An amazing talent… for annoyance

Bellwether
by Connie Willis

Connie Willis’s novels have been recommended to me many times over the years by a variety of sources—though never this particular novel. As an introduction, it was a limited success. I only found Bellwether to be so-so, but it certainly wouldn’t discourage me from reading more of her work in the future.

Bellwether is a short satirical novel, set in the world of science for profit. It’s the story of how a social scientist researching fads and trends meets a colleague studying chaos theory and information diffusion, and how they team up to survive their corporate management and the “help” of a surly office assistant. Along the way, Willis takes pot shots at parenting, cuisine, fashion, lifestyle, and other trends, and those who adhere to them.

Honestly, on paper, this looks it should be a home run for me. I’m a big fan of satirical novels, but I’ve seen similar takes on office culture done better. (Max Barry’s Company is highly recommended!) Another issue is the fact that I listened to Bellwether as an unabridged audiobook. Reader Kate Reading (yeah, that’s her name) did a fine job with most of the narration, but for the annoying office assistant, Flip, she did a really annoying Valley Girlish voice. It got old fast. Not only that, she used the same voice for all of the many other annoying characters the protagonist encounters. It was a legitimate choice, implying a sameness to the hostile, ignorant, lazy characters in the book, but again, it was tedious. I find stories about really annoying people tend to get on my nerves. Maybe it’s me?

I did think the information on the science and history of fads was quite interesting, but there was simply too much of it. And there were some laughs along the way to the novel’s clever ending, but they didn’t fully compensate for the negative aspects of the book—for me. I will read Willis again, because she is clearly a talented writer. But next time I’ll stick to a recommended title. I think I could become a fan; this just wasn’t the right starting place.

Mailbox Monday: The "Out like a lamb?" edition

Okay, this is week two of the Audible.com $5 audiobook sale.  I'm done for a while after this!

Bellwether
by Connie Willis
Release date:  3/1/1996
Source:  Audible.com $5 book sale

I've been meaning to read something by Willis for ages.  This sounds like a light, easy toe in the water. 

The Rebel Angels (Cornish Trilogy, #1)
by Robertson Davies
Release date:  1981
Source:  Audible.com $5 book sale

Can enough ever be said about Robertson Davies?  No it can not.  God, he was wonderful!  He's never been nearly well-known enough in this country.  If you haven't read him, start with Fifth Business in The Depford Trilogy as I did and move on from there.  You'll thank me.

Hard Rain
by Barry Eisler
Release date:  7/10/2003
Source:  Audible.com $5 book sale

Yes, I own them all in hardback, but I'm never going to catch up on dishy Barry Eisler's backlist if I don't get a move on it.  I REALLY liked the first John Rain book. 

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
by Winifred Watson
Release date:  1938
Source:  Audible.com $5 book sale

A few years ago, Jon took me to a movie that I'd never even heard of.  He said, "You'll like this."  That's good enough for me.  I didn't like it, I loved the film of this novel.  I've always wanted to read the original.

Native Tongue
by Carl Hiaasen
Release date:  8/27/1991
Source:  Audible.com $5 book sale

I have a signed hardback of this early Hiaasen on my shelf, but I've never read it.  It sounds hysterical.  As you can see, random audiobook sales sometimes help me finally get around to reading a book I've had for ages.  Who doesn't love a good Hiaasen?

The Ninth Wife
by Amy Stolls
Release date:  5/10/2011
Source:  Paper galley via the Amazon Vine program

I like the premise of this novel, and the fact that the protagonist lives in my hometown, Washington, DC.  Sometimes that's all it takes to make me choose a book.

The Upright Piano Player
by David Abbott
Release date: 6/7/2011
Source:  Paper galley from the publisher

This debut novel is a completely unknown commodity, but at the delightful length of 240 pages, I will certainly consider reading it.  It appears to be a novel of suspense.

Kraken : The Curious, Exciting, and Slightly Disturbing Science of Squid
by Wendy Williams
Release date:  3/1/2011
Source:  Electronic galley from publisher

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a love/hate relationship with the squid.

Dominance
by Will Lavender
Release date:  July 5, 2011
Source: Paper galley from publisher

This is Lavender's second novel, and despite rave reviews and a really interesting premise, his debut, Obedience, was off my radar a few years ago.  I don't ever recall hearing his name.  This galley looks FANTASTIC!  I will defiinitely read when I can find the time.  What a pleasant surprise.



Books finished this week: 

The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht - Completely wonderful!

Spiral by Paul McEuen - An awesome debut thriller!

I have a lot of reviews that I need to write up.  Expect to see several this week.

Currently reading:

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson - I can't say enough good things about this classic from 1938.  It's amazing how humor can remain fresh.  Highly recommended for fans of Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster novels. 

I'll be finished with this one tonight, and plan to jump into The Tragedy of Arthur and/or The Informationist and/or a new shiny book that catches my eye.  You know how it is.

I have so thoroughly enjoyed hearing about your books. What books have you acquired this week?  What are you reading?  Please share in the comments!