of course, was that I was having to devote time to WRITING my own book and not just reading those written by other authors.
Here’s the scoop:
1) When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead: Useful Stories from a Persuasive Man by Jerry Weintraub
If you enjoy old Hollywood or show business memoirs or music business memoirs, this book will probably please you. I know I enjoyed it. It was one of those books where every chapter brings a new anecdote I’m dying to tell the husb (but I refrain because he immediately starts chanting, “SPOILERS!”). Jerry Weintraub began his career as a concert promoter and is best known currently as the producer of the Oceans 11, 12 and 13 movies. The best part about this book is his storytelling about some of the very famous stars of years past (Sinatra, Elvis). The worst part is the weird section at the end where he describes his permanent non-monogamous situation. (Which reads a lot like what it is–a man who has become used to getting what he wants justifying getting what he wants.) But you can always skip that part.
2) Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need by Blake Snyder
I’d seen this around the internets, and I finally decided to give it a look-see. I must say, it really might be the last book I ever need. (I’m not a screenwriter, but I do enjoy books about writing.) It was really a great book with a very concrete and simple explanation of story structure. Highly recommend.
3) Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
A dark and spooky YA about a pair of twins whose destiny is tied to an ancient prophecy. The first in a series.
4) Diane: A Signature Life by Diane Von Furstenberg
This memoir started strong for me and ended a little on the dry side. I guess I wasn’t aware that DVF was such a force in the 1970s. I always just associated her with the wrap dresses. Still a fairly interesting read about a woman who had a lot of connections and resources and used them to find success (which is more than can be said about today’s young celebutantes).
5) The Likeness by Tana French
I listened to the audiobook of In the Woods a couple of years ago and found that it ranged from excellent to maddening. I love French’s writing; it’s her plotting that can make you want to tear your hair out. There always seems to be a point about 2/3 of the way through where you want to chuck the book (or iPod) at the wall. (I wouldn’t normally say anything critical about another author’s work; the only reason I do is that for all of that, I’ll still gladly read whatever she writes.) Also, as a writer of mystery-style thrillers, I can relate very much to the problems and challenges of structuring a story that needs to unfold piece by piece.
July 1st, 2010 Katie Alender
This has been a crazy month for me but I have to recommend ‘Running with Scissors’. I can’t remember the author’s name but I picked it up at a marina laundry (a live aboard transient boater’s library), and it was completely captivating and bizarre! Like watching a train (or boat!) wreck.