Hello all my avid reader friends! I've been in a reading rut for way too long and with the never ending snow and cold up here in the north I definitely need an escape and thus a return to reading something besides Parenting magazine...
Sooo, I'm hoping you can give me suggestions - maybe your top three you've read this past year. I'm open to almost anything, though I may skip the whole Twilight thing. I've even decided to start my own book club with a few friends here in the frigid north who also need an excuse to have a girls night out. And speaking of girl's night out type activities I thought this "Ten Club" was a neat idea too.
If any of you have a few moments and a suggestion or two for good reads, please comment, e-mail or post on your blog your top picks. I will be extremely grateful! (Tristan - I'm guessing 'Crush' will be on your suggestion list??) I'll give back by posting commentary on the books I read for my hopefully soon to be formed book club.
And, Claudia, I have not forgotten the pay it forward deal, I LOVED the cards and will be posting shortly - which should also help me forget the snow and cold...
7 comments:
I liked 'History of Love' by Nicole Krauss. I'll keep thinking...
Yes, 'Crush' would be at the top of my list. I would skip 'The Associate' by John Grisham. If you are into LDS fiction, I like the new series by Anita Stansfield. There will be five books total, but so far only three are out: 'The Sound of Rain,' 'A Distant Thunder,' and 'Winds of Hope.' If you are looking for something wacky, like a person who commits herself to three different psych wards all for the sake of research, then I'd recommend 'Voluntary Madness.' Just a warning though, it takes a while to get into it. Happy Reading!
Here are some of my favorites. This should keep you busy until Spring.
Bel Canto - Ann Patchett
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel_Canto_(novel)
The Know It All - AJ Jacobs
http://www.amazon.com/Know-All-Humble-Become-Smartest/dp/0743250605
An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination - Elizabeth McCracken
http://www.amazon.com/Exact-Replica-Figment-My-Imagination/dp/0316027677
Ghost - Alan Lightman
http://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Novel-Alan-Lightman/dp/0375421696
Hi!
I would like to second Joshua's recommendation of AJ Jacobs Know it all. It's about the funniest book I've ever read. Not book club worthy, but way, way more entertaining than most things you'll read.
I'd also recommend Wild Swans by Jung Chang: http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Swans-Three-Daughters-China/dp/B000YTFMU0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236819292&sr=8-1
Oh, I just thought of one that seems particularly appropriate for the times:
The Five Lessons A Millionaire Taught Me by Richard Paul Evans.
http://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Millionaire-Taught-About-Wealth/dp/0743287002/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236819454&sr=8-1
Thanks guys! I've been checking out your picks online and I'm headed to the library (or Amazon)!
Corbie: I read an exert of 'History of Love' online and I like the story and am intrigued to read more -thanks! If you have any more picks from your book stacks please share. :>
Tristan: I've got to get 'Crush' - it sounds just like a "reality is stranger than fiction" story which is always entertaining. And on that note I think I'll try 'Voluntary Madness' as well - thanks!
Josh - Thanks for the very thorough list - you obviously have a job where sources/references really matter. ha! 'The know it all' sounds hilarious and I could use some humor so I think I'll read that from your list first. And the winters are long here so I should have plenty of time to finish your list before spring! Thanks!
Claudia: I've actually read Wild Swans! I loved it - it's quite a story and I still can hardly believe some of that stuff happened. It made me incredibly grateful to be born here and now. I'll have to get the Evans book I'm sure I could use some lessons from millionaires. :>
I am most concerned about this posting as it may lead to unnecessary expenditure. Here are some of my recommendations.
Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer. A very readable account of the inside of Germany During WWII. Written by a reporter who witnessed the events unfold. Remembering the names of some characters at the beginning is rough, but Hitler has most of them killed making things easier on the reader. Will prevent any book purchase for at least 4 months.
America Alone by Mark Steyn.
The most entertaining book about the potential downfall of Western civilization.
The Count of Monte Cristo.
Can one really read this book too many times?
The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho. International bestseller, found in most airport bookstores.Lovely travel narrative about a young boy overcoming obstacles. Full of catchy slogans about life. May require the English/Portuguese dictionary because we do not have an English version.
To Build a Fire by Jack London. A short story about a prospector who apparently finds himself in Logan during the winter.
What I am reading currently:
Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss.
A wonderful travelogue describing the dangers of playing sports in inopportune locations and bunking together with a large family. Ends badly with an overbearing father disallowing his children from participating in their favorite activity due to some mild physical discomfort. The book ends prematurely with the reader unaware if the children can overcome their oppressive upbringing and achieve self fulfillment.
Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton. Stomp your feet, clap your hands...Need I say more.
The best thing about these bood recommendations is that they can be found at steep discounts in our attic.
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