I love these diaries that tell us more about who we are as a community. It's fascinating to learn everyone's stories, tastes in books and music, anything that helps put some cool information with a username. Also, they're a welcome break sometimes from the political hectoring- reminds us, I think, that we should all (sort of) be friends here. I have been enjoying Buffalo Girl's "Is our Kossacks Learning" very much on this lazy Saturday, so I'm going to shamelessly piggyback on it- or try to- and ask what novels or works of fiction you are reading, or recommend. Here are mine:
Refiner's Fire- Mark Helprin. (current book) Yes, I know he's a conservative who writes for the WSJ. And his attitudes about war sometimes drive me nuts. But for a story that you just KNOW is going to end right, some really profound insights into people and truths that you find very hard to express, and a great, if totally unrealistic love story, you can't beat this guy.
The Plague- Albert Camus. A very penetrating insight into the human psyche, and the forces that drive people to do good or ill in times of extraordinary strain and isolation.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy- John Le Carre. Best spy story ever. Also, a master of shading, understatement, and moral murkiness.
Lord of the Rings- J.R.R. Tolkien. What more can I say? I don't worship the guy like some people, but you can't beat it for a well-crafted, beautiful story.
Time's Arrow- Martin Amis. A really cool intellectual concept- a doppelganger experiencing the life of a Nazi doctor backwards. Really makes you think. Also, not too long and very readable. It'll do you for a weekend or maybe even a long plane trip.
So what do you all recommend?