Speaking Volumes

Keeping you up-to-date on what's happening at your library. We invite you to join in the conversation!

JANUARY 7, 2009

Clash of Optimism

Anyone who has crossed my path in the last 24 hours knows, I wanted a snow day today. I wanted a serious glazing of the world that would allow for sleeping in, hot cups of tea, blankets and a good book.

It didn’t happen.

There is a part of me that is convinced Old Man Winter and Mother Nature did not comply because I jinxed myself by announcing my wishes.

Heavy Sigh.

Today, though has reminded me of a book…

A Brief History of the Dead

by Kevin Brockmeier

As with many books, when it first appeared I was attracted to the odd cover, then the title, and I picked up, read the bleep. As they all appeared interesting, I decided to take the journey. The story is set in part in the City, a realm of the dead and in part with a woman, Laura Byrd stranded in Antarctica. The City seemed like a really nice place… Antarctica, not so much. As the book progresses, people in the City start to disappear and the true nature of their relationships is illuminated.

Upon finishing the book,...

I hated it. However, it has stayed with me. I’ll probably remember it, given my strong reaction and it has given me things to think about.

So why did this day remind me? Well, they were both cold and dismal settings. My grave disappointment at rain this afternoon will probably keep this day memorable, but in the end, it wasn’t a bad day.

More than any of this though, is that clash of optimism. That point where what you think or hope for gives way to a forgone conclusion and then what do you do? Keep reading the book? Call in sick?

I’m glad I finished the book. I’m glad I came to work. Of course I still wish, the book had been more enjoyable to me and that we had been overly iced, but… that’s okay.

If anyone else has read this book, I’d love to hear your comments!

And you can find out more about this book @ http://www.randomhouse.com/kvpa/brockmeier/

The Library!

Add a comment (1 comment)

posted by Su

-------------------------------------------------------

Comments

Mercedes said, on Jan. 9 at 1:39PM
I'm totally intrigued but I'll have to pick your brain and get a little more info as to why you didn't like it before taking the plunge. I hate to start a book and not finish but I admit that I do that a lot more now than I used to since there are so many good books out there to read, I don't want to take my time up with a bad one. But, I'm still intrigued...