I seem to be in a genre reading zone right now. I do this: get interested in a certain type of story, and have to read any books I can find on the same theme. I will discover an author who writes thrillers, or crime stories, or historical tomes, and the next thing, I have to read anything I can get my hands on relating to that subject.
So, in light of that, I'm still stuck on the immortal thing. I'm starting to think my fascination is because I'm getting older and NOT immortal. Still, I have been totally absorbed into a whole branch of literature--previously unread by me--that has to do with immortality. I think this all started when I read Twilight last Fall, and so far, the addiction hasn't abated. Ah well, I'm having a good time reading stuff I'm not familiar with (though after many weeks of immortals, I'm becoming very familiar with this genre..!!).
Alexander McCall Smith
Tea Time for the Traditionally Built
Now, having said the above, I will drop anything and everything to read the latest book in The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Mma Ramotswe is again solving cases, as only she can: with wisdom, love and a belief in the goodness of the human spirit. I so love these books.
Two sidebars here:
I was working at the Cramond Kirk Jumble Sale last month having a great time, as always. There was a woman working with me who had to leave a bit early because she was on her way to the National Library in Edinburgh to meet with "Sandy" McCall for a luncheon and book reading on his new book (Tea Time...). I'm pretty sure I turned deep green with envy. Not only because she called him Sandy (Scottish derivative for Alexander, implying a very first name basis acquaintance), but because she was going to this event in the first place...!! I flat out told her I was soooo jealous and half hoped (as one of his best and devoted fans) that she would invite me along with her. Sadly, no such luck. Still, I talked to someone who knows him and that's probably as close as I'll ever get to this most brilliant author.
The other sidebar is the new BBC television show, based on the books, which is now showing on Sunday nights. It is, without doubt, one of the best adaptations of print to film. It's filmed in Botswana (where all the books are based), with local actors, scenery and atmosphere. It's one of those serendipitous moments for a reader when a book truly comes to life. The producers/director have dramatized the stories exactly, making this an absolutely wonderful TV series. Alan and I drop everything at 9:00pm every Sunday to watch. I told Alan after last Sunday's show, that he could realistically say he's read the books, the series is so accurately portrayed.
J.R. Ward
Black Dagger Brotherhood series
These six books involve the members of a secret group, the Black Dagger Brotherhood, who (what else) are immortals fighting against all the nefarious bad guys, protecting us lowly and clueless humans. Each book covers the history and current life of a brother. There's lots of adventure, angst, the bonding of warrior brothers and some good scary stuff in these stories. I love the writing style and incredible imagination of this author.
Gena Showalter
Lords of the Underworld series
So far there are three books in this series, with more to come. The theme in Showalter's take on immortals comes from Greek mythology, with a large dollop of imagination thrown in for good measure. The basic premise here is that a band of men, working in Olympus for the gods, opens Pandora's box, releasing all the badness into the world. For punishment, these guys are banished to Earth and forced to endure their crimes for eternity, while helping out humanity whenever they can. One suffers constant pain, one gets murdered every night to be resurrected each morning, one is Death and has to ferry people to either Heaven or Hell, one can't touch anyone or anything because he is Disease, etc. It's a good series as you come to understand the torment each guy suffers, and their regret over their actions through the millenia. I particularly enjoy these stories because of the mythological background.
So. There are my books for March. It was a very interesting bunch of stories, and once again, I don't know what I would do if I didn't read. The only thing worth watching on the telly is The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, so I thank my lucky stars I have books.
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