1984

I've ticked the first book off my Reading Resolutions.  1984.   It was pretty much what I expected.  Bleak.  Depressing.  Beautiful.  Orwellian.  (No kidding)  It was very much like Farenheit 451 and Slaughterhouse 5 and The Trial (although I liked those two, and 1984, while I hated the Trial).  Obviously these books are not similar in plot.  But in terms of dark and relentnessness they all had it.  I'm glad I read it though, it's such an essential book, such a major part of our culture.

I enjoyed looking through some of the past covers this book has had.

I also found this blog http://www.holster.co.uk/blog/the-look-of-1984 who shows some more.  Interesting the similarities, and differences over the years.

Next on my Reading Resolutions list?  Not sure.  I'm thinking another classic, so most likely Persuasion or Great Gatsby.  I need to make sure I read it by end of March to be on track for 8 in a year.  But right now I am reading the new Ingo book by Helen Dunmore "Stormswept", and my next book group read is "A Thousand Splendid Suns" so I have plenty to keep me busy.  Also the film version of "Hunger Games" is released very soon (there's a series that owes a lot to 1984) and I would like to reread before I see it.  And of course if I reread one I needs must reread the others.

Last of all an apology for letting a whole month pass without updating.  (Though really I'm not sure anyone reads this so I'm sure you don't mind).  I'll try to make my next post sooner.