Wednesday Reading

[redrikki]

Forgot to do this last week. Oops.

What I just finished

House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III. I don't know if I liked this book. Don't get me wrong. It was incredibly well written with vividly realized characters who were both relatable and reply flawed. The problem was that, in many ways, it was like watching a slow motion train wreck as the characters made dumb, yet disturbingly realistic, decisions out of pride and fear until it ended in tragedy. I spent a good chunk of the back half wanting to shake everyone and scream " Why don't you just talk? Why don't you just listen?" I'm glad I read it, but it will be going on the book sale pile.

What's next

I have a stack of comics I've been meaning to read, so probably them.

Comments

[colls]

I've not read the book, but the movie is on my list because Shohreh Aghdashloo is in it. Have you seen the movie? I wonder if it's like the book because the vague sense of miscommunication you mention isn't a narrative tool I enjoy.

[redrikki]

The movie is based on the book, although the ending is slightly less tragic. Honestly, it's less a case of miscommunication and more the two main characters' wilful refusal to communicate both with each other and their families. Watch at your own risk.

[senmut]

If that is the book that a movie by the same name is based on? It was a train wreck I could not look away from and yet I recall very little of it at all.

[redrikki]

Yup. A train wreck is the perfect description.