Confession: the second week of the month, I read different books than those I mentioned last week. The first week I’d determined to read less this month – and I did. The books I started (a nonfiction politics book, Julius Caesar, and Galsworthy’s Saga) were heavy and slow, so reading them slowly is a good plan. But I couldn’t focus. Maybe it was the spring weather, or maybe it was the holiday feeling of having my husband working from home.

At any rate, that second week of the month, I reread Harry Potter 1, 2, and 3.  I don’t normally reread books on a whim like that, but it was kind of nice to read something completely easy for a change. Last week I also started reading Goblet of Fire, but then I felt like reading Julius Caesar, so now I’m back to reading my regularly scheduled books. Maybe I’ll finish rereading Goblet of Fire in June, and then the other three in the subsequent months in preparation for the new movie when it comes out. (I never see movies in the theater, so it may be a while before I’ll see it. I may have to make an exception for this, though….)

Now, don’t get me wrong by this next comment and remember that I enjoy all the Harry Potter books and the movies and all that. But in rereading the series (which I also did before Deathly Hallows came out), what really stands out is how Harry Potter (the child) is actually kind of an annoying brat. Does anyone else think that, or am I the lone critic?

Currently Reading and Library Loot

Anyway, I’m back to reading my other books. They are not going very quickly, which may be why I felt the urge for some quick reading, but I’m making progress.

I’ve just finished Julius Caesar (I’m reading some commentary and listening to the audio as well before I write my review) and I have about five pages left in the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Treasury, which I’m reading aloud to my son. Those reviews should come soon. I’ll also announce a winner for my contest in the coming week. I’m also listening to 1984 when I drive in the car; I may finish in the coming week, depending on how much I drive.

Funny thing: I just read one of the commentaries for Shakespeare’s play and Julius Caesar is compared to Orwell’s Big Brother. It was a bit weird to see two of my current books crossing paths. Does that ever happen to you?

In the coming week, I hope to finish another 100 pages or so of Galsworthy (to finish the first book of the trilogy), as well as finish reading the introductions to Arabian Nights. When I finish those two goals, I’m going to put some time toward Clash of Civilizations: it is a book that deserves concentration.

My Books

  • The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy (220 read of 900 pages; fiction)
  • Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (via Dailyreader.net, about 38% finished, estimated finish date of August 18)
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling (200 read of 750 pages; children’s fiction) currently on hold

Library Loot

  • 1984 by George Orwell (audiobook, on disc 5 of 9 discs, equal to 360 pages; fiction).
  • The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order by Samuel P. Huntington (100 read of 340 pages; nonfiction).
  • The Arabian Nights translated by Husain Haddawy (in the middle of introductions, out of 425 pages; fiction).
  • Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (audiobook, 2 hours; drama). I’d like to listen to it as well.
  • Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (235 pages; fiction). I returned the audiobook, which didn’t work for me, but I’m again entertaining the idea of reading it.
  • Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts (audiobook, about 6 hours; nonfiction). My next audiobook to listen to.