Wednesday, November 14, 2012

the dog stars


So I read The Dog Stars, which I mentioned in my last post.
 It kept me up all night. 


Let me get this out of the way: it is a post-pandemic/apocalyptic novel. 

 It is also beautifully written, with a poet's sensitivity to language and way of seeing things in a new perspective. It is dark and violent, but also filled with great love and beauty. Reverence for nature. Finely drawn characters. A wonderful dog--if you like dogs you will fall in love with Jasper. It will make you worry about climate change, but doesn't use that phrase. It doesn't lecture, it reveals. The prose is delicate for such hard stuff, and slightly unconventional.


 It is Peter Heller's first novel, but he has published three non-fiction outdoor adventure books, about surfing; an eco-pirate ship hunting down a Japanese whaler; and a kayaking expedition in Tibet. He also studied poetry in graduate school, and those experiences can be felt in The Dog Stars.


I feel fortunate to have read two books in a row that I feel so strongly about. And isn't it a little bit interesting that both have Stars in the title?

Jen

pictures taken by me in Hudson New York, Andes New York, and Wellesley Massachusetts.

11 comments:

  1. I wouldn't have thought that was my type of book, but per your glowing comments, I will take a look at it the next time I am home.

    For fun, I checked my books for "star" in the title, but couldn't locate any. Your pictures here are wonderful as always.
    --Road to Parnassus

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    1. I'm pretty sure I've never read a book that could be called post-apocalyptic, and I almost think it's not fair to use that phrase with this one. It's both end of the world and beginning of the world.

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  2. Sounds wonderful! will check it out.

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    1. Let me know what you think, if you do read it.

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  3. Hello Jen:
    The content of the book, as you describe, would not usually be our preferred choice, but you certainly make a compelling case for reading it. We shall 'give it a go' and hope for more emphasis on optimism rather than despair.

    We are away shortly and may be 'off air' for a while. However, as we gaze up at the Venetian stars we shall think of you. We shall catch up on our return!!

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    1. I have no idea whether to recommend it to you or not. Books are so personal to the reader--we both love Forster's novels, but that doesn't mean you would enjoy this. But maybe you would.

      Venetian stars--what a beautiful phrase. Have a glorious visit.

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  4. Hi Jen, I seem to have got out of my reading habit at the moment.My latest book is set around Yorkshire and mentions areas near where I live, but its a detective story and I am struggling to keep up to speed. My concentration seems a bit lacking!

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    1. I like detective stories, Anne. Let me know if you get into it. Yorkshire is a great setting. (Which of course I only know through reading.)

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  5. Sometimes the dog keeps me up all night, and you know who I mean. Post-apocalyptic...wouldn't of have associated that with you so maybe its worth a look. First I have to get throught the stack by the bed which may be after the apocalypse :)

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  6. sounds great. I'll try to remember the title. not that I don't have enough books to read right now :)

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  7. Hi Jen, you seem to have had such nice reading night with books titiled Stars. I'd like to read Dog Star, because I like dogs and am interested in the adventure.

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