Reading Break

March 11, 2008 · Written by Melissa Donovan

For Sci-Fi Lovers

As I mentioned in this month’s introductory post, I’ll be featuring a different book in the sidebar each week throughout the month of March. Last week, I featured Snow Crash, an off-the-wall science fiction cyberpunk novel by Neal Stephenson, which I’m still reading (confession: I’ve only just finished the first chapter). If you’ve read it, leave a comment and tell me what you thought. I’d wanted to read Snow Crash for about three years, since a former coworker recommended it back when I had a day job. Apparently it’s a cornerstone for lovers of sci-f. I’ll let you know what I think when I finish it.

Red Dragon

Now, I’m featuring Red Dragon by Thomas Harris. I recently read this book and it had me scared out of my wits. But what else would you expect from the writer who brought us The Silence of the Lambs, the scariest movie ever made? In this book, you get to meet Hannibal Lecter, right along with the author. The opening pages are riveting, especially from a writer’s perspective, and the rest of the book… well you’ll be on the edge of your seat. I don’t usually go for anything that rates high in fear factor because my imagination tends to run wild and I end up thinking there are knife-wielding monsters around every corner. So, I finished Red Dragon as quickly as possible so I could get on with life in an anxiety-free manner. I’d like to add that not only is the story riveting, the writing is absolutely exquisite, so do check it out.

And if You’re Not Into Sci-Fi or Horrific Suspense

Don’t worry, next week I’ll step away from such things and bring you a book that’s a little more grounded in reality. In the meantime, you might want to take a reading break and check out some past posts about reading:

Reader’s Delight: This post covers a few of my all time favorite books. Truth be told, I could write a hundred posts featuring my favorite novels.

A Reader First: This was one of the very first posts on Writing Forward. It talks about my experiences as a young reader.

My Multimedia Life: This is a new blog that I recently launched. I love writing about writing, but sometimes I want to write about other things, like losing my job when the company I was working for went under, or reasons for being an animal welfare advocate, why it’s important to be kind, and my dirty little secret: American Idol addiction (ssh, don’t tell anyone!).

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Comments

5 Responses to “Reading Break”

--Deb on March 11th, 2008 6:47 am

I’ve only read one of Stephenson’s books (Cryptonomicron) and was impressed, but none of his others have really appealed to me that much–I’m not sure why. But, Thomas Harris? (Shudder). I can NOT read horror stories. I need my sleep!
Ashley on March 11th, 2008 8:07 am

I loved Red Dragon and Silence of the Lambs. I was a little taken back by how Hannibal ended and I’m not sure how I feel about Hannibal Rising. I think I need to read it again.
Either way Hannibal Lecter is a very interesting character.
Well-written serial killer books usually always freak me out.
keith on March 11th, 2008 9:02 am

I love Stephenson’s earlier works (Zodiac, Snow Crash, Diamond Age, Cryptonomicon; heck even The Big U) but his Baroque Cycle (Quicksilver, The Confusion ,System of the World) was positively ponderous, of Proustian proportions! Heh. I love a sprawling, well-populated novel (Powell’s Dance to the Music of Time is a favorite), but the Baroque Cycle was too baroque (rococo even!) for me and my History degree.

But I recommend Stephenson’s earlier efforts; his non-fiction writing is good as well.
Amy Derby on March 11th, 2008 5:27 pm

Love the Hannibal books. Never heard of Stephenson though. I have about a hundred books I want to read. Several I got two or more birthdays ago. It’s very sad!!
Melissa Donovan on March 12th, 2008 12:35 pm

@Deb, Harris’ stories are definitely horrifying. I’ve seen Silence of the Lambs several times but I just can’t watch some scenes anymore. I don’t even like talking about it…

@Ashley, I didn’t read Hannibal but I did see the movie and it was one of the worst films I have ever seen. I couldn’t believe Anthony Hopkins participated in it, and I hope the book is a lot better.

@keith, After reading the first chapter, I’m not sure Stephenson is my cup of tea, but I’m going to read the whole thing and then make my final assessment. So far it strikes me as slapstick sci-fi, and I’m not a fan of slapstick by any means.

@Amy, My pile of books “to read” is pretty out of hand, and my Amazon wish list even more so. I’m glad you guys are voracious readers! I’m pretty lucky to find myself in such company