From One Book Lover

As I was dusting my nightstand, I found myself rather impressed by my stack of books to be read. I think I need to have my head examined because I haven't finished  Hamilton: The Revolution . I even have it on Audible. And yet. Unlike any other Hamilton-related experience, I am savoring the book. Plus, I just finished the chapter about Christopher Jackson, my Washington, and I want to spend an extra moment with him. I think I'll make it a summer read. Interestingly, the book I am reading on my Kindle I also own in print — the latest translation of  Anna Karenina , translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky. I hadn't really pondered translations until recently, when Oprah Winfrey's embrace of the new translation was chosen for her book club, and I heard a podcast featuring a strongly praised audiobook version of  Don Quixote . I have another translation on my Kindle, and whenever I read a delicious line in the newer book, I pull up the other translatio...

I am sorry to admit, my last Library Loot was less than thrilling. The short-story collection featured love scenes more reminiscent of  Fifty Shades of Gray than Gone With the Wind . Tails of Love , indeed. So, I approached the Vacations from Hell with great caution. (So far, so good.) I think I already read Sir Terry's book — I am a fan of Discworld's witches — so I may have to read it (again?) to be sure. Interestingly enough, neither of those delightful paperbacks were among those that took me to the library in the first place. I met Victor LaValle through his most recent story that hearkens to H.P. Lovecraft without the racism. (I am embarrassed to say that I hadn't paid close attention to anything but Cthulu— who is even scarier when portrayed by modern artists as something that stands thigh-high in the deepest oceans.) (How Cthulu fits below passing ships is entirely beyond me). Anyway, I found The Ballad of Black Tom , LaValle's latest novella, intri...