little bitty girl

Some more literary friends often bemoan that I am apt to read fluff. I read the way I eat -- I like to sample a bit of everything. Fluff has its uses like all things such as; cleaning the palate of the mind for a more serious book, providing brief levity without being taxing, wasting time at airports.

I always wish that there was a boy lit genre. Ever since I was young I have always had the privilege to be privy to inner boys' talk. I think it's because I am a die hard tom boy with girl sensibilities. Guy friends feel confident that they can confess without the usual judgements and get a girl's perspective at the same time. I am often bemused by the boys and really, in some ways they have more drama in their lives than we women expect. It would make good reading and I am just throwing this out there for budding male authors looking for an idea.

Just remember to give me some credit if you gain any success.

If you went through the Toronto public school system, you are bound to be battered to death with the books by Margaret Atwood. Our resident author is required reading for quite a number of grades, or at least it was when I was in school. My problem with required reading lists is that sometimes we would have to over-analyze novels to bits. It becomes a great disservice to the authors. Only one book for a whole term is far too much, especially for someone like me who likes variety.

I still can never walk past by Flowers For Algernon or The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds without mentally or physically shuddering. We had to analyze those two books for a whole year.

Needless to say, I stayed clear of Atwood for a great number of years. Last year a girlfriend who is also a writer, asked me what Canadian authors I liked. I realized ashamedly that I couldn't name that many. I told her about my great distaste for Margaret Atwood, my reasons why and confessed that the last book I ever read by her was a quick read of Rude Ramsay and The Roaring Radishes. (Which I loved, by the way, due to its witty alliteration. Most words would not necessarily mean much to children but it's a super fun read). Leah suggested it was time to try Atwood's works again. She said that it would be different as I would be reading it through an adult's eyes and not as a broody teenager.

And so I did. And I really, really enjoyed the Penelopiad. It's a retelling of the myth of Odysseus through the eyes of his long suffering wife, Penelope. I tend to love retelling of old stories, parables, myths and fairy tales. (My all time favourite is Till We Have Faces by C.S Lewis). Atwood manages to be poignant and light at the same time. I loved the juxtaposition of poetry/song by her twelve slain maidens next to Penelope's story. I think I'm willing to give another one of her books a try.

Lastly, Me Talk Pretty One Day has me hooked. David Sedaris is one of Stefan's favourite authors and he owns almost all of his books. For some reason, I've never been inclined to read them but for some unknown reason I picked it out last week. It was witty, fun and laugh out funny. I am looking forward to reading the rest of his books. The best part is that I don't have to borrow them from the library so there's no rush.

Speaking of enjoying books, have you read Ash's thoughts on Taxonomy on the latest installation on Ship of Fools?