For the past month, my whole attention and energy seems to be absorbed by two intertwined projects, publishing a book of short stories, and setting up a new business. At the moment, there’s a bit of a lull in both, as I wait for key elements to arrive in the mail from various sources. That has given me a chance to catch up on my reading!
I finally laid to rest Caleb Carr’s The Alienist (paid link) (check your local bookstore for these and the other titles). I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time. I finally picked up a used copy while passing through Juneau on my way to Gustavus at the end of August. I had a few odd moments to start it there. It has a reputation of being a real thriller, but I had no trouble putting it down—what with the sailing trip, getting the book to the printer, moose hunting, fishing, and everything else, my trouble was picking it back up again. Much of its popularity apparently comes from its loving descriptions of 19th century New York City. If you’re really into New York, you’d love it. I’m not, so I didn’t. I liked the story all right, but I was glad to get past it to better reads. Continue reading