Postby lucylee » Wed Jul 13, 2011 11:51 pm
I'd like to read your recommended books, too, Harmony.
I think I am currently trying to scare myself to death. I am reading a Patricia Cornwell novel, Traces. It is the first of her Kay Scarpetta (sp?) novels that I have ever read, and I have read that they are pretty gory & graphic. And it is. Yes. In case you have never heard of these novels, Scarpetta is a CSI-type, forensic scientist/doctor/investigator. I became intrigued with the story immediately, so now I can't put it down. The main plotline of this one has to do with the mysterious death of a young teenage girl, found dead in her bed, no obvious causes. BUT... there is a obviously a very sick serial killer on the loose, plus a stalker of some type, whom I think is a different person from the serial killer, and I have no idea how they are going to tie into the teenager's case.
Except for cleaning ds's room -- which does not look decorator-showroom ready by any means, even now, b/c things are still in boxes all around the perimeter of the room -- but except for that not-so-small accomplishment -- I have done nothing but read all summer, either! I enjoyed Laura Bush's memoir/autobiography, just finished it, and started this novel last night.
I agree totally about the older writers being too wordy, and my students would heartily agree. However, I continue to assign Great Expectations to my advanced students, b/c I think they need the challenge. Maybe I'm too old-fashioned, but it won't kill them.
Cowinkie -- I seem to remember reading that Kathryn Stockett was so nervous (I think simply b/c of the fear of sharing her writing with her classmates) that she literally threw up upon entering the classroom for her first day of class in Creative Writing @ the University of Alabama. But somehow she made herself go back the second day and stuck with it. Certainly turned out well for her, huh? I must try to keep that in my mind when my stomach starts churning!
Tomorrow is another day.