Every summer, I seem to find more reading time, which
means I finish a disproportionate amount of books over these balmy, relaxed
months. Also, I like to have some sort of summer reading project. Maybe I choose
a large tome that seemed overwhelming the rest of the year; perhaps I embark on
a series. I spent one summer with Hilary Mantel, another with David McCullough
(and, indirectly, John Adams et al.). Last summer, I went with classics: a collection
of Chekhov stories and The Golden Bowl
by Henry James (Ugh. An endlessly tough and torturous read. Wish I could
remember which online friend named it as a favorite, thanks so much!).
This year, I’m woefully behind my usual rate of reading. It’s
been a tough start to 2018 and for a couple of months, I didn’t read much at
all. But now I’m raring to go, ready to dive in and although I love me some
short stories, I’m feeling especially ready to dive into novels. Preferably long,
immersive novels. So I took a look at my shelves and decided to christen the
summer of 2018 as The Summer of Chabon.
My reasons? They’re not particularly complicated or
particularly contemplated. First, I already had two of these books on my shelf.
Second, I loved The Amazing Adventures of
Kavalier and Clay, one of the novels I've probably recommended most frequently over the years. I don't recommend books very often but when I do, this one seems to crop up for various reasons, for various people. I also liked The Mysteries
of Pittsburgh very much. Third, a very astute friend loves Michael Chabon
(looking at you, Genelle) and, in fact, gave me one of these books.
So I’m embarking on reading these 1672 pages of Chabon
fiction, although we are already almost at the end of June. Which leaves me two
months, basically, so one novel every two weeks. Yes, I know there are other
Chabon books (novels, stories, essays, etc.); these are the ones I picked. I’ll
probably proceed in chronological order, beginning with Wonder Boys. And I may even delight you with my assessments and
progress as I go along. Without further ado, thus begins The Summer of Chabon!
The Mysteries of Pittsburgh is one of my top five favorite books of all time. I probably have to take into account that I read it at a time of my life when it was appropriate, as a coming-of-age novel. But the language...and the story, the characters... they all stay with me. And I agree with your assessment of Kavalier and Clay as well. I have read Wonder Boys but none of the others (although I do own them all, as you might suspect!). Perhaps I should join you on your Summer of Chabon quest? :) (I also adored Ms. Mantel, as you know. Have you read anything by Annie Proulx? I loved The Shipping News (and, yes, Brokeback Mt. is a glorious read), and my current long read is her novel Barkskins -- coming in at over 700 pp.)
ReplyDeleteI thought you had read Yiddish Policemen's too? But YES, join me for the Chabonfest! Should be done with Wonder Boys in a couple weeks if I can keep to schedule :-). If.
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