Clarling Around Mad Town

Obviously, or, as Tracy would say, “ovi”, many people are surfing to this blog with one question in mind: What are the best books Karl has read recently? So, with that in mind, I’m going to post a list of the best books I’ve read over the last several months, in no particular order. Admittedly, I’m a little late to the party with some of these titles, but maybe you missed them. Here goes:
1. Life of Pi. Came out in 2001 or something, but I just read it and loved it. I’ve heard mixed reviews of this book, but I think of it as one of my favorites.
2. The Kite Runner. Also an older title, but I just read it so back off. I loved it also. Can’t miss with this one.
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the Girl Who Played With Fire. The first two in a trilogy, haven’t read the third yet. I know these books are all the rage right now, and a movie has come out for the first one, but to me they lived up to the hype. I couldn’t put either book down, they’re both real grippers.
4. The Stalin Epigram. This is a fantastic novel, and the strangest thing is that it’s based on a real event. It’s about a poet in Russia during Stalin’s reign who wrote a poem that offended Stalin and then suffered the consequences. Excellent read.
5. Outliers. A Malcolm Gladwell joint. Non-fiction, superb.
6. Shutter Island. Another one that can be read in a matter of hours—very good story with a great twist. If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll probably want to skip the book.
7. Enders Game. I recently re-read this, and just like the first time I read it, maybe 10 or more years ago, I couldn’t put it down and really liked it. For me, a rare but enjoyable dip into science fiction.
There have also been some recent duds. Some of these garnered a lot of positive attention, but my advice is to leave them alone.
1. Inside of a dog. Those that know me know that I am a dog guy, I love my dog, so this book seemed like a natural for me. It starts out well and may end well, I don’t know because I put it down about halfway through.
2. Little Bee. Got a lot of attention, but I really didn’t care for it too much. I really only got it because my dog’s nickname is Bee, and obviously that’s not a great way to choose a book.
3. How I Became a Famous Novelist. Almost good, but I just couldn’t bring myself to finish it.
4. Await Your Reply. I’m actually on the fence on this one. On the one hand, I couldn’t put it down and I have to admit I was thinking about it for a long time. But on the other hand, I really didn’t like the ending. Too many loose ends; all loose ends in fact. That was the point, I’m sure, but unsatisfying to me. A really good read, a really bad ending.


I am always looking for book recommendations, so, if you have a minute, jot down a few in the comments section or email me. Also, if you have a kindle, Claire-belle discovered a way to share books between kindles for free, so get in touch and lets share some books. I’ve done it a few times and it’s great.

Also, today is Cinco de Mayo, which I celebrate with margaritas like everyone else (in this case with Claire-belle and my family). For the sake of understanding why we’re going out, I thought I should read up on the classic celebration and found to my dismay that the party is not about Mexico’s Independence Day, as I was led to believe, but instead it’s merely a celebration of the defeat of the French army at a city called Puebla, in Mexico, in 1862 (on May 5th for those of you not paying attention).

Really? A celebration for defeating the French? Go to Google and enter “French Military Victories” and then hit “I’m feeling lucky.” It will say “Did you mean: french military defeats .” Or, here are a few jokes for you:

Q: How do you confuse a French Soldier?
A: Give him a rifle and ask him to shoot it.

How about:
Q: What do you call a French man killed defending his country?
A: I don't know, it’s never happened!

Or:
Q: What’s the new French flag look like?
A: A white cross emblazoned on a white background!

Also, according to my high school Spanish, which is 15% accurate, “Pueblo” means “town.” (I know the real town is called “puebla,” but I assume the meaning is similar). Is there seriously a Mexican city called “town”? “Hi, I live in Town, Pennsylvania, but I moved to City, Utah when I was 10, and after that I moved to County, Missouri.”

I shouldn’t complain: I like margaritas; this is a good time of year to celebrate, and today in particular is sunny and gorgeous. With apologies to the French people reading this, whom I love, here are some more French army jokes in observance of the 5th of May:

Q: Why did the Post Office have to recall its series of stamps depicting famous Frenchmen?
A: People were confused about which side to spit on.

(That last one was harsh—probably Claire’s doing) I apologize profusely.

Q: How many Frenchmen does it take to defend Paris?
A: Nobody knows. It’s never been tried.

Q. Why don't they have fireworks at Euro Disney?
A. Because every time they shoot them off, the French try to surrender.


*Editors note: This post has been incredibly unfair to the French. I wish to visit your country someday, so please understand I am being sarcastic, and truly mean no offense. You have fat American jokes, after all. And it’s not like you’d attack me anyway. So indulge me a couple more:

Q. What's the difference between Frenchmen and toast?
A. You can make soldiers out of toast.

Q. What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up?
A. The Army.

Je demande pardon, je suis un chien lunatique.