The changing face of books

I've managed to "read" a few books over the Christmas break. Well, I'm not sure if it the right way to say it. Do you read a CD or is it listen to a book?. Perhaps it depends on the book.
The Kite Runner on CD was actually read by the author. That had some advantages, such as some accurate pronounciation of names and places in Afghanistan. But he had a deadpan voice. Whether describing the joy of flying a kite, or the cruelty of some of the events, his tone did not change. Maybe that was so he did not put his interpretation on the events, leaving it to me. I found this very similar to A Thousand Splendid Suns - an interesting story, and obviously dealing with issues which are quite confronting. But his writing does not get me involved.

March, by Geraldine Brooks on the other hand was read by a man who used quite a lot more expression, and changed his voice for various characters. I have read all of Geraldine's books (at least the ones I know of), and this is my least favourite. Think I just couldn't grasp the invention of a fictional character based on a fictional book. It reminded me a little of the True Story of the Three Little Pigs in that regard. Having said that, I still liked it. Her way with words is just fabulous. Most movies deal with the issue from the slaves point of view (very well too), but those who risked much to help the slaves, and the running of the underground are probably unsung heroes. Mind you, he was a bit of a dill.

Interestingly, I am also "reading" Calebs Crossing" at the moment, on my brand new Kindle (thanks Rosie & Matt). No photo, they all look the same! I know Geraldine does huge amounts of research to ensure accuracy of the events. The only thing that is bugging me about this one is the "olde American" words. If I had a 200 year old Websters, it might help, but the Kindle dictionary is not useful with this one.

The Kindle will be well used and loved, alongside those gorgeous paper books which can be read, held, contemplated and above all, shared. Talking of which - Rosie - any ideas where my copy of Nine Parts of Desire is??

Maz

Note to Geraldine - I know there was a tiny bit of Australia in People of the Book, but since you are an Aussie, it would be great if you could write one set here...