The Road

So, I have been reading a lot of mommy-lit recently. In my defense, I didn't actually realize that there was a whole genre called mommy lit. And I admit I am a bit embarrassed to be reading it. Although, I suppose I shouldn't be embarassed about reading stories about mothers with a mother's perspective. And even though I dug into each novel with relish, I did realize that these books were a bit like reading a glamour magazine. Fun. Fast to read. But filled with fluff most of the time.

So, I picked up this book on the Recommended Books shelf at the library. I generally browse there because the kindly librarians spread out a variety of new books on the shelf. And since, I am barely reading as it is - it gives me a chance to pick up something in the 90 seconds my children will allow me to browse the covers.

I've been looking for books for Mr. Puffles as well. He's the kind of person who reads clever novels and enjoys a bit interesting science although science fiction is a bit annoying and fantasy novels or anything with a space ship on the front is a bit of a horror to him. Anyway. I saw this book called The Road by Cormac McCarthy with a recognizable actor on the front and when I read the back, I thought "Ah. A post-apocalyptical novel. Hmmm."

And so, it went home with us in our Book bag. I meant for the book to be for Mr. Puffles, but after a few days, I couldn't stop myself and I started reading. I am one of those awful people who reads the end first - but in my defense, I almost always go back and read the whole book. I just can't stand the suspense.

This book was simply amazing and heartwrenching at the same time. Although, I didn't cry or anything so pitiful; I could not put this book down despite the cries of my bored and neglected children. Thank goodness Mr. Puffles was home for the holidays to distract them and give me moment to bury myself in this book. I haven't read a book this compelling in a while that made me feel worried and tense at once. I can't give away the details for those who might not have read it yet, but I did ACTUALLY read the second half of the book TWICE because I just couldn't believe the ending and somewhere in my mind I hoped that if I read it again, maybe things would turn out differently.