Book cover bogey

As soon as I walked into Book City yesterday I zeroed in on a collection of Virginia Woolf stories that I had to buy … partly because it was on sale for under $10, and partly because my aunt Sue, who’s starting her Masters in September, plans to study Virginia Woolf and how physics fits into her work. She explained her thesis to me last time she was in town (slowly and more than once, if I remember correctly), but I’m still at a bit of a loss when trying to articulate exactly what she’s studying. 

I figured with the new book, I’ll have at least attempted Mrs. Dalloway when I see her next and will be able to throw out random statements like: “I found that Woolf’s stream of consciousness style really helped explain the law of relatively.” Having never taken physics (BA history, thank you very much), I’m not really sure where to go with that …  

Anyway, also picked up the new Jonathan Coe novel, The Closed Circle, because I enjoyed The Rotter’s Club and thought I’d give it a go. Almost put the book back on the shelf because it drives me crazy when there’s no story outline on the back cover or inside flap. With most novels priced in the $20 range, publishers are asking readers to take huge leaps of faith when they plaster the book with endorsements but no summary. Personally, I couldn’t give two hoots if The Guardian loved the book, I’d like to know what it’s about before leaving the store.  

Flipped through to the author’s note and saw that it’s a continuation of The Rotter’s Club. Okay, thank you. Now, I’ll buy it.

Random Readings

Still (still!) reading The Accidental (Ali Smith), which I hope to finish shortly as I have two other books I’d like to start. I’m not sure why it’s taking so long to finish, but I’ve had to fight the urge to add it to my discarded without prejudice pile.

I was hoping to finish it last night but didn’t get home from The Fringe Festival until late. I tend to like the idea of The Fringe more than the actual plays, but Humans Anonymous by Kate Hewlett was wonderful.  To be honest, I haven’t gone to see a play in ages – I’m not counting Wingfield’s Inferno as it was more like a CBC Radio 1 segment coming to life before my eyes than theatrical entertainment – but if you’re planning on seeing something at the Fringe, go to Humans Anonymous.

It’s funny, well-acted and the story weaves together five unique characters in 55 minutes.  Humans Anonymous runs at the Tarragon Theatre Mainspace (30 Bridgman Avenue) on Monday, July 9 (1 p.m.), Wednesday, July 12 (2:15 p.m.), Thursday, July 13 (11:30 p.m.), Friday, July 14 (noon), and Saturday, July 15 (6:15p.m.). 

Anyway, back to the book: It’s actually quite frustrating as I enjoy the cadence of Smith’s writing and she weaves four strong characters together. It’s the pages and pages of free association that throw me … I’m sure there’s deep social meaning to each, but while I find them entertaining, and an interesting way of describing the fifth character, Amber, it feels heavy-handed. I will pick up another Smith book, and may try The Accidental again as I think my appreciation of it would change with a second reading … who knows …

And finally, thank you to Kate S. for her Toronto-area bookstore suggestions. I’ve started the running list and, where possible, linked to the stores’ website.  

Amy

Finding Ulysses

Seems like I may have to borrow Ulysses from someone (…Joscelyn?). I popped into Coles bookstore this afternoon with the misguided hope of buying a copy so I can start reading this weekend. According to the sales clerk, there’s one copy left at the World’s Biggest Book Store and that’s about it as “everyone who listens to CBC has already bought us out.” My local library isn’t really an option as it’s closed for renovations, though I might try Nicholas Hoare or the independent bookstore on the Danforth on my way home.

If anyone has a favourite bookstore, especially in downtown Toronto, I’d love to include a running list on the site. I tend to frequent the big chain as there are three stores within five minutes of where I work, but I would happily walk a little further to support an independent.

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Tried to find Ulysses on the Danforth and was told that three copies were back-ordered. Seeing as how I have yet to find a “damn, I loved Ulysses” comment anywhere, I grabbed The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Will work my way through that until I can grab Joscelyn’s Joyce. 

Amy