Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Just finished Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. In reading this I found that the pop culture versions of Frankenstein vary a great deal from Shelley's story. When I think of Frankenstein's monster I think of a mindless beast while in the story the monster shows great eloquence. Also the monster has much more agility than a human whereas we more often see him slowly plodding along. Also, in the book there is no mention of Dr. Frankenstein's assistant, Igor.

Lets see. What's next? Time to go to the trusty Random.org. It appears the next choice will be Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence.

Coming Up For Air by George Orwell

Finished Coming Up for Air by George Orwell. This book was not what I'd expected taken into account the two books of Orwell that I'm familiar with, Animal Farm and 1984. This book focused on a middle-aged, middle-class man who lives in the suburbs. I guess you could say that George Bowling is going through a mid-life crisis. He senses that World War II is about to begin and it gives him pause because he was wounded in World War I. He wants to get away from life to not have to worry about the impending war, his nagging wife, etc., etc, so he decides to take a trip to his childhood home after being gone 20 years. Does he find out that you can't go home again or (I hate that I'm stealing this tagline from the atrocious movie "Sweet Home Alabama") Sometimes what you're looking for is right where you left it?

Next is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I think I shall devote at least the next several selections to my library of e-books. I think I have about forty that I got free from Barnes & Noble.

50!!!!!!!!!

Just finished Vanity Fair by Thomas Makepeace Thackeray. I enjoyed this book more than I expected I would. I especially enjoyed the style of narration as the narrator presented the story as if he was describing a stage play. The story is a work of satire on the English nobility. It revolves around two women, the simple Amelia and the (kindest word I can use) parasitic Rebecca. Both women marriages cause there husbands to be renounced from their families. Most of the characters in this story are not honorable, however there is Major William Dobbin who is the very model of honor and loyalty. A few of my favorite passages from the story:

"He (George Osborne) was seen lighting his cigar with one (Amelia's love letter), to the horror of Captain Dobbin, who, it is my belief, would have given a bank-note for the document."

"It is those who injure women who get the most kindness from them--they are born timid and tyrants, and maltreat those who are humblest before them"

Isn't that the truth.

Dobbin is woefully mistreated by Amelia while Amelia is captivated by the reprobate George Osborne. By any meaningful criteria Osborne should not be able to even stand in the presence of Dobbin and yet Amelia so easily and completely disregards Dobbin. That is as true today as ever. How many times have we all seen women even women who could not be described as simple choose hollow style over substance?

Next on the docket is Coming Up For Air by George Orwell.