I'm a Bit Less of a Stranger

As I mentioned in my previous post, "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" by Bill Bryson is a collection of columns he has written for a British newspaper. The subject of said columns is to relate Bryson's experience of moving back to America after 20 years in England, during which he married and had 4 children. The book is filled with hilarious anecdotes and witty insights into parts of America that many natives either take for granted or choose to ignore. So far I have found the book to be wholly entertaining, and a very fun read. Bryson goes through these witty observations with columns interspersed full of heart-felt emotion. Although, to my minor disappointment, some topics are beginning to be repeated, though they are always talked about from different perspectives and with different styles. My favorite topic covered in the book so far is when Bryson recounts things he remembers from his childhood in America, and how much things have changed since them. Some of these things include drive-in movie theaters, interstate turnoff attractions ("Visit World-Famous Atmic Rock - It Really Glows" (135)), and small family-owned motels. In each of these topics Bryson has a great hankering to rekindle his childhood nostalgia, only to be greatly disappointed by them, and realize just why they went out of fashion. So far, I believe my favorite article is one titled "Your Tax Form Explained" that parodies American tax forms, featuring quotes such as "failure to do so may result in a fine of $1,500,000 and seizure of a child" (172).

In my opinion, the most powerful article Bryson wrote was one about his first son going off to college. He starts the column with an anecdote about playing baseball with his son in the yard and experiencing the epitome of the American father-son relationship. He then goes on to the experience of his son leaving for college, and the void he left behind. Bryson begins to wrap it up by saying, "For the past week I have found myself spending a lot of time wandering aimlessly though the house looking at the oddest thing--a basketball, his running trophies, an old holiday snapshot--and thinking about all the carelessly discarded yesterdays they represent" (132). Bryson spends a lot of time thought out the book reminiscing of days past, and wishing they would have lasted longer. He took the constant presence of his son for granted, even if he was always out of his house. Things like a stray sock, a pair of sneakers, or a dirty shirt served as a constant reminder of his son and has inhabitance of the house. When he went off for college he took all these things with him, leaving behind him regret for days past.

On a lighter note, the rest of the book is very funny and entertaining, and I can't wait to read it!

I'm a Stranger Here Myself

After finishing up Fellowship of the Ring, I have begun to read I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away, by Bill Bryson. Bill Bryson also wrote A Walk in the Woods, which is in the works of becoming a movie, and has been read by myself previously. Bryson's writing style is full of smart, witty, and quite relate-able observations. I really enjoy his sense of humor, and find his writing to be incredibly funny. As for the book, it is a collection of columns he has written for a British newspaper, where Bryson had lived for 20 years, about his many observations while living in America. After returning to his home, America, he has found everything he previously took for granted to be rather bewildering, and comical. One of my favorite things about this book is the way it is organized. Each story is no more than 4 or 5 pages long, making it very easy to read, and more entertaining overall. While reading A Walk in the Woods, one thing I did find myself doing was growing bored with the book as it drew on. I expect this to be a rather quick, easy read, and am looking forward to it greatly!

Wrapping Up #1 (Finally)

I have finally finished up my first book, Fellowship of the Ring of the Lord of the Rings series, and am glad to say I truly enjoyed reading the whole thing and look forward to reading the remainder of the series in the future. The ending set up the remainder of the series well, although it did so by ending on a bit of a cliff hanger, which I found to be less than satisfying.

I also really enjoyed Tolkien's writing style, particularly the progression and pattern present in the book. His cheery style of writing is well contrasted by his ability to paint very grim pictures. I've noticed that he has used this contrast in writing styles to portray a pattern of adventure. The hobbits will start off somewhere they like, a place filled with feasting and dancing, a "good" place. From there they will set out to their next "good" location, and in between will encounter a "bad" place, a place full of evil and darkness. As the party approaches their "good" place, the setting will become more and more "bad", until it looks like there is no way they will make it. When they inevitably do it makes the satisfaction of a completed journey even more great. This is all aided by Tolkien's amazing ability to portray fantastic scenery and images. This series of ups and down add so much enjoyment to the reading. When the company reached a safe haven among a sea of evil, you feel genuinely happy for them and glad that they made it to live for another leg of the journey. When they are surrounded by evil, with almost no foreseeable means of escape, you can feel yourself growing more attached to the characters than ever. Tolkien uses this style of writing to drag you along one of the most enjoyable adventures he could have.

While reading, I came across a quote I liked, which also relates to the interesting cyclical nature of the book. The company's resident elf, Legolas, says "For such is the way of it: to find and to lose... But I count you bless Gimli so of Gloin: for your loss you suffer was of your own free will." Gimli the dwarf is terribly distraught at having to leave the stunningly beautiful forest of a nearly lost group of elves, but Legolas reminds him that it would have been far worse if he were forced to leave, and the decision not of his own free will. This is a theme that runs through most of the book: that an optional challenge is the most rewarding. None of the members of Frodo's company are obligated to go any certain distance with the hobbit, yet they all stay with him up until the final leg, where the book ends. Overall, I was very pleased with the book, and cannot wait until I eventually read the remainder of the series.

Midway #1

Hello again! Today I am bringing you my first "midway through a book" post. I've gotten about midway through the book (The Fellowship of the Ring) and am really enjoying it! Frodo and his gang of hobbits have already gotten into several conundrums, and the book is just starting to pick up. The general plot of the story is that Frodo the Hobbit has inherited a special ring from his uncle Bilbo. This ring is found to be evil, and must be taken far from Frodo's home of the Shire. On this journey he is pursued by dark, evil creatures, who wish to take the ring from Frodo and give it to their master, Sauron, the Dark Lord, who is beginning to rise in power again, and requires the One ring to fulfill ultimate power. Frodo has been given a major role in preventing this from happening, or so it is suspected. So far my favorite part of the book has been the companions' stop at the house of Tom Bombadil. The whole time the Hobbits are there you are expecting him to turn on them and be evil, but instead he is extremely helpful and kind. He provides the Hobbits with shelter, food, and even manages to save their lives from evil creatures more than once. Tom is also a very interesting character as he seems to be as old as the earth itself, and knows the secrets of even the most mysterious happenings. He is a character I would like to see return, but would be very surprised if he did. When Goldberry, Tom's wife, is asked just who Tom is, she replies simply, "He is." Tom Bombadil is a physical manifestation of the country side, existing before even the oldest creatures. His wife Goldberry is a representation of the seasons, ever changing. It seems Frodo's journey is about to really kick off. It seems Gandalf has sent word to Frodo of his whereabouts, and will be making an appearance wither shortly or not for a while. I'm in a spot currently where I just can't wait to get back to it. Look for my next post in the next few days.

Welcome!

Hello, my name is Will, and welcome to my blog. Over the course of the next 5ish weeks I will be reading 5 books and blogging about them: an introductory blog, midway review, and an end-of-book review. Today, as this is my first entry, I will be doing an introduction to my first book: The Fellowship of the Ring. This is the first book in the Lord of the Rings series, written by J.R.R. Tolkien. This book was published in 1954 , and eventually made into a movie in ... Having begun to read the book in the past I know a bit about the beginning, and have an idea of what happens in the rest of it. Frodo the hobbit sets out on a quest with several friends and relatives, most notably Gandalf the wizard, with no real purpose other than to take his mysterious ring he had inherited from his uncle Bilbo away from the Shire. I read and greatly enjoyed The Hobbit, so I look forward to reading this, which I have heard from one person is better. I'm already a ways in and enjoying what I've read so far. I can't wait to read the whole thing!