Nero
Read and thoroughly enjoyed Nero by Conn Iggulden. This is the first part of a trilogy of historical fiction about ancient Rome. This first part traces the emperors Tiberius, Caligula and Claudius, ending with the Roman conquest of Britain.
I've read other books by Iggulden many years ago, and it's similar, though much less biographical, to Robert Harris' Cicero trilogy. It also reminded me of Eagle of the Ninth
by Rosemary Sutcliffe. I remember listening to it on tapes from the local library many, many years ago.Tags: books
Zen
Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. A remarkable novel, or perhaps three novels in one, interspersed with one another. The ideas explored in the novel about quality and our relationship with technology feel so relevant today. On the whole I found the philosophical arguments put forth persuasive and compelling, apart from a few criticisms about the philosophy of science.
Read two works of children's literature with family. First, Stuart Little. I can't understand why this is a classic of American children's literature. It was alright, but hardly memorable and ended abruptly to me. Second, The Heartwood Hotel. This was a wonderful book, full of imagination and joy, destined to become a classic, I think.
Tags: books
Muzzy
Read Muzzy Izzet's autobiography (Muzzy) on the commute to and from work. A strange choice, as I am not a Leicester fan.
I read it for nostalgia. I remember Muzzey Izzet as a player, as his unusual and memorable name (his full name is Mustafa Izzet) was always on regional sports reporting. He was also unsual as a player in that 90s era of English football, being a skilful player with composure under pressure.
I enjoyed some of the memories and stories, and his charity work and hospital visits were genuinely inspiring.