I know I stunned the nation (well, a teensy bit of it) the other day when I posted those shocking photos of my office. Well, brace yourselves for another jaw-dropping revelation: On Wednesday evening, for the first time in my life, I attended book group without having finished the book! Can you imagine? What won't I do next? Luckily Sheila and Janice didn't finish either, but still. Please don't think less of me.
I do intend to finish reading Them, Francine du Plessix Gray's memoir of her parents. It's just a bit long and plodding for me right now, with two big freelance projects looming over me and a bunch of kids nipping at my ankles. I've read lots of du Plessix Gray's work in The New Yorker over the years, and I was glad for the opportunity to get to know her. Her writing is exquisite but not easy; as captivating as I found the story, I couldn't read it for long stretches at a time. (That being said, Janet and Liz couldn't put it down and plowed right through it eagerly.) From what I did read, and from what the others said at the meeting, du Plessix Gray's life has been as exciting and troubling and fascinating and sad as most of ours are blissfully ordinary. Everyone in her family is artistic and famous and cosmopolitan; it sounds as though she never had a boring moment in her entire childhood. I recommend this book, particularly to those of you who enjoy memoirs and biographies.
Next up is The Accidental by Ali Smith. Which, I hereby vow, will be the last book I ever buy in hardcover and then fail to read until it comes out in paperback anyhow. (Yeah, right.)
I, for one, am totally appalled at your behavior. Next thing you know you will start reading the latest New Yorker before you have finished the old one. Book Club books are the gateway drug.
Posted by: Janeen | March 17, 2007 at 11:11 AM
:-D Maybe I need an intervention.
Posted by: Karen | March 17, 2007 at 11:29 AM