alphaorder goes for 50+ again in 2009

Good luck to all the LT challenge participants.

Just for fun, a little re-cap, from the top 5 fiction of 2008 thread:

Unaccustomed Earth
Mudbound
Dear American Airlines
The Story of a Marriage
Fault Lines

I read many more books that I enjoyed in 2008, both fiction and nonfiction. You can find them on my 2008 challenge thread.

Aha! There you are! And you can find me here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/53544

Here's to another year of reading! =)

I'm starring your thread alphaorder. Happy reading!

Good luck with your goal. =)

I'm trying for 75 this year. Made 100 last year so I am hopeful

1. I See You Everywhere by Julia Glass

I liked this novel, but not as much as Three Junes. I did like the theme of two sisters and the alternating voices, especially since I have a sister. Our relationship is very different than that between the two women. Nonetheless, some of the things they go through was really thought-provoking.

I was looking for a contemporary women's novel to get lost in at the beginning of the new year. This one fit the bill.

2. Panic edited by Michael Lewis

A fascinating collection of essays providing historical background into how how got in the mess we are in today.

3. Six-Word Memoirs on Love & Heartbreak

Since it doesn't take long to read this collection of short memoirs, perhaps it really shouldn't count toward my 50, but I say, why not?

I loved the original book, so I was happy when the publisher sent me this new one. There are some real gems in here. I suspect it will sell well off our counters for Valentine's Day.

Bicycles by Nikki Giovanni

Excellent poetry - what else needs to be said?

Read in January...

Note to friends following my thread: The bookshops where I have been working for the last 20 years - Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops - will be closing their doors on March 31.

Thus, the next read:

5. Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After a Job Loss

Thoughtful and timely. Highly recommended to anyone who finds themselves in my position.

I am so sorry that you are losing your job and losing a bookshop both at once. Good luck with your search for a new job. I hope that there is a wonderful opportunity for for you just around the corner.
--BJ

Thanks for your kind words BJ. I am trying to keep my head up, but it tough when there are more job losses, not openings, every day!

6. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

I have tried and tried for the last few months to read a novel, but due to our bookshops' closing, it has been hard to read fiction.

It must be a speical kind of book that breaks through the wall for me, and so it is with Shanghai Girls. I have loved all of the books of Lisa's that I have read. I simply got lost in this one.

Half of the book takes place in China in the late 1930's and the other half in LA. It is the story of two sisters and so much more. History and human nature. I guarantee it will keep you captivated until the very last sentence.

7. The Wildwater Walking Club by Claire Cook

On sale in US in May.

I think Claire's novels are the perfect way to spend a weekend. Her latest again shows us what value there is in friendships between women. Three women from the same neighborhood start walking together every morning. They quickly become friends, mentors and motivators. Just a treat. And oh yes, once the weather starts warming up I am going to get my pedometer on and counting those steps. I miss the mornings I spent walking with my friend in the early '90s. I love my wii trainer, but somehow it is not the same.

8. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

Thoughts later, but recommend!

9. The Traveler by Daren Simkin

a nice little fable to read on the last day of the bookshop

I have been thinking of you and your bookshop. God bless.
--BJ

10. The Family Man by Elinor Lipman

Very Lipman-esque. Enjoyable weekend read, which I needed. Still The Inn at Lake Devine is my favorite of hers.

11. Growing Up Again by Mary Tyler Moore

I finally have to admit that The Inn at Lake Devine is probably my favorite as well, especially for a reread; though Isabelle's bed was my first so loved it the most for a long time.

12. Perfect Family by Pam Lewis

A good read for a few days away. Mystery, secrets, and family dynamics.

13. Visiting Life

Premise was interesting. Book didn't hold up for me.

14. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

This book received lots of rave reviews from friends. I liked it, but not as much as others did.

15. Not Becoming My Mother by Ruth Reichl

Slime volume. Good 2 hour read. I have hosted Ruth a number of times, so I think about those events while I read this book. Thought provoking. As a woman, I am glad I was born when I was... Would be interesting to pass it along to my mom and hear her thoughts.

I remember the stories about her mom in Reichl's first book. Her mother sounded just a little bit crazy.

I agree with you, but I think through writing this book, Reichl got a better understanding of her mother and her circumstances.

Thanks for reviewing it; I'll probably read it, since at age 59 I'm still trying to understand my mom (86). :-) I wonder if it's ever possible?

16. A Meaningful Life by L.J. Davis

Ok while reading it - I love books set in NY - but not something I would go out and recommend. Too bad.

re: #29, I finally gave up and just try to go with the flow as far at mom goes. My life remains much more stable and enjoyable that way. (good morning bonnie)

alphaorder,
I am so sorry that your job and bookshop are ending and closing. I hope you have a lot of outside (of work) hobbies, enjoyments, friends, etc. to keep you occupied so you don't get bummed out.
I'm enjoying your thread and envy you the sister to share interests and life with. Both of mine are now gone and I miss them terribly. We used to argue about and share books all the time. We made the mistake (?) of being each other's best friends so now I use LT to fill that empty spot. And it works most of the time.
Good luck with the job search. Hopefully there will be something show up "right around the corner".
Blessings on your day.
belva

17. I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti by Giulia Melucci

I know Giulia from my work in the book industry, so that added something to the book. But even without that, this memoir would be a fun read. Giulia is a great storyteller and an incredible cook. Yet she makes it seem so easy. I think I might even be able to manage some of the recipes she has included.

Love that title!
--BJ

Mmmm! Sounds good, and now I've got to go make some Pasta Puttanesca.

18. Happens Every Day by Isabel Gilles

Heartbreaking memoir of the end of a marriage.

alphaorder, well I did make the p. puttanesca and and later got a chance to read I Loved, I Lost, I made Spaghetti. She is very funny, though eventually I was more interested in continuing to read basically for her recipes--they did sound yummy! And simple too. Thanks for the recommendation/review.

19. The Blue Sweater

This book was a perfect compliment to my new work.

I have fallen quite behind. By this date last year I had read 26 books. That is what happens when you are no longer in the book business I guess. I am sad that I will not be seeing all my friends at Book Expo this year. First time in 19 years that I will not be there...

Nancy: I like your brief reviews. I can easily go down the page and jot down titles, or not.

20. Brooklyn

Perfect read for my mood. I love reading novels set in NY. Toibin does a great job with a woman's perspective.

Hi alphaorder, I just finished Brooklyn a book or two ago and just loved it. We seem to have similar tastes in books so I'll be stopping back over to see what you're reading. You have some listed that I haven't heard of so I may need to check them out! I noticed upthread that you lost your job - I hope everything has worked out for you. Happy reading!

My son just moved to Brooklyn this year, so that makes me want to read it--that and the good reviews.

21. How I Became a Famous Novelist

A comedic take on the book industry. Fun to be back there if only for a little while.

22. All the Living

I need to think on this one for a bit.

23. A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark.

I heard Nancy Pearl recommend this on NPR last week and I had never read any Muriel Spark before. It was smart and fun. I may need to go find another of her books. I asked Nancy what other Spark should would recommend and she suggested Loitering with Intent. Anyone else want to weigh in on this?

And if you want to hear Nancy Pearl make more recommends, she will be on Wiscosnsin Public Radio on Thursday, July 2 I think at 10am CST time. Anyone can hear it later in the day if you go to www.wpr.org.

I guess I will now go back to my Jill McCorkle stories.

Yes. Loitering with Intent is excellent! That and A Far Cry from Kensington are the ones I've read. I've heard The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is good as well; however, that one is still TBR for me.

24. The Year of the Rat

Saw Grace Lin's The Year of the Rat on my shelf while I was looking for The Namesake to read for Orange July. I pulled it off, thinking I would give it to my daughter to read. I was so excited that she would now be old enough to read it, as we own so many of Lin's picture books. This would be our first YA. I read it instead. It is terrific. I will now put it on Alina's pile. And am off to go purchase The Year of the Dog. Hope she keeps going with all 12.

25. A Short History of Women by Kate Walbert

After the NYT book review cover piece I had such high hopes for this book. I am not disappointed that I spent time with it, but for the most part, I guess I agree with Maureen Corrigan. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105871364

26. Hello Goodbye

This was a good backyard read, life-affirming and sad at the same time. Helen is dying of brain cancer. Her husband Elliot decided that they will spend an August week at a fancy resort in New Hampshire with their college-age daughter and good friends, culminating in a dinner for the 20th anniversary (and alternately, to allow them to say goodbye to Helen). The chapters alternate between family members. The emotions are real and touching.

27. Still Alice

Need to think about for a bit before commenting.

Still Alice - an eye-opening, moving, and well-written novel about early-onset Alzheimer's. Now in paper. A tough read in many ways, but I'm glad I did so.

28. A Happy Marriage

What a novel. Chapters alternate between the beginning of a couple's relationship and the wife dying from cancer. Highly recommend it, if you are up to reading the chapters as Mary declines. I know of a few friends who have been through such with a spouse, and although this a is well-written portrait of a marriage, I am not sure they would be up for reading it. This is the first Yglesias I have read, but I have heard it is somewhat autobiographical.

Hi -Thanks for including the NPR link above. Sums Short History up very well. Have a great week! Joanne

29. That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo

Wow, has it really been that long since I finished a book? I think it was partly because A Happy Marriage affected me so much that I couldn't find the right book to read next. And then I was waiting for the Russo.

I really liked this novel. I had a hard time with some redundancy in A Bridge of Sighs so I was glad that this novel was more concise. A great summer read.

I was i-chatting with Nancy Pearl last night and she suggested Straight Man - so I added it to my wish list.

I think I am going to read Love is a for Letter Word next, because I cannot get enough of relationships that aren't working...

30. The Last Night in Montreal

I enjoyed this novel but not as much as I expected given the number of rave reviews I read.

Ah well. New Lorrie Moore and Anitia Brookner should be arriving this week.

31. The Secret of Joy by Melissa Senate

A good Sunday afternoon backyard read. Release date: November 29.

32. You Better Not Cry by Augusten Burroughs

Lucky for me, a signed ARC arrived for me at the old bookstore office address (my husband still works there, so he can bring home these treats for me).

This collection alternates between LOL funny and poignantly sad. Wonderful.

On deck: Lorrie Moore - 50 pages in, Dan Chaon, and Jennifer Weiner. Good fall for books!

Hi Nancy! How are you? I'm eagerly awaiting the new Lorrie Moore. Lots of raves about it and I'll be waiting to hear your thoughts. You Better Not Cry looks interesting - I like quirky Christmas stories and if the cover is any indication, it's quirky!

Wow! What a line-up of authors!

33. A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore

I am not disappointed that I spent time with this novel, but it was nearly as good as I had hoped. I am not in a rush to recommend it.

There were flashes of wit that I remember from my early days of reading Lorrie Moore. The story line itself seemed like she was just throwing things in there.

I was planning on reading Await Your Reply next, but my brain is pretty much mush so I am reading Jennifer Weiner instead. Picked up Loving Frank - I had passed along the arc I had years ago, thinking I would never read it - since my husband and I are going to Taliesin this weekend.

34. Best Friends Forever

A good read.

35. Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

I finally read this book because my husband and I went to Taliesen a few weeks ago and I decided this would be the time to read it. I liked it more than I think I otherwise would because I could picture the house and I had just heard some of the history. And I do like FLW's work. But I also got a bit bored reading it. Until of course the ending, which I knew about but was still shocking to read.

36. Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon

I kept hearing great things about this book. At the same time, I knew it was not the type of book I normally read so I kept putting it off. I am glad that I finally read it.

I really can't say anything about the plot without giving things away. So just go read it so we can discuss!

I've heard good things about this one from some fellow LTers and I'm next on the holds list at the library. Not normally my type of book either so I'm glad to hear you liked it!

Joanne - we must talk when you are done! - Nancy

37. Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger

Hi Nancy - I just finished Await Your Reply. Wow! I'm still processing but what a complex ride - I have a feeling I'll be reading it again in a year or two just to figure out what I missed the first time around.

Joanne - I am with you on the re-read. I will be careful what I say here, but my friend and I were just talking about how we should do that and take notes to make sure we got it...

Anyway, I am thinking Fault Lines by Nancy Huston would be a good one for you to read soon.

I am reading The Promised World now. Reinventing identity seems to be a theme of mine of late...

38. The Promised World

Hmm, I forgot that I have Fault Lines checked out of the library...

39. If America Were a Village

I really liked this book of stats that brings America down to 100 villagers. Each villager represents 3 million people. Also compares US to the world. The illustrations are nice too. I think it is a good guide to teach both kids and adults, but it will be tough for young kids. I read it aloud with my 8 year old and she was fascinated and asked questions, but I think the concept of the 100 villagers was too hard for her to grasp. We'll try again later. Happy to own the book.

40. Sarah's Key

I learned quite a bit about the events of July 1942 in occupied France. Heartbreaking and educational.

I understand why many people loved it. I had some issues with the modern day elements, but overall, happy I finally read it.

I think I just posted something very similar to you over on my thread regarding Sarah's Key. I looked back at my review and I had said that parts seemed to be contrived but I don't remember anything specific now. Oh well, I also thought it was good overall and a worthwhile read.

41. Family Album by Penelope Lively

A perfect read for the holiday weekend. Had the Livley-esque quality I was looking for.

I like what Ron Charles had to say about the book in the Washington Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/17/AR2009111703529....

Just doing a little review of my reading to date.

Off the top of my head, here are my favorites of the year:

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
The Blue Sweater by Jacqueline Novogratz
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Happy Marriage by Rafael Yglesias
Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon
Family Album by Penelope Lively

Better get cutting it if I hope to get to 50!

I loved a lot of novels I read this year, but if there was one book I would recommend everyone read it would be

42. Half the Sky. What an engaging education. Now action!

>78 alphaorder:: I don't usually buy hardbacks, both because of the cost and size/weight issues, but I've already told my sons that that's the book I want for Christmas!

>77 alphaorder:: Is it alright if I include your favorites in my "Best of Your Best" list? I'm asking for everybody's ten favorites of 2009, then I'm going to choose my books for next year from this master list. I'll even send everyone who wants one an alphabetized list with the names of the people who recommended each book. Very handy to have when you're looking for a new book at the store. :-)

Would love to be included. Make sure that you add Half the Sky to the top of my list. Not a favorite in that it was a pleasure to read, just that it is a must read for everyone!

I would love to get the list too when you are done.

I read a review of Half the Sky on another website that had me choking up just from the review so I've had it on my TBR ever since...I don't know that I will ever be properly prepared for it but I am looking forward to the insight I think I'll gain from it. It sounds like it is, as you say, a must read for everyone.

I have the alphabetized list on my thread; but it doesn't have the names of those LTers who made the recs.

43. Nantucket Nights by Elin Hilderbrand
A perfect read-in-one-day book. I liked it but wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it.

44. The Housekeeper and the Professor

A special book - I will be routing it through my family over the holidays.

Wasn't that just a wonderful book?! I'm so glad that I found it.

Update to my best-of list:

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Still Alice
A Happy Marriage
Await Your Reply
Half the Sky
The Housekeeper and the Professor

I asked for Half the Sky for Christmas and I just bought Await Your Reply for my son. The bookseller said that it was his favorite Dan Chaon--much better than his new one!

eta: Oops! That is the new one! I bought You Remind Me of Me. My apologies! I wasn't trying to insult; I was just excited about the book I bought and was thinking it was the same one. :-}

Ha!

I forgot to include that I LOVED Alice Munro's new collection. It is not on my list yet, because I loaned it a co-worker before I finished the final story.

I've heard a professional reviewer on NPR glowingly describe her book as one of the best of the year.

I don't know if I'd call it the best of the year, personally. I read a surprising number of 2009 releases this year (I tend to be a few years behind) and while Munro's was definitely a standout, I think my vote for the best would go to either Still Alice or Right of Thirst.

I thought about giving Still Alice to a good friend for Christmas because I really did like it, but I try to give books as presents that I think someone might want to read more than once, and as much as I enjoyed Still Alice, I don't think I would necessarily want to read it again. How about you? Would you buy it for a friend?

Bonnie -

I would give it to a friend, but not read it twice myself. Too many other books out there to read!

45. The Other Family by Joanna Trollope

A well written novel that explores family dynamics.

>91 bonniebooks: Good question, Bonnie, I hadn't thought about it in terms of which ones I'd read again. I was just thinking of the ones I enjoyed the most. I could see myself rereading parts of Still Alice but I don't know about the whole book. I'd definitely reread Right of Thirst, though. And I would buy both of them for friends.

46. Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro

Another fabulous collection from one of my favorite authors.

47. Stitches by David Small

Wow. I will be thinking about this one for a while. And likely re-reading down the road.

Interesting how minimal language reflects the environment in which David grew up.

48. Forces for Good

Started this book in early 2008. Finally finished it in 2009. Highly recommend for anyone in the nonprofit world.

Well didn't make 50 in 2009, but I am fine with that.

Here is my 2010 thread, if anyone is interested.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/80239

Ah, there is one that I forgot:

49. Unlocking the Hidden Job Market by Martha Finney.