dmulvee Reading Attempt 2024

Like most years I’m hoping that my TBR pile will reduce this year! I’m hoping for a good mix of fiction non-fiction to be read, plus a few longer works that have been lingering for far too long without being completed.

1. The Intuitionist - Whitehead

An ok book. The writing is good, but the story doesn’t really grab you. It starts off as one type of book but then is fairly blatant that it reveals that all along it has been describing something else.
The ending wasn’t satisfying, however I’m not sure how else it could have ended.

Welcome back! I’ve enjoyed plenty of other Whiteheads, but not that one. Most of his I’ve enjoyed, especially Underground Railroad and Zone 1. Is this your first of his?

>3 drneutron: Hello! Actually I read both Harlem Shuffle and Crook Manifesto last year and enjoyed both of these. I buy all the post 1991 Everyman books and the Intuitionist was just realised in this format which is why I read this now.
I had planned on picking up The Underground Railroad, however have just ordered Nickel Boys instead earlier tonight so will hope to read that either later this month or next.
I did think the Intuitionist was quite good for a debut novel (sometimes I can be quite tough in my assessments) however it won’t be a book I would re-read. I thought that the sci-fi or sleuthing that was used to describe the book on its surface wasn’t gripping enough. The initial parts of the book work well, but then the racial allegory becomes evident, and from this point the success of the book splits as the allegory works well but the main story fails to resolve in a satisfactory way. It felt like a plausible ending and rang true with the earlier parts of the book, but I was left wondering whether the plot was strong enough for a novel.

Happy reading in 2024!

>5 FAMeulstee: Thanks!

2. Orlando - Woolf

This was disappointing. It started well and even at the half way point was still going strong, but I didnt enjoy the final quarter.

3. Dune - Herbert

A re-read. Still an excellent story though not quite on par with Foundation for me. The reason I picked this up is because I have bought a copy of the sequel, and wanted to remind myself what happens in the first volume

4. Maigret sets a Trap - Simenon

The first Maigret book I have read and I liked it. Different to a whodunnit, but well paced and characters that were plausible

Good reading start to the year.

I will try to keep up as best I can this year.

>9 PaulCranswick: I’m cheating and picking small books! I do hope to start on The Golden Bough before the end of the month and am unsure if my pace will drop off when I get going on that.

5. Maigret’s Mistake - Simenon

Another enjoyable book. Short, but different from the typical whodunnit that I normally associate with detective works. I intend to read one more Maigret then explore other topics

Good luck with your 2024 reading. I'll be interested on your take of The Nickel Boys.

>11 Tess_W: Thanks! I am hoping to start that later this week, or early next week.

6. Maigret in Society - Simenon

Another enjoyable book. This concludes the dip into Maigret for me. I bought three books, and have enjoyed all, however will wait at least a year before possibly trying to seek more out.

7. Dune Messiah - Herbert

The sequel to Dune. This isn’t a great step forward in terms of the plot. The quality of writing is on par with the original, but the story itself is weak. Not a book I would re-read

8. The Nickel Boys - Whitehead

A very impressive story. Relatively short (just over 200 pages), it captivates from the start, the chronology isn’t linear but is easy to follow. The strongest of the four Whitehead works I have read so far

9. The Explorer - Rundell

Last year I read two astonishingly positive reviews for Rundell’s Impossible Creatures. I bought it, and also her previous work The Explorer. I read Impossible Creatures and didn’t feel that it lived up to my expectations, and so delayed reading the other work by Rundell. I finally started this, and have to say it is very good. The ending feels rushed, but this could be a classic that is re-read in 50 years time. It isn’t my favourite children’s book, however as an adult reading now, no children’s book will come close to those I read as a child when the emotion swirled and you felt that there were new amazing possibilities in the world.

10. All around the Block - Lawrence

This was the bibliography of the Fleece
Press with Simon Lawrence providing extra details about the books he created. A superb way for the press to finish

11. Sharpe’s Tiger - Cornwell

This is the first Sharpe book I have read (and I never saw the tv series), it was exciting and enjoyable, though perhaps a tiny bit predictable. I’ll try another couple of the series later this year and try and see how the series develops

>17 DMulvee: One pet peeve with the Sharpe books is that Cornwell didn't really follow his own series in chronological order so they tend to flit about a bit which is confusing sometimes.

12. Novels, Tales, Journeys - Pushkin

The complete prose of Pushkin, this is a different translation (Pevear and Volokhonsky) to the last time I read Pushkin. I enjoyed it.

The gap in my reading this month has been due to my listening to audiobooks, as I listened to the Harry Potter books. I’d read them 20(?) years ago, and hadn’t returned.

>18 PaulCranswick: Your comment propelled me to read further in this series to see if I could spot continuity errors!

13. Sharpe's Triumph - Cornwell

A good fun read. Not high literature, but simply pleasurable.

14. Sharpe’s Fortress - Cornwell

Another fun and easy read. It is easy to sympathise with Sharpe and be angered by his enemies, an enjoyable tale with the historical notes at the end letting you know what is fact and what fiction, appreciated.

15. The Essential Harlem Detectives - Himes

Chester Himes was not an author whose name I recognised, but Everyman released this collection of four of his stories last month. This comprises A Rage in Harlem, The Real Cool Killers, The Crazy Kill and Cotton Comes to Harlem.

There was a style to the volume that seemed unique, however I found it to be enjoyable in a passing the time kind of way, rather than a remarkable and will linger onwards way.

16. The Summer We Crossed Europe in the Rain - Ishiguro

I ordered this because of its author, then I read the synopsis and started to worry! However it reads like poetry with travel and relationships as the theme, and in the version I have (with illustrations by Bianca Bagnarelli) has copious artworks that are sensational. I enjoyed this much more than I had expected to and expect that this will be something I pick up again and again to re-read.

17. The House on Mango Street - Cisneros

Short, but impactful. A coming if age story with a style and viewpoint different to those I have previously read. I can understand why it is viewed as a modern classic

18. Byron’s Travels - Lord Byron

This volume separates Byron by the places he visited with copious letters written from these, and also poetry that mentions or features locations. A strong introduction to a figure of whom I knew little

19. Hope Against Hope - Mandelstam

A non-fiction work that recounts events in the 1920s and 1930s that Nadezhda Mandelstam endured that took place against her husband (described as M. In most of the work). They weren’t figures I was aware of though Akhmatova appears and she was someone I had at least previously heard of. Not a must read, but an account that builds up further evidence of what life was like at a turbulent time of Soviet history

>26 DMulvee: I am very interested in the poets of that period so that book definitely caught my eye.

20. Rooftoppers - Rundell

I was in a children’s section of a bookshop, (trying to pick up a book for my daughter). The assistant was quite old (about 75), and asked if I had considered Rundell’s ‘Impossible Creatures’. I explained that I had picked this up previously, but I had actually preferred ‘The Explorer’. She then asked if I had the full range by Rundell. I said no, and she then filled me in with all the plots and settings for the other works. I asked which one in particular she would recommend and she suggested ‘Rooftoppers’.

This is a very good children’s book. My criticism would be the ending. I didn’t know how the resolution would be accomplished, and the author decides to skip this. However would this matter to a child? An excellent book for those in the 7-12 year age range.

21. Animal Farm - Orwell

A re-read but still enjoyable

22. The Stanbrook Abbey Press - Butcher

A history of a book publisher. I knew little about the press so it was informative, but I am not sure that it has tempted me to seek out any of their publications

23. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell -
volume 1 - Clarke

I purchased a 3 volume edition of the book, and thoroughly enjoyed the first volume. The back story and characters are well established though I have no idea what will happen!

24. The Moon Moth - Vance

An unpredictable short story that I thoroughly enjoyed with an excellent ending

25. Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell - Volume 2 - Clarke

The middle of the story seems to be setting things up well. An easy and enjoyable book to read so far

26. Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell -
Volume 3 - Clarke

An enjoyable conclusion. Overall a fun read and one I would consider re-reading in the future, but not perhaps as deep as other (more serious?) literature

27. The Golden Bough - Frazer -
Volume 1

I have The Golden Bough in two volumes and it seemed about time that I read it. The first volume is well written with interesting facts continually being thrown up. I did like it, however it isn’t an easy work to read a lot of in one sitting

28. London and New York - Coburn

In 1909 and 1910 Alvin Langdon Coburn photographed two of the world's greatest cities, and this reproduces the images. In those images I had expected to see a forgotten time, and to see cities that didn't resemble the places that exist now, however I feel that most of them still display the cities. The quality of the images is poor, someone with a phone could take a photo with much better resolution, however the star attraction ended up being the introductions. My copy had an introduction explaining the volume which was useful, but then the original foreward to each volume was included. For New York this was by HG Wells, and was interesting though short. However the London volume was by Hilaire Belloc, this was more lengthy and fascinating as I learned new facts about the city. A book I would return to, though probably for the words rather than the pictures.

29. The Death of Ivan Ilyich - Tolstoy

I had previously read this in a translation by Maude (I think). This new version came from No Reply press who translated this anew, and this absolutely sparkles. A great novella that has been raised to an even higher state thanks to the translators, reading this was pure joy

30. Leaves from the Journal of our Life in the Highlands - Queen Victoria

A slightly odd, though interesting read. This was helped by them visiting places that I was familiar with, though the majority are in Scotland, it also included Cornwall, Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey with a few small mentions of Wales also thrown in. Seeing and hearing about places I have been to from 150 years earlier was fun, but what I found surprising was the interest in nature and views, especially in Scotland

31. The Other Wind - Le Guin

The Earthsea saga had been readable but not particularly impressive, however the final volume ties things together in a glorious way and elevates the series to a higher stature. An easy read, but not necessarily simplistic in its ideas

32. The Fifth Season - Jemisin

An exciting, well paced work that sets up the trilogy well. Not a book I normally pick up, but I am pleased I did.

33. Long Island - Toibin

I haven’t read anything by Colm Toibin previously, and was aware that this was a sequel but that I was unaware of the first book. However, this is a triumph, a fantastic work that stands on its own. I intend to seek out other works by Toibin

34. The best of Tagore - Tagore

A recent volume published as part of Everyman's Library, this consists of short stories, a novel, plays, essays as well as poems and songs giving the reader a well rounded view of the author. The collection felt a little uneven (unsurprisingly), with the short stories the stand out in my eyes. At least one of the essays (which was 112 pages) crossing the line as reading more as philosophy rather than anything else

35. The Knight and Knave of Swords - Leiber

Continuing the series that I read earlier this year, unfortunately this was a little boring and not of the highest quality. I’m not sure I’ll read other works by the author

36. Pastoral Elegies

This is a volume with two poems, Thomas Gray’s Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard and Oliver Goldsmith’s The Deserted Village. I had previously read The Deserted Village and enjoyed re-reading this, but it was my first time reading Elegy, and it didn’t leave as strong an impression on me

37. Lady Chatterley’s Lover - Lawrence

A re-read. I read this a couple of decades ago and thought it was poor. In the time I no longer just consider the plot, and so came to this wondering if my view would have changed, and it did a little. Overall I don’t think this is a great book, however it has more going for it than my first read through. There does feel some truth in the behaviour of some characters, though I doubt I would return to read this another time

38. The White Guard - Bulgakov

I found this a little difficult to follow at the start as the names didn’t mean anything to me, but I soon gained a little understanding and enjoyed the work. Not as remarkable as The Master and Margarita, but an enjoyable book, though one I doubt I would return to

39. A Canticle for Leibowitz - Miller

An interesting sci-fi work that touches the philosophical. Enjoyable, and possibly profound. One I would like to return to in the future

40. The Story of Cupid and Psyche by William Morris - Volume 1

A fascinating explanation of the back story behind William Morris’ attempt to create a grand version of Cupid and Psyche using woodcuts by Burne-Jones. More interesting than I expected!

41. The Story of Cupid and Psyche by William Morris - Volume 2

This is the poem by Morris. I hadn’t read this before and enjoyed it, though the ending felt a tiny bit rushed.

42. Waiting - Jin

A story about a flawed man, who married to please others and regretted his decision. As the title implies it is focuses on time, and the impact on people and this passes by.

43. Down Cemetary Road - Herron

I have watched and enjoyed the Slow Horses tv show so picked this up. It is a thriller, and as a debut novel follows some of the well worn cliches from that genre. This doesn’t mean it is bad, but it isn’t outstanding.

As something to pass the time it works, but I doubt it will remain in my memory long

44. The Alchemist - Coehlo

A simple tale, though one that could be thought of as profound and with more depth than might first appear. I thought the book was ok, but need to give the idea time to percolate

45. Happiness by Design - Dolan

A book that examine how happiness is recorded and improved upon, and how we can evaluate our lives to improve them. Interesting academic data was included, and this is a book I found informative and useful

46. Neuromancer - Gibson

This was interesting but never quite fully gripped me. Some novel (and I assume very influential) ideas, but it didn’t quite click for me

47. Rob Roy - Scott

A re-read. An enjoyable read, I’m surprised how far Scott has fallen in the public conscience but this still works well for me

48. Flowers for Algernon - Keyes

I once heard this tale as an audiobook, but this was my first time reading it. The story has a depressing ending, and when listening to the tale I didn’t enjoy it. When reading it, I found it very impressive and would consider re-reading it

49. The Fire Next Time, Nobody Knows My Name, No Name in the Street, The Devil Finds Work - Baldwin

Everyman recently released this book that contains four collections of essays by James Baldwin. I’d previously read Go Tell it on the Mountain, and Giovanni’s Room and both were ok, but not outstanding. However I had read The Fire Next Time and was astounded at how good it was. The quality of those essays is maintained in the following two collections (The Devil Finds Work isn’t on this level), and I would claim that Baldwin might be the finest essayist I have read. A truly astounding collection.

50. We Solve Murders - Osman

An excellent crime novel where the focus is on the best of the main protagonists. Like his earlier books, a feel-good set of characters

51. Northern Lights - Pullman

The first of His Dark Materials trilogy. I was unfamiliar with the story (though aware of the general acclaim it held), and thought it was a well paced book to start the series. Will the quality be maintained?

52. The Subtle Knife - Pullman

The second in His Dark Materials trilogy. Weaker than the first, if this was a longer series I would stop here. Instead I’ll persevere and push on, but I hope that the final part is better

53. The Amber Spyglass - Pullman

Not really enjoyable. I felt that the series fell off after the first volume, I wouldn’t re-read it, however I have the first two books of the next series on my TBR pile so will need to approach those at some point!

54. La Belle Sauvage - Pullman

I purchased this earlier in the year and decided I might as well continue with my exploration of Pullman. I’m pleased that I did, as I enjoyed this as it was an excellent adventure story, whose pacing (on the whole) was good

55. The Secret Commonwealth - Pullman

I’m really enjoying The Book of Dust series and am surprised that the Northern Lights overshadows it so much. An excellent adventure story, though there might be a wait for the concluding part

56. Liturgical Music in Benedictine Monasticism

I bought this as it had been published by Simon Lawrence at the Fleece Press. This is a topic that was out of kilter with his other productions (typically focussing on artists), however as I had bought it, I felt I should read it. It contains the responses to a series of questions that were sent to abbeys throughout the world regarding the impact of the Second Vatican Council (what this is, isn’t explained anywhere). It starts as a series of answers and then slowly I was able to piece together what the world may have been like 45 years ago in monastery’s. They referenced teaching children, dwindling populations, how changing aspects of the mass to the local language had led to increased engagement (sometimes) on the lay population. I discovered that Montserrat wasn’t just an island but also a place in Spain, and that Idaho was established in the US in 1855. Not a book I am likely to re-read but better than my (admittedly low) expectations

57. The Inward Laugh, Edward Bawden and His Circle - Yorke

A re-read. This covers Bawden life, as well as Ravilious’ career where it overlaps. A very enjoyable read

58. Weeds and Wild Flowers - Colt

This was purchased for the engravings by Mackley rather the words. For someone who doesn’t spend much time in gardens it does feel at time like another language. Once I expect that all the population knew a much broader ranger of flowers and herbs, however as times have changed this universal knowledge has became a specialists knowledge. I learned a little, though I didn’t find it overly enjoyable to read

59. The Dunwich Horror - Lovecraft

I hadn’t read any Lovecraft previously, but don’t generally enjoy horror novels. This worked better than I expected as there is a level of incredulity from the narrator that leads you to trust the account more, enjoyable, but I’m not sure I would read other works by Lovecraft

60. The Shepherds Calendar and Complaints - Spenser

I bought an 8 volume set of Spenser’s works and this is volume 1. I enjoyed the Shepherds Calendar, though found Complaints (9 poems) uneven with some good, but some poor. Probably not helped with this edition sticking to Spenser’s spelling, however I hope to read at least a volume a year until I have finished the collection

61. Brief Loves that Live Forever - Makine

A wonderful series of vignettes that fascinate whilst illuminating and managing to be profound.

62. Doctor Faustus - Mann

I have read other versions of Doctor Faustus and assumed I knew what kind of book this would be, but I was wrong. This is a biography of a man, which is also serving as an allegory for Germany. Difficult to get into initially, the prose itself is fantastic. However the chapters shorten and condense towards the end, and I was left thinking that this is an excellent writer, but the topic wasn’t worthy of the style.

63. Catch - 22 - Heller

A re-read. Enjoyable and far zippier than I had remembered, an easy read

64. Three Stories and Ten Poems - Hemingway

This small volume is taken from Hemingway’s works in 1923. I liked the three stories and these were worthwhile, but didn’t appreciate any of the poems

65. Hyperion - Simmons

A really enjoyable book. The story finishes the setup and I guess answers come in the next volume, but this is a sci-fi book with wonderfully drawn out back stories for the main characters.

66. Project Hail Mary - Weir

Gripping, and truly a book where I couldn’t guess what would happen next

67. In Our Time - Hemingway

An interesting collection of early Hemingway vignettes

68. Can you Forgive Her - Trollope

A re-read. I enjoyed this slightly less second time around. However I have read the first three of the Palliser series and oddly the sixth. I plan on reading all six in order this time.

69. Motherless Brooklyn - Lethem

An unusual book seen through the eyes of a sufferer from Tourette’s. I thought this was original and unique. I plan on reading another work of Lethem’s to see how that stands up

70. Phineas Finn - Trollope

It’s strange, but I didn’t like Phineas in this re-read! The characters seemed to grate a little, and the narrators habit of given the outcome before this is shown didn’t suit me this time around.

71. The Eustace Diamonds - Trollope

Another story that didn’t work as well second time around. I disliked most of the characters!

72. Phineas Redux - Trollope

I did like this one (fortunately!). A first time read for me, and I enjoyed this

73. A Room of One’s Own - Woolf

A first read of this for me, some sections resonated more than others, and it did feel like a writing of its time, however I am still pleased that I read it

74. Letters to Frank Harris, & Other Friends - Bagnold

Enid Bagnold wasn’t an author I was familiar with, but she writes very well in this volume of letters that she sent. It entices me to seek out more of her writings, though my TBR pile is very large at the moment, so any return to her will have to wait awhile