books_may2001

29.05.2001

Terry Pratchett, "Moving Pictures" - Hihohiho! This is one for all the movie buffs out there! Frankly, my dear, I don't really give a damn, but that was quite a Pratchett-overdose this month, I think I have to take a break and read something else for a change... Play it again, Sham!

26.05.2001

David Guterson, "East of the Mountains" - finally, after a while, a really good and spirited book that was actually a joy to read. Very poetic, great characters and despite the quirky story very believable. Almost cried a little at the end, got really into the story! Will definitely get hold of "Snow falling on Cedars" at the next opportunity. There is a longer description of the story of "East of the Mountains" in my bookclub...

22.05.2001

Leon Uris, "The Haj" (german title: "Haddsch"), the story of a Palestinian family from the 1920's to the 1950's. It took me forever to get into it, as I could not relate to the characters at all, they staid one-dimensional for a very long time. The interest in the story kept me going. Although I could not shake the oddness of a Jewish author writing from the perspective of Palestinians - I think it shows. Ultimately the Jews/Israelis are the good guys and the whole thing is just not believable. Nonetheless it is written well and kept me hooked to get through almost 600 pages of it.

19.05.2001

Terry Pratchett, "Eric" - barely over 150 pages. Considering the speed with which I get through Terry Pratchett, not worth the bother - good, but way too short! More like an afterthought than a proper story...

15.05.2001

I finally came full circle with Discworld no. 8, "Guards! Guards!", as I met again with Captain Vimes of the city guards, the hero of the "Fifth elephant". Although the word hero does not really apply to Terry Pratchett. If possible, this one was even better than the last two. And I am finally and truly converted. I will never snigger again at someone reading one of his books. I am having a whale of a time!

09.05.2001

And another Terry Pratchett, installment number 7, "Pyramids", vaguely based on - you might have guessed - Egypt! The first time, after reading one of his books that I can honestly say, real life is stranger than fiction! Was as good as "Wyrd sisters", I think that with those 2 he started to get really into it and I am already looking forward to the next one!

02.05.2001

And again Terry Pratchett, this time Discworld novel number 6, “Wyrd Sisters”. This was definitely the best one I have read of the series so far. Good story, no so wacky that it gets too unbelieveable, likeable characters and finally one were it was so obvious that even I got the hints – Shakespeare! What is it all about? “Starring Three Witches, also kings, daggers, crowns, storms, dwarfs, cats, ghosts, spectres, apes, bandits, demons, forests, heirs, jesters, tortures, trolls, turntables, general rejoicing and divers alarums.” Now what the heck are “divers alarums”? Definitely recommended!

Cathy