What I'm Reading
I’ve gone from nearly bookless to having my cup overflowing as it were, and dang if that isn’t a good problem to have! What’s at the top of the list, might you ask? Well, allow me to tell you.
Black Elk Speaks (Complete Edition) by John Neihardt
For a book that is often considered a classic it may surprise you to hear this is my first read through. I’m only a few chapters in but I gotta say, it’s pretty good so far. I’m a sucker for this period of American history anyway but the fact this book just so happens to deal with a part of the country that’s in my own backyard makes it all the better in my book (see what I did there?). Getting a firsthand account from a man who saw more as a child than most men see in their entire lifetimes is wild, but there’s something particularly special about such a man speaking about places you yourself have seen, smelled, and touched. It adds just that little extra layer of immersion when you’ve stood on the bluffs he’s talking about, makes it that much more poignant to think about how different or similar his view from it was compared to yours. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think if you’re a fan of Mari Sandoz’s Crazy Horse, you’ll get along with this book just fine.
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
Recommended by a fellow history nerd all I know about this book is that it’s got a badass title and supposedly covers the battle of Gettysburg with a special focus on a personal favorite historical figure (one Chamberlain). Will it be good? Well, quite frankly, based on who gave the recommendation I’d be horridly surprised if it wasn’t. No, quality is not an anticipated issue. Rather, I’m more curious as to whether this work leans more toward the historical or historical fiction side of things (and to what extent). I’ve been told it’s a quick read regardless so for better or worse it isn’t likely to be with me long (more’s the pity…maybe).
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
Another recommendation from a friend, this particular work of science fiction won me over by the premise alone. Should it deliver on it, it may very well earn itself a spot on my all time favorite scy-fy list. The plot? Well, the way it was described to me was if you had to fight a war on that one planet from Interstellar where every minute spent on it surface meant years had passed off world due to blackhole/time warps. Now imagine that war you were fighting was hopeless, and you knew every moment you spent on that planet caused your parents and fiance to actively age back on earth. How desperate would you be to get things done quickly? How long could you fight before you did the mental math and realized everything you’re fighting for is gone? I dunno man, that’s scratching my space nerd itch and call me Mc’Donald’s because I’m lovin’ it.
So there’s my current line up, dear reader. I’ve got more en route, but I’m always down for a recommendation to keep from being bookless.