ReeBecki Reads

2006-12-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

Catch Up

The later part of the year slowed down my reading and then somehow sped it up again.

I just finished reading some delightful books and continue to read one that I've not quite finished but still love.

"A Short History of Nearly Everything"
by Bill Bryson"

This book is seriously a short history of nearly everything. Bill Bryson is a fantastic storyteller who engages you in the telling and along the way teaches you everything you ever wanted to know. I've read quite a few of his books and this was one of my favorites (if it is possible to choose just ONE!) I'd highly recommend this book to everyone.

Next I received a book for my birthday and loved it so much that I read the entire book in just one day (a work day at that)!

"A Three Dog Life"
by Abigail Thomas"

When Abigail's third husband, Rich is hit by a car and suffers a head injury, she must learn how to live with a husband who doesn't remember his last action, yesterday or even last year. Along the way she gains two more dogs to her one and learns how to survive with a husband that doesn't always remember her. Rich ends up in an instituion and Abigail moves to a house closer to him so she can visit more often. It's amazing to me that through all this, she never thinks of leaving Rich. He would most likely forget her in due time but she remains true to her husband and through that creates a life as rich as possible. A lovely book.

I picked up this next book when I popped into Third Place Books to grab a book on South America. Instead my eye was drawn to this cover and an author's name that seemed very familar to me.

"The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories"
by Susanna Clarke"

Susanna Clarke has published a collection of short stories which may seem like a departure to fans of Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell but is really where her desires lie. This was a delightful collection of stories and I wanted books written about each and every one of the characters. Jonathan Strange even takes the time to pop in on one group of ladies, making for a delightful addition. Wonderful collection!

I continue to read Hunger's Brides and this is quite a novel to read. With over 1,500 pages, it takes dedication to get through this novel but I am so interested that I will continue learning about Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.

2006-08-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Memories

"My Lover's Lover"
by Maggie O'Farrell

I love Maggie O'Farrell and a few years ago when I was in England, I picked up this, her second book. Once again I was enthralled and fell deeply into a story that made me feel like I was eavesdropping. What a delightful story!

"More Than You Know"
by Beth Gutcheon

This haunting story which combines two time periods tells the story of young love and lost in an island community. I loved the story and have found that it has stuck with me in the past few days.

Books read in 2006: 31 (or 100% done)

2006-08-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

Whispering to Dogs

"Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems"
by Cesar Millan

Mot's Mom wanted me to read this book since I dog sit so much. I LOVE Cesar and have begun using his techniques on people and dogs alike. He has some great tips and the dogs I watch are becoming even better dogs than they were before.

"Shutterbabe: Adventures in Love and War"
by Deborah Copaken Kogan

Meg loaned me this book and while I wasn't sure that I was a fan of Deborah Copaken Kogan at the beginning, I did begin to enjoy her toward the end. She's lived an interesting life and had many adventures. Her life is an inspiration to aspiring journalists and photographers.

"Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World"
by Rita Golden Gelman

This book really resonated with me since I often tell people that I am living the nomadic lifestyle. Rita Golden Gelman decided to take life by the horns and live the life she had always dreamed of. She moved in to villages on the far side of the world as different from her life in Los Angeles as possible. She learned so much about other cultures and even more about herself. She's caused me to dream and realize that I too can make this happen if I can develop a plan to make it happen. I'm planning!

Books read in 2006: 29 (or 93% done)

2006-06-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

Saying Yes

"The Year of Yes"
by Maria Dahvana Headley

A few months ago, I heard Dahvana Headley speak at a local bar. I decided to pick up her book after an eye exam and am wondering what inspired me to drop that kind of coin on what is at best a library book. I thought I would be inspired by her year of yes but instead I was turned off. In the end, I'm not glad I read this and it is too bad since I so wanted the inspiration!

"Marriage Most Scandalous"
by Johanna Lindsey

I'm on a romance book bender and I love it! This one was quite good!

"In the Bed of a Duke"
by Cathy Maxwell

As was this one!

Books read in 2006: 26 (or 83% done)

2006-06-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

Obsessive Reading

"Sharp Objects"
by Gillian Flynn

My boss recently received some advance reading copies of books coming out in the Fall. This one caught my eye and so I quickly gobbled it up. It is the story of a reporter who returns home intent upon finding out why little girls are being killed in her town. Along the way, the reader learns about her strained relationship with her family and who is behind the murders. Great read!

"I Did (But I Wouldn't Now"
by Clara Lockwood

After such a heavy read, I decided to settle into something lighter and this book was just the ticket!

Lily Crandell finds herself married to a rock star and learns the hard way about his affair with an actress. Lily escapes to London and into the arms of a former flame. Lily's life goes from bad to worse when the paparazzi finds her.

"The Undomestic Goddess"
by Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella is always good for a great read when traveling and since I was traveling, I picked up her latest novel in the airport. Kinsella never disappoints! Twenty nine year-old, Samantha Sweeting is on the verge of partnership at the prestigious London law firm Carter Spink, something she's been working toward her entire life. Just before the partnership decision, she finds she has made a terrible, costly mistake. In a moment of panic, Sweeting jumps on a train and ends up in the middle of the English Countryside. After stopping at a house to ask directions, she finds herself hired as their new housekeeper. Kinsella keeps the reader on their toes as Sweeting's life spirls out of control.

"Everyone Worth Knowing"
by Lauren Weisberger

After Weigsberger's debut novel, "The Devil Wears Prada", I wasn't sure if she could live up to the hype with her second novel. Was I ever wrong! "Everyone Worth Knowing" was entertaining, spellbinding and wonderful! I laughed, I sympathized, I wondered if Weisberger was spying on my thoughts. Great wonderful read!

"Halfway House"
by Katharine Noel

This book haunts me. Noel's use of words and imaginery drew me in and wouldn't let me stop reading until the pages ran out of words. This book tells more than the highs and lows of battling mental illness, it tells of how mental illness affects more than just the person with the disease.

Set in rural New Hampshire, Halfway House is about Voorster family, whose lives are torn apart when 17-year-old Angie suffers a breakdown and is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Angie goes from hospital to dorm room to halfway house to hospital, as each member of her family deals in their own way. Pieter, Angie's father retreats into himself while Jordana, her mother, begans an affair. Luke, her brother looks for love in his girlfriends. Familial relationships break and are reinvented. In the process, each memeber of the family confronts their own demons in order to come to terms with the crisis.

Books read in 2006: 23 (or 74% done)

2006-05-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Slow Reading

"Better Than Chocolate"
by Susan Waggoner

My Mom gave me this book and while I feared it might be hokey, it was highly amusing. I especially loved this book because it dealt with food publicists and since that is what I do, I really appreciated it. A good quick read!

"Guns, Germs and Steel"
by Jared Diamond

It took me almost a year to read this book but I enjoyed every moment. I learned more about the world than I ever did in any college class. I almost wished that Jared Diamond been one of my professors. His knowledge is vast and his teachings eye opening. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Now I can't wait to read Collapse, his follow-up book to Guns, Germs and Steel.

Books read in 2006: 18 (or 58% done)

2006-04-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Catching UP!

"The Artist's Way"
by Julia Cameron

I did the Artist's Way and read the book over a 12 week period. The exercises opened my mind and lifted my creativity to new heights. I feel ready to take on new challenges!

"In a Sunburned Country"
by Bill Bryson

I adore Bill Bryson's writing and after getting a few of his books from the library for my parents, I noticed that I had neglected to actually read this one. What a delightfully funny and educational book on Australia. It left me wondering about the aborginals and wanting a trip to Australia.

"Devil in Winter"
by Lisa Kleypas

Because sometimes on a rainy Saturday, you just want to read a thrashy romance novel and this one was good! I really enjoyed it but am now wondering if I missed the second one in this series. Might be another trashy novel reading session coming on soon!

Books read in 2006: 16 (or 51% done)

2006-03-19T21:53:00.000-08:00

Predatory Plots

"Predator"
by Patricia Cornwell

I've been reading Patrica Cornwell for a very long time and I have enjoyed her books for most of that time. Unfortunately her latest novel was not the page turner I expected. She relied upon too many brand names and threw around car names as if that was to impress the reader. It did not impress this reader. I'm glad I checked this one out from the library instead of buying it at the bookstore.

Books read in 2006: 13

2006-03-05T22:48:00.000-08:00

Advice from Jane Austin

"Jane Austen's Guide to Dating"
by Lauren Henderson

This book of dating advice is full of examples from modern day life and from Jane Austin's novels. A wonderful book with advice I'd be smart to take.

Books read in 2006: 12

2006-03-05T22:44:00.000-08:00

Letting Go

"Never Let Me Go"
by Kazuo Ishiguro

Ishiguro's sixth novel delves deep into the concept of cloning told by a clone herself. As a student at Hailsham, Kathy and her friends are told they are special. It isn't until they are grown and away from school that they learn how special they really are. A heart-breaking work of genius, this book makes one think about the complications of cloning.

Books read in 2006: 11

2006-02-27T22:44:00.000-08:00

Temptation

"A Taste of Temptation"
by Amelia Grey

Another quick trashy read. "A Taste of Temptation" is about a moment of temptation which sends a notorious rogue and a darling of the ton to the altar. Just as their marriage is becoming a true romance, a mysterious presence raises mischief in their home. A delightful read.

Books read in 2006: 10

2006-02-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

Dancing

"The Perfect Waltz"
by Anne Gracie

After a few books which increased my knowledge and lifted my soul, I decided that I needed something that would entertain more than educate. "The Perfect Waltz" was the perfect read for perfect entertainment. "The Perfect Waltz" is about society rogue Sebastian Reyne's search for a practical wife which comes to a crashing halt when he dances with Hope Merridew--and is seduced into a delicious intrigue of sensuality and desire.

Books read in 2006: 9

2006-02-19T19:49:00.000-08:00

Insightful Hound

"Sight Hound"
by Pam Houston

Meg gave me this book for my birthday since she knows I love dogs and since Pam Houston is her favorite author. This was one of those books where you are not sure if you like it while you are reading but then the ending makes you love it. The basis of the book is about an Irish Wolfhound, Dante who has to teach his human (Rae) how to love. During all of this, he develops cancer which devastates his human. It left me wondering what Zubin has to teach Julie, like Dante had his lessons to teach Rae.

Books read in 2006: 8

2006-02-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

Night

"Night"
by Elie Wiesel

Last night after watching Grey's Anatomy, I picked up Night" -- the latest Oprah pick. This short memoir tells of Wiesel's time at Auschwitz and the horrors he saw and experienced. World War II history was my minor in college and so I was suprised that I hadn't read this important work before. Wiesel never sensationalizes anything about his experience and talks about what he remembers from this time. He doesn't hold any answers to why the Holocaust happened or why his family didn't get out in time. Wiesel does tell the reader what happened to him and why it is important to remember this horrible time in our world's history. Wiesel drew me into his memoir and didn't let me go until the last page was turned. I ended up going to sleep a lot later than I should have but I needed to hear this story and so if missing some sleep was the payment, then I'm glad I made it.

Books read in 2006: 7

2006-01-27T22:14:00.000-08:00

Long Hardship

"The Long Walk"
by Slavomir Rawicz

My friend, Katy recommended this book to me on New Year's Eve and since I'm never one to turn down a reliable suggestion, I was quite excited to read this book. This book is overwhelming and heartbreaking. The tales Rawicz tells about his time in a Siberian work camp to his escape and travels across Asia to Europe are breathtaking. I can see why Katy recommended this book and I'd recommend it to others too. There is some controversy about this book since many of Rawicz's claims have not been substantiated but even if this isn't 100% true, it is still a stirring tale.

Books read in 2006: 6

2006-01-26T21:46:00.000-08:00

Big Business

"Jennifer Government"
by Max Barry

In this satirical book about the near future, American corporations rule the world. Everyone takes his employer's name as his last name and most of the world is owned by the USA. Hack Nike is hired to assassinate kids in order to increase Nike's market share. Jennifer Government's life goal is to rid the world of evil corporations. Fantastic Book! I've been wanting to read this for years and I'm glad that I finally did.

Books read in 2006: 5

2006-01-17T09:49:00.000-08:00

Sapphires

One Night With a Prince by Sabrina Jeffries

After all that affluent reading, I decided that I needed a quick trashy read. I always enjoy Sabrina Jeffries books and when I saw this at the library, I quickly picked it up. The book did not disappoint. It was quick. It was trashy. It was highly entertaining.

Books read in 2006: 4

2006-01-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

Sapphires

Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl

Ruth Reichl's third memoir picks up where "Comfort Me With Apples" leave off. We watch Ruth move from LA with her husband, Michael and son, Nick to New York City where Ruth becomes the New York Times Food Critic. Using a vast array of disguises, Reichl dines her way around the city, visiting restaurants 4 or 5 times before writing them up in the city's biggest paper. Through this time, Reichl shows us what a really good meal is and why it is a really good meal. Reichl's latest book is wonderful and I would highly recommend it.

Books read in 2006: 3

2006-01-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

Comfort

Comfort Me With Apples by Ruth Reichl

Ruth Reichl's second memoir picks up where "Tender At The Bone" leave off. We experience her life as she begins to separate from her husband, Doug and takes up with Michael. We understand her pain at ending a good marriage that has just grown apart and we celebrate her new relationship as it takes flight. We experience delicious meals at fantatastic restaurants and horrible meals at not so fantastic restaurants. Ruth Reichl really draws you in. Her unconventional life makes for a great story, one you want to keep reading.

Books read in 2006: 2

2006-01-05T11:21:00.001-08:00

First Book of 2006

Shade by Neil Jordan

The first pages of this slow-building novel reveal to us that its narrator, 50-year-old Nina Hardy, has been murdered with a pair of gardening shears by her childhood friend George Truite. What we do not know is why he has committed this crime. The mystery reveals itself as the pages turn. Shade is set in Ireland near Drogheda, at the mouth of the river Boyne. You want to taste and ponder each word as you draw out the reading of this novel.

2006-01-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

Books read in 2005

1. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

2. The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

3. The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

4. Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer

5. Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding

6. Something Rotten: A Thursday Next Mystery by Jasper Fforde
7. Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett

8. Torture the Artist by Joey Goebel

9. Travels With Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck

10. Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy

11. Wicked by Shannon Drake

12. The Duke's Scandalous Secret by Connie Lane

13. A Visit From Sir Nicholas by Victoria Alexander

14. The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

15. Almost a Bride by Jane Feather

16. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

17. The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad

18. It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn

19. Anything Considered: A Nobel by Peter Mayle

20. Portuguese Irregular Verbs by Alexander Mccall Smith

21. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling

22. A Good Year by Peter Mayle

23. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

24. Eragon by Christopher Paolini

25. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

26. Eldest by Christopher Paolini

27. At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

28. A Fine Passion by Stephanie Laurens

29. Yarn Harlot : The Secret Life of a Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

30. Swann's Way by Marcel Proust

31. Blink : The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

32. A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

33. What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love by Carole Radziwill

34. Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight : An African Childhood by Alexandra Fuller

35. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

2005-12-22T09:15:00.000-08:00

Whew! I've been reading away but have not been updating the reading site!

Here's a quickie to cover all my reading.

Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight : An African Childhood by Alexandra Fuller

Very interesting book about growing up white in Africa. No holds barred.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Does this count as one book or seven? Either way, I love C.S. Lewis and I LOVE the Chronicles of Narnia!

Books read in 2005 -- 34 before Narnia...I'm going to count Narnia as 4 books...so 38 books read!

2005-11-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

Never One To Settle With Achieving the Bare Minimum

I recently finished reading a sting of non-fiction books and as I reflect back on what I've read, I think I may be on a memoir kick!

Blink : The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

First up was Blink for my Book Club. We usually read fiction but I am so glad that this book was selected! Blink is about how we make decisions within the first two seconds of looking at something. The book campaigns for snap judgments and mind reading with a gift for translating research into splendid storytelling. Gladwell builds his case with scenes from a marriage, heart attack triage, speed dating, choking on the golf course, selling cars, and military maneuvers, he persuades readers to think small and focus on the meaning of "thin slices" of behavior. I'd highly recommend this reading to anyone!

A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

Never one to resist the lure of Oprah, I quickly picked up this book after she announced it as her book club selection. It is captivating, heartwrenching and sickening. The book describes James Frey's stint in rehab, one that saved his life. He's never gone back to using drugs and alcohol. I think this book should be recommended reading for all pre-teens because after reading this, I don't know why someone would want to do drugs.

What Remains : A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love by Carole Radziwill

What Remains is Carole Radziwill's story of her time with Anthony Radziwill, John F. Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessett. It is a heartbreaking story of cancer, fate and sudden deaths. This book gave me the ugly cry and made me sob with compassion for what fate has dealt Carole Radziwill. Again, I'd highly recommend this book. It is a sad tale but one you need to hear.

2005-10-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

30 has been achieved!

Swann's Way by Marcel Proust

After many, many, many months of reading, I have finished "Swann's Way". I wish I could say I was smarter for reading this but I can not. I can say that I have more insight, new ways to view the world and an awareness of my surroundings that I did not have before. Proust is not an easy read and often one page can take hours to comprehend. But I would still recommend this book to others. No one sees the world in quite the same way as Proust. He is long-winded but always seems to tie everything up with that one last sentence. And if you only had that one sentence to go on, you wouldn't get his meaning as well as when you read the many pages he's written as background.

And with this book, I've accomplished my goal of reading 30 books while I was 30 years old. In the end, I know that I'll be reading more than 30 books this year but I'm not sure if I would have accomplished this goal if it hadn't been written down. Now I am reading "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey because one can not resist the Oprah.

2005-10-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

Two More Down!

Yarn Harlot : The Secret Life of a Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

Last night I finished “Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter” and once again I was rolling with hysterics. Who knew knitting stories could be so humourous and it is quite refreshing to see that other people are just as crazy as I am! SO refreshing!

I also finished a trashy romance novel because sometimes one needs a bit of junk reading with their literature!

A Fine Passion by Stephanie Laurens

Basically it was entertaining and full of junk reading and totally fit the bill!

And I totally forgot that I also read "At Knit's End" back in May and yet neglected to document that fact!

At Knit's End : Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

The Yarn Harlot is a hoot to read! I hope she's working on more books about knitting!

29 books read to date.

1 more to go! I have about 110 pages to left to read of Proust's Swann's Way : In Search of Lost Time, Volume 1 and I have a deadline!

2005-09-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

Elders Know Best

Eldest by Christopher Paolini

Last night I finished “Eldest” by Christopher Paolini. It was fantastic and now the long wait begins for the final installment.

“Eldest” continues the adventure where “Eragon” left off. Eragon and Saphira travel to the elven forest city of Ellesmera to continue their training as Riders. Much needed training it turns out when they are forced to leave the Ellesmera to defend the Valden. Thoughout the book, it keeps returning to Eragon’s foster brother, Roran who is traveling with the entire village of Carvahall to the Varden for protection against the Empire.

The adventure, the learning, the imagery all combine to make a compelling read. Now if only I didn’t have to wait for the final book of the series!

26 books read to date.

4 more to go! I have about 140 pages to left to read of Proust's Swann's Way : In Search of Lost Time, Volume 1 and I hope to complete that this weekend.

2005-09-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Running with Kites in Afganistan

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Sunday afternoon after finishing Eragon, I grabbed "The Kite Runner", my book club's latest selection. I am so very happy that they made this choice because this beautiful book was profoundly touching. This story of two Afghan boys whose lives are more intimately intertwined than they will ever know, helped me to realize that Afgahnistan is full of people with lives just like the rest of the world. Unfortunately for them, their lives and their country has been touched by horror more times than is reasonable. Amir will be with me long after I become engrossed in my next book.

25 books read to date.

5 more to go! I'm coming to the end of Proust's Swann's Way : In Search of Lost Time, Volume 1 and I'm in love with him.

2005-08-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

Dragons and Dreams

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Yesterday I curled up on a big leather armchair and feverishly read Eragon by Christopher Palolini. What a book! I am just amazed that someone of 17 wrote this book and as soon as I read the last page, I shouted, “More! More!” I’ve already ordered the second book, Eldest While a lot of the book followed the standard fantasy storyline, this book is engrossing and wonderful. I just LOVED it!

24 books read to date.

6 more to go! Now I’m busy with Proust (yep, still reading him) and The Kite Runner

2005-08-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Spooky Reading

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

SO here I had a great post about the Historian and how much I loved it but I did a dumb thing and deleted it. In brief, I will say I love it and you should read it too!

2005-07-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Reading is good

A Good Year by Peter Mayle

I'm a reading fool this week. Someone at work recently loaned me this book and I found it quite enjoyable. The end felt rushed and I think it missed the potential big bang ending it deserved but overall, the book was enjoyable. Peter Mayle is really building quite a base of books based in France. All enjoyable.

8 to go!

2005-07-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Making My Way Through The Reading

I recently finished the following:

by J.K. Rowling

and

by Julia Quinn

and

by Peter Mayle

and

by Alexander Mccall Smith

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the sixth book in J.K. Rowling's series and so far her most powerful one. While the climax wasn't as action filled as her previous novels, it was more heartwrenching. I can see why the entire world is transfixed by Rowling and her work. All I could think when I finished the book was that she hadn't even started writing the seventh and last book of the series. I'm not sure that I can wait but I shall have to. Maybe I'll go back and read the previous ones again.

It's In His Kiss was a trashy romance novel which filled some time on a quiet Saturday Afternoon. It was trashy, it was full of romance and it was entertaining!

Anything Considered : A Novel was my book club selection. The book follows Bennett, a Brit espatriate as he first looks for work in Provence. Having lost his savings in an investment scam, he is intent on finding the means to reside in Saint-Martin in Provence. He advertises his services: "Anything considered except marriage"-and is hired by Julian Poe, a stupendously wealthy fellow Brit, who needs help in evading the French income tax. Pretending to be Poe in the latter's Monaco apartment, Bennett becomes involved in the hijacking of a case containing the secret formula for the successful cultivation of the elusive black truffle. The book's hijinks continue from there. While not one of Mayle's best works, I did find this to be highly entertaining and nice read. Unfortunately I missed my book club meeting so I don't know what the other members thought.

Portuguese Irregular Verbs is the first book in Alexander Mccall Smith's latest series and honestly, I don't think it was worth the overdue fines I incured. It was a quick read but I felt each chapter was a hodgepodge of the activities of Dr. Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld, professor of philology and author of PORTUGUESE IRREGULAR VERBS, a scholarly tome of 1200 pages, only 200 copies of which have been sold and even fewer of which (if any) have been read. It could have been so much better but it wasn't. So I just count it as one more book toward my goal of 30.

21 books read to date.

9 to go! (I'm still reading Proust so realistically, I only need to read 8 more books and I have 5 more months to achieve this goal!)

2005-05-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Further Reading

I recently finished the following:

by Jonathan Safran Foer

and

by Asne Seierstad

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is a story about Oskar Schell whose father has died on 9/11. After his father's death, Oskar discovers a key and so begins his quest to find the lock to which the key belongs. His anguish at the loss of his father combines with other's grief to make this story whole. The pictures, graphics and other details work to make the story richer. I'd highly recommend this novel. The hype is well deserved.

The Bookseller of Kabul on the other hand is harder to pinpoint. This was my bookclub selection and I almost feel sorry to have recommended it. This article really ties up how I felt. Also I didn't find the writing to be that great but I wonder if that is because it was translated into English.

17 books read to date.

13 to go!

2005-05-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Plane Reading

On my recent plane trip, I finished reading:

by Karen Joy Fowler

and

by Jane Feather

"The Jane Austen Book Club" is a wonderful novel about a book club who
meets to dicuss Jane Austen novels. The book delves into each book
club member's lives and explores themes relating to specific Jane
Austen books. I'd highly recommend this novel with its exceptional
writing and story-telling.

And what can I say about "Almost a Bride", other than it sure passed
the time while I waited for my connecting flight in Salt Lake City. If
you like romance (aka trash) novels, then this one is perfect!

Book Total for the Year: 15 -- halfway to my GOAL of 30 this year!

Currently reading: Guns, Germs and Steel and The Bookseller of Kabul.

2005-04-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

A break from literature, time for some trash!

Ahhh, I've been on a trash reading binge and in doing so finished my 13th book for the year.

I've recently finished reading:

Wicked by Shannon Drake

The Duke's Scandalous Secret by Connie Lane

and

A Visit From Sir Nicholas by Victoria Alexander

All of which were quite enjoyable, almost as good as watching Survivor and other reality shows but not as good as chocolate!

2005-03-21T14:07:00.000-08:00

Flying through the books

After reading Truth and Beauty, I knew I needed to read Lucy Grealy's book, Autobiography of a Face. While fantastic, I can't compare it to Patchett's work. While Grealy came out of her ordeal a changed person, she still retained her keen ability to fantastize about her life. This book left me wondering about other people's views and made me wonder why Lucy was so withdrawn from her family. She had a twin sister and yet she was barely mentioned in this book. All in all though, I'd recommend this book to anyone. It is thought provoking.

The next book I read was John Steinbeck's Travels With Charley: In Search of America . This book was selected by my book club and WOW! what a great book. Many many things said by Steinbeck are still true today. Travels With Charley came about in 1960 when John Steinbeck decided to reacquaint himself with America after being away because, in his own words, "I've lost the flavor and taste and sound of it. I'm going to learn about my own country." In turn, he decided to set out on a journey across America with his dog, Charley. Along the way, he met many facinating people and engaged them in conversation, observed his country and took the time to ponder. Each night he returned to his truck and recorded the day's events.

And finally I finished reading, Torture the Artist by Joey Goebel this weekend. A friend had mentioned that she was going to read this book after listening to a story about it on NPR. The topic peaked my interest and I had to read it too! If you are a Chuck Palahniuk fan, then I highly recommend this book. If you are a fan of true art, then I highly recommend this book.

The basic premise is that in order for one to be a "true artist" then they needed to have lived a tortured existance. In order for thie premise to be true, a wealthy media mogul devises an unusual scheme: to bring true creativity back in all art forms, writing, music, etc. He creats a company called New Renaissance and uses it to take a group of young creative geniuses who are isolated during their formative years and carefully educated in the arts, at the same time undergoing systematic deprivation of the happiness most people enjoy, resulting in a surplus of angst-generated creativity such as the world has never seen.

At first the concept seemed a bit sick to me but after reading this book, it raises such a point that today's entertainment is manufactured and without artistic ness. It also makes you wonder what lengths people will go to create what they want.

Only 20 more books to read this year! So very close!

2005-02-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

Truth and Beauty

Though I said I would be starting Eragon once I finished Something Rotten: A Thursday Next Mystery , a co-worker loaned me Truth and Beauty and I had to dive in immediately.

This memoir of Patchett's friendship with Autobiography of a Face author Lucy Grealy explores the true nature of a relationship through devotion, understanding and eventually heartache. There were points in the book where I wanted to scream at Grealy and points where I wanted to tell Patchett not to be that way but in the end, I found this to be an utterly touching devotional work. Patchett shows the good, the wonderful and the ugly from her friendship with Grealy and while this book only shows one side of the story, I feel I got a fair look at everything. I only wish Grealy could have written such a book so I could have seen things through her eyes.

Only 23 more books to read this year! I'm closing in on that goal.

2005-02-08T11:55:00.000-08:00

2005 Update

I've been crap at updating this but since one of my goals for this year is to read 30 books, it is necessary that I update more regularly.

So without further adue, here are the books I've read so far in 2005:

1. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman*.

*might have actually been read in 2004!

2. The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman.

3. The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman.

His Dark Materials is a series I wish I had read long ago. Philip Pullman created a fantastical world where children save the day and dust is intriguing. I loved his writing so much that I'm now planning to check out his other novels to see what lies within them.

4. Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer.

As a child of parents raised in Utah a lot of this book wasn't groundbreaking to me but still this book was amazing! Jon Krakauer took his time to really research these communities and provided a fairly unbiased view events. Now my parents are obsessively reading this book and singing its high praises. Should make for some interesting dinner discussions around the house!

5. Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding.

Not as funny as Bridget Jones but a nice quick brainless read after Under the Banner of Heaven. Some parts of this were just too wild though and had me rolling my eyes.

6. I am currently reading Something Rotten: A Thursday Next Mystery
by Jasper Fforde and really enjoying it!

I've always loved the Thursday Next novels. I picked up the first one a long time ago because one of the local librarians recommended it to me. I've been hooked ever since! This is a unique world where the strange happens and yet it seems possible that this life could be everyday.

This brings me to having read 5 of the 30 books I shall read this year and it's only February 9th! I'm well on my way! Next in the que is Eragon by Christopher Paolini.

2004-12-20T16:48:00.000-08:00

I have been reading!

I just finished Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides and I can honestly say I know why this won a Pulitzer Prize. Eugenides creates a "mesmerizing saga of a near-mythic Greek American family." This story is so beautiful, odd and believable that I actually drove the book to a friend's house just after finishing it so she could experience this story.

"I was born twice: first, as a baby girl, on a remarkably smogless Detroit day in January of 1960; and then again, as a teenage boy, in an emergency room near Petoskey, Michigan, in August of 1974."

P.S. I'll have more updates later this week. I've been reading Philip Pullman, "A Year in the Merde" and other various fun novels!

2004-09-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Anna Karenina Finish

I finally finished Anna Karenina after reading on this all summer. It was a delightful book full of complex relationships, mental disorders and love gained and lost. It really kept my attention until the last 10 pages where I had the hardest time finishing! I don't know if it was because I didn't want the adventure to end or if I was done since the climax had already occured and I didn't care about wrapping up loose ends.

I would highly recommend that everyone read this book and not be intimidated but it's large (870 pages) size.

Now it's time to get back to that large stack of books next to my bed!

2004-05-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

I have been reading, just not blogging!

I recently finished

"Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers "
by Mary Roach

What an extremely interesting book! This almost makes me want to donate my body to science when I die. Without the use of human cadavers in science, we would not have advanced as far scientifically as we have.

From the back book description: Cadavers have tested France's first guillotines, ridden the NASA Space Shuttle, been crucified in a Parisian laboratory to test the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, and helped solve the mystery of TWA Flight 800. For every new surgical procedure, from heart transplants to gender reassignment surgery, cadavers have been there alongside surgeons, making history in their quiet way. In this fascinating, ennobling account, Mary Roach visits the good deeds of cadavers over the centuriesÂfrom the anatomy labs and human-sourced pharmacies of medieval and nineteenth-century Europe to a human decay research facility in Tennessee, to a plastic surgery practice lab, to a Scandinavian funeral directors' conference on human composting. In her droll, inimitable voice, Roach tells the engrossing story of our bodies when we are no longer with them.

In the interest of trashy reading, I've also finished quite a few books by Eloisa James. All were quite amusing.

"Your Wicked Ways"
by Eloisa James

"A Wild Pursuit"
by Eloisa James

"Fool for Love"
by Eloisa James

"Duchess in Love"
by Eloisa James

2004-04-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

All about Trashy Reading

Seems all I do lately is read trashy novels. Here's a list of the latest. Good news though, I'm reading Patricia Cornwell's "Blowfly" which is only slightly trashy! And brings my quest for reading 50 books in 2004 to 16 books read, 34 more to go!

"Chesapeake Blue"
by Nora Roberts

From Library Journal
After a five-year absence, Seth Quinn has returned home from Europe a world-renowned artist. He's ready to settle down in the same picturesque town on the Bay where the three step-brothers who raised him now live. Soon, Seth meets beautiful, independent Druscilla "Dru" Whitcomb Banks and falls in love with her almost immediately. Life takes on an idyllic glow until someone from his past begins blackmailing him again. Roberts, a best-selling author and the recipient of countless honors, including numerous RITAs as well as the Romance Writers of America Lifetime Achievement Award, has once again crafted a poignant and often humorous tale. True to style, she has also thrown in just enough of the paranormal to tantalize. Guaranteed to please the many fans who were waiting for Seth's story, this sequel to the original trilogy (Sea Swept, Rising Tides, Inner Harbor) is also an excellent stand-alone title.

"The Bachelor List"
by Jane Feather

om Publishers Weekly
Set in London in 1906, Feather's latest (after Venus) touches on a topic that is near and dear to many romance readers' hearts-women's right to vote. Constance Duncan, the eldest of three headstrong sisters, throws down the gauntlet to handsome member of Parliament Max Ensor when she declares that women's suffrage is the driving force of her existence. In return, Max makes no bones of his opinion that women shouldn't vote, a stance firmly backed by his powerful friends. When Max and Constance's prickly verbal battles flare into hotly sexual encounters, both seize the chance to do behind the scenes (or beneath the covers) scouting for their respective parties, even as they wonder what falling in love with the enemy will do to their careers. Though Feather's story stumbles out of the starting gate, it hits a smooth roll when the couple's duels ignite. Constance's sneaky maneuverings, however, undermine her credibility, and the sisters' tendency to think that women who don't demand the vote are merely mindless sheep makes them seem shallow rather than sympathetic. All in all, Feather's attempt to illuminate women's struggles in early 20th-century London is laudable, but many readers will end this tale with doubts that the protagonists' happy ending will be everlasting.

"The Bride Hunt"
by Jane Feather

From Publishers Weekly
The second entry in Feather's Matchmaker trilogy (following The Bachelor List) is a charming romp through 19th-century London featuring the Duncan sisters, who are trying to hold their family together financially by running a matchmaking service and producing the suffragist scandal sheet The Mayfair Lady. When the paper is sued for libel, Prudence Duncan enlists the help of fierce barrister Sir Gideon Malvern. Gideon is convinced their case is hopeless, but he can't deny the attraction he feels for stubborn, strong-willed Prue. Because she can't afford his fees, Gideon agrees to argue the case if she finds him a suitable bride, but before long, Gideon finds himself as involved with Prue as he is with the Mayfair Lady case. Readers may be surprised by the setting, which is unusual for historical romances; here the automobile and the telephone have already been invented. One amusing scene centers on a drive to the country, which takes three hours in Gideon's car (moving at its top speed of 20 miles an hour). Though this is Prue's story, both Constance and Chastity ably carry their portions of the novel, which will ensure that readers snap up the other two books in the series (each focusing on a sister and conveniently appearing in consecutive months).

"The Wedding Game"
by Jane Feather

From Publishers Weekly
Set in London during a time when traditionalism started giving way to modernization and suffragists challenged the status quo, this final installment in Feather's Matchmaker trilogy (The Bride Hunt, etc.) follows the nosy, righteous and sometimes self-righteous Duncan sisters as they tackle their toughest challenge yet—finding a wealthy, well-connected wife for a doctor who wants nothing to do with love. Douglas Farrell's businesslike approach to marriage immediately sets Chastity Duncan's teeth on edge, but as one of the secret owners of the suffragist scandal sheet The Mayfair Lady, to which Douglas has applied for matrimonial aid, she can't let her emotions cloud her business dealings. So Chastity finds the good doctor exactly what he has asked for. He soon realizes that he'd rather have Chastity, though. Douglas has a noble reason for seeking a marriage of convenience—he intends to use his spouse's money to set up a clinic in a city slum—but his haughty attitude toward aristocrats (who, he automatically assumes, care nothing for the poor) is off-putting. The book's conflict stems from a minor misunderstanding, and many of the goings-on are merely padding. But the primary romance, while lacking in passion and drama, holds enough charm to keep readers engaged.

2004-03-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

More Trashy Reading

Sometimes a good trilogy of trashy reading is just the right thing! I just finished Nora Robert's Key Trilogy

This series had all the elements I was looking for when I picked it up. Easy to read, good story line, mystery, and challenge. It was a great read and a divine time!

"Key of Light"
by Nora Roberts

Book Description: The life of gallery manager Malory Price is stalled when she is invited to a reception at a mansion near her small Pennsylvania town. Upon her arrival, she discovers that she is one of only three guests-all of whom are feisty young women with life challenges just like her own. Their mysterious hosts explain that centuries earlier, they allowed the souls of the three demigoddesses under their care to be stolen by a sorcerer. Legend says the demigoddesses cannot be freed until three mortal women find the keys to the glass box in which they are housed. Should they agree, Malory, Dana Steele and Zoe McCourt will each receive $25,000 to search for the keys, plus a million dollars if they succeed. They nervously accept, and Malory is the first to tackle her task, with the help of Dana's charming but commitment-phobic brother Flynn. The legend is as mistily silly as the art history Malory uses to search for clues, and the financial incentives smack more of a reality show than Celtic lore. Fortunately, Roberts's crisp writing, earthy humor and vivid characterizations combine to make this a compelling read.

"Key of Knowledge"
by Nora Roberts

Book Description: Following hot on the heels of the first installment in Roberts's Key trilogy, this second book (following Key of Light) continues the story of three contemporary female friends chosen to free the souls of ancient demigoddesses called the Daughters of Glass. This time, the heroine is Dana Steele, a librarian who is sure that the key she's seeking lies in a book. As she begins her search, Dana renovates Indulgence, the gallery-cum-salon-cum-bookstore she is opening with her friends Malory Price and Zoe McCourt. She also spends sometimes passionate, sometimes vexing time with Jordan Hawke, the thriller writer who broke her heart years earlier when he abandoned her and their small Pennsylvania town of Pleasant Valley to seek fame in New York. Dana slowly realizes that the love they once felt for each other has not died-and that Jordan's writing is inextricably entwined with her supernatural quest.

"Key of Valor"
by Nora Roberts

Book Description: This book concludes Roberts's Key Trilogy, in which mortal women quest to unlock the spellbound souls of ancient demigoddesses. The third and last woman to make the attempt is hairstylist Zoe McCourt. Like her friends Malory and Dana-heroines of the previous installments (Key of Light, Key of Knowledge)-Zoe has a single month and a cryptic set of clues with which to find her key. The angry sorcerer Kane fights her efforts as friends both mortal and immortal lend their support. As she searches, Zoe is courted by Bradley Vane IV, the sexy heir to a home improvement empire. She's not sure which is more difficult: accepting that she's magically linked with Brad or trying to quell her suspicions long enough to accept his love in the here and now. When she finds the courage to do both, the souls of all three goddesses are finally released. Smart but struggling single mom Zoe is an appealing heroine whose working-class grit finds a perfect foil in Brad's patrician confidence. Scenes involving her feisty son, Simon, temper the story's mysticism with humor, and the joining together of the trio as a family is genuinely moving. When it comes to combining sweetness, sexiness and the supernatural, Roberts proves once again that she is the most powerful spellbinder of all.

2004-03-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

Plane Reading

I love riding on planes and after this trip, I think I know why. It's complete uninterrupted time for reading!

I finished four books last week.

"Love"
by Toni Morrison

Wonderful Toni Morrison novel which leaves you thinking about what Love is and what Love does to people.

Book Description: May, Christine, Heed, Junior, Vida–even L: all women obsessed with Bill Cosey. The wealthy owner of the famous Cosey’s Hotel and Resort, he shapes their yearnings for father, husband, lover, guardian, and friend, yearnings that dominate the lives of these women long after his death. Yet while he is either the void in, or the center of, their stories, he himself is driven by secret forces–a troubled past and a spellbinding woman named Celestial.

"Lost in a Good Book: A Thursday Next Novel"
by Jasper Fforde

I love this series by Jasper Fforde! This review by Publishers Weekly hits it on the nose -- Det. Thursday Next is back for another round of time traveling and bookish sleuthing after Fforde's successful debut, The Eyre Affair. Like his earlier novel, this one is set in the U.K., in an alternate version of our universe-one in which time travel is possible and the boundaries between life and literature are porous. Thursday works for Special Ops in the Literary Detectives division. She's made an enemy of the corrupt Goliath Corporation, which manufactures absolutely everything, by imprisoning one of its executives, Jack Schitt, in the pages of Poe's The Raven. In return, the corporation eradicates her new husband, Landen. Since no one really dies in this chronologically fluid universe, Landen could be restored-but Goliath won't do it until Thursday brings back Schitt. But rescuing Schitt is easier said than done-Poe's oeuvre is dangerous territory. Thursday enlists the help of Great Expectations' Miss Havisham, who works for the intra-literature police force, Jurisfiction, and the two leap into the pages of Kafka's The Trial, Austen's Sense and Sensibility and Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. Thursday also finds time to authenticate Cardenio, a newly discovered Shakespeare tragedy, and save the world from being engulfed by an oozing pink sludge. Time flies-and leaps and zigzags-while reading this wickedly funny and clever fantasy. Would-be wordsmiths and mystery fans will find the surreal genre-buster irresistible.

And then because thrashy romance novels are great for plane reading, here are my final two books.

"A Useful Affair"
by Stella Cameron

Book Back Description: The Marquis of Granville's deadly efficiency makes him invaluable to the Crown. But his latest mission has nothing to do with his work for England and everything to do with avenging the murder of two members of his family. Killing would be too good for Bernard Leggit, the wealthy and corrupt merchant responsible for their deaths. Granville has a better plan: Seduce the old man's young wife, Hattie, then let society know about their affair. For Leggit, living with shame will be worse than death.
Hattie Leggit married her odious husband in a devil's bargain to save her parents from debtors' prison. She has a scheme for freeing herself from this private misery, but foiling Leggit is taking too long. The opportune arrival of the dashing Marquis of Granville inspires a daring new plan: Pretend to engage in a very discreet affair with Granville and make her freedom the price for not flaunting their liaison in society.

"The Sherbrooke Twins "
by Catherine Coulter

From Publishers Weekly
Those who are drawn to the humor and cozy family dynamics of Coulter's Bride series (The Sherbrooke Bride, etc.), starring the lovable Sherbrooke family, will relish this new installment, which focuses on dashing identical twins James and Jason. The twins have had their share of sexual escapades, and though they think they still have a few more years to sow their "wild oats," romance sneaks up on them. James finds himself drawn to his tomboy neighbor, Corrie, who transforms from duckling to swan for her first season in London. Meanwhile, Jason waltzes into love with the alluring and mysterious Judith McCrae. But the twins' romances are put on hold when someone tries to kill their father, Douglas. Suspicion revolves around a man named Georges Cadoudal, a French spy who died 15 years earlier. Douglas suspects that Cadoudal's children may be trying to seek revenge, but he doesn't know how to track them down. Those new to the Sherbrooke family may be baffled by the mystery surrounding Cadoudal, but they'll be thoroughly charmed by James and Corrie and the affectionate banter among the family members, though some of their gags grow old after a while. A clever surprise ending wraps up the mystery subplot neatly and will ensure that many readers return for the next entry in Coulter's Sherbrooke saga.

All in all, a great selection of plane reading!

2004-02-26T10:14:00.000-08:00

Books read so far in 2004

"The Probable Future"
by Alice Hoffman

Another fantastic Alice Hoffman Novel. Unique and touching.

"Paris to the Moon"
by Adam Gopnik

Fantastic book on Paris. Great Parisian view on life as shown by an American writer.

"The Time Traveler's Wife"
by Audrey Niffenegger

Wonderful love story told from a new angle. I wanted to crawl into this book and live in thier world as chaotic as it was.

"Blood Canticle"
by Anne Rice

Another volume of the Vampire Tales but this one included The Mayfair Witches. Interesting but not as great as my favorite novels by Mrs. Rice, The Witching Hour and Pandora. Now those were fascinating!