Revzonian's 75 for 2009

I used to keep hundreds of books under our bed because we ran out of shelf space in our old apt. Even though I have more space now, I would like to actually read more of them. Also, since our local library is just 5 minutes away, it would be a sin not to take advantage of their collections! This group is a great incentive! Hope everyone reaches their goal!

Welcome to the group, revzonian! Good luck to you on reaching your reading goals for 2009 as well.

1) Sima's Undergarments for Women by Ilana Stanger-Ross

2) The Ha-Ha: A Novel by Dave King was well-written. My favorite character was Laurel, the Vietnamese housemate with Texan roots, who made and delivered gourmet soups out of Howie's kitchen. She was really down to earth and was genuine in her feelings for Howie, the main character. There is really no joke in the novel, but it's interesting what it represented and how it initiated the start of Howie's destabilization. Ryan, the 9 year-old charge inflicted upon Howie by his old flame, was a breath of fresh air for Howie and his housemates (Laurel, Nit, and Nat), but also interrupted Howie's stability. However, in the end, he was the intrusion that they all needed in the house. I am going to look for more Dave King novels.

Sounds like you really like The Ha-Ha. I will see if I can find it. Thanks for the review and recommendation.

Yes, forgot to mention the most important part: Howie is a vet who cannot speak or read because of his injury when he was overseas, but is of normal intelligence. You can feel his frustration, especially when he has his moments.

3) Election by Tom Perrotta

I have never seen the movie, but enjoyed the book. All of the scandals were delicious.

4) Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates

I found this quick read about an unsuspected serial killer very disturbing.

Good info -- thx for sharing.

revzoian
I read Zombie last year and like you found it very disturbing. Somehow Joyce Carol Oates was able to get into the mind of this character...

It haunted me in a creepy kind of way.

Whisper1, I liked how JCO was able to get into the character...I am going to read more of her books now. Thanks for sharing!

5) Matrimony by Joshua Henkin is a book about 2 best friends, Julian and Carter and Mia, Julian's girlfriend then wife. We experience their times of love, sorrow, fear, betrayal, hope, and joy in this well-written novel. Enjoyed it.

6) Hard Stop by Chris Knopf
I was not aware that this is the fourth book of a series, but I was ok with not having all the details. The author does a nice job with describing the gory scenes, but the plot wasn't anything to write home about. Like the previous reviewer on LibraryThing, I, too, am perplexed by all the help this guy gets for free whenever he seems to need it. Unfortunately, I have not been converted to a Sam Acquillo fan and am not compelled to read the previous 3 stories.

Best to find out now!

7) Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster

I liked Bitter is the New Black and was excited to read this one, but only to find out that I didn't care for it anymore. Her humor and sarcasm got old for me.

I wonder if the same thing will happen to me (in reverse)! I loved Such a Pretty Fat and I've ordered Bitter is the New Black.

8) Party Girl by Lynne Ewing

Didn't realize it was a teen book, but enjoyed this really quick read about a girl, Kata, who learns that a normal life outside of being a gangster is possible. Her struggles with her self-realization are very realistic. I was actually curious about the cover of the book and finally understood it as I am writing this review. Wonder if I would have had the same reaction had I read this as a teenager?

9) When Will There be Good News? by Kate Atkinson

I have mixed feelings about this one. I definitely liked Case Histories, couldn't get into Behind the Scenes at the Museum, and this one was ok for me. My favorite character was 16 year-old, Reggie, who splattered "sweartogod" throughout the book. Her dedication, smarts, and perseverance helped me finish the book.

10) Choke by Chuck Palahniuk

Interesting.

11) Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

I saw the movie a while ago and just read the book. Must say I enjoyed both very much.

12) free-range chickens by Simon Rich

hilarious!

13) Love Creeps by Amanda Filipacchi

Bizarre love triangle that shifts. Quite entertaining book!

14) The Tattooed Girl by Joyce Carol Oates

AMAZING! I loved it and can't wait to read her others that are on my shelf. This is about the poor, tattooed girl who was lost and then found by Dmitri and Siegl; one used and abused her as his object and the other cherished and treated her humanly as his assistant. And the whole time she loved the former and hated the latter for all the wrong reasons, though I felt the most pity for Siegl. A great read!

15) Handle with care by Jodi Picoult

Picoult fans will not be disappointed by this latest book! I was floored by the ending and really enjoyed the rest of the book. I would not recommend it for expecting moms because you might freak out, but for moms of older children you will find yourself asking, "was it really worth it after all?"

16) the quiet girl by peter hoeg

Parts of this intrigued me, but most of it was confusing to me. It took me forever to finish.

17) Dear Husband by Joyce Carol Oates

I'm not a fan of short stories, but recently became a fan of JCO, so I took this book out from the library. I enjoyed 90% of the stories.

18) I am no one you know by Joyce Carol Oates

I just really like how Ms. Oates really gets into the characters.

19) Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

I have not read a good thriller/mystery in a long time. This is my first book by Gillian Flynn and I plan to read her others. I couldn't put the book down - I really enjoyed how the plot unfolded and never really suspected the person who committed the murders. Highly recommend!

#31: I have seen several good review of Sharp Objects. Glad you enjoyed it!

20) Time of my life by Allison Winn-Scotch

EXCELLENT novel about a suburban mom/wife who wondered what-if she chose a different life? Jillian got to go back 7 years into her past to remake major decisions. The result? A must-read to find out =)

21) The Beach House by Jane Green

Delightful with multiple likable characters whose stories are interwoven. Great summer read.

#33/34: I am adding both of them to my Continent. Thanks for the recommendations!

22) Love Stories in This Town by Amanda Eyre Ward

Still not a big fan of short stories, for some reason. I just always feel like I'm missing something or I'm not satisfied. Anyway, my favorite was the first story, "Should I be Scared."

23) The Cigarette Girl by Carol Wolper

Did not enjoy; forced myself to finish.

#37: Yikes! I hope your next read is better.

24) Geek Love by Katherine Dunn

Thanks, alcottacre! This one was much better!!! Geek Love by Katherine Dunn is a fascinating read about a carnival family consisting of freaks (Arty, Iphy and Elly, Oly, and Chick) who were created purposefully by normal parents through experimentation with drugs and other means during their economic slump. The Bisnewskis included Arty, who had flippers instead of limbs, Iphy and Elly were Siamese twins, Oly was an albino dwarf, and Chick had telepathic powers. Additional members included Mumpo, the 26-pound baby at birth, and Miranda, the stripper/medical illustrator student with a spiny tail; they were grandchildren with interesting histories, as well. Don’t forget Horst, the most loyal person to the Bisnewski family from beginning to end. I enjoyed trying to dissect each member of the family; this makes it a fantastic selection for a book club meeting. The book does not include a reader’s guide, but there is lots to talk about. There were definitely some shocking parts, which made the book that much harder to put down. Out of 5, I give it a 4.5. And, yes, this is a love story of all sorts.

#39: I am definitely going to have to try that one!

25) Pobby and Dingan by Ben Rice

I really liked this quick and short read. The powers of imagination and suggestion can be quite strong, as demonstrated by Kellyanne and Ashmol. Kellyanne has 2 imaginary friends, Pobby and Dingan, but Ashmol ridicules her for having them. In fact, because she is so likeable, the rest of the town entertains the idea that they're not imaginary. Hmm. When Pobby and Dingan fail to come home one night, Kellyanne's health deteriorates and Ashmol starts believing otherwise. A must-read!

26) The Ten-Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer

I found this really hard to get through because of the pace, tone and some generalizations that were at times offensive to me as a SAHM. Having said that, this is a great book for a book club discussion, which is why I read it. Issues of feminism, staying at home, going back to work, happiness within a marriage, raising children and the changing relationship, mother-daughter relationships, and inner struggles.

27) Just in Case by Meg Rosoff

This was a quick and enjoyable read. The author was very clever to alternate between the narrator and Fate. The most interesting part was that the one person who caused David to question his mortality and try to escape his fate helps him through a crisis.

Just in Case is my favourite Rosoff book. Her latest The Bride's Farewell looks like being a good read.

Avatiakh, this was my first Rosoff book; can't wait to read her others! Didn't even think to look for her latest. Thanks for that!

28) Tepper isn't going out by Calvin Trillin

I was fascinated by the description, and even liked the beginning of the book, but in the end could not finish it properly.

29) The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

Great book about love and guilt.

30) Vanished by Joseph Finder

Amazing writer! Fast-paced mystery/crime novel was chock full of suspense and drama! I loved the gory descriptions. I can't wait for the next one in the series!

31) The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

I love coming-of-age novels, so this short-and-sweet collection of vignettes about a Latina who didn't feel like she belonged on Mango Street was a treat.

32) The Idiot Girls' Action Adventure Club by Laurie Notaro

Funny.

33) Peony in Love by Lisa See

Beautifully written and moving about a girl's quest for love and destiny, mostly in the afterworld.

What happens if I don't reach 75 by December 31st, can I rollover? This is already a record for me!

Sure, if you want to. It's your tread and your reading, so whatever works for you is fine with us!

34) Everything Must Go by Elizabeth Flock

Because of one moment of neglect, Henry Powell's life was predestined to one of caring for his parents and working in a clothing store for the next 20 years of his life as opposed to going to college on his football scholarship and having a biography written about him. His devotion, loyalty, and maturity are qualities that made me enjoy the novel.

#54: That looks to be a good one. Thanks for the recommendation!

35) Doomed Queens by Kris Waldherr

Great book for Halloween. Inspiring to read about females in power and intrigued by the way many of them died. We chose this for a book club; not a book club type of book. Illustrations are amazing, though. A fun read.

36) Lifelines by CJ Lyons

It's like Cashmere Mafia or Lipstick Jungle, but with a medical twist. LOVED it!

37) Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

I liked The Time Traveler's Wife more, but praise the creativity in conjuring up Her Fearful Symmetry. Interesting twist at the end.

38) prep by Curtis Sittenfeld

I enjoyed it, but it was a little hard to get into. After about 100 pages, though, things got more interesting in Lee's life.

39) Outcasts United by Warren St. John

Reviewed under reviews.

Hotel World by Ali Smith

I liked the beginning, but then I couldn't really follow the rest of it.

41) Idiot Girl's Action Adventure Guide by Laura Notaro

It was ok.

42) Laughing without an accent by Firoozeh Dumas

An absolutely delightful read!

43) The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa

Loved the relationships between the housekeeper and the professor, professor and the housekeeper's son, and the housekeeper's son and the housekeeper. This housekeeper went above and beyond her duty to care for a man who only has 80 minutes of new memory at a time and then kapoof. Great book club choice!

44) The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler

I have never read anything by Ms. Tyler in the past and I really liked this one. Usually I have a hard time finishing a book club book, but it was one I owned and I suggested it. I think I made a good choice. I enjoyed following the marriage and then the separate lives of Michael and Pauline. It is a good story about love that starts on a whim and ends with deep emotions. I will definitely read Ms. Tyler's others.

#64: I have had that one in the BlackHole for a while now. I wish my local library would get a copy in soon!

#65: I have not read that one by Tyler yet. I will give it a try.

45) Geisha, a life by Mineko Iwasaki

I have not read Memoirs of a Geisha, yet, but it's on my TBR list. I might move it up higher after reading Geisha, A Life, which was SO interesting! I was fascinated by the fact that the author can remember so many details of her life. I only have one memory left of when I was 3 years-old. Mineko was very mature as a child and teenager in many ways, but because of the rigorous training, non-stop schedule, and her advanced maturity level, she was still so innocent in areas that are enriched by socialization with peers, love, and relationships. This made her story more compelling to read. And, yes, she got her point across - geishas are not prostitutes. I had always had that misconception.

#67: My oldest daughter who is interested in all things Japanese would find that one interesting. Thanks for the recommendation!

46) all rivers flow to the sea by Allison McGhee

It was ok. I agree that it is a story about love, loss, and letting go of an elder sister who is practically brain-dead. I did like how the author repeated the paragraph with more details about the accident that the sisters (Ivy and Rose) were in each time. It was a quick read.