Friday, April 3, 2009

Abigail on the Classics

I am in no mood to discuss anything with anyone.

I've a fever and a headache and Esperanza is hovering over me, suffocating me with worry and tortilla chicken soup.

Lauren knows better than to treat me like a child, Ryan is plain afraid of me and my germs, and Clarissa is simply too elated not to have to discuss As I Lay Dying with me. Oh, the irony in that. As I Lay Dying.

It's obvious to me Clarissa didn't like the book. I never expected her to like it. It isn't a story to be liked. It's the writing that is likeable, for pity's sake. You don't have to like Hannibal Lecter to appreciate the intricacies of his character.

I really don't have the energy or initiative to expound on any of this. I just want a hot cup of tea, Sonnets From the Portuguese, and solitude.

It's not like I wish the girls weren't here in the house with me. I didn't say I wanted silence. I can hear them getting ready for class and dates and work, and I don't mind the sounds that I hear.

I just want to be alone as I listen.

Leave me.

4 comments:

Kelly said...

I am reading The Shape of Mercy right now. I got it from the library yesterday and have been reading it last night and this morning. I am halfway through and do not want to put it down but I need to get ready for church right now. I just wanted to say how much I am loving this story and I can't wait to get back to it in a few hours! It is one of the best fiction books I have read in a long time!
PS I also read Blue Heart Blessed last year and loved it too.

Anonymous said...

I am having so much fun reading these posts and seeing what the characters have been up to. As I said yesterday I really love this idea and this way of keeping the story alive. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to have this blog up and running - it's truly a special and wonderful thing!

Leah

Susan Meissner said...

Kelly: Abigail says she is glad you are a patron of your local library. Thanks for your nice comments. Writing a nonputdownable book is my goal!

Red: Thanks for the kudos. Much appreciated!

Martha A. said...

I know the feeling of giving a book to someone you really liked, not because the story was so wonderful, but because of the writing and then they don't get it!! It is hard! Is E. going to share the chicken tortilla soup recipe too?