Books - Them Be Good Reads!

For those of you who love reading and discussing literature (in all its varied forms), "allow me to submit" (to borrow an irksome phrase from one of my lit profs, Bob Dam - and yes, that is his actual name) a suggestion:

Critical Mass

It's the blog of the National Book Critic Circle. The discussions on the page go far beyond the usual book reviews. And if you miss slogging it out in lit class and reading critical essays, this page is for you.

OK, so for some of you, the above suggestion is akin to proffering a cup of poisoned wine. Here, drink it, really! The hemlock adds spice and character to the merlot, honest.

That's fine. I'm a lit geek, and I understand that position puts me out of line with much of the general public (although I may not go so far as Duffy - another illustrious UWEC prof, and Dean to boot - and relish a novel for one sentence). For example, earlier in the month I scoffed at having to read Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway for book club. And though I'm not glued to the pages, I do get shivers of excitement as themes - like every mention of Big Ben at pivotal moments - develop. I know, it's amazing I have friends.

If for no other reason - and just humor me, damn it. You are reading my blog after all. You must be desperate for entertainment - visit Critical Mass to gather up suggested readings not on the usual best seller lists. Or at least not on your usual reading radar.