Megami's 2007 Challenge

Megami's 100 books
Here are how many books I have read so far this year. Next post will be another 50 I plan to read, allowing extra for what I will have to read for work.

1. My Mother's Wedding Dress
2. Almost French : a new life in Paris
3. War (Oxford Readers)
4. Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq
5. The God Delusion
6. Voltaire's Bastards
7. The longest decade
8. The Best Australian Essays 2006
9. Madame Bovary, C'est Moi: The Great Characters of Literature and Where They Came From
10.Naked Buddha
11. Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make
12. The man who loved children
13. Once An Eagle
14. The Stepford Wives
15. A Little History of the World
16. The punishment of virtue : inside Afghanistan after the Taliban
17. Oil Wars
18. Beyond Westphalia?: National Sovereignty and International Intervention
19. How to Get Research Published in Journals
20. Writing the Qualitative Dissertation: Understanding by Doing
21. Writing Analytically (with InfoTrac)
22. Dereliction of Duty : Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam
23. Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives
24. War : the lethal custom
25. The Utility of Force: The Art of War in the Modern World
26. Deliver Us from Evil: Warlords and Peacekeepers in a World of Endless Conflict
27. Future - Tense
28. The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading
29. A Rulebook for Arguments
30. On Guerrilla Warfare (Dover Books on History, Political and Social Science)
31. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
32. The Mess They Made: The Middle East After Iraq
33. Managing Projects (Pocket Mentor)
34. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
35. Hit the Ground Running

Here are another 55 books towards the 100 books I aim to read this year. This then allows for 10 books to be slipped in for reading for work requirements.

Classics
Black Ships Before Troy. The Story Of The Iliad
The Wanderings of Odysseus
The History of the Peloponnesian War
The Iliad
The Odyssey
The Aeneid
Satyricon
Handbook of Epictetus
The Inferno

Fiction
Little Women - READ IT
Black Dahlia -READ IT
The eye of the storm
For love alone
The Man of Property
In Chancery
To Let
Of Human Bondage
My life as a fake
The Red and the Black
Labyrinths
What I Loved: A Novel
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Food and Art
The story of art
Battle Lines: Australian Artists at War
Hang-Ups: A Collection of Essays on Art
Clotheslines: A Collection of Poetry and Art
When You Lunch with the Emperor
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life - READ IT
The Joy of Drinking - READ IT

Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World- READ IT
Vegan with a Vengeance : Over 150 Delicious, Cheap, Animal-Free Recipes That Rock -READ IT
Mediterranean Vegetables: A Cook's ABC of Vegetables and Their Preparation

Military & General History
A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East
A History of Britain British Wars, 1603-1776
A History of Britain Fate of Empire; 1776-2001
The Order of the Death's Head : The Story of Hitler's SS (Classic Military History) -READ IT
Military Blunders: The How and Why of Military Failure- READ IT
The Art of War
Speer: The Final Verdict
Night Letters: Inside Wartime Afghanistan

General
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man - READ IT
Politics and Passion: Toward a More Egalitarian Liberalism
30 Days in Sydney: A Wildly Distorted Account
A Pound of Paper : Confessions of a Book Addict
Feminism Is for Everybody
Scribbling the Cat
Among the Barbarians: The Dividing of Australia
Appetites: Why Women Want
Paperweight
Slipping into Paradise : Why I Live in New Zealand
Flower Confidential: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful in the Business of Flowers
Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion- READ IT
Manifesto: Three Classic Essays on How to Change the World - READ IT
The Complete Yes Minister: The Diaries of a Cabinet Minister

I am impressed that you have your next 55 (!) books planned out. I tend to browse the stacks at the public library or at my favorite used book store and say, "hm-m-m, anything look good here?"

Your reading list is most impressive, btw. Good luck with it.

Thanks. I find that if I don't have a list I get a bit lost, and books that I have really been meaning to read (like a few in the Classics section) I never get around to. We will see what I get through though - quite a few journals and magazines also turn up that demand to be read ...

36. Vegan with a Vengeance
Usually I wouldn't include recipe books, but this one had a lot more general reading that was very interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone looking at trying a Vegan lifestyle, or even if you are looking for recipes that avoid dairy and/or egg for allergy reasons

VwaV is a favorite of mine, but you already know that. :) I'm so glad you liked it!

I did the same thing with Vegan with a Vengeance--actually read it all the way through. It is really interesting. Also, all the recipes I have made from it so far have been awesome!

37. A close run thing
Really, this is a work book - a few of the military historians I work with said I have to read Allan Mallinson's series of books. Well, I think I will just stick to having read the first one. I hope to have a review up soon.

38. Vegan Cupcakes take over the world

I know, I know, another recipe book. But those who have read this book will surely attest with me that it is a good read - you can learn a lot reading this book before you even start baking.
Speaking of baking - I have now baked 3 different varieties of cupcake from the book, and shared them around. Nothing but positive results!

My only complaint is that the photos in the book are inedible - they taste too much like paper. ;)

39. Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
This book can be summed up very succintly - don't read this book, it is rubbish.

Simple.

40. Imperial Life in the Emerald City
Another book that can be summed up very succintly - read this book, it is vital that you do, though it will make you quake with rage at the stupidity of the US government.

I have Confessions of an Economic Hit Man on my shelf to read soon. Can you tell me more about why you didn't like it? I don't want to waste my time :) Thanks!

Carlym, here is my review of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. I can write more if you like, but it would be much of the same:

This is a terrible book. Not necessarily because of the subject matter - yes, the thought that there are people out there employed to destroy national economies is not pleasant, but so are a lot of things - but it is simply a very badly written book with a self important writer. He doesn't really know what he is writing - is it an attempt to tell us how cool he is, or that even though he was ripping off millions of people he felt bad about it and hey, he is a good guy really. An adventure story? An analysis of economics? A history of Western greed? None of the above?

Even if the author's self-grandising doesn't make your toes curl, the style of this book will. It is weak. It is badly written. And it is, ultimately, boring. Don't bother.

I guess it comes down to why did you buy it? Are you looking for an adventure story? A chance to learn about economics? Something else?

Yikes--good to know. I thought the subject matter sounded interesting, but not so interesting that I want to slog through bad writing. If I'm not impressed by the first few pages, I'll know it's not going to get any better. Thanks.

41. The Order of the Death's Head
An exhaustive look at one of the most evil (and bizarre) uses of bureaucracy in modern history. Probably a book that would be of interest to historians, as it is quite detail laden and flat out big. But a very important book never the less.

42. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

I have very mixed feelings about this book. I am going to think about it while I am away for a few days before I write my review. In short - yes, it is worth reading but like any book, you should form your own opinions rather than regard that just because it is in a book it is true or the right way.

43. Vegan Freak: Being Vegan in a Non-Vegan World This is a fantastic book for anyone considering going Vegan, who is Vegan, who is interested in Veganism. I am so proud to see that there is a mention of an Australian company who make condoms that are vegan! Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi.

On a more serious note - this is a good introduction into the ethical decisions and day-to-day living of vegan life.

Good to know Australians are leading the way in dairy-free sex. :)

I found the social situation talk the most interesting and useful, especially since I can imagine my family's vitriol when they find out eventually.

44. The Past as Prologue. I read this for work, I will try and post a review today.
45. Military Blunders: the how and why of military failure. I also read this for work BUT I have had two copies of this on my shelves for awhile - one a copy my husband bought before we met, and one a signed copy from when we heard the author speak at the Edinburgh book festival.

46. The Joy of Drinking
A humorous book rather than a scholarly look at the subject, but there are actually some deep philosophical insights hidden in here. A quick read, and a fun one.

47. manifesto: three classic essays on how to change the world
This collection contains one absolute classic The Communist Manifesto which should be required reading for anyone with even a passing interest in politics or how society works; a bit of a dud Reform or Revolution, and a modern classic on the socialist struggle Socialism and Man in Cuba. I am not sure that this collection results in a sum greater than its parts, even with the introduction by Armando Hart.

48. Little Women
It took me a long time to get around to this classic, but I am glad I did, I really enjoyed it. As much as I am not a real Geraldine Brooks fan, I think I will make the effort to read 'March' now.

49. The Black Dahlia
Crime books are not really my thing, but this was going ridiculously cheap at a library sale around the time the movie version was released so I thought 'why not?'

And it reminded me why crime/detective books are not my thing. Not hideously bad, but just not the type of book I really enjoy.

50. Parenting Beyond Belief
I have reached the half-way mark, and with a book that I found so non-remarkable! Perhaps it is because I didn't grow up with a strong religious influence in my life, but I didn't find anything particular interesting or relevant in this book.

I read The Black Dahlia about a month ago and was very disappointed by it - I DO like crime fiction novels occasionally, but this one did NOT live up to any of the hype for me. I liked the part at the beginning about all the boxing, but after that it very quickly went down-hill and got very dull. I didn't identify with any of the characters (all of whom felt like cartoon characters, rather than fully rounded people) and the plot just jumped all over the place.

Hated it and would never recommend it to anyone.

Thanks Kell, that is pretty much what I thought! I must admit, that about 8-10 years ago I went through a stage of reading all the Kay Scarpetta series, and most of what was written by the Kellermans, but it got boring after that. I still think that maybe crime fiction is just not for me :)

If you're not quite ready to give up on the whole genre, may I recommend Mallory's Oracle by Carol O'Connell? It is the first book in the "Mallory" series, and I think it is just the best.

Oops - I was the one who told you about Parenting Beyond Belief (although you knew I hadn't read it). I hope your next reads are better!

51. Vegan Lunch Box
A great book for parents and people who take their own lunch to work alike. While some of the preparations in this book may seem a little too much for parents who usually have to rush out the door in the morning, at the very least you will gain some great ideas and inspiration! Also, don't forget that most of the ideas in this book can be prepared in advance.

I don't make my son's lunches - I am fortunate that he is at a daycare centre that is more than happy to accommodate his vegan diet. But I have since loaned this book to them, so I guess he will be benefitting from Vegan Lunch Box before he even requires a lunch box!

It is mid-August and I am only half-way to my goal! I think I might have to take a few days off work and just read. Shucks, things I do :)

52 Undiplomatic Activities by Richard Woolcott

Quite a disappointment - there are a few funny anecdotes in here, but that is all it really is, just a book of anecdotes, some funny some a bit too self-important.

53. Man of Steel : a Cartoon History of the Howard Years

Fantastic book - a great collection of political cartoons accompanied with relevant quotes from the period. I bet Howard hates this book.

54. Against Nature

A strange book - I have a feeling this may have appealed to a wanabe bohemian faux intellectual version of myself in my youth, but now it just seems all a little bit too ... pretentious. While there are some lovely word pictures in here, at the end of it all you just think ‘what is the point?’

Well, I am going to have to get my skates on if I am going to get anywhere near 100 books read this year! And I have given up on the list above, as I keep receiving new books that I just HAVE to read. Pity I didn't do that with the books listed above when I first got them :)

55. Starship Troopers This is not a bad book, but not nearly as good as I had been promised it would be.

56. The Japanese Bath Like cookbooks, I feel a little guilty adding this book to the books read list. There are lots of pretty pictures and not an awful lot of text - a step above a coffee table book really.

57. The Moosewood Restaurant Kitchen Garden
Fantastic inspiration to start growing some of our own vegetables. Of course, whether the things actually make it through to harvest time is questionable, but it was fun planting vegetables out on the weekend.

58. A time for war: Australia is an interesting essay by a writer that I formally knew for his comic novels! While not as in depth as many of the books I have read on similar topics, this was still an interesting read.

59. Buddhism for mothers with lingering questions
60. the three-martini playdate
Two very different parenting books, yet so many similarities. It is great how as parents in a modern age we have so many parenting 'guides' that we can choose from and/or ignore.

I'm definitely going to call over the prequel to #59 soon from another library and look forward to reading #59 itself eventually. Who couldn't use more zen? :)

61. Raising Vegan Children in a non-vegan world

While not saying anything I didn't already think, I would still recommend this book to vegan parents. It was a good read.

62. The Children's War by J N Stroyar

While there are some reviews on sites such as Amazon that rave about this book, I am not such a fan. While the alternative history developed by the author is well conceived, the book is just too long and a little turgid in places. I was left with the impression that the author has been living with the world of the characters for so long that she just couldn't leave anything out, which doesn't really make for a great book. Definately one for the alternate history fans though.

63. The world without us

This was a fantastic book, I am going to have to think about it for a bit before I write a review.

64. Underground
This is a book with a brilliant premise that just did not live up to its promise. Which is a pity, because with this talented author and such a great idea it could have been very good.

65. Buddha's Table: Thai feasting vegetarian style
A fantastic recipe book that also includes a lot of information on Thai cuisine, ingredients and food culture. While titled as vegetarian recipe book, the recipes are actually vegan, which is a bonus.

66. Three-Martini Family Vacation: A Field Guide to Intrepid Parenting

yet another great mix of humour and sound parenting advice mixed with martinis. A great read.

67. Advance Australia ... where?

Fascinating book by one of the most informed social commentators in Australia today. If you are an Australian, you should read this book.

note: touchstones are not working :( I will try and update them when they are

68. The End of America by Naomi Wolf
While this book starts off a bit strident, it is scarily convincing about how the current situation in the US parallels previous fascist regimes

69. The Diary of Lady Murasaki
I am a lover of Japanese history and culture, and have read other material from the period, so I enjoyed this book. Maybe not as interesting for a 'general' reader.

70. Buddhism for Mothers
This is another amazing book from Sarah Napthali I would recommend to all mothers!

71. Simulacra and simulation

A lot easier to read than I thought it would be.

72. Gallipoli to Petrov

Do not bother reading this book if you ever come across it - it really isn't worth the time.

73. In Praise of Slow

An interesting idea that probably could have been better executed.

74. Watching Brief by Julian Burnside

Every Australian should be made to read this book.

75. Black Ships Before Troy

A beautiful retelling of the story of the Iliad, with the majesty of the original.

76. The Canberra Gardener We Canberra gardeners may be a small tribe, but with this book we are well tended to! Highly detailed and informative.

So you weren't so taken with The Children's War as I was then? Oh well, sorry!

I have seen Imperial Life in the Emerald City recommended so many times on LT now that I think I ought to read it. I have read a few books about the "War on Terror" this year, Fiasco, Occupational Hazards (by a British diplomat involved in the occupation of Iraq) and 3 Para by Patrick Bishop (about a British Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan).

Occupational Hazards is an exceptionally good book (well . . . in my opinion, anyway).

Are you going to write reviews of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and The World Without Us? They both sound very interesting.

This is what happens when you have papers to write and life to get on with - you never finish a book!

77. Deer Hunting with Jesus
While a bit 'ranty' at times, this was an informative insight into the American underclass. Depressing.
78. Flower Confidential
A fascinating book that does credit to the genre I call 'literary non-fiction'. Stewart has done a great job explaining how the flower industry works. And be warned - this is not a book about flowers per se, but a book about the industry that grows and distributes flowers commercially.

79. Best Australian Political Cartoons 2007
This has been a bumper year for Australian political cartooning, and with the election now on, the best is probably yet to come.

80. Confessions of a Slacker Mom

A book that was a bit blah and nothing really. A quick read, but why bother?

81. Age and Guile
I am a fan of P J O'Rourke, but this is not a book I would recommend to those who have not encountered his work before.

82. A guide to Elegance I loved re-reading this book.

83. The Cost of War An interesting look at the problems returning soldiers faced (and caused) in Australia

84. Scribbling the Cat
I loved Fuller's first book, and while this is very different, I really enjoyed this one too.

85. The Assault on Reason
While this book has recieved rave reviews, I didn't particularly enjoy it. It read like a university essay, with boring prose, facts hammered away at, and some odd digressions. Did it say anything new? Not really.
While it is an important topic, this book may not be the one to explain to the people where things are going wrong with the citizens-politics connection.

86. Breakfast at Tiffany's
So much better than the much-loved film. The other stories in this collection I had read before, but it was enjoyable to read them again.

87. The Seal Wife
A slightly disturbing but beautifully written love (or is that lust?) story about a meterologist in the early days of white settlement in Alaska. He falls in love with a mysterious woman who wreaks havoc with his emotional well-being when she disappears one day without warning.

88. The new American Militarism:how Americans are seduced by War
Interesting and prescient look at a driving force in American culture

89. The Australian Shopaholic's Guide to Buying Online
While it may seem redundant to write a book about using the internet, this is a fantastic book that has a lot of leads that will help all of those who love to shop online. The Australian focus is a real find.

Don't think I am going to make 100 in a year :(

90. Perfect Pink Polish
I read this book again and again and always love it.

91. Banquet of the Mind
Interesting collection of writing about food, mainly from fiction sources.

I might still make it, but it's doubtful. #95 is now in progress. I wonder if I can count anything I started by Jan. 1. ;)