MacThumper Reads

As the days grow longer, the winter doldrums recede in to the realm of memory. It is time to read!

This year I'm trying to read the books discussed by the Canada Reads 2009 panel on CBC.

The five books this year are, moving from west to east: "The outlander" by Gil Adamson, "Fruit:A Novel about a Boy and his Nipples" by Brian Francis, "The fat Woman next Door is Pregnant" by Michel Trembley, "Mercy among the Children" by David Adams Richards, and "The Book of Negroes" by Lawrence Hill.

The Rumanuk Public Library has copies of all but "The Book of Negroes", so I am well on my way.

I've read "Fruit" and enjoyed it although, to be honest, it wouldn't have normally been on my list of books to read. A coming of age book, Fruit introduces us to a young boy trying to come to terms with his sexual identity. It was a story that evoked sympathy and a degree of empathy if for no other reason than that we all have experienced the confusion of adolescence.

Mind you, I doubt if many have had conversations with their nipples, but that might just be me!

I've started Mercy among the Children but suspect it is going to be a slog. The story, so far, is interesting, but looks like it is going to be depressing. The "hero" of the story seems to have a perpetual "Kick Me" sign, and everyone seems willing to follow that direction. The "hero" is a professional cheek turner, taking the abuse without a word.

Well, there is no putting it off. Back to the book. Pray for me!

Later, Mushers!