I've just been reminded of why I prefer Michael Ondaatje's prose to his poetry by a reread of The Collected Works of Billy the Kid. Enough said about that.

I have also started in on Anne Simpson's novel, Falling, which I've been wanting to read for quite awhile now. It starts off with an accident, which grabs you, and then moves on to the aftermath of tragedy. I find my mind straying back to the novel while I'm busy working on other things. Which is a good sign if one is looking for an engrossing read. But my goodness! I've never had so many books on the go at one time. Scattered thy name is Inkslinger.

And in other bookish news: a package of books arrived yesterday (excuse for ordering was Mr. Inkslinger's birthday, which is coming up in a few months) and I now have three novels* I've been wanting to read . . . oh, and The Coast of Utopia trilogy by Tom Stoppard. I believe the TBR bookshelf has gone from groaning to shrieking with dismay.

All it will take to catch up on my want-to-reads is just a few extra hours added to each day. That's possible, right? But how can one be discouraged with full bookcases, cozy felines, some chocolate proffered by a thoughtful sister, and sunlight knocking at the windows?

Update: Ended up enjoying Falling, but with a few reservations. I can't fault Simpson's use of language . . . but the characterization didn't always feel authentic. A beautifully written book overall, though, and definitely heartrending. About the grief process, and, as it happens, Niagara Falls (side note, completely unrelated in tone: whenever I hear the name Niagara Falls now it always reminds me of Cary Grant's line in Arsenic and Old Lace when his new wife says -- reminding him that they are supposed to be leaving on their honeymoon-- "Niagara Falls!" and he replies, "It does? Well, let it!")

* The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (which my sister says is very good), Drood by Dan Simmons (about which I've heard conflicting reports), and Dai Sijie's Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (which came recommended by Janet)!