Hello blog.
Over exam time I did not manage to get much reading done. Or perhaps I was just reading very slowly because it was a slightly peculiar book:
Lanark by Alasdair Gray.
I really enjoyed this book. Must admit that the last 'book' of the four did loose me a bit... But the rest of the novel was pretty neat. I really liked the bizzare introduction to his afterlife int he first book. I could kind of relate to his anti-social/socially incompetant feelings! The 'real' parts of the book I liked the most. I enjoyed reading about his experience of art school and his expression through - I wonder if thats what my flat mates think like (all being art students!) I also really liked the parts about walking in the hills of Scotland.
I'm afraid I finished it rather a while ago now and can't really remember much more to say about it. Other than I really enjoyed it, and quite liked the character of Lanark even if he was seen as cold by other characters in the book. It was bizzare.
Monkey Planet by Pierre Boule.
I really liked this book! I went to see the film when on Holiday about 10 years ago, don't remember it being that great. Finished this book in about 2 days - it was well written and satisfying. Loved the twist at the end - really clever and I didn't see it coming. an amusing, easy read. 8/10
Friday, 11 June 2010
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Recent reading.
April
So it seems to have taken quite some time but I have finally finished Birds Without Wings .
I didn't really know very much of the historical context and got confused about the place names...Not saying much for my general knowlegde. This hindered my enthusiasm on those particular chapters. I didn't skip the chapters charting Mustafa Kemal's rise to power and military campaigns, although the thought crossed my mind more than once, however my concentration usually wandered and I was more focused on how long it was before I got on to the next bit of real narative.
Again, I liked reading about the small country culture of the village in which the focus of the novel was set. I particularly warmed to the character of Rustem Bey. He was the honourable gentleman figure in this little naieve rural village. It was charming at times to see the relations between the Christians and Muslims, with the casual exchange of rituals and icons. The expulsion of the Christians from their homes in Turkey was made all the more poignant by the trust and unquestioning way in which they submitted to the forces in charge. The way in which the two communities lived in harmony and were subjected to change which took the soul out from their homes was tragic...
As I say, I don't think I got as much as I could from this novel because I didn't really understand what was going on in the political.historical side of things... I did really like the little anecdote about King Alexander. Its amazing that the course of history was changed by a monkey biting a man as he tried to save his pet dog!
It took me so long to finish that was almost waiting for it to finish. I don't feel like anything exceptional happened at the end... Not sure I have very much else to say about this book. 6.5/10
So it seems to have taken quite some time but I have finally finished Birds Without Wings .
I didn't really know very much of the historical context and got confused about the place names...Not saying much for my general knowlegde. This hindered my enthusiasm on those particular chapters. I didn't skip the chapters charting Mustafa Kemal's rise to power and military campaigns, although the thought crossed my mind more than once, however my concentration usually wandered and I was more focused on how long it was before I got on to the next bit of real narative.
Again, I liked reading about the small country culture of the village in which the focus of the novel was set. I particularly warmed to the character of Rustem Bey. He was the honourable gentleman figure in this little naieve rural village. It was charming at times to see the relations between the Christians and Muslims, with the casual exchange of rituals and icons. The expulsion of the Christians from their homes in Turkey was made all the more poignant by the trust and unquestioning way in which they submitted to the forces in charge. The way in which the two communities lived in harmony and were subjected to change which took the soul out from their homes was tragic...
As I say, I don't think I got as much as I could from this novel because I didn't really understand what was going on in the political.historical side of things... I did really like the little anecdote about King Alexander. Its amazing that the course of history was changed by a monkey biting a man as he tried to save his pet dog!
It took me so long to finish that was almost waiting for it to finish. I don't feel like anything exceptional happened at the end... Not sure I have very much else to say about this book. 6.5/10
Monday, 5 April 2010
I want to vote
I feel I should really contribute to society and vote in the upcoming election.
So I have a month to find out what politics is all about. And stuff.
Any hints or tips are welcome...
So I have a month to find out what politics is all about. And stuff.
Any hints or tips are welcome...
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Spring Cleaning
I've not really been doing any spring cleaning. Same amount as usual really.
But I wanted to say something about Spring, and how nice it is that it has finally arrived.
The weather (I am talking about weather!) has been a mixture of nice and nasty...hopefully the former will prevail as we go along. Perhaps I can go on some more bike rides to Tentsmuir. A few weeks ago we cycled over. And I saw a really good looking Heron trying to catch fish in a pond in the woods.
Yesterday my Mother and Father came to see me and took me out in the car. We had a nice walk and ate nice food. Namely steak. While we were crossing the Tay Bridge I took this picture. I like it when you can see the suns rays coming through the clouds. This one shows it on the Tay. I thought it looked kinda neat.
I like going on little walks, known amongst my family as Plodges. Perhaps an onomatopoeia of the noise our feet would make in the mud and rain on family expeditions...
The other picture is of a nice country lane which we walked along. I also like trees, as noted in the pervious blog.
All in all it was a rather nice day. And it was nice to get cake and chocolate eggs too. And its turns out parents aren't always so lame.
But I wanted to say something about Spring, and how nice it is that it has finally arrived.
The weather (I am talking about weather!) has been a mixture of nice and nasty...hopefully the former will prevail as we go along. Perhaps I can go on some more bike rides to Tentsmuir. A few weeks ago we cycled over. And I saw a really good looking Heron trying to catch fish in a pond in the woods.
Yesterday my Mother and Father came to see me and took me out in the car. We had a nice walk and ate nice food. Namely steak. While we were crossing the Tay Bridge I took this picture. I like it when you can see the suns rays coming through the clouds. This one shows it on the Tay. I thought it looked kinda neat.
I like going on little walks, known amongst my family as Plodges. Perhaps an onomatopoeia of the noise our feet would make in the mud and rain on family expeditions...
The other picture is of a nice country lane which we walked along. I also like trees, as noted in the pervious blog.
All in all it was a rather nice day. And it was nice to get cake and chocolate eggs too. And its turns out parents aren't always so lame.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Seven Simple Pleasures
To please Holly Yeoman I am to make a list of 7 things I like. I am very easily pleased I think you will find.
1) Fresh Air
-being outside can usually bring a smile to my face, whether paddling on the shores of a sun kissed river or walking to the post office.
2)Trees
-With or without leaves I always think trees look really majestic. Big trees are pretty old, like wise old men, so its sometimes nice to think what has happened around them since they were a little sapling and stuff...
3)Granny Smith Apples
-If I were pick some sort of personal mascot or emblem I think I would choose the granny smith apple. Always a refreshing snack, crisp and tangy.
4)Plain McVities Digestives
-Sure, food in general is pretty awesome but a simple Mcvities is appropriate at any occasion. I keep a tin of them above my bed.
5)Writing Letters
-I love both writing letters and receiving the replies through my letter box. I love writing - from picking out a nice pen, the correct colour and consistency of ink, to finding the most appropriate size and colour of paper, to thinking of amusing or pleasant anecdotes to tell somebody about. I love to get a hand written letter - the added dimension of handwriting adds to much more of a personal touch to correspondence. I also like to visualise the person taking time out of their day to sit down, like I did, and pick a pen and paper and think of nice things to say to you. Also in a letter you can add little extras, like a bus ticket or piece of special chewing gum that you just can't attach to your standard format email.
6)Journeys-I don't mean 'travelling' in the sense of discovering new places and experiencing different cultures, although that is very nice. I just mean the physical act of moving between two locations. The more I think about it I suspect it is more Daydreaming that I enjoy - and travelling allows guilt free day dreaming. Whether walking to the shops for a pint of milk, taking a mega bus home, or flying across the sea: whilst travelling is one of few times when you can justifiably do absolutely nothing - you are perfectly justified in sitting staring out of the window and thinking unproductive thoughts. While travelling you are not expected to do very much. And I like not doing very much.
7)Feet
-Just think they look kinda neat.
-being outside can usually bring a smile to my face, whether paddling on the shores of a sun kissed river or walking to the post office.
2)Trees
-With or without leaves I always think trees look really majestic. Big trees are pretty old, like wise old men, so its sometimes nice to think what has happened around them since they were a little sapling and stuff...
3)Granny Smith Apples
-If I were pick some sort of personal mascot or emblem I think I would choose the granny smith apple. Always a refreshing snack, crisp and tangy.
4)Plain McVities Digestives-Sure, food in general is pretty awesome but a simple Mcvities is appropriate at any occasion. I keep a tin of them above my bed.
5)Writing Letters
-I love both writing letters and receiving the replies through my letter box. I love writing - from picking out a nice pen, the correct colour and consistency of ink, to finding the most appropriate size and colour of paper, to thinking of amusing or pleasant anecdotes to tell somebody about. I love to get a hand written letter - the added dimension of handwriting adds to much more of a personal touch to correspondence. I also like to visualise the person taking time out of their day to sit down, like I did, and pick a pen and paper and think of nice things to say to you. Also in a letter you can add little extras, like a bus ticket or piece of special chewing gum that you just can't attach to your standard format email.
6)Journeys-I don't mean 'travelling' in the sense of discovering new places and experiencing different cultures, although that is very nice. I just mean the physical act of moving between two locations. The more I think about it I suspect it is more Daydreaming that I enjoy - and travelling allows guilt free day dreaming. Whether walking to the shops for a pint of milk, taking a mega bus home, or flying across the sea: whilst travelling is one of few times when you can justifiably do absolutely nothing - you are perfectly justified in sitting staring out of the window and thinking unproductive thoughts. While travelling you are not expected to do very much. And I like not doing very much.
7)Feet
-Just think they look kinda neat.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Joie de vivre
At the moment I am really taking a lot of pleasure in living and being alive and basically just bloody loving life. Perhaps aided by the sunshine.
Here are some pictures that make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Here are some pictures that make me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Friday, 5 February 2010
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Books
Fairly recently I discovered that I actually really enjoy reading. Not just when sunbathing on the beach or when I have an essay to write for higher English, but as a hobby and pleasant past time activity.
Just thought I would keep a tab of the books I have read...
The furthest back I can really remember is probably during the summer:
July - Mosquito Coast. This book made me feel peculiar. I think as the leading man in the novel started to go insane I also started to feel manic. I found this book really quite disturbing. At first I enjoyed the concept of going to live with nothing in the jungle - a dream of mine I suppose. But the father figure always scared me - his arrogance and stubborn character. In the end I was left a bit shaken I think, but was glad I had read it. 8/10
Aug - Birdsong. I thought this was a beautiful book, I can't remember exactly the emotions and thoughts it stirred up as it has been quite some time now...But I remember the first section in particular being really lovely to read. Perhaps because I like the idea of living in France and finding romance. I also have taken quite a shine to books about the world wars since reading Captain Corelli's Mandolin a while back. "a shine" doesn't really convey the right emotion, it is more of a new understanding of the enormity and great tragedy of those events.. It wasn't until then I really had an appreciation of how horrific the events of the war had been to thousands of people on a personal level. I think I feel a duty to have a better understanding and appreciation of what happened. This was helped along by watching Band of Brothers while I was ill in 1st year. I cried for almost half an hour at the end I was so overcome. I couldn't get over the courage and amazing comradeary of the men on the front. Anyway so that was Birdsong. (9/10)
Then I began to read Behind the Scenes at the Museum. It didn't really grab me to be perfectly honest, although I have herd it is quite good. I was busy having fun in fresher's week by this time so I'm afraid it got abandoned in favour of the next... I suppose it's unfair to rate a book I haven't really read, but provisionally I shall give this novel a 5.5/10
Sep - The Portrait of Dorian Gray. I enjoyed reading this book, but wasn't overwhelmed by it. It was quite an interesting story although a little spoilt by the fact somebody who had just seen the new Jude Law film told me what happened... Over all a 7/10
An Evil Cradling PHENOMENAL. Probably the best book I have ever read. I really cannot get over how much I was bowled over by this book. I felt so humbled by this inspirational man. He somehow managed to stay so positive and strong willed in such dire circumstances. It made me re-evaluate my own fortune of simply living! Very cliche. Honestly an awe inspiring man. It made me think a lot about the material values in life and really what life is worth. Basically just a wonderful tale of survival and hope and friendship. A really amazing guy. The title may lead you to believe that it will be a graphic description of the brutality of his kidnap. But almost the opposite it is the story of his own humanity in such inhuman surroundings. And the kind of tragic sympathy he has with his guards who are brainwashed and misled. I will definitely read this again some time. It gripped me the whole way through. 10/10!
Oct - Angela's Ashes I enjoyed reading this book, however did find it quite depressing. It was rather miserable the whole way through. Highlighted to me the poverty of Ireland in very recent history and the brutality of the Catholic church. 6.5/10
Nov - Kim I enjoyed reading this book. I found the writing quite playful if that is possible. I enjoyed the elaborate and archaic descriptions, although at times (usually before bed) I found it a bit difficult to read, and often would have to re-read entire sections that had not really sunk in. I really liked all the different characters, and took pleasure from the relationship that grew between the lama and his chela. I am quite interested in visiting India and Nepal. It reminded me, for some reason, of crouching tiger hidden dragon towards the end... Perhaps because they were in mountains. Overall I really liked this book. It also reminded me a little of The Alchemist. I suppose that whole theme of looking for 'the answer' and finding your destiny. I suppose I am also quite interested in those sorts of philosophical enquiries 8.5/10
Dec - Sunset Song I liked this novel. I enjoyed the discriptions of the countryside. I liked the initial discription of the county and the quirks of the different members of the community. It was an interesting sort of study into the relationships between the different members of scoiety. Perhaps highlighting the lack of community in many modern settings when you don't even know the names of your next door neighbours. The main thrust of the book, as far as I was concerned, was towards the role of women in society. It made me really greatful to have the social freedom I enjoy today. And was struck by how recently it was that women were very much limited by the structure and expectations of society. I felt a lot of empathy towards Chris, she reminded me of myself in some aspects, her aspirations of a simple family life and enjoying a long happy life with her husband etc. And I suppose that made it all the more painful when she was unable to fulfil all her dreams. And when she was frowned upon by society for her reaction to her fathers death...I was also struck by her ablilty to not feel bitter towards her father. I suppose in those days you couldn't rely to much on dreams as you wouldn't be able to achieve them. Where as these days people are encouraged to believe they can acheive whatever they like. And deserve/have the ability to do anything. Not sure whether this is a good or bad thing... Its good to encourage people to fulfil their own ability - but perhaps at the cost of them not being satisfied with their lot and not accepting that sometimes you have to settle for less...
This book also deals with the idea of war. It wasn;'t a major aspect of the book but as I have mentioned before I have recently been quite interested in war so I picked up a little more on that. I foudn it tragic. The way it ripped apart communities and the ruthlessness of the village people - I mean in their opinions. Very judgemental towards the man who did not agree with the war. Immediately presuming he was a german sympathiser etc. Again made me think that today people have a very different attitude towards violence and war and national duty.
8/10
Jan - The Elephanta Suite 3 short stories in one novel. The first I found pleasant although Im not sure what was implied by the ending... My favourite parts were the descriptions of the environment in India and the indian people. I found the actual dialogue and american characters rather dry. I think Paul Theroux has more of an interest in sex than me... The second about a business man I found a little frustrating - perhaps that is the point. I am being prejudice as all the individuals in this are (dumb) americans. Puts me off.
I am slighty disappointed as My Secret History, also by Theroux, is a really good novel, one of my favourites. I really felt involved in that novel, and even cried near the ending which I am not sure I have ever done at a book before. So, anyway, perhaps I am also slighty disappointed because I set my expectations for this novel quite high. Interestingly I have found his writing style very different in all three novels of his I have read. M.S.H felt to me like a classic american novel, similar to catcher in the rye, or the great gatsby. This Elephanta book seems quite lame and trashy, and the Mosquito Coast I found just disturbing. Perhaps similar to Ian Banks Wasp Factory or something...
-So I have now finished this book. No real improvement. Within the first 2 pages of the third part it said the phrase 'He just wants to fuck you' Some quite nice bits about elephants, but the main part was about this gap year person getting raped. In the end she kills him by letting loose a crazy elephant... a disappointing book in my opinion.
6.5/10
Just thought I would keep a tab of the books I have read...
The furthest back I can really remember is probably during the summer:
July - Mosquito Coast. This book made me feel peculiar. I think as the leading man in the novel started to go insane I also started to feel manic. I found this book really quite disturbing. At first I enjoyed the concept of going to live with nothing in the jungle - a dream of mine I suppose. But the father figure always scared me - his arrogance and stubborn character. In the end I was left a bit shaken I think, but was glad I had read it. 8/10
Aug - Birdsong. I thought this was a beautiful book, I can't remember exactly the emotions and thoughts it stirred up as it has been quite some time now...But I remember the first section in particular being really lovely to read. Perhaps because I like the idea of living in France and finding romance. I also have taken quite a shine to books about the world wars since reading Captain Corelli's Mandolin a while back. "a shine" doesn't really convey the right emotion, it is more of a new understanding of the enormity and great tragedy of those events.. It wasn't until then I really had an appreciation of how horrific the events of the war had been to thousands of people on a personal level. I think I feel a duty to have a better understanding and appreciation of what happened. This was helped along by watching Band of Brothers while I was ill in 1st year. I cried for almost half an hour at the end I was so overcome. I couldn't get over the courage and amazing comradeary of the men on the front. Anyway so that was Birdsong. (9/10)
Then I began to read Behind the Scenes at the Museum. It didn't really grab me to be perfectly honest, although I have herd it is quite good. I was busy having fun in fresher's week by this time so I'm afraid it got abandoned in favour of the next... I suppose it's unfair to rate a book I haven't really read, but provisionally I shall give this novel a 5.5/10
Sep - The Portrait of Dorian Gray. I enjoyed reading this book, but wasn't overwhelmed by it. It was quite an interesting story although a little spoilt by the fact somebody who had just seen the new Jude Law film told me what happened... Over all a 7/10
An Evil Cradling PHENOMENAL. Probably the best book I have ever read. I really cannot get over how much I was bowled over by this book. I felt so humbled by this inspirational man. He somehow managed to stay so positive and strong willed in such dire circumstances. It made me re-evaluate my own fortune of simply living! Very cliche. Honestly an awe inspiring man. It made me think a lot about the material values in life and really what life is worth. Basically just a wonderful tale of survival and hope and friendship. A really amazing guy. The title may lead you to believe that it will be a graphic description of the brutality of his kidnap. But almost the opposite it is the story of his own humanity in such inhuman surroundings. And the kind of tragic sympathy he has with his guards who are brainwashed and misled. I will definitely read this again some time. It gripped me the whole way through. 10/10!
Oct - Angela's Ashes I enjoyed reading this book, however did find it quite depressing. It was rather miserable the whole way through. Highlighted to me the poverty of Ireland in very recent history and the brutality of the Catholic church. 6.5/10
Nov - Kim I enjoyed reading this book. I found the writing quite playful if that is possible. I enjoyed the elaborate and archaic descriptions, although at times (usually before bed) I found it a bit difficult to read, and often would have to re-read entire sections that had not really sunk in. I really liked all the different characters, and took pleasure from the relationship that grew between the lama and his chela. I am quite interested in visiting India and Nepal. It reminded me, for some reason, of crouching tiger hidden dragon towards the end... Perhaps because they were in mountains. Overall I really liked this book. It also reminded me a little of The Alchemist. I suppose that whole theme of looking for 'the answer' and finding your destiny. I suppose I am also quite interested in those sorts of philosophical enquiries 8.5/10
Dec - Sunset Song I liked this novel. I enjoyed the discriptions of the countryside. I liked the initial discription of the county and the quirks of the different members of the community. It was an interesting sort of study into the relationships between the different members of scoiety. Perhaps highlighting the lack of community in many modern settings when you don't even know the names of your next door neighbours. The main thrust of the book, as far as I was concerned, was towards the role of women in society. It made me really greatful to have the social freedom I enjoy today. And was struck by how recently it was that women were very much limited by the structure and expectations of society. I felt a lot of empathy towards Chris, she reminded me of myself in some aspects, her aspirations of a simple family life and enjoying a long happy life with her husband etc. And I suppose that made it all the more painful when she was unable to fulfil all her dreams. And when she was frowned upon by society for her reaction to her fathers death...I was also struck by her ablilty to not feel bitter towards her father. I suppose in those days you couldn't rely to much on dreams as you wouldn't be able to achieve them. Where as these days people are encouraged to believe they can acheive whatever they like. And deserve/have the ability to do anything. Not sure whether this is a good or bad thing... Its good to encourage people to fulfil their own ability - but perhaps at the cost of them not being satisfied with their lot and not accepting that sometimes you have to settle for less...
This book also deals with the idea of war. It wasn;'t a major aspect of the book but as I have mentioned before I have recently been quite interested in war so I picked up a little more on that. I foudn it tragic. The way it ripped apart communities and the ruthlessness of the village people - I mean in their opinions. Very judgemental towards the man who did not agree with the war. Immediately presuming he was a german sympathiser etc. Again made me think that today people have a very different attitude towards violence and war and national duty.
8/10
Jan - The Elephanta Suite 3 short stories in one novel. The first I found pleasant although Im not sure what was implied by the ending... My favourite parts were the descriptions of the environment in India and the indian people. I found the actual dialogue and american characters rather dry. I think Paul Theroux has more of an interest in sex than me... The second about a business man I found a little frustrating - perhaps that is the point. I am being prejudice as all the individuals in this are (dumb) americans. Puts me off.
I am slighty disappointed as My Secret History, also by Theroux, is a really good novel, one of my favourites. I really felt involved in that novel, and even cried near the ending which I am not sure I have ever done at a book before. So, anyway, perhaps I am also slighty disappointed because I set my expectations for this novel quite high. Interestingly I have found his writing style very different in all three novels of his I have read. M.S.H felt to me like a classic american novel, similar to catcher in the rye, or the great gatsby. This Elephanta book seems quite lame and trashy, and the Mosquito Coast I found just disturbing. Perhaps similar to Ian Banks Wasp Factory or something...
-So I have now finished this book. No real improvement. Within the first 2 pages of the third part it said the phrase 'He just wants to fuck you' Some quite nice bits about elephants, but the main part was about this gap year person getting raped. In the end she kills him by letting loose a crazy elephant... a disappointing book in my opinion.
6.5/10
Morning light
I missed my bus thismorning so decided to walk along to the next stop. Saw the sun rise over the Tay -it was lovely.
Reminded me that I love the outdoors, and was rather glad I had missed the bus otherwise I wouldn't have seen the nice morning light. I would have been staring at back of someone else's head.
Here are some nice pictures I took this time last year over the tay.
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Some photographs.
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