What I'm Reading

What I'm Reading

Just finished The Shanghai Tunnel by Sharan Newman. A historical mystery with an amateur sleuth, this book shows a possibility of being the first of a series. While some don't think it is as good as her Catherine LeVendeur novels, I disagree. I found it every bit as interesting as her first in the series and look forward to seeing her characters develop.

While the LeVendeur series took place in the middle ages, the Shanghai Tunnel takes place in Portland, Oregon in 1868. For those expecting another middle-ages historical, this title will not serve. It is as well-researched and presents a little-explored portrait of the area at the time period. Controversies about the treatment of the Chinese workers in the area, the coming of the railroads, and the process of shanghaiing workers are explored. A brief glimpse of the conditions in China and the beginnings of civil unrest in that country are also presented.

Good research, appealing characters, and glimpses into a world little-known to most US readers makes this a very good read.

What I'm Hearing
Being home this week, most of what I'm hearing is political news. Today was particularly memorable for me as I heard John Edwards' public support of Barack Obama on Nova M radio. Rock on, team.

What I'm Watching
American Idol is winding down. It's down to figuring out who has the largest fan-base. Me, I think David Archuleta is a bit annoying. His presentation is off. Not that it isn't something he can grow into, it just isn't for me right now. Any of the final 3 winning will be okey-dokey with me. Fine kids, all.

Can Lost get any better? Sure it can and I'm looking forward to each remaining episode. A well-plotted television series that a friend of mine likens to good literature. Perhaps so my friend.

During my unexpected convalescence I've also found watching BBC America's Bargain Hunt to be comforting so I've started DVRing it at night. And, what the heck, Cash in the Attic, too. This, combined with HGTV's venerable and drinking-game-worthy House Hunters are very comforting to me.