Margaret Atwood has been coming up quite a bit for me, lately. There was this peripheral mention of Bodily Harm
And then this beautiful post from the totally cool “Super Fast Reader” – I so related to this post (first of all, about the whole “reading on the subway” thing, and how you work it out – and those horrible days when you have to try to turn the pages of your book with the same hand that is holding the book – ah, I know that pain) – but then she goes on to talk, briefly, about all of Atwood’s books, her favorites, etc. (Go, Cat’s Eye!)
And finally this lovely weird little anecdote – written by a HUGE Atwood fan – and it describes a brief encounter with Atwood at a book signing – and the discombobulation one can experience when one meets a true idol – and also the funny little answer Atwood gives to the question asked. I love it. She’s so mischievous (Atwood).
I read all of Atwood’s books – even over the last 10 years – when I have been less than thrilled with what she’s been doing – but in my opinion very few writers write books as good as Cat’s Eye
There’s something about Atwood that – rocks my boat a bit. It jolts me out of complacency. At times she seems to speak directly to me – especially with Cat’s Eye – and so I have never re-read any of her books. Once has been enough. I still have them all … and sometimes I pick them up, flip through them, and think: “Hm. I should re-read this – it’s been 20 years since I’ve read this book …” but then I resist for some reason.
I’ve been thinking about re-reading Bodily Harm … so maybe now is the time … What is it that scares me? It does. It’s not the plot. It’s something else. It’s unbalancing to read her. And maybe I’m not into that now. But I think I should give it a shot. Maybe it’s a hint, a sign from the universe – these Atwood posts all over the place.
But I’m still not sure if I’m ready to read Cat’s Eye again. That book just cut to the heart of my entire LIFE.
I’ve only read Handmaid’s Tale and Alias Grace. I tried to read Oryx and Crate and couldn’t finish it. I take it reading Cat’s Eye and Bodily Harm are worth it?
Yeah – Oryx kinda sucked.
But Cat’s Eye. She’ll probably be remembered for Handmaid’s Tale – but Cat;s Eye is her best book.
I’m almost afraid to even write about that book – it is a great book.
Bodily Harm is different from all her other books – I need to re-read it – it’s one of her earlier ones – but I was really affected by it.
Cat’s Eye is the one, though.
How is it that she totally destroys me with Cat’s Eye? It’s the best evocation of the dark side of female friendship ever. Honestly.
If you reread Bodily Harm, please blog about it! I have no recollection of it & want to know if I should reread or put it up on http://www.bookmooch.com–
Love HER.
Loved her collection of shorts “Wilderness Tips” Hairball will forever be in my brain…
Haven’t had any luck seeing her yet though..
However, through Kelly’s work , we did land two tickets to the Gala and the reception of Joni Mitchell being inducted into the Canadian Songwriter’s hall of fame and you can be your sweet ass Marg will be there..
The only drawback to this whole situation is the fact that it’s black tie- as in Kelly and I have to now buy gowns..I don’t do gowns…But I will to see Joni..
~Leslie
Cat’s Eye was one of the most disconcerting books I’ve ever read. The friend that recommended it laughed at my reaction (total emotional weird zone while reading it, I had to stay up til the wee hours to finish it so I could go back to normal), as hers was the same.
I recently bought a copy thinking it would be good for me to read as my daughter is 12 and dealing with the catty-friend thing, but I can’t bring myself to read it. Weird.
I agree that “Bodily Harm” was a frightening book – while I think it was brilliant, it’s the one Atwood book I’ll likely never read again, it was that disturbing to me. I couldn’t get it out of my head for months, and even now I get knots in my stomach just talking about it.
Next, I’m reading “Oryx and Crake”, but I’d have to say “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Robber Bride” are perpetual Atwood favorites for me.
I haven’t read “Oryx and Crake” but LOVED “The Handmaid’s Tale” – still can’t re-read it, though. Very weird how Atwood can grab your gut like that. I look at the book and the dinosaur-brain screams “There be DRAGONS THERE!”