Wednesday, June 25, 2008

You Got Questions

I got answers. Ok, two questions.

Leek Seed Pod2

Barb asked what kind of seed pod this is. It is a leek, I stuck a few in my flower garden late last summer for lack of a better place. They didn't really do anything and, because I am lazy, I left them there. This spring they sort of woke up and started growing. I think this might actually be a flower bud, rather than a seed pod; I'm going to leave them to see what happens.

Sharon asked what I am reading now. First, I finished The Great Gatsby. I have to say, if you haven't read it since high school, you really must read it again. It's place in the American Literature Canon (whatever that may be) is well deserved. Fitzgerald's story of the soured American dream isn't hard, but it is complex, sad, and ultimately tragic. I only remembered a little of the book, and I don't remember disliking it as a teenager (the teacher who assigned it was very good at conveying her love for particular books and for reading in general). While I don't think the book is inappropriate for teenagers, it certainly takes on a different resonance as an adult.

Now I am halfway through Angle of Repose, by Wallace Stegner (totally because both Sharon and Valerie have mentioned it as one of their favorite books). I had read (and loved) it a few years ago as part of a book club. It is every bit as American as Gatsby, but couldn't be more different. It is big, rich and utterly human. I don't want it to end and I imagine I will be lost when I finish.

1 comment:

Sharon said...

You have to tell us what you think of Angle of Repose when you're done. I opened the meeting room for a book group, asked what they were reading and one woman volunteered - Agony of Repose. After a pause, she corrected herself with the correct title. I could relate but it's still may most favorite book of ever. I have Great Gatsby on my nightstand. I wonder what I will think of Daisy after all these years~