Welcome to another edition of Mailbox Monday where I regale you with the books I received during the previous week.
The past few weeks have been slow, but the brief respite has allowed me some time to get caught up on a few titles collecting dust on the TBR shelf. Things are beginning to look up, though.
Algernon, Charlie, and I: A Writer’s Journey by Daniel Keyes
In Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes created an unlikely duo-a laboratory mouse and a man-who captured the hearts of millions of readers around the world. Now, in Algernon, Charlie, and I, Keyes reveals his methods of creating fiction as well as the heartbreaks and joys of being published. With admirable insight he shares with readers, writers, teachers, and students the creative life behind his classic novel, included here in its original short-story form.
I opted for this title specifically because it will serve two purposes: 1) it will allow me to read the original story of Flowers for Algernon for the re-reading challenge; and 2) it will allow me to see the process which allowed such a story to come into being.
Now I just need to steel myself for the reading (of Flowers for Algernon). The first time was emotional enough…
# Amber wrote on February 2, 2009 at 2:51 pm:
What an interesting idea for a book. I wonder how long it took him to write it.
# Ann-Kat wrote on February 2, 2009 at 2:56 pm:
Hi Amber, thanks for stopping by and commenting. If the answer to your question is in the book, I’ll definitely include it in the review.
It’s near the top of my TBR pile, so it shouldn’t be too long.
# Brie wrote on February 2, 2009 at 3:30 pm:
I loved Flowers for Algernon, and I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts on this book. It is a really cool concept, I hope it translates well.
I see that you just finished reading Island of the Blue Dolphins. I was looking at this one a couple of days ago, but wasn’t sure about getting it. Did you like the story?
# Ann-Kat wrote on February 2, 2009 at 4:17 pm:
Definitely, Brie.
It seems I’ve been on a roll reading bittersweet stories lately (just finished The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), but I believe Island of the Blue Dolphins was definitely worth it.
The language in some places can be a little dry, but overall, well-written and poignant. If it’s your first read through, you may even be pricked by a tear or two.
Just to clarify, though, it’s not overly emotional. You would think it is (some heavy stuff happens), but somehow, the re-telling from the protagonist’s viewpoint seems slightly emotionally removed.
# Belle @ MsBookish wrote on February 2, 2009 at 9:13 pm:
This one looks really good – I love the idea of following the author’s process, and I loved Flowers for Algernon!
# Anastasia wrote on February 2, 2009 at 11:38 pm:
I’ve never read Flowers for Algernon, but I do love books about how an author comes up with a story (or how they write stories).
I’ll be looking forward to reading your review!
# Wendi wrote on February 3, 2009 at 1:22 am:
Sounds like a very interesting book!
Here’s my Mailbox! ~ Wendi
# Marcia wrote on February 5, 2009 at 6:21 pm:
Thank you for stopping by the ‘mailbox’ this week. Enjoy your book!