Category Archives: Books

New Years Resolution status

Posted on August 24, 2011 by arcster

As I wrote at the beginning of the year, one of my resolutions was to write more, viz., posting about Crime & Punishment on this blog. Well I did finish the book, and enjoyed it considerably. I hope to say … Continue reading →

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Marmeladov’s speech

Posted on January 12, 2011 by arcster

When I first read the opening chapters of Crime & Punishment I knew nothing of Jesus and even less of Paul. Plus, I had never even been drunk! Raskolnikov – the proud youth plotting his revenge on an unjust society … Continue reading →

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Fulfilling a New Years Resolution

Posted on January 6, 2011 by arcster

One of my resolutions for 2011 is to write more. And what do I have to write about that’s moderately worth reading other than what I’m reading? So I’m going to read Crime & Punishment – the Constance Garnett translation … Continue reading →

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Hitch-22

Posted on November 6, 2010 by arcster

Hitch-22: A Memoir by Christopher Hitchens My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thought-provoking writing from a great man of letters. View all my reviews

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A modest proposal

Posted on October 5, 2010 by arcster

I’m just going to throw this out there, but is it possible that Stephen Malkmus’ line The drowsy blond carouses on the avenue is the greatest use of vowel sounds since William Butler Yeats’ And live alone in the bee-loud … Continue reading →

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William Gibson interview on The Atlantic

Posted on September 17, 2010 by arcster

here

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Finished: The Swan Thieves

Posted on June 13, 2010 by arcster

The Swan Thieves: A Novel by Elizabeth Kostova My rating: 2 of 5 stars This book is far longer than it needed to be. After page 100, I completely skipped all the 18th century France scenes. The book is filled … Continue reading →

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Big Read and Good Read

Posted on March 19, 2010 by arcster

I’ve discovered two web sites this week I’m excited about. They both have “Read” in the URL, but it’s just a coincidence. Honest. First is the Big Read, a site devoted to Luke’s Gospel readings for Lent and sponsored by … Continue reading →

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2009 Summer Reading list thoughts

Posted on April 10, 2009 by arcster

Fans of my blog (hahaha) may recall last summer’s reading list. Every book was a pleasure. It will be tough to surpass this summer. Careful planning is needed. Some preliminary thoughts: Finish Swann’s Way. Read some of Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales. … Continue reading →

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Inherent Vice listed on Amazon

Posted on April 8, 2009 by arcster

Thomas Pynchon’s Inherent Vice is scheduled for release 8/4/09. It’s available for preorder on Amazon.com. Be kind: Order it via my associate id so I get a share. Thanks.

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