two entirely different kinds of books

[snugglekitty]

Earlier this week, I finished Crossroads: and other tales of Valdemar, edited by Mercedes Lackey. Even though I enjoyed it, I have to say that I feel these books are going downhill. They're getting fluffier and fluffier, which is... problematic. I liked Larry Dixon's story "Transmutation," although it had some problems, "All the Ages of Man" by Tanya Huff was light and funny, and "Song for Two Voices" by Janni Lee Simner was probably the best of the bunch. It was a sympathetic and serious look at life among the Holderkin, and did expand my understanding of Valdemar. In general the book was poorly edited - there were many typos - and the quality of the stories wasn't great. Two stars.

Yesterday, I finished Erica Jong's new book, Seducing the Demon: Writing for my Life,, which is a memoir. I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. It was rambling, certainly, and a lot of it was gossip about other writers and celebrities. But she writes honestly about writing, about AA, sex, motherhood, and her marriages, and I found it refreshing and funny. Four stars, and it made me want to read more of her books - in the past, I'd only read Fear of Flying.

Comments

[anotherjen.livejournal.com]

Ooo, read Jong's Fanny. One of my favorite novels. So dirty and fun.

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

Yes, I thought I would, since I actually liked Fanny Hill okay, and it totally deserves a woman's retelling. :)

[opn.livejournal.com]

Did you just pick up Jong's book this week? I *just* returned it last week or earlier this week! I didn't get a chance to read it, so I put it back on my list. :)

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

I picked it up at the end of last week. Thursday, or maybe Friday. I couldn't positively swear to which. :)