I scrambled to pack for this weird trip to Basel. I am accompanying my father for a cancer treatment, watching him, nursing him, etc. What a time to read, right?
I struggled to bring books that were both absorbing and light, in both senses. I ended up with:
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
Honored Guest by Joy Williams
The Skating Rink by Robert Bolano
Twin Time or How Death Befell Me by Veronica Gonzalez
Conjunctions 59: Colloquy (much less depressing than Conjunctions 60: In Absentia)
So far The Bloody Chamber was an, um, unfortunate choice. Angela Carter's psychosexual fairy tales might be great for a rainy night with a lover or enemy, but they are not so great for long nights spent in bed with your ailing Dad. Honored Guest is better so far, projecting a sense of strangeness, unease and hope that better suits my circumstances.
As for comics, the Cartoonmuseum Basel is closed for the time I am here. Boo. Anyone have tips for comics satisfaction in this town?
3 comments:
Ohhhh! Even though the reason you're there is rough and sad, it's exciting to visit an unexpected place. As for your books...well, I don't know that Bolano has ever been described as light, and I suspect neither has any of those other titles.
But in the face of something ultra-heavy like one of those books, maybe the details of your trip will seem easier.
Wishing you all the best, ladyfriend.
Yeah, I know! I am not sure how I ended up with these choices! I didn't do a ton of preparation and I guess this is what I had on hand.
Thanks for your well wishes!
Hoping you and your dad are both doing well.
Hoping you find some books that are distracting and enjoyable!
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