Finished up Bonfire of the Vanities.
Wow, first 100 pages? Hated them. I couldn't get into the book. I just thought it was 'oh, poor me' junk with some noble obligessesssez (I forgot how to spell it so I took lieberty (See what i did thar?) with its spelling) overlook of the various peoples of NYC. Lo and behold my hop to judgement (a truly babble trait) held me back from reading an awesome book. The plot line moves like lightning. None of the characters are loveable, they're all power-mad, alpha-male, look at my muscles, wallet or family credentials. All of the characters are just gradually broken up by their own doing. It was a really, really great and I have to suggest it to anyone. I've forced my mom to start reading it.
I have a whole skad of books that I've not read. I stuck my nose 200 pages in 'Krushev Remembers', his memoirs. I think it will be a good follow up to my summer-fall readings of 'In the Court of the Red Tsar' (highly suggested) and 'Stalin's Folley' (a very quick, enjoyable read). Both of which are interesting looks at the intricacies of the Soviet courtisans around Stalin, the perils that this honour bestowed upon its recipients, etc.
I've been looking at re-reading 'We' (hey, Beltov, I'm still pretty sure that my transliteration of the title from Russian as 'My' is correct ;)). But I also have the 'Lyre of Orpheus' I picked up in a 'please take my old books I don't want anymore' box. I also have been eyeing 'Man in the Iron Mask' or perhaps something else. I just borrowed 'Shutter Island' from a friend.
Bah, so little time. I also have 'Female Chauvinist Pigs' on hold at the ol' librarium.