Why, yes I do

Twitter that is.

I know that many people find this a truly inane activity, and either proof that you have too much time on your hands or an inflated sense of importance (Just ate soup. Bought socks and swept the kitchen... is that 140 characters yet?)

But I have to admit I kind of like it. I like the challenge of reflecting on some part of your day and doing in such a constrained time frame (those 140 characters). I am not one to tweet more than once a day, though it has happened.

With the rise of flash fiction and micro fiction, I guess we are leading toward tweet-fiction. In fact, I think we are already there - I recall someone writing a short story composed of tweets. But I see them more as mini-memoirs, and if you follow someone, you kind of get into their mindset for a while. It's no James Frey (thankfully), but rather than a Million Little Tweets, I kind of like hearing when someone I know read a book they liked, did something with their kids, or hell, enjoyed a good bowl of soup.

 Folllow cterlson on twitter (that's me).

Slogfest

I am in the midst of a slog. Orahn Pamuk may have won the nobel prize, he might even write some good books... but Snow is a major slog. If I didn't have to read it for my bookclub, I think I would have chucked it long ago.

Used to be I would slog through just about anything. I was duty bound and committed to whatever I had picked up. I do still have that compulsion for my bookclub books, but a good friend from Kenya (are you reading this?) taught me that there are way too many good books out there and so little time. So chuck the ones that aren't grabbing you; I believe she said "abandon", which is even sadder than the Saskatchewanian verb "to chuck".

Snow is a major snoozer, moving slower than real time. Every chapter seems to talk about the snow falling in Turkey. This adds to the sominex feeling that winds throughout the novel. It is the Perry Como of books, the Fred Roger's of stories, the.....

zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The New (and Ongoing) Stack

Ahhh.. 2010.. a new decade and my book pile keeps getting higher. Maybe, just maybe this will be the year I catch up.

Currently, I am in mid-tackle of these books:

Snow by Orhan Pamuk - this one for my bookclub. I've heard of this Turkish author, but never read his work. Only a few chapters in but already I love the way he tells a story. I can't afford a trip to Turkey right now, so this is my virtual adventure.

What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell - a requested (and given!) present for Xmas. I've wanted to read Gladwell for a while; somehow I knew I'd love him. And I do! I am not sure if he is writing about stuff that I find fascinating, or if it the way he reports on things like: The History of Hair Colour, Ron Popeil and the Pitchmen, or my favorite: Why are there so many varieties of mustard but only one ketchup? Truthfully, I think Gladwell could write about belly button lint and make it interesting.

The Right Madness by James Crumley - finished this one, and it still resonates. Gotta find me another book of this guy. As I might have mentioned in another blog entry, Crumley influenced a lot of writers, though never gained a lot of personal acclaim. After reading this book I felt like taking a shower, so gritty, and at times so graphic - yet totally compelling. Writers like him and Lansdale are going to make me write that crime fiction novel yet.

No Logo by Naomi Klein - a book I quote from, but never have read. (oops) Found a great copy at my fave used book store. A very good companion to Gladwell's writing.

Airships by Barry Hannah - a book I need to return to. This guy was a recent discovery, and I only put the book down because of general busyness, or other books from the stack that were calling (yelling) at me.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child - another asked for (and given) Xmas present. After seeing the movie I became totally intriugued with Julia Child. Actually, re-intrigued. I still recall seeing her on Letterman in the 80's and wondering who this crazy 8 foot lady was, and why was she cooking hamburger with a blow torch. I haven't made anything from the book yet, but I am soaking it in. Someone said if you can't afford to go to the Cordon Bleu (and I can't) then read and cook through this book.

That's just a few of the books I have on the go. I have heard of people taking a year off to read (though, I don't really believe they do it). One of these years I am heading to Belize with a steamer trunk full of books. Take that Kindle!

Good luck with your stack.

What if...

I still love this song, maybe it got overplayed, but I really love it.

And it is pretty appropriate for today.

every little thing

Linus is the man - check him belt out this cover.

Everybody snoopy dance! Do it now!