They're all things that've happened in the books I've read recently!
Here's a brief look at my recent literary pursuits (as usual, if you click on the images, I've linked them to online booksellers):
Sara Gruen's Depression-era novel about a traveling circus wasn't something I'd ever intended to read. Books about animals are the worst for me, because, inevitably, for the sake of drama, these animals are usually mistreated and generally I avoid detailed depictions of this so that I don't cry. BUT, as my friend Sara told me, it's ok to read this book because the animals get their revenge in the end. And it's so true.
The movie version of this story seems to be marketing itself as mainly a romance between the two leads (played by Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon -- squee!), and though the romance is a big part of the novel, there's so much else going on -- with the animals, the circus employees, the male protagonist's emotional journey -- that it's kind of unfair to make it all about a love story.
Water for Elephants is definitely a great read. In fact, I'd hazard to say it's now one of my favourite books.
If you've spoken to Brad in the last year or so, you'll know that Ken Wilber is his hero. I can't tell you how many conversations we've have that've ended (or begun) with Brad saying something along the lines of "well, that's not what Ken Wilber says ... ." So, in order to have an opinion in these decidedly one-sided debates, I've done a little Wilber reading myself.
Grace and Grit is the real-life account of Wilber coping with the illness and ultimate death of his wife, Treya. Interspersed with his story are journal entries from Treya, as well as snippets of the philosophy and beliefs he uses to deal with and understand her cancer.
It's a good introduction to Wilberism, but it's also got enormous doses of reality and love which make it a really good read. Since I'm no longer teaching teenagers, I can't use that as an excuse to read teen fiction anymore. I'm not preparing for any classes, or attempting to be "up" on what the kids are reading these days; so I'll just have to be honest: sometimes, burning through teen novels is exactly the brainless, detached kind of reading I like.
So, I liked The Hunger Games trilogy (yeah, that's right! I said it!). I mean, sometimes the writing was a little, er, ploddy, but the characters were inventive, and it ultimately fulfilled all the requirements of the post-decline-of-civilization-type story that seems to be a part of the collective consciousness lately.
There were no zombies, but there were genetically modified mutants, which are admittedly not as good, but they sufficed.
The story follows a young girl who's been relegated to the coal-mining district in a post-apocalyptic North America that's been divided into twelve sections to provide the basic amenities for the decadent, oblivious inhabitants of the Capitol (what? Just go with me, here). Every year, in punishment for a previous uprising, a lottery is held and two teenagers are chosen from each district to compete in a death match that's televised for the entertainment of all (but mostly just the Capitol residents, who've effectively desensitized themselves from the inhumanity of the competition).
Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," current reality TV, and our growing focus on the superficial elements in life are all strongly evoked in this series, but I guess all those connections are what make it so interesting to read.
I was given Annabel as a gift, and am so happy I had the opportunity to read it. It follows the story of an East Coast hermaphrodite who's raised as a boy by his understanding mother and less than understanding father. When the boy reaches puberty and suddenly starts experiencing life as a budding young woman, questions of identity and loyalty are brought to light as he decides who he is meant to be.
It's also beautifully written, with the kind of poetic pose that keeps the reader suspended in the moment. I recommend this book highly.