July was all about short story collections, as I read 4 collections in total. And in grand total, I read 6 books. 2 beyond my usual pace. I discovered 2 great new authors: Bharati Mukherjee and Peter Taylor. And I devoured a couple favorite authors of mine: E. L. Doctorow and Jonathan Lethem.
July was another busy month. It was the last month of our Fiscal Year at work, so I was grinding and putting in long hours most days. Via work, I visited Las Vegas for Cisco Live and Philadelphia for a customer meeting. Even with it being the last month of the FY and traveling to 2 different states for work (and of course spending quality time with my wonderful wife and kids), somehow I still managed to read 6 books. One should always find time to read!
July was another busy month. It was the last month of our Fiscal Year at work, so I was grinding and putting in long hours most days. Via work, I visited Las Vegas for Cisco Live and Philadelphia for a customer meeting. Even with it being the last month of the FY and traveling to 2 different states for work (and of course spending quality time with my wonderful wife and kids), somehow I still managed to read 6 books. One should always find time to read!
 | National Book Critics Circle Award - 1988 First Printing **** This is the first book I read by Mukherjee. Not wanting to generalize, but seriously, there is just something about Indian born authors! Very smooth, highly and creatively articulate, and subtly in-depth. My favorite stories within this collection: "The Middleman", "Orbiting", and "Jasmine". All stories about the immigrant, coming from many different lands. |
 | 2002 Signed First Printing **** Another great book - this one a novel - by the award winning author Bharati Mukherjee. Just like her short story collection I read, this novel was superb. An in-depth look into a Brahmin Indian family, told from the point-of-view of a sister/mother/daughter living in modern day California. One day she receives a strange visitor at her home, which forever changes her routine and her relationship with her sisters (and family). Remarkable! |
 | 2009 Signed First Printing **** I am a sucker when it comes to E.L. Doctorow. I own most of his work, and everything I have read of his thus far is just perfect! This is a quirky, yet at times heart-breaking tale, of two recluse brothers who shut themselves out of society...yet somehow the decades of American life flow right through their living spaces, from hippies to gangsters. And did I mention this is based on two actual brothers who lived this way in NYC? |
 | 2015 Signed First Printing ** Yes, you read that right...2 stars. This collection of stories by the unorthodox Lethem was horribly disappointing. I have read 3 other works by Lethem and I thoroughly enjoyed them each in their own unique and deserving way. But this...yikes it was bad! "Lucky Alan" was tolerable and "Pending Vegan" was really good. |
 | PEN / Faulkner Award - 1986 First Printing **** I believe I have found another favorite author! Peter Taylor is classic. He is from the old school. He writes about what he knows...the gritty south, specifically and mostly Tennessee. And his style reminds me somewhat of Walker Percy mixed with W. Somserset Maugham. His stories are as smooth as butter. My favorite stories from this collection: "The Old Forest", "Bad Dreams", and "The Little Cousins". |
 | 1977 Signed First Printing **** Another splendid (and earlier) collection from one of my (newly discovered) favorite authors. This one came with even a little more grit. I almost gave it 5 stars, let's call it 4.5. My favorites: "The Instruction of a Mistress", "The Hand of Emmagene", and "In the Miro District". |
What did you read in July?
What are you currently reading?
Anything you recommend?
Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!
What are you currently reading?
Anything you recommend?
Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!
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