battle burns

   I haven't been reading much these past couple weeks, but here is a quick recommendation for you.

   Do you like stories about pals? Do you like fighting evil? Do you like sick Battle Burns? Do you like working through differences as a team to achieve a goal? If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions, then you will probably enjoy reading Adventure Time. Not to mention that it is written by the consistently hilarious and clever Ryan North (of Dinosaur Comics fame). Incidentally, Ryan North also recently published a book through Kickstarter called "To Be or Not To Be : That is the Adventure" which is, naturally, a choose-your-own-adventure version of Hamlet. He is also Canadian, so there's the added bonus of these books contributing to your "Canadian Authors I Have Read (And Enjoyed)" list.

   Do you want to read this  book? Do you live in close-ish proximity to me? I will lend it to you. This goes for most of the books I post about, actually.

canadiana

   A sense of literary Canadian duty has descended on me over the last couple of years. So far it has resulted in some delightful times with The Vinyl Cafe, a surprising revelation that I actually like Anne of Green Gables, and a regrettable foray into the world of Atwood.

   Yes, yes, I know, I know, I know, "regrettable"?!?!?!?!?!?!??! BUT IT'S ATWOOD. I gave her a fair chance, I read Handmaid's Tale, I was thoroughly unimpressed. I admit I was predisposed to be underwhelmed. From a reading of Handmaid's Tale, I do not understand the Atwood mania that holds onto our country. However, after reading Anne of Green Gables and changing my tune from "ugh so much Anne" to "Anne is the best", I've been thinking that I ought to give Atwood another go. I don't know which of her books to read though. I feel a bit guilty over not liking Margaret Atwood.

   Anne of Green Gables really was surprisingly enjoyable. I was expecting something a bit trite and almost insipid, and instead got some top-notch character development, a good exploration of friendship, and genuinely funny/sad/clever stories. I've got to Anne of Windy Poplars now, and I'm just as enthralled as I was with the first book. I might work up the will to watch the mini-series again, even though I'm certain it doesn't come near to being as lovely as the books (but I will not go so far as to watch The Continuing Story. No sir.).

   There isn't much to say about Stuart McLean and The Vinyl Cafe other than "listen to the radio show/podcast, read the books, be delighted". Stuart McLean is an excellent story-teller, and the stories are gentle and clever.

   Honestly though, what Atwood should I attempt? I don't know very much about her.

house of cards

   What can I say about this book beyond that it is profound and beautiful and heart-breaking and redemptive? I recommend that you read it immediately.