Random weekend update

[noahgibbs]

We had a busy weekend. Among other things, there was gym rock-climbing with two other families with kids (it works better than you'd think). So I got some exercise, and I have nicely sore forearms today.

There was Peter Beagle's birthday party in Golden Gate park. This is the second time I've met him -- he's a sweet old guy, and has really lovely stories to tell. I feel awkward and like I have very little in common with him, given where we are in life (he's 70, and spends most of his time as an author and musician). He seemed to handle that with very good grace :-) Got some books signed, got a picture of him with Shanna, had some fun conversations with various people.

I've been reading a bit lately. So far "Johnathan Strange and Mister Norrell" is a lovely book, and I suspect most of you wouldn't like it nearly as much as I do :-) It introduces a cranky, crotchety, idiosyncratic character with a cranky, crotchety, idiosyncratic writing style, and it's pretty verbose. The individual chapters go quickly, but it's a thick book and it's hard to tell what the plot is going to be yet... Still, I'm enjoying it quite a bit.

[In case you don't recognize the name above -- Peter Beagle is the author of The Last Unicorn. He's written other stuff, but that's the famous one]

Comments

[japlady.livejournal.com]

I got about 1/2 way than got stuck... probably because there didn't seem to be much of a story line

[mithramuse.livejournal.com]

I'm not convinced there's a whole lot of plot to Strange & Norrell, but I did enjoy the book. Kept me going on a trans-Pacific plane ride, and then some, which was also a nice feature in a book. ;)

Must say, though, it doesn't hold a candle to The Last Unicorn. It's awesome that you've met Peter Beagle, that's verra verra cool. Though just to say, I'm sure he's a bit used to being approached by people younger than him by now ;) so hopefully he does handle it with good grace, yes....

[queen-elvis.livejournal.com]

Actually, Jon's mom bought him "Jonathan Strange" just because he's a Jonathan too, and I quite liked it despite its length. Though I agree that Peter Beagle books are better. :}

[vvvexation.livejournal.com]

Loved the style and atmosphere of JS&MN, just found the story unsatisfying.

[rbus.livejournal.com]

who the hell would like a cranky, crotchety, idiosyncratic character with a cranky, crotchety, idiosyncratic writing style anyways?

[angelbob.livejournal.com]

*grin*

Judging by the comments here, many people. But some of them would only like him if he's got a good plot :-P